Hello all. I’m struggling with brain fog around hour 13. I don’t feel hungry, it’s the cognitive function that’s the issue.
The past few days I’ve tried numerous things to help: salt and potassium, coconut water, and MCT oil. Nothing works except literally eating something. Today I felt awful again and had an epic bison protein bar at hour 13. Immediately felt better and cognitive function came roaring back. So I don’t think this is an electrolyte issue. I feel like my brain is literally starved which is why I tried the MCT oil to give it ketones, but that didn’t work either.
I’m thinking either A) I just need to progress very gradually toward a 16:8 to let my body adapt or B) my metabolism is so damn fast I just am not built for fasting any longer than 12-13 hours.
For reference I’m 36/M and already at my ideal body composition. Very lean. I eat healthy (mostly meat and veggies), get plenty of sleep, and exercise (weights plus one hour walking everyday). I fast for the benefits other than weight loss as I’m not trying to lose weight.
Any other already lean folks struggle with cognitive decline into their fast? What has helped you stretch to the 16 hour mark while maintaining good cognitive function?
I am lean and fast for maintenance & body composition (to maintain health as I get older)
If you really can’t (meaning should not) lose weight I’d suggest less frequent but longer fasts. I held more weight doing once a week 36 hours and eating normally the rest of the week. Even once a month might get you the health results you want.