TL;DR I’m tired and stressed, should I still attempt my 36-hour fast?
On most days, I follow a normal eating schedule focused on healthy whole foods, and then do a 36-hour fast 1-2 days each week. I usually fit those days in a way that makes sense and does not disrupt my social life (typically Sundays and Wednesdays). I also plan my workouts around this schedule.
Today was supposed to be my fasting day, and when I went to bed last night, I seemed set up for success. I had a very light dinner, which I find helps me be less ravenous in the morning. And I was in a good mood!
Then last night, I couldn’t sleep at all. I had accidentally put my A/C on a hold (instead of its schedule) so in the middle of the night I realized it was 80 degrees in the house. When I finally did get to sleep, I started dreaming about my dead dog and woke up screaming.
Now this morning I have a nasty craving for Chick-fil-a and also a huge project I need to knock out at work today (and may be working some extra hours today).
If I skip today’s fast, it will mean I do not get a fast in this week. If I try to fast and give up mid-day, I think it will be more likely that I binge eat out of control. Part of me feels that I should just take the L today more proactively and eat, rather than trying to do a longer fast when I’m going to be tired and stressed all day.
What do y’all think?
You know where you are mentally. The fasting police won’t show up if you decide to adjust your schedule. Do what feels right for you. Maybe make it a 24 hr fast instead? If you’re not prepared at all, eat as normal and get ready for another day!
Extra cortisol from fasting can be counterproductive to fat loss if ur already stressed & have too much circulating cortisol. Totally depends on how ur feeling but I’d def let myself off the hook if need be.
If you chose to deviate from your plan, there may be better options than doing chick fill a. If you go to a supermarket you can go to the deli and get some slices of meat and cheese and some vegetables from the produce isle and try again another day.
When we hit chick fil now. We get the grilled nuggets. A salad and sometimes I’ll split a fry with my wife. It’s not terrible and it’s only once a week. I am 91 hours into a 115 hour fast and I feel great. The last time I started to they a 5 day. I gave up on day 2. It happens. That’s the nice thing about fasting. You can always start again.