I’m on day 4 of my fast. I feel fine, not amazing, not terrible, fine. But I’m realizing now how much joy food and beverages give me. Hanging out with friends entails either food or bevs, so I can’t really do that. Reading feels harder because I can’t focus. Saying no to fun plans left and right. I seriously feel joyless right now.
This is why I most often do intermittent fasting, as opposed to regular extended fasts. I do OMAD (23:1) and that one meal becomes a highlight of my day! It also allows me to flex based on social plans… brunch with friends? I’ll fast for 36 hour or so hours afterward to get back on my dinnertime OMAD routine.
I know I won’t lose weight as fast, or get as many extended fasting benefits, by extending less often but it’s all about finding the right balance: what can help you reach our health goals AND keep you happy each day?
I get this. I get bored on a fast too. But I’m trying to use this Lenten fast as a good opportunity to read or learn a new skill that will better my career (I’m taking programming courses) or make me a better person.
This isn’t exactly FUN but it keeps my mind off eating delicious food and drinking with friends.
I also spend a lot of time thinking about what I’ll look like when I’ve lost the weight and the clothes I will be able to wear.
I feel ya there. Just try to keep your eye on the prize and think how good that piece of pizza (or whatever you’re craving) will taste once you’re x amount of pounds lighter. I totally get you though because I feel the same way. My brain is all messed up because it’s not used to not eating at least once a day.
Also, you may be suffering from sugar/caffeine withdrawals if you typically consumed that. I know I used to. At first it was awful when I started fasting. It gets easier
My advice is to push through. On the other side of this struggle with boredom is the euphoria hit where everything is amazing. The clarity will come if you keep going!
I’m the opposite. I don’t want to be around ANYONE when I fast until I get that euphoria.
I’m also an emotional eater, so I can totally relate to what you’re saying about using food as a dopamine hit. That’s one of my fasting goals, to NOT do that any more.
I like to watch fasting vids on YouTube when I get bored.