I’m just over a week into 16:8 fasting and my body has finally adjusted to not eating as much so I’m hungry less (yay).. but I’m tiiiiired, and I definitely haven’t noticed a huge boost in mental clarity or concentration yet. Is that something that comes over time?
I’ve been fasting regularly for a year at this point, and have even done some 72h fasts. I’ve never once noticed any significant impact on my alertness, stress/anxiety levels or alertness. So I guess it doesn’t affect everyone the same.
As for being tired, regular exercise helped me a lot on my daily energy levels. It doesn’t have to be going to the gym either, just some regular walks will work.
I do 18:6 almost every day, with occasional 36-60 hour fasts. Never have I felt any increase in mental clarity. With the +36 hour fasts I feel a decrease in mental clarity.
Perhaps the people who get an increase in mental clarity had particularly bad diets.
It took a while for me. There was the initial adjustment period that was about two weeks, and then after about 2-3 months I really noticed things start to improve mentally. One of the things to consider is that it isn’t just the pattern of eating/fasting, but also the quality of what you’re eating. Even if I’m fasting my normal schedule (I do 18:6), and I’m eating more processed stuff or carbs, I do notice a decrease in acuity.
I think everyone is different with this bc we have different experience comparisons. For example, I used to wake up almost everyday feeling groggy, tired, etc. and then I’d eat lunch around noon and feel pretty lethargic for a couple hours. Started off doing fasting at 16:8, but then worked it down to OMAD and on clean keto diet. I remember having insomnia for the first week. Once I got into a rhythm I started doing 48 fasts once in a while and eat only when I’m hungry most the time. Focusing on hydration, sleep, nutrition, and basically everything else I was ignoring.
Point is, there’s more than just fasting to focus on to get this. I feel 10x better every morning now, and I rarely get tired in the day. My mental clarity and energy is much better but more importantly more consistent because of this. So, when? When you really get as many elements to health down as you can. Research everything.
Make sure you are breaking your fast with good animal protien and fats. My energy has a jeckel and Hyde relationship with the food I eat after a fast. Also consider a pinch of good quality salt in your coffee or water as you fast. That has been an energy booster as well. You are still in the very beginning baby steps be patient and kind to your body. Also possibly tiredness as a result of detoxification process.
With fatty acids & ketones being used as fuel instead of sugar. Depends on the health of the individual, hormone levels & the amount of carbohydrates they consume. 18/6 can be a bit better, but same variables.
I wouldn’t say I’ve gotten a huge boost in mental clarity, but I do find that my mind is more sharp and less cluttered with stuff. I’ve even found that my body doesn’t respond the same way that around stress and the anxiety feelings don’t come around as much. If you’re tired I’d recommend ensuring you’re drinking plenty of water and take some additional electrolytes from time to time to ensure you’re staying hydrated.