Why I ended my fast early and I don’t even care

I have about a dozen fasts under my belt.. my goal was 5 days but I quit at 4.5 days because I made the conscious decision to have lunch with someone I care about rather than “cross the finish line”. I’ve learned that fasting is balancing act between “life” (social life, etc.) and health.

A couple rules of mine:

1. Don’t let your family, friends, social-life control your eating habits: if you want to fast and/or eat healthy, and your friends want you to go out for burgers etc, feel free to say sorry no, maybe next time.

2. Don’t let your fasting get in the way of your family/friends/social life. If you consciously decide that eating Christmas dinner with your fam, going on a date with someone special, going to an important business meeting, etc. is more important than fasting.. then do it! You can always fast later. Life happens.

Reasons to end a fast early:

1. Health: you (your brain) is ultimately in control of when you eat or not, not your body, stomach etc., but you should definitely listen to the signs your body is telling you. If you feel your health is at risk, then of course quit early.

2. Life: Of course your health is important, but then again you have Christmas dinner with the fam, important business meetings, etc. The best part is you get to be the one to decide when quitting your fast early is important.. the ball is in your court. Remember you can always pick up your fast at a later time.

3. Finally, if you are having a hard time.. and quit after 1 day because of hunger/willpower, it’s still a win. You didn’t reach your goal, that’s fine.. this is a process and you’re doing it. You will do better next time!

TLDR: Be kind to yourself no matter what happens.. this is a process and you’re doing it.