During lunch, while I was scarfing a delicious ham sandwich (bad jew, I know), my friend Charlie Hoehn wasn’t eating.
I asked, “What’s up?”.
“Oh, I’m on a 7 day fast, ” Charlie said.
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“WTF. Fer reals,” I said.
“Yea, while I was going through some things last year this was one of the few experiences that really helped make my life better,” Charlie said.
It also gave him mental clarity like nothing else which made me curious to try.
I decided that since I’ve done a 24 hour fast before, going for 60 hours would be pushing myself to the limit. Yes, I skipped right over the 48 hour fast (more on this later).
So for 60 hours, I was in. Queue weekend…
For the first hours of the fast, I was gold. This will be cake I thought (pun intended).
I did a 14-mile bike ride and then some light walking.
Bad idea.
“The wall” hit me around 4 pm.
Tired, low energy, just low everything!
Towards night time I could feel my stomach rumbling but it wasn’t unbearable.
Sunday is where it got really challenging.
Stupid me decided a 4-mile hike and 3 hours of disc golf were a great idea. They weren’t.
My energy was very low and I got extremely light headed whenever I tried to stand up.
This was a rough day, I’d go in-and-out of hunger and got weak very quickly throughout the day when I normally wouldn’t.
As night began I was extremely productive with work and creative with my writing. Maybe cause it was hard for me to move so typing on my couch seemed easier than usual.
The day was near done but I couldn’t sleep…
And I couldn’t sleep and it continued. Shit.
It scared me. I searched online for what a normal heartbeat should be which is 60-100.
I checked my pulse which was 68 and then tried to rest.. Finally, around 2:30 am I passed out.
BUT woke up again at 3:42 am.
My heart was going all zany again. WTF is going on. I got a bit scared.
Internally I was debating: “No way I can break my fast. I committed to myself, my fasting partner (very helpful) and others that I’d see this through to the end.”
Most of us think we are stubborn and I’m no exception.
I had to ponder if it was worth it to potentially damage myself long-term vs the ego that was challenging me at that moment.
I also struggled with maybe this is just the hard part I have to get past and suck it up.
My heart kept throbbing…
So I made the executive decision to make some oatmeal.
The downside risk of dying was not worth trying to reach an arbitrary goal.
…I still feel some guilt today for not going all the way.
Noah’s famous oatmeal
I felt better nearly instantly.
Lost 7 pounds (149) after not eating for 50 hours.
What can YOU learn from this?
Discipline is good. I’m super glad I had the self-control to not eat and reinforced that I can do this in other parts of my life. Short term not having discipline is okay but the long-term reward from it will make you much more likely to get what you want.
Reading is shit. Experience is gold. (< Click to tweet) You can read about how to start a business or a diet or anything you’ve been avoiding doing forever. The best way I’ve found to truly internalize knowledge is to experience it yourself.
Food = Energy. I never looked at food like gas to a car. When you give your body food it’s basically converted to energy so you can do the things you want it to do. Better food = better energy.
Question your habits. I’m SO used to just eating at put-food-in-my-mouth o’clock. Know what I mean?? It’s getting dark so that must mean it’s dinner time. But are you really hungry? This experience reset my expectations to really question if I’m hungry at that moment or not. (Back in 2008 I wrote a book review on Mindless Eating. Check it out for some healthy eating tips.)
Simplify your decisions. Yesterday, I realized while snacking that it’s easier to not have to decide with food. With fasting, I knew I wouldn’t eat but snacking on jerky yesterday I had to figure out how much I wanted to eat. This made me realize why the 100 calorie Almond packs are so powerful. If you know the decision will be hard or uncertain, figure out how you can pre-commit or reduce having to decide when you don’t want to.
Would I recommend this for you to do?
HELL no, if you want to do it as a diet. It’s not a bad kickstarter to a diet but it’s definitely not sustainable.
Yes, if you want to explore how far you can go, become more aware of when you actually need to eat, and want a challenge.
I actually realized that a 48 hour fast would have been a great challenge for myself too (without draining ALL my energy).
Would I do this again?
Yes, I plan on fasting for only 24 hours once a month. I also plan on exploring a 48 hour fast once a quarter.
Less for the challenge and more for the reminder that I don’t really need to eat as much and bring my awareness of food to the front of my mind. It was amazing how much food consumed my thoughts when I didn’t have it for only 2 days…
Okay, action time. Leave a comment and take the challenge to fast for 24 hours.
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422 responses to “What I Learned Not Eating for 60 Hours (48 Hour Fast Extended)”
Thanks for the good read. I’m on my second fast. The first one was 41 hours. I was ready to eat when it was over . This one I’m going for 60 but I think it’ll be 63hrs before I get to eat ( I’m just over the 24 hr mark) I’m just drinking a lot of water not, really not exercising like crazy. Doing some push-ups and curls plus get some activity from being an outside tech for a telecommunication company. My reasoning for these fast is for cell regeneration. You know, discard the old and in with the new. Nice to relate with someone.
I think next time you should try by slowing down on the physical activities you do during fasting. It looks like you are within your appropriate body weight. The fasting + physical activity might have caused unnecessary strain.
I just finished my second fast. I did 24 hours the first time and managed to go 60 hours the second time. I had pain in my knees, I hit that point around hour 44/46 where I was like boy I got to eat but powered through with some weight loss shakes. I woke up on my last day and was irritable, in a bad mood and I was so tired. I started eating at my 60th hour, I wasn’t mega hungry either and I don’t seem to get that high after I eat any more. It’s just like food is fuel. My first meal back was a bagel with egg, avocado and tomato. My second meal was a big plate of sashimi and my final dish of the day will be steak and veggies. Overall I feel much better, but it was painful at times. And i get super fatigued. I don’t think exercising is a good idea if you’re doing it for the first time. And next time I do it, I will ensure im occupied every day so I don’t fall in to this moody attitude on my last day lol!
YOU’RE WEAK!
Just kidding, I am currently into my 60th hour of a 72+hour fast (I say + becasue the 72 mark will be at 8pm today, Friday. So why not continue through the night for an additional 12).
The definitive euphoric feeling at 50hrs is certainly there but my stubborness to complete this goal (for myself) is too strong to back down!
One of the most helpful ways for me to succeed is too broadcast the start and the journey along the way to my IG. Holding me accountabale for the success when completed or the guilt for not.
btw, down 5lbs from 164 at the moment! But I feel GREAT ! (bmi is currently 18.2%
I’m 52 hours into a monthly 60 hour fast. That I have been doing for the last 9 months. I prepare myself by eating 15 to 40 carbs a day, and 26 macadamia nuts or drink macadamia milk for good fats and all the protein I want. I find that when I fast I’m in less pain from old injuries. I’m a 59 your old disabled male and it’s been over 37 years since I’ve done any drugs or alcohol. I’m hoping that autophage will self-eat my inflammation and that I will overcome this disability.
Living in the Middle East I dry fasted about 15 hours a day for a month, and felt fine. So during the pandemic I decided to take it farther by eating 16- 8 most days and fast 48 – 72 hours every 2 weeks. I lose a lot of weight for my lean base weight, but my goal is health and it seems to work well. I feel worse during the fast than many people describe, but not a big deal. I’m 74 and plan to reach an active 110 at least, so this is part of the plan along with no processed food and my ginger/lemon/turmeric/cider vinegar daily drinks. I feel like this pattern is natural for me, but plan to try longer fasts once or twice a year.
OK. So, today it is exactly 3 months (13 weeks) since I started this fasting lark and I said I hoped to remember to follow up my original post with a progress report. And today’s the day.
A recap : I have been on a 2 days a week schedule of water-only-fasting for 36 hours at a time, with the other 5 days of the week eating ‘normally’. My fasting days are Sundays and Wednesdays. So how did I fare ?
Fasting days missed out of 26 = zero. Nearly a month of not eating !
Fasting days compromised = 1 I accidentally ate an orange once, totally forgetting that my fast had started about 3 hours previously ! I doubt it made much difference.
My weight started at 211 lbs (95.7kgs)
My weight now is 196 lbs (89.0kgs) making a loss of 15 pounds in the 3 months. This is a loss of some 7.1% of body weight (target at outset was 8%). My BMI is 28.1 now. I am a bit disappointed to be honest, but it is what it is; must try harder !
Although this is a blog about water-fasting, these are the only metrics to date that I have. I am hoping to get a full blood analysis in August to check on things like blood sugar and cholesterol. I/we will have to be patient to get more factual data.
More subjective aspects of fasting are that I found it pretty easy to do. In fact, I surprised myself with my sticking to the task; I quickly got into a routine. With other diet regimes I have tended to tire of them after about 8 weeks, but not his one. Do I feel any different ? Not really, though I seem to have more energy on fasting days, contrary to what I expected.
It was almost a relief not to have to decide what to eat on my fasting days. Initially I got headaches for a few weeks but these faded away as my body got used to the stop-start of food supply. I tended to feel cold as the 36 hour period of each fast progressed, but that was to be expected and easily countered.
My fasting routine had to be tolerated by the rest of the family, but on non-fasting days I usually let them decide what we all would have to eat as a family. I tried not to over-eat on non-fasting days, but invariably found myself quite hungry and the temptation was certainly there to run amok with food, but generally avoided. Nevertheless, I nearly achieved my 3-month weight loss target.
But, no rest for the wicked/overweight and my next 3 months period has started with a fasting day today without a break. I hope to be back in due course.
Originally posted 03 July 2022 but it disappeared.
Re-posted 08 July 2022
Really interesting set of experiences on here. Thanks to all contributors.
My own story started nearly 4 weeks ago when I decided to do the 5:2 diet; ie 2 fasting days and 5 non-fasting days per week. So, I fast on Sundays (7pm Saturday to 7am Monday) and Wednesdays (similar). This makes 2 x 36 hrs per week of real fasting. Water only, so no ‘food’ whatsoever, though I do add a bit of salt to my water. I think it helps.
Motivation is principally weight loss, but I am also pre-diabetic and this need sorting. I started at 211 lbs and am now 204 lbs. Very satisfied with this progress so far, even though my current BMI is still up in the not-quite-obese 29s. BTW I am 76.
I have just finished my 7th 36hr fast and I have found this fasting regime fairly easy with no real temptation to break it with anything to eat, even though I join the family at the dining table for meals. Apart from a vague feeling of ‘not quite right’ the only downside has been nagging headaches after about 24 hours, but they are not debilitating and I avoid pharmaceuticals. I have also avoided vigorous exercise while actually fasting as I read somewhere that it is not so good for retaining muscle mass .. and I have little enough of that as it is ! I do have to resist the temptation to over-eat to some extent after my fasts, but so far, so good.
If I remember, I will try to add an update after 3 months (13 weeks), by which time I should have lost some 8% of body weight and see how it all works out. What I have found in the past with dieting is the absolute necessity of getting an unbroken run at it. I am in the happy position of being retired from work, but I can still easily get derailed diet-wise by social events and especially holidays. So I plod on.
Good luck all !
I would really love an update on your journey.
OK. So, today it is exactly 3 months (13 weeks) since I started this fasting lark and I said I hoped to remember to follow up my original post with a progress report. And today’s the day.
A recap : I have been on a 2 days a week schedule of water-only-fasting for 36 hours at a time, with the other 5 days of the week eating ‘normally’. My fasting days are Sundays and Wednesdays. So how did I fare ?
Fasting days missed out of 26 = zero. Nearly a month of not eating !
Fasting days compromised = 1 I accidentally ate an orange once, totally forgetting that my fast had started about 3 hours previously ! I doubt it made much difference.
My weight started at 211 lbs (95.7kgs)
My weight now is 196 lbs (89.0kgs) making a loss of 15 pounds in the 3 months. This is a loss of some 7.1% of body weight (target at outset was 8%). My BMI is 28.1 now. I am a bit disappointed to be honest, but it is what it is; must try harder !
Although this is a blog about water-fasting, these are the only metrics to date that I have. I am hoping to get a full blood analysis in August to check on things like blood sugar and cholesterol. I/we will have to be patient to get more factual data.
More subjective aspects of fasting are that I found it pretty easy to do. In fact, I surprised myself with my sticking to the task; I quickly got into a routine. With other diet regimes I have tended to tire of them after about 8 weeks, but not his one. Do I feel any different ? Not really, though I seem to have more energy on fasting days, contrary to what I expected.
It was almost a relief not to have to decide what to eat on my fasting days. Initially I got headaches for a few weeks but these faded away as my body got used to the stop-start of food supply. I tended to feel cold as the 36 hour period of each fast progressed, but that was to be expected and easily countered.
My fasting routine had to be tolerated by the rest of the family, but on non-fasting days I usually let them decide what we all would have to eat as a family. I tried not to over-eat on non-fasting days, but invariably found myself quite hungry and the temptation was certainly there to run amok with food, but generally avoided. Nevertheless, I nearly achieved my 3-month weight loss target.
But, no rest for the wicked/overweight and my next 3 months period has started with a fasting day today without a break. I hope to be back in due course.
Originally posted 03 July 2022 but it disappeared. Again on 08 July 2022.
Posted yet again on 14 July 2022.
Wow.!good for your for listening to your body and self. All of life is allowing. Allowing ourselves to do or be start and stop. That is my motto. The art of allowing. I have consciously fasted for 3 years with an app due to weight gain from surgeries. I just went back to it last night and saw I do MOSTLY 18 hour fasts, had a lot of 20, some 24, next common was 16 and 13 was basically just a regular day. I decided to do a 48 hour fast and felt amazing since I am used to 24. I did pilates, yoga and went on a walk. Around hour 24 I was SO ENERGIZED, I danced and taught a cardio class before bed. Slept amazingly. Felt great. Woke up a bit tired. But awake and in good mood. Excited to drink water, coffee and teach pilates. Then I had created space to lounge , read, watch movies, create hats and accessories and around hour 40/41 I could ONLY THINK OF FOOD. Thought I couldn’t make it. Lol but then I meditated and had some tea with sea salt and felt more steady. I got to your 46.5 and while my husband was making dinner, had no desire to eat! I had made it past that weird part that everyone hits at different times. I decided to go 60. We will see if I go 72 but 60 I will hit for sure as I’m going to bed now and will wake up with my usual routine. Ps I didn’t get any headaches, irritability or body aches! 🙂 appreciate your post! I bet without the hiking and higher level activity, 60 is easy breezy! You are not a failure and have nothing to feel guilty about. Also, I made oatmeal for tomorrow. Or the next day. As I know a green smoothie will break my fast. Then some green beans and a sweeet potato for a later meal and go from there.
You gotta toughen up, quitter.
I just got dumped a few days ago, so I decided to turn that sorrow into something useful and fast. I’m at 50 hours as of writing this post, and hearing about your friend was inspiring. I was considering having breakfast tomorrow (60 hour fast) but now I’m not so certain.
I fasted for three says! I was depressed and just wanted not to live! I wasn’t hungry! I drank some water. Stopped taking all meds for everything. I couldn’t sleep for nothing! I was weak! It was a crazy thing to do! I lived. I decided to come back to normal . It’s tough! I still am not hungry but I’m eating meals. I’m very weak but I’m working on coming around ! I still can’t eat much and I’m taking my meds. It’s really a dumb thing to do to yourself! And it upset my kids and friend and my cat. I just stayed in bed alone ! But I’m going to try hard to get better.
I think the experience you had was largely due to the fact that your body was not used to fasting and in addition you pushed it with vigorous exercise.
I’m an experienced faster – been doing it in various lengths for nearly 4 years. I started by gradually increasing the length of time between eating. I have done water fasts as long as 5 days. I now do alternate day fasting (approximately 40hrs ) 3 times a week. I have no problem doing this as my body quickly goes into ketosis when my glucose stores run out and food isn’t being ingested. If I had tried this as my initial fasting experience, I’m sure my body would have responded in a very different way to how it does now. The fasting community talk of a fasting memory. The body adjusts more readily when it is used to fasting (like a seasoned runner can run).
My advise to anyone wanting to fast is to start gradually and work up to longer fasts. Your goal will determine how long you want to fast for. I’m female, 58 and post menopausal. I manage to lose my menopause weight gain (ladies will understand this!). I now look and feel better then I did 10 yrs ago. My main focus now is to ward off diseases of aging namely cancer, dementia and type 2 diabetes and to promote autophagy and longevity.
Happy fasting all!
I think I would like to try the 24 hour fast. I’ve been really trying to eat healthier but I also think I would use the 24 hours to focus on other things. I might use that time to meditate or pray. I have a lot to be grateful for but I also wanna pray for my mother who is sick and really focus my heart and energy on that!Thanks for sharing your experience.
Maybe your Mum would benefit from a fast? Try a bone broth fast for 24 hours first. It will heal her gut and give her digestive system a rest. Clear broth to sip slowly whenever she feels hungry. You can easily make your own from chicken bones, beef bones or fish bones.
A welcomed read. I will admit to having fasted one to five days ‘several’ times. Have entered this last fast not eating a great deal of sugar-laden and low carb foods. I will say this 60-hour fast was the lest ‘painful’ I had experienced.
My purpose for fasting is to bring down the Hba1C number (7.1) — one month (‘several’ fasts low carb – low sugar intake) number is down to 6.4. Doctor gave until the end of October to get the number down. I am not worried about weight (from 199 to 188 since mid-June to start of August). I figure the weight loss will ‘just happen.’
Looking to change eating habits – to something that is sustainable for the rest of my life.
Your experience certainly mirrored my first couple of times of trying extended (multiple-day fasting). I do remember ‘pushing through’ when (indeed) I did not want to.
I will admit to being ‘exercise averse’….. I could not imagine doing the bike ride and golfing while fasting. 🙂 I do agree with you that ‘energy’ certainly does ‘flag’ quickly while fasting.
It does seem having a ‘plan’ does aid in the fasting ‘journey’… A ‘plan’ more than likely leads to purpose. And some determination would go a long way to executing the ‘plan’ while knowing you have a purpose.
Interesting to read about other persons’ experiences with fasting. Certainly helps me.
I completed a 48 hr fast recently. I did push myself physically both days which wasn’t the best idea. There was some light headedness, fatigue, which I remedied with pink salt and water. I also drank plenty of mint and green tea since green tea feeds good gut bacteria. Doing a purist water fast is great but absolutely not necessary as evidenced by many studies. You can even consume 15grams of protein in 24hrs, ex chia seeds soaked in water that will not break your fast since it has zero carbs.. there’s various things we can actually consume that will not break autophagy or the keto cycle. I actually wound up fasting for 49 hours and could have easily kept going, was feeling great but I decided to stop due to personal scheduling conflict. I also don’t intend on doing anything longer than let’s say 60 hours since muscle breakdown starts around the 50 to 56 hr mark and that’s not my goal. Autophagy also does not keep increasing in intensity after a certain time nor ketosis, the numbers actually plateau after a couple days and remain at a certain level.. great job on the attempt, next time plan it a little better and read up on some mid fast self care. I will do this again in a couple months, and meanwhile I plan on continuing my intermittent fasting regimen. I only if 3 days a week, the rest of the days I go into calorie surplus so as to keep shocking my system and to prevent plateauing. Last thing you want is to keep doing something everyday and have your body get used to it, or go into starvation mode, that’s where change usually comes to a very slow progression depending on your goals. I also eat very clean and yes, fasting really forces you to become aware of what you’re putting into your body.. knowledge is power after all.
Keep at it friend!!
It sounds like you made sure of the classic mistakes. No. 1 amongst them is not replenishing electrolytes. Mineral water is your friend. Your body is shedding water and even if you take in enough to avoid dehydration, your potassium, sodium, and other mineral levels get screwed up. Lightheadedness is a sure sign. Second you had Atkins flu. I find it helps to reduce carbs for a few days before you fast so the detox is less harsh. Third, you didn’t reduce activity enough. Your body is doing assume amazing things like autophagy while you fast. Give it space and room to do that.
I read your story with interest and would like to share a few of my observations. I started my weekly 24 hour water fast on the 1st January 2021. Its now August 2021. I started the fast at 9am and finished it at 9am the following day. This really is the best timeline. The first time was very difficult as I had water up until I went to bed and when I woke the following day had a drink of water at 6 am and was starving by 7am. The next time I did not have a drink of water in the morning, instead waiting until 9am, which was fantastic as I was not hungry. I did this for the next 2 weeks and my brain started to accept this was going to be a regular thing, so it stopped trying to force me to eat, however I did binge eat a couple of times after coming off the fast thinking I would give my brain a little leeway. When you get to this stage your brain also accepts that making you angry does not work, so it settles down and leaves you to be in charge. The following week I drank water on waking and all was good as I had control of my body. The following week I went for 30 hours which is 9am one day to 3pm the following day and once again my brain accepted who was calling the shots. When you first start fasting, you feel fatigue but like anything you have to go through the pain to get the gain. 24 hour fasts were a breeze from then on ( with energy replacing the fatigue) so I did a minimum of a 26-30 hour fast ( 3pm the following day) , which were also easy. After about 6 months I tried my first 48 hour water fast and struggled at 36 hours the first time but checking my ketosis level made me more enthusiastic to go the distance. The next 48 hour fast ( which I do monthly now) extended to a 56 hour water fast and at 48 hours I felt a little sluggish but went the distance anyway and my ketosis level was 2nd from the top on the sticks, meaning I was using my internal combustion system and burning off my brown fat ( converted from white fat on longer fasts). The following day I was feeling the best I have felt for the past 70 odd years, ready to leap off tall buildings but realising the limitations of my aging body. I wonder if the wonderful feeling may have been the creation of new stem cells as well as the tremendous feeling of satisfaction of having the will power to challenge ” I have always done it this way”. There is a lot of garbage on the web sites regarding fasting however be aware it’s a simple process of not eating and just drinking water for the period you set your mind to. In closing you must have noticed the number of times I mentioned being in charge of my mind. This may sound silly but this single element alone has been worth the effort
I read this after my 62 hour long fast. I originally watched lots of YouTube videos on week long fasts and saw all the benefits (ignoring the dangers) and decided to set myself the challenge. I did a 5km run the first day and the hunger was tough but managble, by the second day i was used to it. However by the third day I felt light headed and fainted when I stood up too quickly so I then ate and had to give up my challenge.
i’m on my 59th hour and i think it all depends on your body type, i’m a fat guy with loads of carbs and fat inside. I’m using that fat energy to stay put but still unable to sleep properly now and feeling a bit of a headache. It’s a great thing to do as now i have more clarity on my food choices and have started thinking more clearly about nutrition. Will continue this fasting thing till i can.
I just finished the 60 day fast. And I don’t feel like it help me enough. Would it be safe to go to the seven day fast at this point?
I have done a couple of water fasts, one 120 hour and one 96. I’m part way through through a 60 hour fast. I will do this next week as well. My aim is to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol in a short space of time. Once that is achieved I plan to stick to the 16:8 IF plan.
The key to success is understanding what happens to your body during fasting. It acts as a motivator and stops you worrying unnecessarily about dangers that are extremely unlikely to happen. To put it in perspective many people water fast for up to 40 weeks with no physical problems. But fasting for short times between 48 and 120 are fine unless you have underlying health conditions like diabetes. My second fast was way more easy than the first. There’s a great YouTube video called the Science of Fasting. You should watch it before fasting. It’s very interesting and informative
I regularly do a 72 hour fast – like every other month or so – plus daily intermittent fasting (18/6). It’s been my road back to health after developing autoimmune syndrome and mercury toxicity. Gotta love those longer fasts for spurring new STEM cells. I can definitely attest to MODIFYING your activity levels during longer fasts – just chill, go about your normal routine, but don’t exercise heavily – no hikes, no gym, just some light yoga and movement. During a fast, you’re giving your body’s organs a much-needed rest and repair period, along with your brain (the misfolded proteins that cause Alzheimer’s are part of the clean-up at 48 hours and longer). Give your body a rest, too – gentle and easy-does-it. Good for you for getting through your first longer term fast! It gets easier once you learn what works for you. 🙂
I had this same experience doing a 60 hour fast. My issue was doing vigorous exercises in the heat – bad choice. My body needed calories to burn and of course out myself into ketosis HOWEVER, I was very faint and my heart was racing, I went to the emergency room where they informed me my blood sugar was very low (ketosis) and that my kidneys were close to failure. I am only 21 years old. The doctors did nit advise against fasting – BUT to nit engage in vigorous activities doing so. This became life threatening and the doctors had to beg me to break my fast. They gave me orange juice and crackers. I was upset to break my fast but this could have changed my life. I would say fasting it not for everyone, someone who already struggles with low blood sugar or kidneys issues could have had a worst outcome. Some things to keep in mind! Happy fasting!
I understand the hunger pains! I did a 7-day fast in 2018 when I was working in Germany, where the food is delicious and the beer is plentiful!! I dropped 10 pounds in those 7-days. During my time in Germany, I did numerous 48 and 72 hour fasts and the weight management and health improvement is astonishing!!
One thing I learned – like you – do not do long, vigorous walks in the middle of a fast! I was in the midst of a 72 hour fast while walking in German village and I was about to die (you know that feeling when you are light headed and the belly is grumbling). I stopped into an ESSO station and devoured chocolate bars because that was all that they had.
Fast forward to the present and I am working in Baghdad and have been fasting for going on six days ( six hours shy) and I am determined to last to seven days! I have dropped 10 pounds again so far just drinking water, tea and coffee. I made the mistake of putting Truvia in my coffee, so the gut did not get the rest it needed. I last had Truvia about the 5 day mark, so I plan on finishing out the 48 hours with a complete gut rest!
Great read on your experience and very relatable!
I fast a lot now! Yeah getting up to 60 hours not eating , does have its challenges, I’m currently now 68 hrs , just a normal day! It’s gets easier as you fast more often! I remember when 24 hrs was hell! Longest , has been 115 hrs! My next goal is seven days! It’s true that you can tell when your hungry or situational hungry. But this is great discipline for you mind and definitely a good restart for your body! But it has to be a constant! The only way you can fast better ! Good luck to all
In my experience, It is easier if you are fat adapted, instead of being hungry, excess body fat is consumed, no hunger pains.
I’m 44 hours into my fast. The longest I’ve gone was 84 hours (I’ve fasted twice before). I’m hoping for 96 hours this time, but it’s OK if I don’t manage. I haven’t experienced the heart thingy you’ve mentioned.
fasting is very personal but for me I find much prolonged fast highten levels of clarity just 50 hours done from Monday at 5pm till Wednesday 7pm it help me with focus calmess
I did it for 56 hours…cause I started feel bad as you wrote, specially my hearth and got worried.
I was doing a liquid only fast, but coffee and tee incuded. Although they say a black coffe does not break the fast, im not sure it was really good for my hearth.
I’m not sure you’re supposed to feel that self-palpitation thing (when you hear your own hearth) and I had it too on after the 48 hours. I also couldnt sleep (like over awake) but the hearth thing is scary and I dont thing it should be normal if you want to carry on with 72 hours.
But adding electrolites somehow may help for that, as maybe the salt lemon drink somebody here mentioned.
The important part is also what you eat when you break the fast, cause that will be the ground for the new cells (after the destroying of the old and bad ones). I, though, did it wrong, and because i didnt thought i would stop, i just ate some seeds (but i think that is too hard for the stomach at first), so then I had a really really bad stomach ache in the middle of the night. Also, really only started to feel normal after several hours after eating cooked vegetables.
So that’s it. Thanks for sharing your experience, im also really motivated to keep on doing it but smarter and safer (cause it is something one should not only play with, like i also did hehe).
I did about 120ish hours like 5 days with nothing but plain water and near the 4th and def on the 5th day it was horrible. My back randomly started hurting and i couldnt sleep. It was horrible and i decided to do it because my stupid friend said she didnt eat for 21 days and just lost a bunch of weight but shes a lying B**** because she said AFTER she was eating vegetables in boiling water and “bulletproof coffee” (which is fat/butter added to coffee) and soup broths. So basically, no she didnt fast for 21 days LOL…. and she also didnt lose more then 10lbs… and i lost like 20ish in 5 days. SOOOOO..shes a liar and that was annoying try to do it with her when she lied about the rules LMFAO. Anyways I decided Im gonna do a weekend fast this weekend cause the first 1-3 ish days are alright and I think good for you. Maybe actually. I dont know. Just a little boost to weight loss/diet efforts though and a good plateau reset. OMAD is the way to go. with random 36+ hour fasts for weight loss. Crazy fast results.
Hiya, I’m running on to 60 hour water fasting and not feeling anything bad except a slight headache,( May be due to less intake of water). Other than that going good till now and no serious problems encountered so far!! At 48 hours, I felt so hungry but just controlled myself to drink only plain water and it helped me. I’m still at the 60 hour dating, with 56 hours running now.
I used to do a 24 hour fast weekly… and to me that was easy. But I’ve never been a big breakfast or even lunch eater. So basically, I was just skipping my 1 regular meal of the day and a snack. One day, I decided to “go for it” and went on a 4 day fast. After the 48 hour mark, I hit my wall, was pissed off, and went to bed to try to sleep through the hunger. When I woke, I was golden. So the fast continued, and when I hit day four, I felt I could have gone even longer. The problem was I had a party at the 100 hour mark, and figured i deserved a cocktail and of course some food so I didn’t hit the floor. Anyway, now that I know…. A couple of weeks ago I started a weekly 60 hour fast and I am so proud of me and the way I feel! I have been on a ketogenic diet for 3 years in which I lost about 40 pounds in about 5 months which I have maintained. Over the holidays and then a vacation to Mexico this year (major keto cheating) I successfully gained about 10 pounds back… so after 2 weeks of 60 hour fasting each week and staying keto, I lost ALL 10 POUNDS. Now my goal is to continue this 60 hour fast every week to hopefully get to where I’m not considered “overweight”….. I don’t feel overweight but that damn BMI chart just PISSES ME OFF! (I’m 5ft 4in and weight 152). Wish me luck!
I’ve been doing Mon/Wed/Friday 36 hour fasts since April, when I THOUGHT I had covid. Before then I fasted one 36 hour fast a week. I’m 62 and determined to lose weight, better my blood sugar and blood pressure and other bad markers for kidney/liver disease.
I also exercised. I could only do one push-up at the start and had a goal to be able to do 50 by New Year. Dec 26, I was able to do 50, six separate times throughout the day – total 300. Also hiked 4-5 miles five days a week.
Fast forward 10 months, lost 30 lbs, blood sugar, pressure and other markers normal, resting heart beat under 60, but plateau’d for 2-3 months, and have 10 lbs to go, so this week extended my 36 hour fast just to see if I could. Just broke the fast at 60 hours. It was surprisingly doable, but again, I’ve been doing 36 hr ones regularly.
What I like is, on Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun I eat absolutely ANYthing I want. If I really wanted to eat a whole pizza and ice cream, I have no guilt whatsoever. No counting calories.
Other benefit of walking/fasting: Never felt anxiety or depression all through covid lockdown, even though I went through a work layoff. Much cheaper and more effective than drugs.
AND knee pain I used to get walking a mile or two – nearly gone. I’ve walked as much as 16 mi in a day without a problem. 2020 was good for my health.
I want to do it! Fast for 48 hours
Sounds like you needed electrolytes
You really should be fat adapted before fasting for more than 24 hours. Research fat adapted before you go through what is said in this article.
I’m 39 years old, 6’4″, and 505 pounds. My cardiologist did an echocardiogram and my heart is in excellent condition for my weight. I carry my weight well, but I seem to have gained 20 pounds a year and I wanted to change this habit. My cardiologist told me the he himself Intermittent fasts. He explained that he eats balsamic vinegar chicken salads everyday during the same 8 hours and only drinks water, black tea, and coffee outside of the 8 hours.
I decided I wanted faster results for my size and my age. I decided to fast 2 days and eat 8 hours the third day (64-8). I’m on my second set and it’s not been too bad with staying home during covid. I’ve noticed a little muscle fatigue toward the second evening of fasting, but it’s tolerable.
I’ve read a bunch of info on the short and long term affects of Intermittent fasting and of long term fasting. I can’t decide it it’s worth continuing or not because I guess nobody has tried it before. I started January 1, 2021. I think I’ll continue through the month of January and see how it goes and long as I don’t have any issues arise.
You have a ways to go in your learning people learning fasting without knowing what you’re doing. It truly is healthy. It’s only after 48 hours of fasting you get into Autophagy, so keep working on learning and fasting. You didn’t balance your electrolytes, so that was one issue. I will relook at what you did later to see if you can help more
I’m at hour 15 of 60. I got my son to do it with me. So far, so good. I feel like it is totally a mental thing. I am very much so used to eating, but I’m a very Stubborn Southern Red Bull so I can do this.
Keep your electrolytes up next time..and dont go on 5k hikes, relax stay home, read stay hydrated watch your sodium doesnt drop too much..I think this is key and planning..and mindset…good luck
I’m on hour 60 of a dry fast with the intentions to break with just water at some point today and continue water fasting for as long as I physically can. The longest water fast I’ve done is 8 days. My goal is to do a 21 or even 30 day water fast. I definitely think you would have been successful had you omitted the strenuous physical activity you engaged in. You can’t fast and exercise and think you’re going to be okay, that’s madness! I was on day 6 of a fast over the Summer and let my teenagers talk me into taking them to the beach (horrible idea). I figured as long as I stayed under the umbrella to avoid heat exhaustion and had many bottles of water on hand that I’d be okay. I totally did not take into account the physical exertion required to carry beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and my beach bag from the car, to the boardwalk, and through the sand to our selected spot on the beach. Even with the help of my 2 girls, I was left to carry my bag and the lighter cooler. I felt my heart about to beat through my chest as I struggled through the sand in 93 degree weather with all the extra weight and no food since 6 days prior. I kept telling the girls to break with me and they were growing a bit annoyed. By the time we stopped and set up, the world started spinning and I was so dizzy. I got that burst of egotism (like you had lol) and told the girls if I pass out just call an ambulance. When I saw how they looked at me and realized what I just said and how much it must have scared them I immediately regretted that suggestion. They both begged me to break the fast and at that point I agreed I should. They had brought fresh fruit bowls that they shared with me and literally within 60 seconds I was all the way back to myself. So while I do believe in the power of extended (water) fasting for healing and wellness, I know now to listen to the limits our bodies set forth. As far as dry fasting, I’d never do more than 3 days at a time. My pastor, however, has gone as long as 7 on a dry fast (hat off to him) but he does it more often than I and is under the care of a medical professional for those longer fasts. Anyhow, sorry for the dissertation but give the 60 hour dry fast another shot with NO physical activity. It does wonders for our bodies internally!
It’s much easier to do an extended fast if you precede it with a few days of low or no car eating. Easier still if you are fat adapted, because the body needs to re-learn how to live off its stored fat. And, breaking a extended fast with a high carb meal is asking for problems.
I think that’s great that you did open yourself to fasting and it seems to help you better understand your body and food. I fast every day and it’s super easy because my body is getting used to it. I follow Dr. Jason Fung,
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Always drink enough water with some (Himalaya) salt, teas, herbal teas, black coffee. If you feel weak add some salt to your drink, it’s because your down on necessary electrolytes. Break the fast with bone broth, a small and light salad, green juice. Never immediately with carbohydrates because your body will have a high peak of insulin after which you will tired or even exhausted. You need to slowly (within a time window of 2 to 3 hours) adapt your body to food again.
Good luck and be healthy!
The moral of the story: Don’t fast for more than 36 hours without understanding how to supplement electrolytes!
I’m just coming up to 48 hours without food and to be honest I feel very good. I definitely have better focus and surprisingly high energy levels. There have been occasional hunger pangs but nothing unbearable and I’ve had no problems sleeping at all, other than waking up earlier than usual. I’ve been trying IF with mostly 16-8 and some 20-4 days for over a month and the whole experience has been revelatory. Just to back up what many others have said, if nothing else, it makes you really rethink your relationship with food and realise that your really don’t need three meals a day and multiple snacks in-between to maintain good health. In fact it seems like the opposite is true! I’m considering prolonging this to reach 72 hours or I may save that for the next one. Thanks for your insight on this and to anyone unsure about the whole fasting thing I would strongly recommend that you give it a go.
What a shit article. Feeling your heart for the first time. Eating carbs. So bad
I am at 57 hours fasting. Thinking to break it at 60. First day I woke up and running to resolve some errands around the city. I felt quite good. The next day started to have some hot waves and freezing moments. I become light headed in some other moments. I was doing activity only in the house and painted. Water with salt helped me. To get back on track. 3rd morning I woke up dizzy and tired. In 2 hours went back to bed already 3 times.
I’m on hour 48 and pushing for the 72. Dizziness has hit this morning. Had the heart thing yesterday but I started drinking hot water, with lemon juice and Himalayan rock salt and the heart thing subsided. I need to distract myself today if I’m going to make it. If I break before the 72 hours it will be a green smoothie to ease my body back into eating. What you say about the awareness it gives you over your eating habits is absolutely spot on. I never in a million years imagined I could go this long without food. I’m a total foodie and despite doing the Wildfit Challenge (which I HIGHLY recommend) I still adore sugary junk foods ? but this fast definitely has me wondering about what’s going on emotionally when I graze throughout the day because it’s clearly not a physical need. Thanks for your perspective it’s helping me reflect on the process more deeply!
I jist finished a 62 hour fast and last night couldn’t sleep properly, this mprning felt rubbish. I broke the fast with banana oatmeal and I’m still feeling exhausted.
Hey ,, well done for completing your fast,, how are you now?
I’m on 72 hour fast. 65 hours in. I do them rolling. 72, refeed 3000 calories then another 72.
The kicker is I’m a Type 1 diabetic on an insulin pump and a Dexcomm continuous glucose monitor.
I can can keep my sugar level perfectly flat for 72 hours like this. After 72 hours my glycogen stores are exhausted and it gets more dangerously
I have done a 10 fast though
On my 52nd hour at this very moment 🙂
Not easy. Light headedness, my coordination is impaired, weak… Great stuff. Looking for 72 hours, hope not to break.
FYI, I went out and did everything normally the first day. Definitely no 14 mile biking though (yes, bad idea). It began to be hard when I woke up this morning (38th hour).
I am sure you can do 60, just stay on your computer and bike on the virtual world only 🙂
Good luck.