Intrigued by all this talk about the benefits of fasting, Akemi and I embarked on our respective fasts yesterday. I felt better prepared because I tend to, inadvertently, practice intermittent fasting – not eating after 6 p.m., skipping breakfast, and then not eating again until 11:00 lunch the next day – roughly 17 hours. Akemi, on the other hand, always eats a light early dinner, but gets downright hangry if she misses her carb-laden breakfast of either french toast or croissant.
So, I stopped eating after yesterday’s lunch, around 11:30 p.m., while Akemi had a final snack (muffin) at 2:30 p.m. When dinner rolled around, I was feeling pretty good – and not all that hungry. We usually eat big lunches and light dinners (she has miso soup while I’ll usually go with a couple of eggs followed by some kefir and blueberries). Around bedtime, I was still feeling fine while she was definitely feeling the hunger pangs.
The next morning, to my surprise, Akemi had elected to forego breakfast, determined to stick it out – until lunch time at least. I was my usual unhungry morning self. But as we crept past 10:00 a.m., hunger got the best of Akemi and she caved, satisfied with her 21 stretch, and enjoyed two eggs and a cup and kimchee pancake containing a cup and a half of kimchee.
Unlike Akemi, I wasn’t feeling overwhelmingly hungry, weak, or dizzy, so elected to push back lunch and join my wife on a shopping trip. Throughout, she was worried that, in my weakened state, I would pass out under the hot sun – but I’m pleased to report I made it there and back with minimal discomfort. BUT, by around 1:30 p.m., I started feeling hungry. I suppose I could have stuck it out longer but I didn’t want to go to bed after a huge dinner, and the prospect of waiting until tomorrow at lunch to eat was problematic insofar as I have a zoom call scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and I suspected I would not be at my best.
So I ended my fast at 27 hours with a half rack of lamb ribs, sauerkraut, a half an avocado, and some dark chocolat.e And for dinner tonight, it was some kefir, manuka honey, blueberries and dark chocolate.
I’m feeling pretty good. But exhausted. Earlier today, I figured that in my food-deprived state, I’d be unable to focus but, to my surprise, I was pretty sharp this morning, managing to write the tease to my new pilot.
Anyone else tried fasting, intermittent or otherwise? How’d you do?
Today’s Yes/No…
Coleslaw Pops? Yes/No
Thanks(?) to @shanadarabie for the tip. https://t.co/IUK039Ac1z— Joseph Mallozzi 🏴☠️ (@BaronDestructo) July 3, 2023
For the last few months I’ve pushed my bowl of home made muesli back to 10am from the usual 7:30am in an attempt to prolong my food-free time. I can’t say I’ve noticed much difference other than sometimes I get distracted by work and forget to eat breakfast at all. Me missing a meal is almost unheard of! I am very food focussed and am always thinking about my next meal.
I’d love to eat a larger lunch and smaller dinner but the realities of working an 8:30-5 job make it difficult. I like to go for a walk on my lunch break (the only exercise I get) and cooking a meal would suck up all my time. Now that I’m mostly working from home I can at least knock off at 5 and cook a decent evening meal and have it on the table by 6ish.
Ironically, when I’m in the office I’ll usually go out with my colleagues to the pub and I’ll eat a big meal for lunch and then just have a light snack in the evening. But I find being in the office opens me up to the temptation of snacking throughout the day!
We definitely do not want a hangry Akemi. lol
Are you suppose to go 24 hours in between a meal? So like if I ate supper at 5pm, next time I could eat would be 5pm the next day? Or do you have to not eat during one full day? I could try that but which way is it?
Anyway you want. I ate lunch, then went 27 hours straight. I find that easier than waking up and not eating for an entire day.
Fasting for me is a sure fire ticket to a massive headache. So, no fasting here.
Well, at least the coleslaw pops look nice.
My humus and and I are doing the 16/8. We stop eating at 8pm. Have a breakfast early lunch anytime after 12pm. He started before me and has lost over 20lbs. I’ve lost 10. Key is to go light on carbs and have something small around 7:30 pm. Only black coffee, tea and water during fasting. It’s not bad once you get into the routine.
He does work outs. Weights only during eating period but elliptical alright during fasting as long as you don’t over do it.
Interesting.
I rarely eat breakfast. I’d rather sleep. I found I was always sharper in the morning at work. I’d eat a very light lunch so as not to need a nap afterwards and to stay sharp. However, toward the end of the day, I would be consumed by thoughts of what (and how big) my next meal would be and concentration declines down to nothing. By then I’m only thinking of going home…. and eating.
It depends on what activities I’m doing that day on whether I could fast. If I’m swimming/walking a lot, then I’d have to eat something. Otherwise, I’d be a human puddle. You two go for it though! Report back any advantage’s please.
Oh and NO on the coleslaw pops! Coleslaw should only be served with BBQ or with fried fish. It might be a law. 😉
I’ve only ever tried fasting on a weekend and usually only for 14 – 16 hours. It is supposed to be a good way of managing blood sugar. I do like breakfast and usually have muesli or a smoothie. Lunch is soup or leftovers from dinner. I’m trying to learn some new recipes.
Cheers Chev