Intermittent Fasting

Is the insulin thing the reason why you feel as if you can't go over x amount of time without food? That's why I feel like I can't go longer then that time, but then again I have become a creature of routine on my days off, I have a list I have a mental list of stuff to check off before the day ends, so if I miss a meal after my 24 fast especially after hitting the gym I feel like I screwed up and have to eat. I feel like some of it is mental though.

 

Fasting has taught me that eating is really a habit and nothing more.

Hunger/fullness is a hormonal response that includes insulin, leptin, and ghrelin.

When you eat often, and especially when you eat carbs you stimulate insulin as a result of increased blood glucose. Your body gets used to glucose coming in frequently so your hunger/satiety signals get retrained to expect food regularly. When it doesn’t come that hormonal response kicks in (which is obviously powerful).

When your insulin sensitivity increases and your blood glucose stabilizes and your body learns to tap into body fat for fuel you will no longer get the same hormonal hunger response.

I couldn’t go longer than 24 hours for my first extended fast because I’m in training but I was not hungry once that day. I had incredible energy and felt awesome. I could easily go longer.

If you are chomping at the bit to eat at 24 hours its probably just because your body is still adjusting. It gets easier after 1-2 months. Your body learns to do just fine without.


I love being in ketosis from an extended fast. Once your body figures out how to utilize its body fat for fuel its a game changer.
Energy level is higher and mental clarity is great.

 

I would add that anyone doing a water fast for up to 3 days or more .... add some iodized salt for a few glasses, to help regulate bodily functions and avoid headaches/muscle cramps.

 

I put pink salt and potassium salt in virtually all of my drinks even when not doing extended fasts. It's really helpful.