A RESET, RESULTS, AND REALIZATIONS

(Published: 1st September 2024)

Embarking on a fasting journey wasn’t easy—but it has been deeply transformative. From resetting my appetite to feeling lighter, clearer, and more in control, every stage has brought insight and growth. Over recent months, I’ve experimented with intermittent fasting, Alternate-Day Fasting (ADF), and increased movement to find what truly works for my body in this season of life. This journey has become less about quick fixes and more about resetting from the inside out.

Starting My Five-Day Fast

Day one began with anticipation and determination. Though I missed food, I stayed active—keeping up with 10,000 steps a day helped maintain focus and momentum.
By day two, the challenge deepened. I noticed some weakness but pushed through, reminding myself why I started. Days three and four required more mental resilience; I took a break from stepping and prioritized rest. By day five, excitement replaced fatigue as I neared completion—yet breaking the fast was unexpectedly tricky. My appetite had genuinely shrunk, reminding me how adaptable the body can be.

Tracking My Body Composition

My digital tools—weight tracker, fasting app, and smartwatch pedometer—proved invaluable for accountability. Here’s what five days of fasting revealed:

• Starting Weight: 11st 13.6 lbs

• Ending Weight: 11st 6.8 lbs

• Total Loss: 6.8 lbs

Beyond the numbers, my body fat dropped, and my physique felt tighter and more balanced.

Metric Changes:

• Body Fat: ↓ from 38.2% → 36.3%

• Muscle Mass: ↓ from 6st 13.2 lbs → 6st 12.4 lbs

• Water %: ↓ from 29.7% → 28.5% (hydration remains key)

• BMR: ↓ slightly from 1384 → 1373 kcal

• Visceral Fat: Stable (minor natural fluctuations)

These results confirmed that fasting isn’t merely about the scale—it’s a full-body recalibration.

Maintaining Progress with ADF and Intermittent Fasting

After the fast, a small rebound (about a pound) was expected. The key has been refeeding smartly—prioritizing protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs within my eating windows.

Alternate-Day Fasting continues to feel sustainable and empowering. It offers balance—mental clarity on fasting days, and nourishment without guilt on eating days. The 16:8 method (fasting 16 hours, eating within 8) has become my default rhythm for long-term maintenance.

Daily Movement and Mental Well-Being

Movement has anchored this process.
On fasting days, I favour light strength training and walking, while feasting days include higher-intensity sessions. The consistency matters more than perfection. Paradoxically, I find I’m less tired when moving. Each walk boosts mood and clarity—proving that fasting and fitness can coexist beautifully when approached mindfully.

The Reactions from Others

When people hear that I only eat a few times a week, they’re shocked. But what’s “impossible” to others now feels natural to me. This isn’t deprivation—it’s discipline with self-respect. I feel vibrant, alive, and in tune with my body’s real hunger cues. The greatest lesson? It’s not about how often we eat, but how consciously.

Future Goals and Adjustments

My next phase is refinement.
I’m continuing ADF while maintaining 16:8 intermittent fasting for structure. My goal is to reach 9st 7lbs—the weight where I felt most vibrant and confident back in 2020.

To preserve muscle and strength, I’ll focus on meeting my protein target (1g per lb of body weight) and tracking my macronutrients more intentionally. This isn’t about restriction—it’s about nourishment with purpose.

Final Reflections

This fasting reset has been a profound act of self-love. It helped me silence cravings, step away from processed foods, and rediscover joy in wholesome eating—colourful veggies, lean proteins, and even a fiery kick of turmeric or chilli.

I’ve learned that fasting is less about “not eating” and more about making peace with food, energy, and self-discipline. As I move forward toward my goal weight, I feel stronger, calmer, and aligned with the woman I’m becoming.