My Fasting Journey: A Reset, Results, and Realizations (1st September 2024)

Embarking on a fasting journey wasn’t easy, but it has been transformative in so many ways. From resetting my appetite to feeling lighter and more energetic, each step in this process has brought valuable insights. Alongside fasting, I’ve also been adjusting my approach with intermittent fasting, daily steps, and ADF (Alternate-Day Fasting) to find what works best for my body and mind.

Starting My Five-Day Fast

Day one of the fast was all about adjusting. I felt the absence of food but found it doable. By keeping myself moving with 10,000 steps daily, I could maintain energy and focus. However, by day two, the challenge set in; I noticed a bit of weakness but pushed through. Days three and four required even more mental strength—I skipped the steps on those days, opting to rest instead, which felt needed. Finally, day five brought excitement as I neared the end of the fast and looked forward to refeeding. Breaking the fast was more challenging than anticipated; I found myself struggling to eat a small meal, realizing my appetite had genuinely changed.

Tracking My Body Composition

Using my digital tools—a weight loss tracker, a fasting app, and a smartwatch pedometer—has been invaluable in monitoring my progress. I saw changes not only on the scale but also in my overall body composition:

• Starting Weight: 11st 13.6 lbs
• Ending Weight After Five Days: 11st 6.8 lbs
• Total Weight Lost: 6.8 lbs

This was more than just pounds lost; my body fat percentage also shifted, muscle mass changed slightly, and I felt leaner overall. Here’s a quick summary of how my metrics changed over the five days:

• Body Fat: Decreased from 38.2% to 36.3%
• Muscle Mass: Slight decrease, from 6st 13.2 lbs to 6st 12.4 lbs
• Water Percentage: Lowered from 29.7% to 28.5%, highlighting the importance of staying hydrated
• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): Small reduction from 1384 kcal to 1373 kcal
• Visceral Fat: Stayed relatively stable, though it fluctuated slightly within measurement accuracy

These shifts made it clear that fasting wasn’t just affecting the scale; it was helping me reset internally.

Maintaining Progress with ADF and Intermittent Fasting

Since completing the five-day fast, I’ve noticed some fluctuations, which seem to be tied to my protein intake and macronutrient balance. After my initial fast, I regained a pound or so (which I expected), but incorporating a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs in my eating window has helped me stabilize. ADF has felt particularly effective for weight loss and keeping me mentally focused without feeling deprived.

Daily Movement and Mental Well-being

Keeping up with my daily steps has also been an anchor in this journey. I incorporate light weight training on fasting days and increase intensity on feasting days. This combination of movement and weight training has done wonders for my mental and emotional well-being. I’ve noticed that I feel less tired when I’m moving, and light walking or stepping helps energize me—even when fasting.

The Reaction from Others

I often get surprised reactions when I explain that I only eat a few times a week. To many, this sounds impossible, but I feel vibrant and full of life! It’s a reminder that the number of meals we eat isn’t as important as finding the right balance and routine that fuels us and supports our goals.

Future Goals and Adjustments

Looking forward, I’m excited to continue with ADF, focusing on daily intermittent fasting with a 16:8 structure. My goal is to reach 9st 7lbs, where I felt comfortable back in 2020, and to do so with a balanced approach to my macronutrient intake. Ensuring I consume my body weight in grams of protein will be key in preserving muscle and continuing to feel strong and energized.

Final Thoughts

This journey has been a powerful act of self-love and care. My five-day fast reset my cravings, helped me let go of processed foods, and sparked a craving for healthier options like veggies, lean proteins, and even the occasional hot pepper and turmeric to curb hunger. I’m excited to continue refining my approach and working towards my ideal weight with a sustainable, balanced routine that’s working for me.