Ira's Journal

[s.adams]

It’s been a bit of a roller coaster, trying to get my weight under control. I have done ADF two years ago and dropped from highest weight of 175 lbs to about 146 lbs (back in 2018). And then I went into low calorie intake to lose the rest of the weight. During this time there has been a few ups and downs: dropping down to around 136lbs to gaining back some of the weight (sometimes to 140s, other times to 150s and then shedding them again). It was always dependent on what was happening to me during those times.

Long story short, due to quarantine and I also got sick during that time with a chronic illness for the past few months, which made it impossible for me to workout or concentrate on my diet. This lead to a weight gain that I am trying to shake off. I remember ADF being effective, despite it being pretty slow working for me. I decided to give it another try. AND FOUND MYSELF HERE.

My past ADF history : I would do ADF with crutches (max 300-400 cals when I was hungry and coffee + tea). I always found it difficult for some reason, but I was able to get through it. I have done two day fasts like that as well (again, with the crutches).

For August 2020: I have fasted Aug1st and Aug 2nd (48 hrs), successfully, with only water. No coffee, no tea. No crutches. And for some reason, I found it much more bearable than my previous experience.

Goal: My current weight is at 156lbs (after that one two day water fast I completed). I am hoping to drop down to 135lbs (which was my lowest weight in the past). My UGW would be much lower. But for now, I would just like to attain what I used to be (and fit into all those clothes I bought as a treat).

Plan: To do 48hrs water fast with one day of eating in between (given that my symptoms keeps resurfacing every now and again - I would like to play it safe). I am playing with the idea of doing 3 day fasts, but undecided for now.

[Miramar]

I’m with you - once I get really going it’s easier to stick in and keep it clean with just water.

I did an experiment last week adding tea and coffee. I didn’t feel as good at the end if that makes sense? And struggling this week to kick back in but planning to make up for lost time.

[s.adams]

Thanks @Miramar for your support. It totally makes sense to me. I have watched a few videos on fasting and their effects. One of them was discouraging from ingesting caffeine. I, of course, can’t explain the science behind it very well. But something about the caffeine (coffee or tea) is forcing your liver to detox them before continuing to detox the rest of the impurities. So it gets in the way of your fasting. Herbal teas seem to be good though, since they don’t have caffeine. It’s also why I opted to do my experiment with fasting this time around with coffee + tea.

UPDATE

I was successfully able to do a 58 hours fast (I was only planning on doing 48 hours, and then pushed it hour by hour). I was pretty happy with myself that I was able to do it without any intense stress to my mind or body. Of course, the usual headache and fatigue, and the rare hunger pangs were expected.

I was very aware of doing certain things, I wasn’t sure if I would be capable, such as driving during a state of 48hours or more of fasting. I tried it yesterday, and it really was not a problem. Naturally I am an active person (before I got sick), so I am itching to get back into workout mode, but I also know it is not feasible to do intense workouts in this state. I am going to slowly incorporate light workouts during the days that I will be eating.

I had a six hour window where I ate yesterday, and got right back into fasting. One of my biggest fear when I am about to break a fast is that I won’t be able to do it again. But I’ve just done one 48 hours, and another one longer. I guess the more I do them, the more I will be confident that I can get back into the rhythm of it. Hot water with lemon is a godsend, I have completely replaced it for every cup of coffee/tea I would have. I am an avid coffee drinker (6 cups or more per day). So I am really happy that I can go this long without coffee (even when I am during my eating period, I choose to avoid it).

Something new that I am looking to get into is the keto diet. I have heard all the ravings about them in the past few years, but I have not given it much thought. I understand the bare concept and I agree with it, but I’ll have to play with it a little bit more to accommodate my lifestyle. Especially if I want to get more into fasting, I think it would be the best way of eating that could fit in.

Just as a data update, I did lose about 2.8 lbs from the beginning of my implementation of fasting (so since Aug 1st). I am choosing to concentrate more on how this will help me heal (hoping it will help me with my chronic illness) and the mental clarity it will bring me. I am also hoping that this will help me achieve a better sense of getting a balanced eating habit.