Food. Where to start? I face an empty void when I fast - it’s the void I’ve filled with food since I was a child suffering through some very difficult things that negatively shaped my identity and self-image going forward. When I looked in the mirror, I saw someone who was not worthy of attention and pursuit. I drowned those feelings of anxiety and depression in food. Food was always there, and that continued throughout high school, college, grad school, work, marriage, and motherhood. I’m in my 30s now, and counseling is really helping me recognize, name, and address my story. I’m so grateful for the hard emotional and spiritual work I’ve already done.
But that still leaves food and its effects on my physical body. It’s been a constant companion for years, and I have lots of food sensitivities, too. I’ve done tons of research and experimentation with lots of different diets and nutritional therapies and supplements. Some help, some don’t. I’ve tried it all and settled on keto/carnivore and fasting as the things that help the most. When I stick with them long enough, I’m always shocked at how much my body changes in a short time - mental health, too.
The physical symptoms of fasting are tough, but a lot of it is boredom. Food (and my phone) mask those. I’m a stress eater, too. I’ve got young kids and the stress is brutal at times. That’s the main thing holding me back from consistently sticking to keto/carnivore and fasting.
My fasting record is just shy of 4 days, which I recently completed. I’ve done lots of omads, a decent number of 48s, and a few 72s.
I would love to drop down into the low 120s to stay as my new set point. I haven’t been there since puberty, when I whizzed right past it. Today I typically hover around 140-145 when I’m eating alright, but it can quickly shoot up when I’m in binging mode. I would like to do a longer fast this fall to see what happens, as well as get back on the carnivore train and stay there for good.
I’m so glad this forum exists, and I’ll be checking in a lot.