Single Dad Fasting Diary - Mo

Mubarak_Mohamud · May 30, 2020, 5:35pm

Ok, So immediately I’m scared. I like the idea of writing out my thoughts and I’m already nervous. This Forum that pops suggestions also is kinda making me uncomfortable.

But I guess these are the sorts of reasons I should be doing it. I need to break out of my shell when it comes to myself. I think I’m pretty good at giving advice and finding the best in people. I get excited to encourage others but when it comes to myself I simply do not bother. I mean, who is there to let down right?

So here I am, putting myself on the internet and hoping to find support and encouragement to get rid of this unwanted version of me. I saw there was a challenge thingy started on June the 4th so I’m going to start and prepare for that.

I guess that is enough for a first post. baby step 1 - tick!

Compdude · May 30, 2020, 5:40pm

Welcome to our fasting community!

Technical note: to keep future entries on this single thread, click on reply in the lower right hand corner.

Cassandra_G · May 30, 2020, 5:50pm

I felt the same way creating my first post and journal. It is a little awkward at first but everyone is so welcoming and encouraging! I never thought I would ever put my actual weight on the internet but I did and it’s actually freeing! I hope you find success and support with this forum! I know for sure I would have given in to food by now if it weren’t for this site. Have a blessed day

Mubarak_Mohamud · May 30, 2020, 5:53pm

Aw thanks for this @Cassandra_G. So welcoming.

Overcomer · May 30, 2020, 8:07pm

Welcome to our fasting community @Mubarak_Mohamud, you will like it here, we support and strengthen each other. Reach out whenever you want or need. We are here. Blessings

Mubarak_Mohamud · May 30, 2020, 8:56pm

Thanks @Overcomer. I appreciate it.

Antipodean · May 30, 2020, 11:35pm

@Mubarak_Mohamud - Hey, you took the first step, and put yourself out there So that’s not bad, is it!

You’ll be fine. Just keep posting, especially when times get tough. And - like the gym if you’ve even done that - the most important time to keep posting is right at that point when you don’t want to any more.

I think fasting is probably a habit. I’m new to this too, so my “fasting muscle” isn’t really fixed in yet, but I think that if you just keep doing it, you’ll get better at it. That sounds sensible, doesn’t it!

Mubarak_Mohamud · June 1, 2020, 1:27pm

Ok, Here we go guys. I’ve started last night.
I thought instead of committing to a specific number of days I thought I want to feel how it goes. I will set a target by the end of the week but its the 1st of the month… Sounds like a nice round number to kick it off.

I’ve ordered the salt, magnesium and potassium. I don’t feel hungry so I’m just going to roll with it and keep reading all your inspirational stories - they are amazing by the way guys! I’m so lucky to find this forum.

Im 6ft1 and 130Kg/287lb.

by the way thank you @Antipodean for your encouragement. means a lot.

Mubarak_Mohamud · June 2, 2020, 6:26am

So this is the second morning. I’m still alive! ha! This is the longest I’ve been without food I can remember. So it works eh?

I made the mistake of telling my sister last night and she immediately told my mum. I got a ear full. I wish I didn’t say anything now.

I cooked for the kids which seemed easier than I thought.

I slept so well last night. Woke up right on time. Prayed, did some stretches and I’m ready for the day. The outlook I have now is that I can easily carry on doing this.

Mubarak_Mohamud · June 3, 2020, 6:32am

3rd day and I’m not dead. This truly uncharted territory for me. I feel like I’ve entered into a new alternate dimension. It is possible to go without food!

I feel good overall. My stomach rumbled a few times and I feel I get a little light a couple of times but nothing as bad as I’ve imagined it to be.

My mental state is that I’ve been wondering how long I should go for? Can someone clarify what is the optimum amount of time to get the full benefits of the fast? Obviously the longer the better but I see 21 days is really popular with amazing results. Any comments on this

Overcomer · June 3, 2020, 6:44am

@Mubarak_Mohamud, that is great progress. I think maybe just take it day by day, aim for 5 days and if you feel good after, extend to 7, then 10 etc. Don’t forget your electrolytes. Blessings.

Compdude · June 3, 2020, 11:27am

I agree with @Overcomer. Take it day by day. Build up that fasting muscle. I’ve seen too many fail because of unrealistic expectations. After all you can’t expect someone to run a marathon if they’ve never run a 5k.

Mubarak_Mohamud · June 3, 2020, 11:52am

Thanks @Overcomer and @Compdude. I appreciate your advice. Then that’s what I’ll do. Im on my 3rd day, lets see how I feel by the 5th day.

I’ve ordered the magnesium and postassium (delivery tormorow) and I’ve already got the himalayan salt. So I’m prepped.

I feel really ‘ok’.

Mubarak_Mohamud · June 4, 2020, 6:24am

OMG its Day 4 and the grim reaper has not arrived!

Last night between 6pm - 10pm was a battle of pure will power. I started saying to myself “Its ok, whats the point of 21 days. You have done 3 days already surely that is proven the point”. “why dont you have some nice steak” “there is ice cream in the fridge” umuwahaha (evil laugh).

It took everything in me to say no. I wasn’t hungry. Just that I missed eating food. It doesn’t help that I spent 2 hours on YouTube looking at Keto versions of everything. So delicious, my belly began dancing as if it was around a camp fire. I think after a few hours I felt my body give up and say " OK, you win, lets start making the Ketones then".

I’ve realised something profound. That this water fasting is much more than just a physical transformation. It’s messing with my physiology and emotions. I said to my boy last night “I love you” like I usually do but my eyes just started swelling up with tears. It was as if I could taste what I said much more - strange uh?

Another morning, lets get going. Go team!

Compdude · June 4, 2020, 1:11pm

The body does NOT like change it likes to stay in homeostasis. It will pull every trick in the book to get you to eat; especially, if has no experience into going into ketosis.

Hang in there it gets easier after the transition.

Mubarak_Mohamud · June 5, 2020, 6:23am

Its day 5 guys! Can you believe it?

So glad to made it to this point. My aim is to make it to Sunday now.

I feel like I’m just empty, there is a weird sensation across my body. My chest is a lot lighter and my breathing is so much clearer. I just feel absolutely empty. It feels nice.

I wanted to ask about exercise. Other than doing stuff with the kids and having to go to work I do not have a fixed exercise regime. I have noticed others who do some aerobic exercise (walking etc). Should I be doing something like this even if its my first fast?

Also, Should I do press up, push ups, burpees? stuff like that? or just walking

Love you all. thanks

Overcomer · June 5, 2020, 6:49am

Great job reaching day 5, it’s probably best to start with walking, you might start to get more fatigue if you don’t take it slow. Well done so far.

Compdude · June 5, 2020, 12:17pm

Glad to see you sticking with it. In regards to exercise.

#1 priority is aerobic. If nothing else you should do something aerobic in nature daily because fat metabolism requires oxygen. Also it helps the cardiovascular system adapt to your changing body.

#2 anaerobic exercise should be optional. If your aim is muscle hypertrophy (adding or making lean muscle mass larger), postpone this for refeed or later. This is a very resource intensive activity that the body will postpone as it has higher priorities during a fast.

However, if your doing it to help increase calorie burning then its fine but ALWAYS do it after getting your required aerobic exercise in.

Your energy levels will fluctuate during a fast, especially if you’re a rookie or inexperienced.

Hope this answers your questions!

Mubarak_Mohamud · June 6, 2020, 1:30pm

thank you @Compdude and @Overcomer for your comments.

Umm… basically I cracked! last night I was feeling very low in energy and I just wanted something to eat. So I had eggs with spinach and cheese. I felt a lot better after this. I felt guilty and sad initially but then came around and became proud of myself for breaking this mental barrier. I did well for a first go right guys?

I feel great this morning. So light and energetic. I have made a huge dent in my weight from 287 Ib to 277 lb in just 5 days. I am elated about this. I cannot believe the amount of weight that has fallen off me. Its been totally shocking. Family members have noticed a difference on my face and posture. I feel I can breath easier.

I want to restart my fast again on Sunday night. In the meantime, I’m on Keto and keeping the water drinking up. Maybe I’ll just go for another 5 days?

Overcomer · June 6, 2020, 1:39pm

This is an excellent achievement @Mubarak_Mohamud for your first fast. there is no need to feel guilty at all. It is good you are also doing low fat/keto, it should keep fat burning going. Yes, if you are feeling good then jump back in on Sunday. We are all here to support each other. Well done.