Intermittent fasting isn’t new to me. I recognised in my teens that forcing myself to eat first thing in the morning if I didn’t feel like it didn’t do me any favors really. Being Kapha/Pitta constitution compared to a Vata, my metabolism was slower and I needed less sustenance first thing in the morning. So intermittent fasting from post-dinner evening meal until late morning midday came easily with no repercussions on my health. Now I know there is controversy about this topic, but basically it comes down to the individual’s constitution and what your body is telling you. We all function so differently, and understanding your body on a deeper level to recognise what it needs is key.
Having learnt a lot about the benefits of fasting over the past year, it was then, I was waiting for the right opportunity and time that was right for me. Not only on a health level but on a spiritual, mental, and emotional level. I think its a great thing to do as we phase into each season and the changes that it brings. Post-Christmas binge, drinking, a time to splurge a little more than normal, eating out or having others host for you food you wouldn’t usually eat a lot of or in larger portions. For me, I have a sweet tooth, and those that know me well know I love biscuits, so this was an enjoyable time for me.
My decision was to start 2024 on a 3-day fast. There was no better time. New day, new year, new month, and the beginning of the week. But this had to come with a personal and mental commitment 1 week before to prepare my state of mind. And, of course, the support of those that you live with. We also receive an organic fruit and vegetable box every week which was on pause between Christmas and new year, so ensuring you aren’t wasting any fresh food in your fridge. It just seemed like the perfect time.
Everyone’s thoughts and abilities around fasting are different, so this, by all means, isn’t a guide or advice on how it should be done for you. There is, however, plenty of research done around the benefits and variations of fasting. Ancient texts from all walks of life are solid historical evidence of the body, mind, and spiritual benefits that deepen our understanding of ourselves through this process.
All food was fasted and I kept to herbal teas and filtered water with trace minerals.
Day 1: 24 HOURS
Felt ok, starting to feel the weakness set in but not sapped of it at all. I didn’t do too much that would burn energy. I booked a remote energy healing session with a friend – Amy @rebalancefromwithin. A Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing through the shifting of stagnation and blockages in the body caused by trauma or injury on an emotional or physical level. Quite often, fasting has been a time to spend in a quiet space, prayer, meditation, gratitude, and taking the commitment of your spiritual growth seriously by abstaining from the one big sustenance and life giver—food/nourishment. It seemed like an opportune time to work with a guide, reflect, and set intentions for the year ahead. That night before I had a very bizarre dream (so bizarre I am going to refrain from sharing it) and I believe psychologically that dreams creatively expose what is happening in your subconscious mind. There were clearly shifts that needed to be moved. My intention for the session was that the year ahead would be a discovery of a new sense of tools and reaching a deeper part of myself as a new journey of anticipation for new ventures begins. The feedback was amazing—a lot to unpack and dwell upon.
Today also came with finding it hard to keep my body warm. Chai Masala black tea helped with that.
During this time, your body is working on reduced inflammation, fat burning begins, increased ketones (type of chemical that your liver produces when it breaks down fats), improved energy and focus, cellular detoxification and repair, improved immune function.
I would say by the end of today, I felt like I was slowing down a little as all the work was focused on all these functions going on inside. And that’s ok to take time out to relax. I had to settle into not putting pressure on myself to get things done.
Day 2: 24-48 HOURS
My body expelled the excess excrement in my system. I was wondering whether I really had the energy to meet a friend for a “herbal tea” at a coffee shop! I was feeling a little on edge and emotionally uneasy but surprisingly, I felt I could move at ease with little to no fatigue.
I tried doing some study reading later in the day but it soon made me fairly sleepy.
Today, began, the self beat of feeling unaccomplished, time wasting, fed up and glum along with the weather reflecting the same thing back at me. I tried to be kind to myself and allow for this time to chill and not put any excess pressure on myself. Besides, it is only the second day of the year.
By this stage the body is working on gut reset, fat buring, ntestinal stell cell regeneration, GABA production(a chemical messenger in your brain), brain healing, autoimmune healing, reduced glucose stores, reduced insulin stores, increased fat burning, detoxification, anti-aging. This encouraged me while I may feel and think this way, my body is so intelligently and subtly correcting the glitches.
Day 3: 48-64 HOURS
Started the morning after waking with that feeling of weakness from lack of energy-infused food that verges on feeling a little nervous. This followed by my body running hot for about 20 minutes. This is normal with the body’s cleaning process. This can cause cortisol to rise as the body starts to feel under high alert. The efficiency of the organs increases, and they start to work faster in order to take the toxins and waste out of the body.
It is also at this stage your Human Growth Hormone increases by 500%. This hormone is a natural hormone your pituitary gland releases that helps maintain normal body structure in adults and plays a role in metabolism. It helps to maintain normal body structure and metabolism, including helping to keep your blood sugar level (glucose) levels within a healthy range. The reset of dopamine receptors, reduced anxiety (which I definitely felt less of through today) and depression. Anti-aging and antioxidants start to produce. Needless to say, after my morning “ease into the day” routine, I felt fine. Still feeling the vibrations of change happening in my cells and guts, but all being well took the day slow and on the final count down.
That feeling of hunger we have that nudges you to make something to eat was what I felt the whole time. Never exhausted and absolutely starving, but with a decent energy level to get through a slow-paced day. I usually sleep really well, but I had a few wake-ups and restlessness when falling asleep, however, your body does so much when in sleep state.
I had prepared my first meal of a chinese pack of dried ingredients. Chinese Yam, White Fungus, Ginseng Root, Almonds, Kelp, Chicken broth. This simmered in filtered water for 4 hours. Served with Soba Noodles. At this point I took my time eating it. Enjoying the flavours and allowing mt body to gently soak it in. I didn’t feel ravenous and want to keep eating. I followed this with a banana to boost some energy and vitamin levels then followed a few hours later by a high-intensity gym class. Expecting to have no energy, and I actually felt pretty good.
An experience and challenge I hope to continue through the seasons as a reset and preparation for the changes in our environment and food sources. There were a few times i went to grab an apple or a snack and then remembered i was fasting. Overall, I feel its an accomplishment that very few of us do these days. Lack of discipline and constant food bombardment makes us think we cant cope a few hours with out it. The science speaks of the biological benefits, and ancient wisdom and practiced it for thousands of years to reach a hightened state of self development. I am a Holistic Health Coach and don’t condone you just do this on a whim without doing your own research, having someone guide you or knowing the risk around fasting.