07.30.26
I’ve had many friends over the years who swear by fasting and the benefits it offers, and I’ve been tempted many, many times. I actually did it occasionally in my twenties, but could barely make it a day. Recently, I’ve been motivated and inspired by a friend from the UK, Trevor, who ended up losing 110 lb. these past few years between fasting, diet, and walking, so I thought I would give it a try.
I did 31 hours recently and was surprised to discover that I wasn’t starving even after 24. Hell, on that first day, even with a big breakfast, I was not even hungry by dinner the NEXT night at 31 hours. So I recently tried to do a 48 hours fast, but it did not work out….
At the start I had a big breakfast and got through dinner with no problem but had a little high blood pressure that night. After 24 hours (next morning), still good, and my energy level during the prior day was very high, as was my mental acuity. I slept great, and on the morning of the second day I was bored not having breakfast, but again, not starving. Pretty cool. I really didn’t worry about my BP from the night before, but by the end of the second day when I checked my blood pressure, about 35 hours in, it was elevated again. So I did some research and asked my Gemini AI if fasting was bad for my BP and it said yes, it can elevate for a number of different reasons, which you can certainly ask your favorite AI program.
Well, after dealing with high blood pressure for a dozen years, off and on meds, and having the OPPOSITE happen a few months ago, when my blood pressure crashed downward, due to dehydration, I am not about to mess with my health. At this point in my life I LIKE my life and it is too precious to risk anything, ego be damned! So I ended my fast.
Some lessons I learned:
- > If you’re going to fast, learn the rules of hydration during your fasting period and eat a “good meal” before you begin.
- > It’s OK to have water or tea with no sugar during your fast, and if you are prone to any prior medical conditions, keep that in mind
- > Schedules and ego be damned. If you feel you are at risk take a break and review what you’ve done
- > When you start again eat a proper meal to replace what you’ve lacked
When my AI suggested I STOP my fast, I did, and had a snack of some protein and electrolytes to get everything in balance. The following morning I had a good healthy breakfast, and everything is back to normal. So, lesson learned, and I will be more mindful in the future.
