If I can get a pill that gives me longevity, enhance my insulin sensitivity, trigger autophagy, boost stem cell generation, increase levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), supercharge mental clarity, increase my HGH (Human Growth Hormone), reduce weight, heal my gut, pull down chronic inflammation and make me look ten years younger, I will bet my entire wealth on it.
The good news is, I didn't have to shell out a penny and I got the pill for free in the form a prolonged fasting.
Between 13 July - 27 July, I took up a 14 day water fast for the heck of it. Didn't plan on specific dates. Just started in an impulse. I know me. If there is a planned date, there will be a binge before so I surprised my mind with spontaneous action. 14 days later, I successfully completed the fast.
The results are mind blowing. The visible ones are reduction of 10% of body mass, dropping two sizes and fitting into old shirts, having a better skin and looking a little younger than before (my friends told this to me 😉). The invisible benefits are the amazing mental clarity, determination, confidence, whole body healing and a total reset inside out.
The strategies I followed for this fast based on the mistakes from the past are:
Ensured electrolyte balance by adding a pinch of Celtic salt and potassium chloride twice a day. Used Epsom salts for baths and massages. As a result, didn't feel so sh**ty through out.
Went through a colon cleanse regime. Cleaning a colon is far easier when the digestive system is on vacation.
Kept myself insanely busy in this period. Took up projects on top of my work to beat the boredom that comes without thinking food or eating.
No over exerting physically in this period. I stopped my usual walks/runs in this period.
Cooking for others.
Kept a more than normal life. Nothing stopped at work. Didn't take off.
25 mins naps 2x a day. Many days didn't nap.
Above all listening to the body at all times and keep a tracker. Having a team of medical professionals just a ping away helped.
Actionable steps for you to get started on a fasting journey:
Start small. Don't go big like 5/7/14 days. Don't do it without medical supervision especially if you are on medication or have complex comorbidity.
Start with stop snacking during the day.
Make your fasting and eating windows respectively as 12-12. In 4 weeks make it 16-8. In next 4 weeks make it 18-6. That should do.
More than 18-6 affects the protein intake. It is hard to take in so much protein in OMAD or 20-4 kind of windows.
Weekly have a 24 or 36 hour fast.
Roll for 6 months. If you have done all the above then we can try the prolonged fasts for 3-5 days.
In total I have lost about 24.6 kgs (54+ pounds) in the past 8 months. That is for another day.
Picked images from the first #pifotalks and the latest one.
