My First Fast (Real Life Version)
My first fast?
Total accident.
I got an email from Dr. Mindy about a guided 3-day fast and thought,
👉 “Well… this seems like a questionable life decision. Let’s try it.”
I did a lot wrong on that fast, but I still consider it a success. It felt like a jump-start for my body and made me realize fasting is about a lot more than just not eating.
I started on a Monday (because of course I did).
And yes… I kept working out.
But I had to coach myself before every session:
👉 If you feel like you’re going to pass out, stop.
Not:
- be a hero
- push through dizziness
- fall off a bike in cycle class
Because we’ve all been conditioned to think:
👉 suffering = results
And that’s not always true.
Types of Fasting
You do not have to jump straight into the deep end.
Time-Restricted Fasting (Beginner Friendly)
Usually 12–16 hours.
- Stop eating at night
- Eat again later the next morning or at lunch
✔ easiest place to start
✔ fits real life
24-Hour Fast
Example: dinner to dinner the next day.
✔ deeper reset
✔ more mental challenge
72-Hour Fast
This is the full 3-day fast.
✔ bigger shift in the body
✔ requires preparation
Extended Fasts
Anything longer than 3 days.
✔ more advanced
✔ should be approached carefully
What Happens in Your Body When You Fast
Let’s break this down without sounding like a textbook.
0–12 Hours
Your body is still using food for energy.
12–24 Hours
Your body starts shifting toward fat for fuel.
✔ insulin drops
✔ fat burning increases
24–48 Hours
Your body moves into deeper repair mode.
✔ inflammation may decrease
✔ mental clarity may improve
48+ Hours
This is where things get interesting.
✔ autophagy begins (cell cleanup mode)
✔ your body starts repairing and recycling
👉 Translation:
Your body gets more efficient when you give it a break.
Fasting Is Not Undereating
Let’s be clear:
👉 fasting is not “eat as little as possible”
When you do eat, focus on:
- protein
- healthy fats
- real food
Fasting and Workouts (Real Talk)
You have options.
✔ Fasted workouts
- train near the end of your fast
✔ Fueled workouts
- eat something small first if needed
There is no award for pushing through dizziness.
How to Break a Fast
Do not go straight into chaos eating.
Start simple:
- eggs + avocado
- yogurt + berries
- protein smoothie
- bone broth
When It Gets Hard
Because it will.
What helps:
✔ water
✔ staying busy
✔ not overthinking it
Final Thoughts
Fasting is:
✔ simple
✔ flexible
✔ free (we love that)
But it is also something you learn and ease into.
What’s Coming Next
It’s been a while since I’ve done anything longer than an 18-hour fast, so naturally…
I’m jumping into a full 3-day fast.
Because that seems like a completely reasonable life choice 😏
I’m documenting the whole thing:
- what actually happens
- what surprised me
- what sucked
- what actually worked
Thinking about trying fasting?
Tell me — are you curious, skeptical, or already doing it?
Disclaimer
This is my personal experience and what worked for me. I’m not a medical professional. Always consult your doctor before starting any new diet, fasting routine, or lifestyle change—especially if you have underlying health conditions.
