Perspectives of a sensible biohacker with a science background who reversed his prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and abdominal obesity via healthy lifestyle choices
I experimented with intermittent fasting twice, and both times I was very happy with the results.
As an endurance athlete, I can't afford to fast often as I need almost constant fuel to perform in the pool.
However, at the end of the last two seasons, when I took three weeks off, I decided to try intermittent fasting to see for myself what it was all about. I fasted for 16 hours and ate for 8. The first days were hard, and I really felt my blood sugar dropping. After a few days, however, the fasting became much easier, almost like an enjoyable challenge. After three weeks, I noticed I hadn't really gained much weight despite not training much. I felt that I was in good physical shape, which usually wasn't the case following such a long break.
I think I will continue to experiment with intermittent fasting when I stop swimming competitively. I also want to try longer fasts and see how my body responds.
For anyone who has done fasts longer than 16 hours: How long did you fast for, and how did you mentally prepare for them?
Did not lose one ounce but I sure was hungry and miserable.
Thank you for this article!
I have fasted 3 1/2 weeks before. I wouldn't advise that but I was homeless and I didn't feel hungry which was weird.
I experimented with intermittent fasting twice, and both times I was very happy with the results.
As an endurance athlete, I can't afford to fast often as I need almost constant fuel to perform in the pool.
However, at the end of the last two seasons, when I took three weeks off, I decided to try intermittent fasting to see for myself what it was all about. I fasted for 16 hours and ate for 8. The first days were hard, and I really felt my blood sugar dropping. After a few days, however, the fasting became much easier, almost like an enjoyable challenge. After three weeks, I noticed I hadn't really gained much weight despite not training much. I felt that I was in good physical shape, which usually wasn't the case following such a long break.
I think I will continue to experiment with intermittent fasting when I stop swimming competitively. I also want to try longer fasts and see how my body responds.
For anyone who has done fasts longer than 16 hours: How long did you fast for, and how did you mentally prepare for them?