The Initial Struggle: 50 Hours of Discomfort

For the first two days, my diet consisted solely of green tea and water—absolutely no calories! The hunger pangs were relentless, infiltrating my entire being. I found myself obsessing over food, questioning if this endeavor was worthwhile.

I attempted to maintain my usual fitness routine, which includes climbing twice a week, weight training three times, and hiking once. I hoped that the endorphins would help me manage my cravings, but without my usual carb-driven energy, I had to reduce my workout intensity.

Around 30 hours in, I caught a whiff of my housemate’s delicious Thai curry, and it was as if I was dreaming. I imagined myself floating toward the aromatic dish like a starving vulture.

Surprisingly, by the end of the second day, my hunger diminished significantly. I transitioned from fantasizing about food to almost forgetting it entirely. This change was likely due to ketosis, a state where the body begins to burn fat for fuel.

Noticing Changes After 70 Hours

By the end of the third day, I noticed my stomach flattening. I slipped into one of my fitted shirts and felt a surge of confidence. My previously protruding belly made it hard to wear snug clothing, but that had changed. My housemate even remarked on how my jawline appeared sharper.

Interestingly, fasting eliminated the need for cooking and grocery shopping, providing an unexpected time-saving benefit. Strangely enough, starting from day four, my concentration improved, allowing me to tackle work tasks with ease. This was likely because the stored fat in my body was supplying steady energy.

I lost around 10 pounds, although much of this was probably just water weight due to my reduced salt intake. Despite drinking about 3.5 liters daily, my body wasn’t retaining much water. I began at 167 pounds and ended at approximately 157 pounds, feeling and looking significantly better.

The Downsides of Fasting

Rebuilding my appetite took some time. I broke my fast with watermelon juice and lentil soup, gradually reintroducing solid foods. My digestive system had essentially shut down and needed a gentle restart.

As a passionate climber, I noticed a slight dip in my stamina and strength when I resumed climbing the following week. While it wasn't severe, I definitely felt the impact.

Key Takeaways from the Experience

Modern food can disrupt our bodies, which might explain our fluctuating energy levels. I vividly recall the overwhelming sweetness of my first post-fast meal—watermelon juice felt like pure sugar. This could be attributed to the overly rich nature of processed foods, which dulls our taste sensitivity.

Although fasting was challenging, I appreciated how revitalized I felt for days afterward. I’m considering making this an annual ritual. This experience has opened my eyes to the possibility of thriving on less food than I typically consume. Reducing portion sizes could lead to significant health improvements.