Janesays Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 Has anyone here tried short fasts? If so, for how long? What were some of the benefits? Did you experience any negative side effects? Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 (edited) I've fasted daily since about early March 2011 using Leangains (slightly modified to accommodate my work schedule). Leangains uses a 16 hr fast/8 hr "feeding window" template. Training can either be done fasted or fed. I train fed after 1 large meal (lunch) and 1 smaller pre workout meal. It has definitely provided me a means to better control fat loss. Since March, I've increased my strength levels on all lifts, experienced noticeable increases in muscle size and definition and lost fat (about 25 lbs). The bi-lateral knee inflammation that I'd been suffering from for about 1.5 years before I started LG disappeared with 3 weeks after starting it, though I can't be sure that LG is responsible for this change. Edit: Also, I have not had any negative side effects. Edited September 12, 2011 by tman666 Link to post Share on other sites
Author Janesays Posted September 12, 2011 Author Share Posted September 12, 2011 I'm on my third day of an all water fast (plus wheat grass and vitamin supplements) and I'm wondering how long before my body cleanses itself of toxins, etc. It's my first fast so I'm just not sure how long I should go. Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 I'm on my third day of an all water fast (plus wheat grass and vitamin supplements) and I'm wondering how long before my body cleanses itself of toxins, etc. It's my first fast so I'm just not sure how long I should go. I've never seen any scientific evidence that prolonged fasts (past 48 hrs) have any benefits for reducing toxicity. Also, your metabolism starts to slow down past around 48 hrs. Not saying you're wrong for doing your fast, but I would venture that you're putting yourself through a lot of misery for nothing. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Janesays Posted September 12, 2011 Author Share Posted September 12, 2011 I've never seen any scientific evidence that prolonged fasts (past 48 hrs) have any benefits for reducing toxicity. Also, your metabolism starts to slow down past around 48 hrs. Not saying you're wrong for doing your fast, but I would venture that you're putting yourself through a lot of misery for nothing. Hm. So you think I should keep my fasts under 48 hours? Also, I was thinking one fast per month might be good for me. Do you think that's too high or too low? Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 Hm. So you think I should keep my fasts under 48 hours? Also, I was thinking one fast per month might be good for me. Do you think that's too high or too low? If you prefer eating "normally" most of the time but want to experience many of the benefits of fasting, I would recommend checking out "Eat Stop Eat" by Brad Pilon. While I've never used it myself (and I would be wary recommending it to athletes), I believe it entails a couple of 24 hr fasts per week, or maybe 1 48. I'm not sure. Read up on "Intermittent Fasting" and choose a style that fits your lifestyle and goals. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Janesays Posted September 12, 2011 Author Share Posted September 12, 2011 Thanks for the info, Tman. All in all, I'm glad I did the 72 hours, if nothing but to prove to myself that I have the self discipline. After this, the 24 hour fasts are going to feel like no big deal. Link to post Share on other sites
Feelin Frisky Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 (edited) I believe in fasting for spiritual and intellectual reasons--to start to quiet the animal beast inside that has been dominant and consuming more than is healthy while obscuring connection with the better and more objective self. The elimination of toxins is something that a lot of unscrupulous exploiters have used for a long time to convince people that they are sick with poison and only their message or remedy will cure it. If you live a healthy life, are "regular" and eat well, there will likely be nothing built up inside of you that you need to fast for days to get rid of. If you do fast and feel different emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, it will likely be the result of a shift from entertaining pleasure impulses to developing a contiguous connection with your best self. Be well and be careful not to harm yourself by over-doing it. Edited September 13, 2011 by Feelin Frisky Link to post Share on other sites
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