Why Did I Fast?

You might wonder why I opted for such a challenging fasting regimen. It may seem irrational or even perilous. So, why did I choose this path?

My primary motivation was spiritual. As a Christian, fasting is considered a vital spiritual practice. I sought to enhance my spiritual commitment through increased prayer, fasting, and acts of worship. This fast served as a personal offering to God, symbolizing my dedication.

Additionally, the time I saved from meal planning and preparation allowed me to engage in activities I cherish, like reading, praying, and watching sermons on YouTube.

I strategically scheduled my fast during a period that wouldn’t interfere with my remote work. Although my job is mostly online, dry fasting can be exhausting, and I didn’t want it to hinder my productivity.

Interestingly, as I progressed, I found motivation in the various benefits of fasting, which encouraged me to extend my goal. Initially, I planned for three days; however, having successfully completed a similar fast in December 2022, I felt inspired to push beyond that limit.

Day 1: The Beginning

The first day was surprisingly manageable. I experienced minimal hunger, though the temptation to break my fast lingered when I envisioned a specific meal. I recalled my previous attempt to fast on December 30, which ended prematurely due to cravings. Determined not to repeat that, I stayed committed, likely because remnants of food still lingered in my digestive system.

Day 2: Still Going Strong

The second day was relatively uneventful. While I felt a bit hungry, it was not overwhelming, likely due to the remaining food in my system. I spent this day reading uplifting fasting stories and exploring the spiritual benefits of fasting, which bolstered my resolve.

Day 3: Encountering Hunger

Day 3 marked a shift; hunger became more pronounced. I sensed my body entering ketosis, which intrigued me. However, I also began to experience some minor side effects, notably "keto breath," which was quite unpleasant.

As I observed changes in my body, I noted that my stomach appeared less distended, though I still dealt with ongoing gut health issues that prompted me to research probiotics and prebiotics.

Day 4: The Fascination of Autophagy

On day four, I felt the onset of autophagy, a process where the body cleanses and recycles damaged cells. I found this concept fascinating and was amazed at the body's ability to heal itself. I also noted that my clothes fit better, likely due to water weight loss.

However, I felt somewhat sluggish, perhaps due to my mindset regarding energy levels during the fast. I also noticed less knee pain while sitting cross-legged, possibly due to reduced swelling from dehydration.

My thoughts increasingly revolved around food. I spent time searching for recipes and even contemplated pickling cucumbers, influenced by local vegetable vendors.

Day 5: Sustaining Spiritual Practices

Throughout this day, I maintained my spiritual routines—praying, reading scripture, and listening to sermons. I continued doing light household chores, including hand washing, feeling capable but cautious not to overexert myself.

Day 6: Facing Challenges

Day six proved to be the toughest. Fatigue enveloped me, and I struggled to stand for extended periods. I felt faint but not dizzy. Concerned about my health, I contemplated breaking my fast due to intermittent nausea.

Day 7: The Conclusion

My intention was to conclude the fast on day eight, but I felt compelled to stop on day seven due to escalating nausea and vomiting. Alarmingly, I expelled stomach acid, which prompted me to break my fast with water.

Breaking the Fast: A Gentle Approach

Given the nature of my fast, I couldn’t simply dive into eating. I began with small sips of water, taking care not to overwhelm my system. The following day, I consumed only an apple and a cup of Chambiko, a fermented drink.

The aftereffects of keto breath lingered for a few days, and I felt faint initially after breaking my fast. Thankfully, the discomfort subsided as I incorporated fermented foods and probiotics into my diet, significantly improving my gut health.

Lessons Learned

1. Consultation is Key: I should have communicated my fasting plans to a medical professional for guidance. This would have ensured my safety.
2. Prepare the Body: Detoxing prior to fasting could have eased the process and reduced discomfort.
3. Choose Wisely: I should have decided whether to pursue a soft or hard dry fast and prepared accordingly.
4. Body's Resilience: I gained a deeper appreciation for the body's remarkable capabilities and its self-healing mechanisms.

Would I Undertake This Fast Again?

Despite the challenges I faced, I ponder whether I would embark on another complete fast. Ultimately, the answer hinges on my spiritual aspirations, and I remain open to whatever steps I need to take to achieve my goals.

Helpful Resources

While this article is not a guide, I encourage anyone interested in fasting to seek professional advice. For those curious about fasting, here are some resources that might be helpful:

• Dry Fasting — The Complete Guide
• Advantages of Dry Fasting vs. Water Fasting
• Dry Fasting: Days, Weeks, or Hours?

Have you ever experienced prolonged fasting? I invite you to share your experiences in the comments below.

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