The Rationale Behind Fasting

Tim Ferriss first encountered fasting as a potential remedy for Lyme Disease. After enduring a challenging 7-day fast at a clinic, he found some relief from joint pain and skin issues, although the experience was far from pleasant. My motivations for attempting a 3-day fast differ. I don't suffer from significant joint pain, and since eliminating dairy, my skin has improved. However, I was curious about the fat loss that could result from fasting.

When you abstain from food, your body enters ketosis, switching from burning carbohydrates to utilizing fat for energy. While fat loss is an appealing benefit, there are additional perks to fasting, including:

• Fat burning
• Enhanced human growth hormone (HGH) levels
• Reduced inflammation
• Significant autophagy
• Improved cognitive function and focus
• Immune system rejuvenation

Of all these benefits, my primary interest lay in enhanced focus, crucial for my reading, writing, and coding endeavors. Beyond that, I genuinely enjoy the challenge of fasting.

The Fasting Method

I opted to follow Tim Ferriss' approach for my 3-day fast, which is notably more manageable than a strict water fast. My fasting period commenced on Thursday evening after dinner, with my last meal at 6:30 PM. Ideally, your final meal should consist of slow carbs and protein, but my girlfriend's delicious pasta took precedence.

On Friday morning, I went about my regular workday, hydrating with water and enjoying coffee around 3 PM. After returning home at 4:30 PM, I treated myself to tea with coconut oil—quite delightful.

Tim recommends a 3–4 hour walk on Friday morning, but I managed a brief 30-minute stroll in the afternoon. This walk helps deplete muscle glycogen stores, prompting your body to transition from burning glucose to ketones for energy.

During the evening, I alternated between tea and saltwater to stave off headaches and cramps. Saturday mirrored Friday's routine, with tea and saltwater throughout the day, and I indulged in another cup of tea with coconut oil in the evening.

By Sunday, I skipped the walk, but maintained my hydration and beverages until my first meal after 72 hours.

Summary of the Process:

• Thursday: Last meal with low/slow carbs and higher protein.
• Friday: Consume coconut oil, walk extensively, hydrate with saltwater.
• Saturday: Repeat Friday's regimen.
• Sunday: No need for a walk; continue with hydration and tea or black coffee.

Tips for Success:

• Engage in reading or online courses to keep occupied.
• Enjoy beverages that excite you; sparkling water with lemon is refreshing during the last stretch.
• Extend your walks with podcasts or schedule phone calls.
• Share your fasting plans with someone to maintain accountability.

The Outcomes of My Fast

Did I shed 10 pounds, write a bestseller, and feel euphoric? Not exactly. However, the time gained was invaluable. Typically, I eat multiple meals, often dining out, which consumes precious hours. Fasting gifted me an extra 2–3 hours daily, which I utilized for reading, writing, and coding.

As you might know from my previous articles, I am dedicated to maximizing productivity and happiness. For me, productivity is synonymous with joy, and the additional work time was a boon.

Moreover, my focus during this period was extraordinary. On the second day, I experienced a mental clarity reminiscent of taking a "Limitless" pill, effortlessly entering a flow state multiple times. I read faster, absorbed information better, and wrote fluidly without hesitation. Plus, I did manage to lose a bit of fat, and food became incredibly gratifying.

Diary of My Fasting Experience:

Friday — 9 PM

Craving a bowl of pho, I found myself distracted by the aroma of BBQ. Despite this, my productivity soared today. I completed all my tasks and now plan to unwind with my girlfriend. As the hunger intensifies, I'm looking forward to sleeping it off.

Saturday — 4 PM

Sipping delicious black coffee at Empty Cup, I ponder how long I could extend this fast. After feeling hungry earlier, my coconut oil tea propelled me into a remarkable focus zone. It felt like I was in a tunnel, fully immersed in my work. Now, the hunger is creeping back in, and I think I’ll catch a movie.

Saturday — 9 PM

Watching the Conor McGregor series on Netflix, I admire his strong mindset—it's inspiring. As the evening wears on, I feel drained and long for a snack. I’ll be attending my friend's wedding social tonight but will be counting the hours until I can eat again.

Sunday — 11 AM

Sleeping in helped me avoid hunger pangs. I feel mentally energetic, with focus at an all-time high, although physically I'm at about 70%. I'm eagerly anticipating my first meal soon.

Sunday — 6 PM

The moment is almost here! I'm heading to "Pho Cuu Long," a fantastic restaurant. My physical energy is decent, but my mental acuity feels unparalleled. I plan to indulge in a large satay pho with double meat and veggies.

Conclusion

Anyone can undertake a 3-day fast, and honestly, it's not as daunting as it seems—this was my second attempt. Fasting is primarily a mental challenge. If you have an objective, like studying for an exam, you can manage it well. My top advice is to stock up on coconut oil, alternate your drinks, and keep busy. The results make it worthwhile, and I plan to repeat this every few months.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments!

Be Love.

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In this video, Tim Ferriss shares his 2021 diet, explaining his slow-carb approach and how he incorporates periodic fasting to maintain health and well-being.

This video discusses Tim Ferriss' extreme dieting regimen, which he follows to stay lean while balancing productivity and health.