So I have finally broken my 72 hour fast and I can’t say I enjoyed it much. Fasting has some amazing health benefits both physically and mentally, but if you love food like I do it’s not an easy ride, however it’s worth it.
Why did I fast?
The first reason I did the fast was for the health benefits, but secondly I wanted to experience what it’s like first hand before we recorded our podcast covering the topic on intermittent and prolonged Fasting. (Click here if you want to listen to our podcast and learn more about fasting) I have tried fasting in the past, but the longest I have ever done was only 24 hours. Doing 72 hours was a whole different ball game when it came to mindset, discipline and cravings. I had to keep thinking of the benefits and keep busy to stop myself from deviating from the plan and heading straight for the kitchen!
So what are the benefits of fasting?
Studies and research has shown that Fasting helps improve and fight against –
- Cancer (Cancer cells have mutated and have lost their protective nature. Without glucose, they shrink and or die)
- Chemo side effects
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Heart Disease
- Arthritis
- Allergies
- Inflammation
- Digestion
- Ageing
- and the list goes on!
Other than the amazing health benefits you get with fasting, I did liked the fact I didn’t need to cook, eat, clean, track macros or go shopping for 3 days which freed up so much of my time and head space. Oh, and not to mention the money I saved.. I eat a lot!
So Time for reflection
Not eating for 3 days made me realise how lucky we are, to have the abundance of food readily available for us to eat and how important a healthy relationship with food really is. When you fast, you build this new appreciation for food and I now realise that we should never take it for granted. Food keeps us alive, functioning properly and gives us energy. It’s pretty important stuff!
To finish I just want to stress that fasting should not be used to fix an unhealthy lifestyle, it should be an addition to a lifestyle that is already healthy and balanced.
If you would like to learn more about fasting and its benefits then click here to listen to the AdapNation podcast. We cover both intermittent fasting and prolonged fasting, the benefits and how to complete one successfully.
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