New Year Group Extended Fasts

[Subtle_badger]

Who's in?

Share any plans you have for fasting as one year ends (thank god!) and a new one begins (🤞)

More details:

We try to hold a group fast on or around the first Sunday of the month. That nicely coincides with the new year.

The monthly fast is simple. Anyone doing an extended fast over the new year share it here for support and fellow fasters. We will cheer you on, and tell you to stop if we are worried it's not healthy. (But don't rely on us for health advice, of course!)

We must all decide for ourselves if fasting is safe and healthy for us, but once you have established that, please use this discussion to achieve your goal. If you aren't sure what is safe and healthy for you, ask some questions and we can help you decide, or direct you to your GP.

The purpose of the group fast is for us to give each other support and encouragement.

Post your fasting plan here, then while you are fasting, updates on how you are feeling. Ask for help or advice or share hints on what helps you. Let us know how you did at the end, and maybe share a picture (in a separate discussion) of your fast-breaking meal.

I often start my fasts after my last meal on a Sunday. Others prefer to fast over the weekends starting Friday. It's all good. Use this thread to support any elongated (for you!) fast you are doing around the start of the year.

Don't hesitate to start your own discussion/thread if that helps your goals. We are all supporting each other, and so should do whatever we need to be successful.

But remember, while it seems likely that fasting strengthens the immune system in the long term, stress can lower your immunity in the short term. You may be more vulnerable to infections during and immediately after fasting. Consider your personal risk of exposure to coronavirus when planning a fast.

[S11m Volunteer 70lb IF20]

Yes - I am thinking I might fast from Sunday 3rd.

I am back to within a pound of my pre-Christmas (target) weight.

[Hidden]

Can I ask what is an extended fast, how long?

I eat 18:6 almost every day, but are you guys talking of days-long fasting or what? Or just point me to a thread rather than have to restate everything.

Cheers and Happy New Year

[S11m Volunteer 70lb IF20 in reply to Hidden]

Hi - you could look at the threads for the previous monthly fasts. An "extended fast" is anything over 24 hours.

How long have you me IFing 18:6?

I did one 100-hour fast, but normally fast 72 hours every month - perhaps you might like to extend you 18-hour fast by 24 hours, making 42 hours?

[Hidden in reply to S11m]

I normally do 18:6 or 20:4, something like that, most days and have been doing this for 3+ years. I've never done a whole day without eating but may give it a try. But I'll look at the previous threads first.Thank you.

[S11m Volunteer 70lb IF20 in reply to Hidden]

If you have been IFing for three years, then you will be well fat-adapted, and eating nothing all day (fasting for two nights and a day) should be no problem for you....but, having lost 5½ stone, I feel cold and hungry when it is below freezing - and I opted out last month.

[Subtle_badger 16Kg IF 72hrs in reply to Hidden]

It might be worth asking yourself why you want to do a longer fast. It's not compulsory, so thinking through your motivation may clarify what you should do.

(I think I need to do the same; I've lost touch with my motivations)

[S11m Volunteer 70lb IF20 in reply to Subtle_badger]

Hi Subtle_badger and Hidden ...Have you read "Why fast?":

healthunlocked.com/fasting-...

See also "How to fast":

This is included in the "Welcome Newbies" post, which includes advice on how to fast:

healthunlocked.com/fasting-...

How you fast depends on why you want to fast - most of us mainly want to lose weight, but you can fast to stay healthy and rejuvenate or heal your mind and body.

[Subtle_badger 16Kg IF 72hrs in reply to Hidden]

Sorry Cyrtis, I was lazy when posting. I have fleshed it out with more details.

Extended is whatever is extended for you. So you could try 24 hours (skipping breakfast and lunch) or 36 hours (skipping all 3 meals on one day, +2 nights adds up).

It's meant to be inclusive, so whatever you are doing is counts.

[Subtle_badger 16Kg IF 72hrs]

I haven't formed a plan yet. I think I am going to try a couple of days of health eating (and cleaning out leftovers) and do a 36 hour fast on Sunday or Monday.

[S11m Volunteer 70lb IF20]

I am feeling good - and I have started my fast. I will see how I feel, and play it by ear.

I have been feeling rough for a few months - I think I might have had Long Covid.

[S11m Volunteer 70lb IF20]

Yesterday - 30 hours into my fast - I felt great and walked 5km in an hour... I was disabled for five years, so I am glad to be able to walk at all - and I have been gradually improving - and walking 5km in an hour has been my ambition for months.I felt unenergetic this morning - so I have broken my fast 48 hours this time.