I just got off of a 7 day fast of no food or sugar. All I allowed myself was Water, Coffee, and salt. And today I wanted to share what I learned from that experience
Why?
What many people think fasting is
What I experienced
My reasons for trying a fast is
I wanted to challenge myself. no diet reason No protest reason. no religious reason. Just wanted to see what it was like to fast for 7 days.
I wanted to see what my thoughts when in that type of hardship was. I didn’t focus on food but I noticed fast food signs everywhere.
day 1
just hungry
Day 2-3
Hungry at times But also noticed darker urine and no need to go poo
the internet says that I wasn’t getting enough water despite drinking 3 gallons of water in those two days alone
Day 4-5
the hunger is still there from time to time along with the darker urine but it was beginning to lighten up to a bright yellow
Oily stool
Day 6-7
On normal enough days, nothing exciting happened. I was even able to go get my wife some food and not be tempted
But I also went shopping and I could smell the food everywhere. Even the rotisserie chicken from across wal-mart.
Results
I showed myself that I could do hard things and this one didn’t do the wear that the 22km walk did back in 2022. I do have worries that I may have slowed my metabolism down a bit but that is my biggest worry
Summary
In this episode of The Relaxed Male, we delve into the topic of challenging ourselves and the importance of embracing hardships. As the host of the show, I have a deep understanding of the struggles men face in their everyday lives, whether it be divorce, work-related issues, or family troubles. I am committed to helping men find the courage and confidence to relax and enjoy life to the fullest. We begin by discussing the need to push ourselves and do hard things, as our modern lifestyles have made us comfortable. Our ancestors faced regular hardships and challenges, such as the Great Depression, which forced them to adjust to difficult circumstances. It is time for us to adopt the same mindset and embrace challenges. We recognize that our eating habits have shifted from consuming food for sustenance to seeking comfort, which has contributed to the obesity problem we face today.
To challenge this mentality, I recently embarked on a seven-day fast and completed a physically demanding challenge of carrying 22 pounds on my back while walking 22 kilometers. Although I faced difficulties during the journey, pushing my limits has always been something I enjoy. While there have been failures along the way, such as attempting a long bike ride, I have learned to recognize when something is beyond my capabilities. After completing the walking challenge, I realized that I had been neglecting other areas of my life, such as taking care of my house. This lack of fulfillment led me to understand the importance of pushing myself further.
During the seven-day fast, I had to navigate through various physical and mental challenges. Hunger was to be expected, but it was manageable. With increased water consumption and proper electrolyte balance, I was able to sustain myself. As the days progressed, I faced temptations in truck stops and grocery stores, with enticing aromas constantly surrounding me. However, I remained focused on my fasting journey and resisted the urge to give in to these temptations.
Throughout the fast, I became more mindful of my food cravings and worked to change unhealthy eating habits. I introduced healthier snack options and limited my indulgences. On the sixth and seventh days, I allowed myself a reward of cherry vanilla ice cream, acknowledging the need for balance. Beyond the physical challenges, I also focused on my thoughts and mindset during the fast. I realized that many of my thoughts revolved around food cravings and potential moments of self-pity.
Dark humor among friends became a coping mechanism during this time, allowing me to navigate the tough moments. In conclusion, challenging ourselves and embracing hardships is crucial for personal growth and development.
Whether it is a fast, a physically demanding task, or any other challenging activity, stepping out of our comfort zones is essential. I encourage listeners to seek out these opportunities and appreciate the good things in life that come as a result. As a token of gratitude, I offer a free coaching opportunity and provide guidance on how to sign up. Let’s all strive to push ourselves and become better versions of ourselves.
00:00:00 Introducing the challenge and its significance
00:02:49 Reflection on the show’s progress and personal challenge undertaken
00:04:36 An anecdote about the host’s great-grandfather’s resilience
00:08:11 The relationship between comfort eating and lack of challenges
00:10:09 Challenging Myself: Adventures and Bike Rides
00:11:40 From Bike Rides to Car Rides: Lessons Learned
00:13:36 The Experience of Fasting for Seven Days
00:19:03 Tempted by the Aromas of a Truck Stop
00:22:27 Grocery Shopping Temptations and Snack Selections
00:27:52 The Importance of Paying Attention to Your Thoughts
00:32:00 Embracing Discomfort and Overcoming Challenges
00:34:48 The Benefits of Taking on Challenges in Life