I Tried Fasting for the First Time at 58
It all started with a scheduling mixup.
My husband was supposed to have a colonoscopy, but the date was wrong, and he had to fast for a day before realizing the mistake. As annoyed as we were then, the fast was a blessing in disguise. He had been having gut issues for months, and after the fast and cleanse, his problems disappeared, and they haven't returned since.
His success with fasting convinced me to give it a try. I had noticed that I was gaining weight around my waist, and I knew I had been indulging in processed vegan foods and alcohol while not exercising enough. I hoped that a fast would kickstart my overall health improvement.
How I did it
Although I had tried intermittent fasting before, I had never gone 24 hours without eating anything. So, I decided to challenge myself with a "real" fast. I started by following an intermittent fasting routine on Monday and Tuesday, fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window between noon and 8 pm. Then, after 8 pm on Tuesday, I ate at noon on Thursday. I initially planned to fast for 36 hours, which would have allowed me to eat at 8 am, but I felt tremendous and waited until my lunch break at work. For the remainder of Thursday and Friday, I continued intermittent fasting and consumed only plant-based, unprocessed foods and no alcohol.
I was initially worried about whether or not I'd be able to complete the fast, but I pushed through and saw some fantastic results. It wasn't just about losing weight. I aimed to feel more energetic and better rested and improve my mood. Addressing these issues would naturally lead to losing weight.
I also know how crucial gut health is. The gut is home to millions of neurons and produces many of the same neurotransmitters as the brain, vital in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. Improving gut health can lead to improvements in overall health and well-being.
While working in the hospital, I saw patients fast for various reasons. We even did fecal transplants to recolonize their intestinal tract with healthy microbes. That's how crucial our intestinal tract is. Fecal transplants involve taking healthy fecal matter from a donor and transplanting it into the recipient's gut, which can help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria and improve gut health.
The feeling of empowerment I experienced after completing the fast was genuinely remarkable. I recognized my strength and willpower and realized that I could achieve much more than I had previously thought possible. This newfound sense of empowerment has been the most significant benefit of the fast, as it has allowed me to reconnect with myself and tap into my inner strength.
In addition to the emotional benefits, I noticed some physical changes due to the fast. While I did lose a few pounds, and my belly felt flatter, these changes were secondary to the sense of empowerment that I gained. It's unique how such a simple act of self-discipline can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.
If you're thinking about trying a fast, I highly recommend it (always check with your healthcare provider if you're on medications). Fasting isn't just about losing weight; it's about feeling better overall. Fasting can help improve your gut health, increase your energy, and even improve your mood. And if you're like me and have trouble breaking unhealthy habits, completing a fast can push you to get serious about your health.
In summary, fasting can be a life-changing way to kickstart your overall health improvement. It's not just about losing weight but about feeling better overall. Improving gut health can lead to improvements in overall health and well-being. If you're thinking about trying a fast, take the leap and give it a try. Who knows? You might find yourself feeling better than ever before!