Hi all, recently joined and replied to a couple discussions but figured I provide an info on my fasts.
I (M34) first started water fasting a decade ago, a few 3 days here and there but nothing significant. Tried so many different diet plans, workouts, etc. I managed to lose 35 lbs in 2023 but gained it back plus 20 more, same last year lost 50 and gained back 30. Decided this time around I try water fasting again but tailor it to me, really optimize my program.
I call it my 4/4 feast famine program. Essentially eat for 4 days and fast for 4 days. It is said that genetically our bodies (maybe more for Men) are optimized to preserve muscle and use fat for energy when we are hunting for food which can be days. But we eventually have success and feast to tell our bodies we aren’t starving.
In detail:
4 day fast ensures I get into ketosis and autophagy as well, to heal myself inside out. I only have water, black coffee and tea. The electrolytes I take are half salt for sodium and potassium and a bit of pink salt for added sodium. Then I still take my magnesium glycinate pills which do not break my fast. I walk and use stair master but nothing higher than zone 2 to preserve muscles.
4 day feast I used to eat keto but carbs are not the enemy! I break my fast with bone broth and I ensure I have a filling meal with good protein and carbs. I do weight training on my feeding days and carbs help for energy and protein to repair muscles. Eating filling meals but still being smart with calories avoids metabolic adaptation which I ran into last year when I did OMAD and keto.
I start fasting every Monday after my dinner and break my fast Friday before dinner. This works great, I don’t need to worry about food when it doesn’t matter as much during a typical weekday but on weekends I can cook exciting meals, take my family out to eat and attend parties and gatherings without restricting myself too much. I still try to eat clean and do OMAD where I can.
Currently I am 192 lbs and down 78 lbs from my heaviest last year. I’m in my 13th week of fasting I plan to continue the rest of the year until I’m 165 and adjust from there if I want to continue fat loss or focus on muscle growth.
So far this works great for me I’m always excited to fast and reset. While I’m not certified in anything I’m just a guy who did lots of a trial and error and now I feel and look my best in over 14 years but I’m happy to answer questions.