Have you ever wondered if your body has an incredible ability to heal and regenerate itself? What if you could reset your metabolism, enhance mental clarity, and unlock new levels of energy without constant food intake? As a nurse, aspiring health coach, and wellness advocate, I embarked on a 100-hour fasting challenge (which ultimately extended to 108 hours!) to explore just that. My journey, documented in a compelling YouTube video series, offers a deep dive into metabolic health, resilience, and the power of giving your body a chance to recalibrate.
Why a 100-Hour Fast? A Metabolic Reset! I initiated this extended fast to achieve a metabolic reset. After noticing “carb creep” in my diet and some extra pounds, I wanted to recalibrate my body, transitioning from relying on carbohydrates for energy to tapping into my fat stores through ketosis. This process is crucial for improving metabolic flexibility, which means my body can effortlessly switch between energy sources, supporting weight management, energy levels, and mental clarity. I was inspired by Ben Azadi’s insights on metabolic freedom and keto living.
Key Discoveries and Benefits During the Fast:
Deep Ketosis and Fat Burning: I meticulously monitored my glucose and ketone levels throughout the fast, using a Keto Mojo monitor. My ketones consistently rose, indicating my body was efficiently relying on fat for fuel. For example, by 86 hours, my ketones reached 4.45, and peaked at 8.0 before I broke my fast at 108 hours. My glucose levels also stabilized at a lower baseline, showing efficient energy management without food. This shift to fat-burning provided me with sustained mental sharpness and steady physical energy.
Cellular Autophagy: After about 16 to 24 hours, the body enters a state of autophagy. This is a cellular cleanup mode that removes damaged cells and promotes regeneration, essentially “hitting the refresh button” on health at a cellular level.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Fasting can enhance insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial for managing blood sugar and energy levels.
Minimal Hunger Pangs: Surprisingly, I experienced minimal physical hunger throughout the extended fast. This is partly because hunger hormones like ghrelin begin to stabilize and decrease as the fast continues.
Mental Clarity and Focus: Fueled by ketones, my brain function improved, leading to enhanced mental clarity and focus.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience:
While the physical hunger was minimal, the mental adjustment was the toughest part. Breaking habits, ignoring cravings, and staying motivated in the face of temptation required significant resilience. I reframed cravings as opportunities to prove my determination and reminded myself of my “why”.
An unexpected physical change was feeling extra cold, even in South Florida’s warm climate. This is a normal physiological response during fasting due to lower insulin production affecting heat, energy conservation shifting to essential functions, and reduced thermogenesis (heat generated from digesting food).
My sleep patterns also evolved. While some nights were good, as ketones increased, sleep became lighter due to increased brain alertness.
Preparation and Strategies for Success:
Preparation is key for an extended fast. My strategies included:
Optimizing hydration with plenty of water, tea, and electrolytes.
Prioritizing sleep before the fast.
Mental preparation by understanding the physiological changes, such as rising ketones and suppressed hunger hormones.
Gentle movement like walking helped maintain circulation, prevent sluggishness, support metabolic function, and provide mental resets.
The Crucial Post-Fast Period:
Breaking an extended fast requires a strategic approach. I chose warm bone broth as my first meal to gently ease digestion, provide gut-soothing nutrients, and replenish electrolytes. Refeeding matters just as much as fasting. Introducing foods too quickly can cause sickness.
A week after breaking my 108-hour fast, I share fascinating post-fast updates. My body continues to adjust, with:
Glucose settling in the 80s and ketones remaining high (e.g., 3.4), demonstrating continued metabolic flexibility.
Improved sleep quality, noting deeper, more restful cycles compared to lighter sleep during the fast.
Sustained high energy levels and effortless movement.
Weight stabilization: While I initially lost 11 lbs during the 108 hours, my weight naturally fluctuated a bit post-fast, stabilizing at about 2 lbs higher than the day I finished, but almost all of the 11 lbs remained off.
Continued Intermittent Fasting (IF): I continued IF, typically eating my first meal around noon and finishing dinner before 7 PM, focusing on high protein and healthy fats like eggs, bacon, sardines, chicken, ribeye, and chuck roast.
Start Your Own Journey!
My 108-hour fast was a profound experiment in mental resilience, metabolic health, and self-awareness. I learned that fasting is about optimization, that the mental aspect can be harder than the physical, and that deep ketosis feels incredible.
Are you curious about fasting or considering a metabolic reset for yourself? My journey is a powerful testament to the body’s adaptive capabilities.
Watch the full video series to follow My day-by-day experience, see my real-time glucose and ketone readings, and learn my strategies for success:
•https://youtu.be/Plt-ik31M0A?si=jRhEWS5-Llvyy2In
“100 Hour Fasting Challenge and What You Need to Know”
•https://youtu.be/sGm2CnqLAZU?si=va08Fb7_KtBFvDKE
“Beyond Hunger: A Nurse’s 100-Hour Fasting Journey for Metabolic Freedom”
•https://youtu.be/MmPEf-heplQ?si=Ke3yANBSsSiXG_HD
“100-Hour Fast | Day 2: Pushing Through Mental Hurdles & Fat-Burning Mode!”
•https://youtu.be/DUf03dOOLDE?si=aNccbRf6V_dvEg-I
“86 Hours In: Still No Hunger? My Fasting Transformation Continues”
•https://youtu.be/tbsG0GUAyP8?si=TSTYZyj1XAv2-3hB
“What REALLY Happens After 108 Hours of Fasting? The Surprising Truth!”
.https://youtu.be/jRe3C1SFCgo?si=srpXqahJlTz6ShPk
“Fasting Aftermath: 48 Hours Post-Fast & How My Body is Rebounding”
•https://youtu.be/GsciIIk-cVI?si=bAEH6-ta6uOC7Ncz
“One Week Later… But My Body Did THIS?!?”
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