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My “5 Day Water Fast” Journal

by | Aug 17, 2018 | Everyday Health

Have you ever thought about doing a water fast? Do you wonder if you could actually do it? I did to. I am a firm believer in never asking anyone to do anything I am not willing to do myself so this was one of the big reasons why I chose to embark on this challenge. Check out my adventure by reading my journal and learning more about how you can try fasting too!

Fasting is a huge subject and one I will write more about in the future. But to get a great basic overview of some of the benefits of fasting, check out this article by a fellow dietitian, Rachel Link.

I chose to try a 5 day water fast, to experience some of the long term benefits and challenges of fasting mentally, physically and spiritually. Here was the plan I created.

In this journal I logged my own experience in a simple way. Each day I posted a simple overview of these areas:

  • Level of difficulty
  • Mental & emotional
  • Physical
  • Exercise
  • Random thoughts
This was the easiest day of the 5 day fast because I regularly practice 16 to 20 hours of delayed eating each day.
This was by far the hardest day of the 5 day fast. I felt physical stomach cramping and pain from no food. I had to reach deep into my mental commitment to stay on track and not eat anything this day. I also had to spend time praying every time I felt pain so God would help me stay strong!
My body was beginning to adjust to no food on day 3. I was able to prepare my family food without struggling to not eat myself. We were very busy this day so that also helped. I did make a 6 hour car trip to visit extended family and it made it challenging to drink enough water or get adequate sleep.
Physically and mentally day 4 got easier because my hunger signals were much lower. I did struggle with energy levels when I was playing kick ball, swimming and other activities with the kids this day. I also found that I was drawn to quiet reflection more this day. Just having mental quiet which is more unusual for me.
Knowing the fast was coming to a close today was just the boost I needed mentally, physically and spiritually to finish! I did drive 6 hours home through the night so that made hydration challenging right at the end but I didn’t care at this point!

5 days doesn’t sound long when you think it isn’t even a full week. But when you are not eating food and only drinking water, it is more challenging than you might expect. Here are my conclusions of the experience.

If I do this fast again, I will make sure I learn from my challenges! Overall it was a positive experience and one I can recommend with confidence to those it is appropriate for!
What surprised you from my experience? 
Do you think you want to try an extended fast for yourself? 

Leave your comments or questions below. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Thanks for taking the time to read about my journey. While fasting is certainly not for everyone, you can do it if you choose to try. If you do, I am here to help you learn what is the best choice for you and how to go about making a plan to succeed.

Let’s work together,

Esther

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