I tried a 24-hour fast for the first time. Here’s what I learned
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A 24-hour fast, also known as a 24-hour water fast, involves abstaining from all food and calorie-containing beverages for 24 hours.
Research has found numerous health benefits of fasting, including:
Supporting metabolic health
Metabolizing fat stored body fat
Regulating blood sugar
Reducing the risk of heart disease
Improving cholesterol and triglycerides levels
Stimulating human growth hormones
Activating autophagy and stem cell production
Reducing the risk of various cancers
Disclaimer: If you have any health complications or co-occurring health conditions that changes to your diet can impact, please consult your GP or a medical professional before fasting for any length of time.
What made me decide to do a 24-hour fast?
Well, firstly, the numerous health benefits mentioned above. Secondly, I was just curious to try it out!
I almost thought I couldn't sustain myself for a whole day without eating, yet I did!
It turns out it wasn't as hard as I thought. However, I must say that I am not a stranger to fasting as I have been observing fasts during the month of Ramadan for religious purposes, which are, on average, for around 12-14 hours each day. Still, I’ve never fasted for an entire day.
I began my fast after dinner at 9 pm on a Monday and ended it at 9 pm Tuesday.
Here are eight lessons I learned from this experience.
Lesson 1: We underestimate our ability to do the hard things in life.
When trying something for the first time outside our comfort zone, we assume it will be very difficult or perhaps unattainable. Due to this belief, we hold ourselves back from ever trying.
How would we know if we never tried?
Everything is impossible until you do it.
Until I tried out a 24-hour fast, I didn't think I could go a whole day without eating. But now I know I can.
Each win builds momentum for the next one.
Use your achievements as evidence of your ability to achieve what you once thought impossible.
Lesson 2: Remember your why and focus on the end goal.
"If your why is strong enough, you will figure out how!" - Bill Walsh
Whatever you are doing or about to do, ensure you have a strong 'why', i.e. the motivation behind your action.
When your why is strong enough, you can tolerate any how.
Keep your goal in mind and remind yourself to stay focused.
Lesson 3: Be grateful for the little things in life because they are the big things.
We often take for granted the necessities of life, such as the availability of food, water, and health that are readily available to us.
Approximately 9 million people die of hunger and starvation yearly!
While I voluntarily deprived myself of food for a mere 24 hours, fasting allowed me to reflect and express gratitude for the blessing of food and the money to afford it whenever needed.
Lesson 4: Conquer your inner critic.
Your inner critic or your critical inner voice will often tell you to give up, that it's not worth the effort, or it's too difficult.
Overcome the inner critic by becoming aware of it, acknowledging it, and flipping the script positively.
There were times during the day when I almost gave up because of that voice, but I ignored it and kept going.
Your thoughts are as real as you make them to be. If you don't give them power, they will dissipate over time.
Lesson 5: Burn your ships.
In 1519, Spanish captain Hernán Cortés arrived on the shores of the New World, Mexico, with 600 men. Upon arrival, he ordered to 'burn all his ships.' This sent a clear message to his men that there was no turning back!
Two years later, he conquered the Aztec empire.
While this may seem like an extreme example in the context of fasting, this historical event shows that any change requires willpower and commitment.
The only way is through. When you eliminate your escape options, you can persevere through any challenge, no matter what.
In my case, I had to put away all potential food items out of sight, which could tempt me to break my fast prematurely. 😄
Lesson 6: Looking back will get you further than looking ahead.
It may seem contrary to the lesson above (No. 2), but hear me out.
As time passed, my patience started wearing thin. The voice in my head got louder as my tummy growled. But instead of counting the remaining hours of the fast (which I did for a fair bit initially, that was tough, as it felt that time had significantly slowed down), I started keeping track of the hours I persisted, which was the higher number.
I told myself, I have come this far. I can go even further.
Sometimes looking at the target or end goal, especially when you've been going for a long time and are tired, weary, or exhausted mentally, physically or both, the distance may seem way longer than it is. At such times, looking back instead of forward is more rewarding.
Instead of constantly wondering how much farther you still need to go. Look how far you have come, and you'll be amazed at how much you've achieved. This will give you an extra energy boost to get you through.
Lesson 7: Be your own cheerleader.
Celebrate your every win.
Whenever my motivation dipped and my hunger pangs arose, I kept reminding myself how proud I was for coming this far. This allowed me to take note of my progress, celebrate my achievement and be kind and compassionate towards myself.
Lesson 8: Don't let your first attempt be your last.
Keep progressing.
What we do repeatedly and consistently over time transforms our life.
Doing something once is great but must be done consistently to gain long-term benefits.
Consistency reaps the rewards
While this was my first time fasting for 24 hours, I plan on doing it at least once a month.
In summary:
We underestimate our ability to do the hard things in life.
Remember your why and focus on the end goal.
Be grateful for the little things in life because they are the big things.
Conquer your inner critic.
Burn your ships.
Looking back will get you further than looking ahead.
Be your own cheerleader.
Don't let your first attempt be your last.
Overall, fasting for a whole day was an interesting experience. It was challenging at times but completely manageable. It was a great way to detox my body. Throughout the day, I noticed greater clarity and better focus. It also helped me increase my fluid intake (even though it meant going to the bathroom more often 😅).
You can only discover what you're truly made of when you challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone.
What's next, perhaps a 48-hour fast?
Which lesson resonated the most with you? Let me know in the comments. ❤️