Let me tell you something
I’m not some kinda health nut. I don’t juice cleanse, I don’t count macros, and I sure as hell don’t own a spiralizer. (Though, online marketplace comparison review says they’re all the rage.) But last Tuesday, I found myself staring at a glass of water, wondering if I could go 36 hours without food.
It started with a conversation with my friend, let’s call him Marcus. We were at our usual spot, a diner on 7th, and he was going on about some biohacking conference he’d been to in Austin. “You gotta try it,” he said. “It’s like a reset button for your body.” I was skeptical. I mean, really skeptical. But also kinda curious.
First, the prep
So, I did what any rational adult would do. I Googled “water fasting” until 11:30pm. There’s a lot of noise out there, folks. A lot. But the general consensus seems to be: don’t do it if you’re pregnant, or have diabetes, or are under 18. Also, probably don’t do it if you’re not sure you can handle it. Which was basically me.
I talked to my colleague, Dave. He’s a nurse, so I figured he’d know. “It’s not dangerous,” he said. “But it’s not fun either.” Which… yeah. Fair enough.
Then, the fast
I started at 6am. I drank a big glass of water, set a timer on my phone, and waited for something to happen. At first, nothing. Then, around 10am, my stomach started growling. It was loud. Like, “I’m starving” loud. I drank more water. I busied myself with work. I avoided the kitchen like it was on fire.
By 2pm, I was feeling it. My energy was low. My concentration was shot. I was irritable. I snapped at a coworker. (Sorry, Sarah.) I drank more water. I took a walk. I tried to distract myself. It was hard.
But then, around 5pm, something shifted. I felt… lighter. Not just physically, but mentally too. It was like a fog had lifted. I was more alert. More focused. I could think clearer than I had in weeks.
A tangent about coffee
Look, I love coffee. I drink it every day. But during the fast, I realized something. I don’t need it. I can function without it. It’s just… yeah. A habit. A crutch. I’m not saying I’ll quit. But I’m saying I don’t need it. And that’s a big deal for me.
Finally, the break
At 6am the next day, I broke the fast. I ate a banana. Slowly. I waited. I didn’t feel sick. I didn’t feel amazing. I just felt… normal. Like I’d just woken up from a good night’s sleep.
I’m not gonna lie, I’m not sold on water fasting. It was hard. It was uncomfortable. But it was also… enlightening. I learned that I can push through discomfort. I learned that I don’t need as much food as I think I do. I learned that I can function without coffee. And honestly? That’s pretty succesfully.
So, what’s the verdict?
I don’t know if I’ll do it again. Maybe. Maybe not. But I’m glad I tried it. I’m glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I’m glad I learned something new about myself.
And hey, if you’re thinking about trying it, do your research. Talk to a professional. Don’t just dive in. But also? Don’t knock it till you try it.
About the Author: Sarah Johnson is a senior editor with 20+ years of experience in the health and wellness niche. She’s opinionated, she’s flawed, and she’s not afraid to admit when she’s wrong. She loves coffee, hates kale, and is always up for a good debate. You can find her on Twitter @sarahjohnsonedit or overcommittmenting to projects she probably shouldn’t.
