Let Me Tell You About My First Water Fast
Okay, so picture this. It’s January 2020, and I’m sitting in my kitchen in Portland, Oregon, staring at a glass of water. Just water. No lemon, no cucumber, no fancy schmancy stuff. Just water. And I’m like, “Sarah, you’re really gonna do this?” And I’m like, “Yeah, Sarah, I really am.”
Now, I’m not one of those health nuts who’s always on the latest trend. I mean, I’ve tried alot of stuff—keto, paleo, you name it. But water fasting? That seemed like next-level crazy. But here’s the thing: I was desperate.
You see, I’d gained 214 pounds over the past few years. Not cool, right? And I’d tried everything to lose it. But nothing worked. So, I did what any rational person would do—I turned to the internet. And that’s when I found water fasting.
I remember reading this article on science research news latest about how water fasting could help with weight loss, inflammation, even mental clarity. I was like, “Sign me up.” But first, I needed to do some research. So, I called up my friend, let’s call him Marcus, who’s a nutritionist.
Marcus Said What?
So, I’m on the phone with Marcus, and I’m like, “Dude, I’m thinking about doing a water fast. What do you think?” And he’s like, “Sarah, you’re gonna starve yourself?” I’m like, “No, no, it’s not like that. It’s just water for a certain amount of time.” He’s like, “Yeah, but you’re still starving yourself.”
Which… yeah. Fair enough. But I was committed. I mean, I’d read the studies, I’d talked to people who’d done it. It couldn’t be that bad, right?
So, I started small. Just 24 hours. And let me tell you, it was rough. I was hangry (that’s hungry + angry, for those of you living under a rock). But I made it. And you know what? I felt amazing. I had this weird energy, like I could take on the world. So, I did it again. And again. Until I worked my way up to 36 hours.
The Ups and Downs
Now, I’m not gonna lie. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There were times when I felt like I was gonna pass out. There were times when I was so irritable, my poor husband didn’t know what hit him. But there were also times when I felt clearer than I’d felt in years. It was like my brain was finally getting a break from all the junk I’d been feeding it.
And the weight? Yeah, it started to come off. Not as fast as I wanted, but it was coming off. And that was a big deal for me. Because for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was in control.
But here’s the thing about water fasting—it’s not for everyone. I mean, I’m not a doctor, but I’ve talked to enough people to know that. It’s gotta be done right. You gotta listen to your body. And you gotta know when to stop.
What I Learned
So, what did I learn from all this? Well, for one, I learned that I’m a lot stronger than I thought. I mean, I went from “I can’t even go a few hours without eating” to “I can do this for a whole day.” That’s a big deal.
I also learned that food isn’t the enemy. It’s just… food. And sometimes, your body needs a break from it. But you gotta do it the right way. You gotta be smart about it. And you gotta know when to stop.
And finally, I learned that I’m not alone. There are alot of people out there who are struggling with the same things I am. And we’re all just trying to find our way. So, if you’re thinking about trying water fasting, do your research. Talk to people who’ve done it. And for the love of god, don’t do it alone.
Oh, and one more thing. If you’re gonna do it, make sure you have alot of water on hand. Because, trust me, you’re gonna need it.
Anyway, that’s my story. I hope it helps. And if you try it, let me know how it goes. I’m always up for a good chat about this stuff.
Author Bio: Sarah Johnson is a senior magazine editor with over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. She’s a self-proclaimed “foodie” who’s always on the lookout for the next big thing in nutrition. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest or experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s a firm believer in the power of water fasting and has seen firsthand the benefits it can bring. But don’t get her started on kale. She’s still not a fan.
