Fasting is the NUMBER ONE thing my clients worry about. Period.
However, within the first week clients typically are surprised at just how easy fasting actually is….and they LOVE it.
Fasting is ALL mindset. If you look at it with an “OMG I’m not eating, I’m going to starve” mindset…then chances are you are going to speak those unnecessary fears into existence. Fasting is one of the easiest, most beneficial practices you can integrate into your day to day. It requires ZERO prep work. You just do it.
Towards the end of our 6 week FASTer Way to Fat Loss® boot camp, clients have the option to participate in a 24 hour fast. If you thought my clients were nervous about the day to day fasting window, imagine what they do when they hear the words “Twenty Four Hour Fast” — Again, guys, it’s all mindset. Instead of thinking “I’m going to be so hungry, I’m depriving my body of food, yadda ya” <– (which is totally untrue btw) — switch that mindset to “I’m giving my body a break, I’m letting it reset” —
Fasting comes with a list of benefits some of which include:
- reduced inflammation
- better sleep and more energy
- greater mental clarity and increased neuron development in the brain
- better digestion
- improved hormone profile
- increased life expectancy
- maintenance of skeletal muscle mass
- decreased blood glucose levels
- decreased insulin levels
- increased insulin sensitivity
During a 24hr fast glycogen — the storage form of carbs — is depleted and insulin levels are reduced. This allows your body to burn mostly fat for energy, making stored body fat more available for use.
Now if you are here because you want to WOMAN UP and complete your 24 hour fast but need some tips on how to CRUSH it- — you came to the right place my friend because when it comes to owning that 24 hour fast, I’m the Queen.
Here are my Top 5 Tips to help you breeze right on through your 24 hour fast.
- DRINK WATER – I know, I know. If you had a dollar for every time someone said “just drink more water…” you could retire, right? But guys, it is SO true, especially when you are trying to get thru a 24 hour fast. Water is MAGIC.
- HIT YOUR MACROS THE DAY BEFORE – So we typically do our 24 hour fast the day after a regular macro day. It is crucial you fuel your body with whole foods and hit your macros. The food you consume the day before will get you thru the 24 hour fast.
- STAY BUSY– Stay busy throughout the day. If you are at work, schedule meetings and make your to-do list a little longer. Today would also be a great day to pamper yourself. Get your hair done, enjoy a facial, massage or a mani/pedi. Run errands on your lunch break, go shopping anything to keep you happy and your mind off of food.
- DO NOT DO ANY INTENSE WORKOUT– Go for a walk, easy bike ride or stretch but nothing more than that.
- LET PEOPLE KNOW – Let people know you are participating in a 24 hour fast. My very first fast I avoided the office kitchen and even asked a co-worker to not bring her lunch into my office for a meeting. I knew if I smelt it, it would probably trigger my hunger. Most people are very respectful of your goal and will even help cheer you on.
REAL TALK: The ONLY time I ever feel hungry is during that last hour of the 24 hour fast. I honestly think it’s because I know it’s almost over so my mindset starts shifting from “fasting” to “feeding”.
BONUS TIP: When the time comes time to break your fast. DO NOT eat a big ol trash meal. It will make you feel like crap. Focus on whole foods and don’t gorge yourself. No, No you do not deserve to eat a big greasy burger with extra fries and 2 apple pies.
You got this. Now, go forth and crush that 24 hour fast!