The Clumsy Interloper

Sunday, 6pm (Father’s Day Meal) MK made a delicious dinner of steak, asparagus, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and chocolate cake. I ate until I was completely stuffed causing me to unbutton my pants and gently unfurl into a reclined position to watch McIlroy choke away the US Open to DeChambeau. I hadn’t slept well the past two nights so with a full stomach and a drowsy head, I successfully fell asleep at 9pm. Hunger Scale: 9

Monday, 12pm (18 hours into fast) I’ve had 32oz of water and went on a 1 mile walk this morning. So far no hunger cues as I am no doubt still digesting the abundant meal from the previous night. I listened to the Rich Roll podcast with Dr. Alan Goldhamer (link below) for encouragement to gird myself from the pangs which should arrive with dusk tonight as I usually consume most of my calories with dinner. Hunger Scale: 6

Monday, 4:30pm (22.5 hours into fast) I’ve had 64oz of water thus far today and been rather productive at work. No hunger yet which feels odd but I assume this is a byproduct of my internal resolve to avoid food for the next 3 days. I’m manifesting a satiated state by mentally removing the possibility of eating altogether. Something tells me I will become hangry before long but I’m cautiously optimistic. Hunger Scale: 5

Monday, 10pm (28 hours into fast) Consumed 128oz of water for today. I felt some hunger pains while handling the children’s bedtime snacks but otherwise didn’t encounter any major discomfort. Based on my experience tonight I’m going to attempt an “out of sight, out of mind” approach with food until Wednesday night to help curb temptation and therefore hunger. Hunger Scale: 4.5

Tuesday, 7am (37 hours into fast) Extremely vivid and gripping dreams all night long. Apparently this is a byproduct of fasting that I didn’t realize. I was absolutely mesmerized by the scope, complexity and length of my dreams. I’ve lost 2.7% of my body weight since Sunday night but I’m attributing most of that to the large meal. I don’t have any hunger right now and actually feel quite at peace after that spectacular nocturnal showcase. Hunger Scale: 5

Tuesday, 12pm (42 hours into fast) I’ve had 64oz of water and went on a 1 mile walk this morning. I’m careful not to exert too much energy as I want to avoid potential fasting side effects. Drinking ice cold water in big gulps is quite filling and my appetite has been dormant thus far. I’ve avoided the kitchen completely and been glued to my computer knocking out work tasks. When my day is no longer framed by meals and snacking I am no longer plotting my next nosh, leaving my mind totally free to commit to the job at hand. Hunger Scale: 5

Tuesday, 9pm (51 hours into fast) Consumed 160oz of water today. I went to my daughter’s swim meet from 5pm-8pm and administered pizza, quesadillas, bars, Cheezits and other tasty snacks in the blazing heat. I experienced the worst hunger thus far and therefore was unconsciously tempted to pop the odd bite in my mouth but resisted. I’m now confident roughly 40% of my calories are eaten on grazing autopilot. Hunger Scale: 3.5

Wednesday, 7am (61 hours into fast) The dreams keep coming! This byproduct is completely worth any occasional hunger pangs. I will need to keep a dream journal handy when I undertake this journey again. I’ve now lost 4% of my body weight since Sunday night and I’m feeling good, although I am fantasizing about my 6pm meal tonight. Going into the office today so I won’t have the pantry to tempt me. Hunger Scale: 4

Wednesday, 2pm (68 hours into fast) I think the knowledge that a meal is in my future is ratcheting up my hunger cues. I’ve been productive at work, drinking 70oz of water thus far and walking 1 mile at lunchtime. However I find myself glancing at the clock and actively contemplating what my dinner will be. My stomach growls periodically and I’m starting to feel some discomfort. Hunger Scale: 2.5

Wednesday, 6pm (72 hours into fast) I had a delicious bowl of French Onion soup and a small baguette from Panera. Online research recommended soup or smoothies to break the fast and slowly reintroduce solid foods back. This “starter” and small piece of bread completely filled my stomach. No further food required.  Hunger Scale: 6.5

Thursday, 7am (11 hour after breaking the fast) I had some tortilla chips and guacamole along with two Fig Newtons before bed but I didn’t crave a full meal for dinner. I slept well and still had memorable dreams but their durations were shorter. As of this morning I’ve lost 4.3% of my body weigh from Sunday night and I awoke without hunger, content and energized by the experience. The biggest takeaway from this  process is my relationship with food. I now understand that hunger is more a psychological creation, with miscues and deception, rather than something that requires immediate caloric remedy. It comes in waves born of boredom, routine and stress, but once you swim out past the breakers it is calm and serene.  As I wrote in Cold Comfort, getting out of my comfort zone and pushing myself is my new mantra. The 72-hour fast might feel like a fridge too far (I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist) but I would encourage anyone who is curious to attempt this misogi. As Glennon Doyle professes – We can do hard things.