Thinking of doing an Extended Fast? That’s great!
But let’s talk about how to get you prepared for the fast.
Why bother preparing? Can’t I just jump in and go for it?
You absolutely can jump right in. I’ve had many clients who did that and completed their Extended Fast.
However, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
The saying, “Failing to plan is planning to fail” applies here.
Extended Fasting is hard enough. Especially if you’ve never done it before.
Why not give yourself every chance that you can to succeed?
Go Keto or Low Carb
Take at least a week before you begin your Extended Fast to cut out sugars and high carb foods.
If you have a sugar or carbohydrate addiction, you might take even longer than a week.
Instead, fill up on lots of healthy fats. Avocado, butter, eggs, fish, and meats are all good choices.
This one step is going to make it so much easier for you!
Your cravings and your hunger will be much more manageable during those first three days when it can be so tough.
Get rid of temptations
If possible, clean out your fridge and your pantry. Get rid of all the things that you know tempt you.
Give it away or throw it away.
I know, some people cringe at the thought of throwing food away.
But whether you eat it or you throw it away, it’s still gone, right?
And if it helps you to be successful in your fasting, then it’s not wasted.
If you have family members and it’s not possible to get rid of it, ask them to keep those things that are tempting to you out of sight.
Check your schedule
Let’s say you are planning on a 14 day fast and you know the date you want to start.
What do those 14 days look like for you?
Do you have family gatherings scheduled, or birthday parties, or social engagements during that time? Holidays? Vacations?
While it’s certainly possible to fast around those situations, it’s going to make it trickier for you.
If you do have things coming up and you decide to go for it anyway, sit down and write out a plan.
What will you say when people ask why you’re not eating?
What will you do instead of eating like everyone else is doing?
Gather the things you’re going to need
I know, you’re fasting, you won’t need anything, right? Wrong.
You will need your electrolytes, for sure.
Some other things that would be nice to have on hand are:
- Fasting Tea
- Sparkling water
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Pickle juice
- Bone broth
- Refeeding formula if you’re doing longer than 14 days
- A journal
- Crafting or hobby materials
Get some support lined up
If your family and friends are supportive, that’s great!
But if not, you’re going to need someone in your corner.
There are tons of fasting groups all over social media.
And of course you’re invited to join us on Facebook in the Official Fasting for Weight Loss Group.
Also, think about getting a Fasting Coach. Especially if you’re new to this.
Prepare yourself mentally
The mind is where most of the battle is when it comes to fasting.
Get yourself psyched up.
Visualize how you’re going to look and feel when your fast is over.
Read up on all the benefits of fasting. Watch fasting videos.
Go into this ready to nail it.
Educate yourself
If you haven’t already, spend some time reading up on Extended Fasting.
You need to know what to expect, and what kind of symptoms to watch out for.
You also need to know how to do a safe refeed.
And last but not least …
Consult with your doctor.
I know that some doctors are not on board with fasting. But give it a shot.
Especially if you have diabetes or are on any medications.
Get ready!
Preparing for your Extended Fast gives you the best shot at completing it successfully.
We are rooting for you!
Author: Roo Black
Roo is a fasting coach with over 5 years of experience. She leads the admin team of the Official Fasting for Weight Loss Facebook group – one of the largest fasting communities on social media with over 125,000 members. We highly recommend this group for anyone who is looking for fasting advice or coaching.
