42-Hour Fasting / No Meat Friday

Before I start, I’d like to emphasize; extended fasting is not for everyone.

It is something that must be “worked up to” after a while of 16:8 to 18:6 to the occasional OMAD fasting methods.

Starting off with an extended fast (in this example >24 hours) because “I just want to try it” or  “a longer fast = more fat burn” or “someone on TikTok did it” –  please realize without your body being accustomed to 18 or more hours of regular fasting over weeks or longer it would be a SHOCK to your system – likely make you sick – you’ll end up eating anyhow – because you’re sick – so I wouldn’t recommend it.

Also, please do not attempt fasting or consult your physician if you are T1 diabetic, underweight, have a history of eating disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding, or on any medications (always check w doc) especially meds used to control blood sugar, blood pressure, or blood thinners.

Most of what I promote does not include extended hour fasting mainly because my personal experiences have not utilized those methods. Although I’ve researched the benefits, I have little experience-based advice to provide.

Time for me to experience and learn new things.

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For those who saw my post this morning (Feb24 Get Fit S.Y.C. Facebook page) about a 42-hour extended fast here is the background…

When I was younger, my family would observe the “no meat on Friday” rule during Lent.

As an adult, it’s been more of a random obligation – on and off – with no “real” discipline (like I’d forget its Friday right?)

ESPECIALLY after I lost the weight – over the past 3 years I’m like…

…“Giving up meat on Friday?” – seriously? – I mean I NEED MY CHICKEN SALAD EVERY DAY to survive!

And if it’s not chicken salad, we better find a couple burgers or some eggs and bacon really quick.

I mean, I can’t STARVE on Fridays….right?

And how will I survive on just almonds, cheese, and sugar free peanut butter??

So last year during Lent, one of the Get Fit S.Y.C. (Southern York County) group members mentioned doing an extended 42-hour fast during Lent – from Thursday evening to Saturday at noon.

This 40-42 hour fasting window would generally include only water or black coffee or tea ALL DAY Friday – no food – at all.

During and since my weight loss – and the majority of what I publish – follows 16:8 to 18:6, with a (seldom) OMAD (One Meal a Day) fasting protocol.  

But being intrigued by the 42-hour Lenten fast, I did it one time last year and believe it or not, I didn’t die.

..and I also didn’t eat meat that Friday….

Fast Forward to this past Wednesday…a close friend asked me “What are you giving up for Lent?” and I really didn’t have an answer.

Well…honestly, I had considered giving up “cursing” for Lent, but as we were into Ash Wednesday afternoon, I had had already messed that one up earlier in the day!!

I then thought more Wednesday night and considered “Why not just fast through – EACH Friday – during Lent this year?”

I mean, it makes the whole “don’t eat meat” concern just vanish, GONE LOL!

It also shows an obligation to the Lenten observance.

And the benefits to an occasional extended fast can be greater than those at t 16-20 hour mark and include:

Autophagy, which is basically like taking your dirty “cells” to the cleaners.

Originating from the Greek words “Autos” meaning “Self” and “Phagomai” meaning “to-eat”, autophagy allows inferior cells to recycle old components and break down the misfolded proteins linked to Alzheimer’s and other diseases. It can help prevent certain cancers as well.

Extended fasting may also aid in reducing inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels and of course, burn some fat.

This is how things are playing out so far:

I ate my “standard” 2 meals on Thursday – lunch about 11:00am then dinner @ 5:45pm. Stated the fast at 6:05pm

No issues Thursday eve – drank some water – I’m used to not eating much after 6 or 7pm and when I do, it generally effects my sleep in a bad way.

Up Friday morning as usual 5:30am with the pets, coffee and water – No different than any other morning. Feeling fine.

Had an 8:00am appointment and was feeling some slight hunger pains around 7:30am prior to my departure. Searched the kitchen pantry for the pink Himalayan sea salt with no luck so I ground up a little rock salt in my palm, and put it on my tongue and downed about 8 oz of water. Within about 5 minutes, I had no hunger.

Continued to drink the water – no more coffee – about 60-70 oz by mid afternoon (normal for me)

About 3:30pm, over 21 hours in, I started feeling hungry again and this time FOUND the Pink Himalayan salt – ground about 4-5 “cranks” into my palm – ingest – drink some water – move on again.

It’s now 6:30pm Friday – 24.5 hours in – and really no hunger – slowing down on the water a little – urination is more frequent than normal.

I’ll keep everyone posted on the conclusion, but at this point I see no issue getting through tonight and to Saturday morning.

The last time I did this, I broke my fast with chicken salad on a low carb wrap with cheese and some nuts – call it my “usual”  – and ended up having stomach issues shortly afterwards. This time I plan to ease back into the “feeding” a little slower, like over an hour – THEN the chicken salad and cheese.   

Bottom line through the whole process…

… I’m not a freak, or a maniac…

If at any time I begin to feel faint, dizzy or disoriented (I mean more than usual), or even get extremely hungry, I’ll simply end my fast and eat.  

It’s.That.Simple.

If you have any specific questions about the process just holler over.

Thanks for being here!