How My Mindset Around Fasting Evolved: From 24 Hours to 9 Days
Hey folks! I’ve been reflecting on how my mindset around fasting has changed over the years — from nervously attempting my first 24-hour fast to completing multiple 7–9 day fasts. Looking back, three moments really stand out.
My First 24-Hour Fast
⏳ This was by far the hardest — not physically, but mentally.
I was nervous I might end up in the hospital. By the 12-hour mark, everything irritated me: every sound, every person, every thought. Hunger wasn’t the enemy — my mind was.
But the next morning I woke up feeling fine, totally fine. And I was in disbelief: I had actually survived a full day without food. That first mental barrier was bigger than any physical one.
My First Extended Fast: 9 Days
💪 My first extended water fast was about 25 years ago during my PhD. I had no clue about electrolytes or refeeding, it was the middle of winter in New Jersey, and I still went to the gym almost daily while teaching classes for my students. It was tough — but it did it, and it changed me a lot.
Afterward, I felt like a superhuman:
Really healthy
In control of my body and cravings
More confident in myself, actually much more confident in myself
And something unexpected happened: my attitude toward others shifted. I became more tolerant, more patient, and honestly — just nicer.
Now, After Many Fasts
🧘 These days, going 7–9 days without food doesn’t feel like a huge deal anymore.
The excitement isn’t as extreme, because I’ve done it enough that it feels almost routine. Still, I turn to extended fasts when I feel they’re needed — to reset, to reflect, or simply to remind myself that my body is capable of more than I usually give it credit for.
Final Reflection
💡 Looking back, fasting has been as much a mental journey as a physical one.
From breaking through fear, to finding confidence, to reaching a place where fasting feels like a trusted tool — the biggest transformation wasn’t just in my body, but in how I view myself and the world around me.
P.S. I added some pictures of myself then and now — turns out, not much has changed in the last 25 years. Yes, I did learn that lighting is critical for photography 😊
