I practise intermittent fasting on a daily basis and the benefits I find are vast. From weight control, reduction in inflammation to improved brain health and focus. I’m not a doctor and this is not medical advice but the feelings I get from fasting are fantastic and after finding balance within my nutrition and intermittent fasting I don’t think I will ever go back to a standard 3 meal a day type set up. I strongly believe that the luxury of having 3 set meals provided to us daily has a negative effect on the body and mind and we’re not made to live in such comfort constantly.

1-2 times a year I complete a 72 hour fast and at 12:30 midday today I began. It’s 19:00 now and I’m starting to get my first significant hunger wave. I’m not going to lie, my emotions are fluctuating as I complete the night routine with my family and I would not say I am in a happy mood, although as I write that I laugh and have a smile on my face.

For as long as humans have existing have, we practised either forced fasting or by choice. Various cultures practise fasting regularly and have had great amazing longevity results, reduction or absence of various diseases and nil obesity issues have shown that it is a proven theory to maintain as during the transition phase into modern day society these cultures have either continued to live as they always have or chosen not to adapt into a modern western style eating regiment.

Various religions practice fasting as well, Muslims with Ramadan or Christian’s with lent are just 2 primary examples. Although the objective less around physical benefits and is focused around the sacrifice for the high power. Sacrificing for something greater than themselves.

Whether fasting for physical reasons or fasting for religious reasons. Both attribute to a feeling of struggle, a feeling of sacrifice and subsequently a feeling of achievement, fulfillment and self-worth. All of which can attribute to happiness.

Fasting isn’t for everyone but for me there is a range of benefits from a variety of angles that help me become a better me and for that I’m grateful. Because every day that I try and become a better me through anything is a good day, an important step in the right direction and any day when I truly believe I have made progress I feel growth and I get a little bit happier.

Thanks,

Dean