What do you suppose is the best way to stop overeating in quarantine? It may sound obvious, but have you thought about fasting? We often eat not out of hunger but boredom and discomfort—sound familiar?
Fasting is a way not only to give your body a chance to restore itself but also to improve your self-discipline. When you learn to control your natural urges, such as hunger, you also improve other urges such as procrastination.
If you don’t know how to fast, watch this great video:
In the video, Yuri Elkaim explains the 5 step process:
- Commit
- Start After Dinner
- Get Out
- H20
- Target: 18-24 hours
His actionable advice will definitely make the fast easier. Also, starting the night before around 5:30 pm and ending the next day at 2:00 pm is much more manageable than not eating from 8 am to 8 pm in one day. I decided to write during it, so here is the chronicle.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
5:30: I eat my last meal. But shortly after…
6:00: I start craving chocolate BAD. I watch Sugar Rush on Netflix even though it only makes the craving worse. I almost buckle and drive to the supermarket, but I don’t.
7:15: I do a few speaking tests for work (where we evaluate a student’s English level). This makes me feel productive and takes my mind off the chocolate for a bit.
8:30: I get tired of Sugar Rush and switch to Tiger King. It’s kind of a sad show but it’s entertaining.
10:00: I decide to go to bed and don’t feel that hungry anymore.
THURSDAY MORNING
6:30: Like every morning, my alarm wakes me up. I brush my teeth, wash my face, and get ready for a relaxing day off.
7:00: I start reading on an app called Radish. Eventually, I switch to reading The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini (free pdf).
7:30: My stomach feels like acid, a familiar feeling when I don’t eat in the mornings. I just drink herbal tea instead of a coffee because 1) I’m fasting and 2) I ran out of coffee.
8:30: I feel stiff and decide to do some light stretching with Yoga with Bird on YouTube.
9:15: My sister calls me and we talk for an hour or so. She’s a nurse in these Corona times and so is my Dad. Being away from home makes this is an emotional time for both of us.
10:00: I feel really hungry, but staring at the uneaten bread on my counter I realize it’s not what I want. I’m craving comfort food, like a pot roast with tender vegetables and rich broth.
11:00: It dawns on me that maybe I use food as a comfort, as something to distract myself from uncomfortable feelings and put my attention toward something else.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON
12:00: I read a few chapters of the Boron Letters by Gary Halbert. I love that the letters are written to his son so each one feels personal and intimate.
12:13: I’m not sure what to do now, as my head hurts from reading screens and my stomach is rumbling. I think I can definitely do two more hours, though.
2:00: I did it! I break the fast and enjoy some fruit and lunch.
Final Thoughts
After fasting for 2 weeks now on Thursdays, I’m definitely starting to see the benefits. I’ll admit it may be uncomfortable at times with your stomach rumbling and even hurting. However, it’s a good practice to learn how to control your urges and say NO to yourself.
Many people have big projects and ideas in mind but can never seem to bring them to light because of distractions. But at the end of the day, who is allowing you to be distracted? You are the only person in your way. So, get out of your own way!
Will you try fasting after reading this?
Hi Cierra! This was a really good read! It was good to see an example from your schedule as to how it can be approached. I always thought that “fasting” meant going without eating (pretty much) throughout the course of a day. So, this was definitely enlightening. Will I try it? Well, it is tempting. I like how it can build self-control in other areas by denying yourself. I’ll think about it; maybe watch some more of his videos. I’ll take a look at his book as well. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Mom! Thanks so much! I hope you try it soon!
Love, Cierra