My 3-Day Fast: A Personal Experience
I’ve been curious about the health benefits of a 3-day water fast for a while now. My intuition was calling out for it, so after a nourishing organic dinner on a Thursday night—a vegan cheeseburger, salad, vegan mac and cheese, and a house-brewed kombucha infused with sage and elderberry—I decided it was the perfect time to give it a try. Thanks to Foxtail Fermentation for unknowingly kicking off this amazing revival! (link below) If you're ever in San Jose.
Easing Into the Fast
My fast wasn’t strictly planned. I had stopped drinking alcohol a few days before, which I think made the transition easier. On Friday morning, I had a simple cup of black coffee. Since I’ve done several intermittent fasts in the 12–18 hour range before (Harvard Health on intermittent fasting), the first day felt pretty easy.
That evening, after a light workout, I enjoyed a refreshing salad of watermelon, cucumber, and blueberries, dressed with salt, honey, olive oil, and vinegar. I paired it with sparkling mineral water in a lemon-lime, salt-rimmed glass.
Day 2: Refining the Approach
Saturday followed a similar pattern. But after doing some online research (Healthline’s guide to water fasting), I realized that to experience the full metabolic benefits of a 3-day fast, I’d need to eliminate all calories. That evening, I decided my last meal would be the same watermelon-cucumber salad—finished by 6 p.m.
Day 3: Settling In
On Sunday, I drank mint tea in the morning and lemon water throughout the day. I kept my body moving gently with pushups, tai chi, and stretching. Surprisingly, my energy remained stable. I didn’t experience hunger pangs—what I missed most was the ritual of preparing and sharing meals. The fast created unexpected pockets of free time.
That night, I did a calming meditation with breathwork and somatic self-massage before sleeping soundly.
24 Hours Without Food
By Monday morning, I felt refreshed and light. I skipped coffee and tea, opting only for lemon water. Running errands was fine, though by afternoon I felt a little tired and fuzzy-headed. A short nap recharged me. I noticed a growing sense of clarity, both mentally and physically, along with a deep calmness.
In the evening I did another meditation and somatic self massage. It happened to be during the Lion's portal full moon. Extra special!
68 Hours In
On Tuesday morning, I woke up feeling fine—though I did dream about grilling salmon, and it tasted amazing in my dream. Later, while gardening, I noticed my heart rate spiked, my breathing grew shallow, and I felt tingling pain in my muscles. That was the first real sign my body was struggling without fuel. I paused my work, realizing I needed to listen closely to what my body was telling me.
Breaking the Fast
Because my body was reacting dramatically--It was time to break the fast safely. Experts recommend reintroducing food slowly to avoid digestive shock (Cleveland Clinic on how to break a fast).
I started gently—with fresh water, watermelon slices, and a banana. The hydration and natural sugars were instantly satisfying. I continued to hydrate with green juice and ate more small servings of fruit, which felt grounding and restorative. That evening, I added had sashimi and a california roll. My digestion handled it well, and I felt nourished without being weighed down. I slept great.
Reflections August 22, 2025
It’s been two weeks since the Vegan Cheeseburger, and 10 days since I broke the fast. I’ve almost completely cut out cheese and processed carbs. Grilled salmon is my new staple. Although it wasn’t my aim, I lost a few pounds. I’ve noticed I’m more clear headed, I feel younger, my body is lighter. I don’t crave junk food. I don’t feel the need to eat as much. I’ve noticed how our culture and daily activities are centered around eating, and how much of that is not necessary.
This fast was an experiment in discipline, patience, and awareness. While I experienced clarity, energy, and peaceful sleep, I also recognized the physical limits of extended fasting. Research suggests that short-term fasting may improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair (Johns Hopkins Medicine on intermittent fasting), but it also carries risks if done without preparation.
I’m glad I tried it—but next time, I’ll do more structured planning and consult resources or even a healthcare professional before extending the duration.
Oh, and yes, I'm going back to Foxtail Fermentaion for a post fast meat!
👉 I am not a doctor or professional in any sense, so If you’re curious about fasting, I recommend checking out:
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