My Experience with BeachBody's Two-Day Fast. Why Not!

Dear Boys and Girls,

I had always been vehemently opposed to fasting, even before I decided to become a coach in September 2007. The idea of "starving myself" didn't make sense. And to be honest, I just couldn't fathom going without food for four hours, much less two days. As a coach, I had also heard many accounts of folks who had lost 7 or 8 lbs during the fast, but gained it right back, since much of it was water loss.

So, why did I finally decide to try it?

First, as a coach, I wanted to be able to make an informed decision. People tend to trust what I say about the fitness products. I don't want to be one of those folks who gives uninformed opinions. That's not responsible. I still don't pretend to be a fasting expert, but at least I can give my own account, for what it's worth.

Secondly, I decided to fast because after four days of splurging while a friend was in town, I felt big-bellied and bloated. Fasting is supposed to help you transition into better eating habits. It's also supposed to help you reduce cravings. (Please refer to Dr. Haas's article below for the supposed benefits of fasting.) To be honest, it just felt like it was the right thing to do, so I did it.

Day 1:
It helped to do the fast with my boyfriend. We promised to call each other when we were about to reach for a burger. Surprisingly, we didn't crave junk, although we both hit about 2 rough spots on the first day.

The best tip that I can offer is: Don't think about what you wish you could be eating. That's mental torture. If you're going to do that, then don't fast! Really, focus on other things, on how you want to feel, how you want to look, etc. Focus on your work. Watch a movie. Get a pedicure! That's what I did when I felt myself ready to cave.

My fasting schedule went as follows:

morning: BeachBody fast

lunch: BeachBody fast and 1 scoop of whey protein.

snack: 16 ounces of carrot juice and ginger from a juice bar. This was my saving grace. It made all the difference and tied me over til I had my evening shake.

dinner: BeachBody fast

At around 9pm, I was able to declare, "Day 1 down! I'm half way there!" It was surprisingly easier than I thought.

Day 2:

It was pretty much a breeze. Yes! Hard to believe, but it was pretty easy.

Schedule:

morning: BeachBody fast shake, 1/2 scoop protein

snack: 1 small apricot

lunch: BeachBody fast shake, 1 scoop of protein

snack: BeachBody fast shake

dinner: BeachBody fast shake, 1 scoop of protein

So, I had "more" than what the pamphlet recommended, but this felt right for me. I don't know if a regular fast could or should include whey protein. But, that's what I did and it worked for me. Minimal suffering involved.

At around 9pm last night, I started feeling restless and somewhat hungry. From what I have read, this could have been related to fasting. My boyfriend reported the same sensations while he was at work. It was an uncomfortable feeling, but I reminded myself that it would pass. I was anxious for morning time to come so I could have my first meal.

When morning came, I felt energetic, and to my great surprise, I did not crave a giant waffle breakfast, as I had imagined I would.

I lost about 5 lbs in the past two days. I'm not concerned with whether it will stay off. I am not looking for a magic drink that will make me skinny. I like the light, clean feeling I am experiencing.



Somehow, I just feel ready to eat super duper clean in the days to come. Hmm, I do believe fasting has lived up to my hopes and expectations. I liked it and would do it again!


Bring it!

Barbie, PhD