In my quest for a healthier life and better performance, I stumbled upon the world of fasting – a practice that promises numerous health benefits and potential performance gains. Inspired by Chris Hemsworth’s Limitless (as I’ve mentioned in a previous post), I embarked on a fasting journey, exploring the science-backed advantages. This post will give you some smart fasting tips and describe my personal experiences with this lifestyle change. Health benefitsFasting offers many health benefits, ranging from enhanced cellular repair through autophagy to improved insulin sensitivity. Autophagy is an incredible body process where dead, “zombie” cells, are removed, reducing inflammation. Embracing intermittent fasting, combined with drinking turmeric tea daily, I have started to experience some of these benefits. Fasting can also increase human growth hormone (HGH) production which is essential for cellular repair, muscle recovery, and optimising energy levels. Who wouldn’t want these benefits for the training and life in general? These remarkable effects inspired me to delve deeper into this transformative approach and I now regularly undergo a 22 hour fast when it fits in around my training, lifestyle, and family commitments. Endurance performance benefitsAs an endurance athlete, I was intrigued by the possibility of performance gains through fasting. Two significant benefits stood out during my journey: enhanced fat adaptation and increased growth hormone release. Fasting has improved my body’s ability to utilize stored fat as an energy source during long-distance runs, enabling me to maintain sustained energy levels without solely relying on carbohydrates. Sometimes I can run a marathon with nothing more than 500 ml of water to keep me going! Additionally, the surge in growth hormone production has given me quicker muscle recovery and reduced fatigue after intense training or races. I now feel like I can run forever! Fasting tips for successWhile fasting can be empowering, it requires a mindful approach for optimal results. My fasting journey taught me several valuable tips that significantly contributed to my success. I dived straight in at the deep end and started with a 22 hour fast, but talking to others who have taken to this health boosting approach, starting gradually with the 16/8 method may help ease your body into fasting, allowing it to adapt to the new routine. Staying hydrated is essential, and I made it a point to drink plenty of water and non-caloric beverages during fasting periods. This includes teas and coffees - just no calories! To align fasting with my training, I adopt a 22-hour fasting window on Sundays, cleverly scheduling it on my day off from running. On race days or during recovery, I chose not to fast, ensuring my body receives the necessary fuel to perform at its peak. Making smart choices about when to fast and when to fuel my body properly play a pivotal role in my overall performance and well-being. Throughout my fasting journey, I learned that balance is key. Fasting has become an essential part of my wellness journey, combining health benefits and endurance performance gains with mindful choices that ensure my body receives the care it needs. If it’s not balanced and it doesn’t fit in with your life, you’re less likely to stick at it. My fasting experience has been both transformative and enlightening. From the health benefits inspired by Limitless to the endurance performance gains and practical fasting tips I have learnt on my own journey, I have found a new sense of vitality and empowerment. Fasting has enriched my life, leading me towards a path of well-being and endurance, setting me on course for a healthier, more fulfilling journey ahead. Let me know your experiences with fasting and if you need any help, tips, or advice, just let me know.
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