My Shocking Journey on a 24-Hour Water Fast!

I have to be completely honest; I've been on a sugar binge for the majority of 2025. Spending more time with family and friends over the holidays surrounded by delicious food led to an increased desire for something sweet. As I continued to give into those cravings, it became harder to stop. When skin issues, constant bloating, and low energy levels became more frequent, I finally told myself enough is enough!

I was in desperate need of a reset so I decided to embark on a 24-hour water fast to kick the cravings, beat the bloat, and get back to my best self!

Why I Decided to Do a Water Fast

My main goal for the 24-hour water fast was to give my body a break from digestion to focus on restoration and healing. Fasting initiates autophagy, the body's natural process of removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and damaged cells, which reduces the risk of developing cancer. I aimed to clear sugar-laden toxins and reset my metabolism, knowing a 24-hour break would help to achieve this.

Preparing for the Fast

Preparation was crucial for my success. The night before my fast, dinner consisted of a hefty salad topped with onions, tomatoes, pickled jalapenos, a boiled egg, wild-caught tuna, pickles, and a home-made dijon vinaigrette. Hydration was also a priority, so my goal for the day was to drink 85 oz of water, which is the equivalent of half my body weight in ounces.

Doubts crept in as I settled into bed that night. A few thoughts raced through my mind: What if I couldn’t stick it out? What if I felt faint or irritable? I told myself it was all part of the journey and decided to embrace the challenges.

My Experience During the Fast

Hours 1-8: The Honeymoon Phase

Surprisingly, the first eight hours went smoothly. I eat breakfast daily, but I went through my workday without ever feeling hungry! I was energized but relaxed, and confident in my ability to continue to the finish line. I sipped herbal tea (without sweeteners) and water throughout my day. Ocassionally, I included trace minerals to help keep my electrolytes in balance in the absence of food.

Hours 9-16: The Reality Check

As the late afternoon approached, hunger crept in but my will power kept me from giving into temptation. I continued to sip water, and even began chewing it to simulate eating. I felt a temporary dip in energy, which is normal during water fasting since my nervous system was in a restful (parasympathetic) mode. Mindfulness practices, like deep-breathing and light stretching, helped manage my hunger and keep my mind clear about why I took on this challenge.

Hour 17-24: The Final Stretch

The final stretch was a mix of fatigue and the determination to keep going. Intense hunger pangs kicked in around hour 20, and quite frankly, my mind became obsessed with food. I even began looking at some menus in hopes of scratching the itch! It didn't help much, but it was nice to get a visual of some of my favorite meals. As the clock struck hour 24, I felt a wave of relief and pride in the fact that I accomplished the goal I set for myself.

Results of My 24-Hour Fast

Breaking my fast brought noticeable changes. I started with a simple but digestive-friendly snack, and was immediately astounded by how vibrant and rich the flavors were. My taste buds felt so alive! My snack consisted of:

• 1/2 cup of goat milk yogurt (Probiotics for my gut)

• 1 tbsp of organic peanut butter (Prebiotics to feed the Probiotics)

• 1/2 cup of organic blueberries (Vitamin C and antioxidants)

• 1 boiled egg (Protein)

In addition to shedding 4 pounds of mostly water weight, my energy was up, bloating significantly decreased, my skin was brighter, and the sugar cravings were completely gone! Shocking indeed!

(Left): 1 day before fasting; (Right): 1 day after fasting

Extreme bloating 1 day before fasting

Decreased bloating 1 day after fasting

I didn't even think about the Girl Scout cookies I tucked in the back of the pantry, and when I did, I was actually turned off from eating them. Moreover, I developed a deeper appreciation for the goodness of whole foods—like the five servings of fruits and vegetables recommended daily. I felt like I had transformed physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Takeaways from My Experience

1. Mental Resilience: Fasting proved to be a test of my mental strength. Confronting hunger transformed the way I view challenges in daily life. It was an exercise in self-control, discipline, and mindfulness.

   
   

2. Increased Appreciation for Food: After fasting, I noticed how much more I valued the textures, flavors, and even the smell of my meals. This experience improved my relationship with food and reminded me how important it is to remain intentional about what I put into my body.

   
   

3. Hydration is Key: Regularly drinking water not only kept me hydrated but also contributed to a fuller feeling during the fast.

   
   

4. Fasting is More Than Weight Loss: While I did lose some weight, I realized this practice focuses on purification, renewal, and nourishing my body from the inside out.

   
   

5. Healthier Relationship with Food: Nearly 2 weeks have past since I fasted and I still haven't experienced cravings for sugary snacks. The longevity of these results have led me back to healthier eating habits that I am determined to maintain.

   
   

In summary, my 24-hour water fast was not just a detox experiment; it became a transformative experience that changed my perception of health and wellness. It opened my eyes to the needs of my body and the impact of nourishment on my life. Moving forward, I intend to incorporate this practice 1-2 times per month to optimize my body's innate healing process. If you've ever considered water fasting, I encourage you to take the leap. Your body will surprise you!

Journeying toward better health is personal, and sharing experiences like mine can inspire others to explore their own paths. Have you experimented with fasting? I would love to hear your experiences!