“40 days and 40 nights water fast challenge” achieved and completed.
On day 33 of my 40 days and 40-nights water fast challenge… I was flying to Cairo with Giovanna, my 14-year-old daughter.
For some reason, I went through a period of two to three days of severe insomnia … and the night before I left to travel to Cairo, I did not sleep … basically, I was awake for 40+ hours straight.
I could not sleep.
Since I travel often, I am “Platinum” Emirates frequent flyer, so I am allowed to go to the First Class lounge, even if I am not flying First class … and the First class lounge in Dubai is truly 5 star everything. The food – the wine – everything in the Dubai lounge is amazing.
At 5am on the drive to the airport, after being wide awake for nearly 2 days straight, I decided I was going to stop my water fast challenge, and enjoy the First class lounge then ideally sleep on the flight, and have a successful trip to Cairo with my daughter and the business meetings I had scheduled.
… within a few minutes of my mental decision to stop my fast, I received a WhatsApp message from a close friend in America who I told “it looks like I failed to achieve my 40 day fast again…” and this friend teased me, and told me how terrible I looked … and he told me “eat!!!.”
At the same time, within seconds of each other, I got a WhatsApp from Matt MacDonald, a close friend of mine who lives in Abu Dhabi, but unlike the other friend, Matt is an endurance athlete and a RAW vegan … and he is incredibly fit.
I told both these friends, seconds apart that I failed again to reach 40 days … because I was going to stop when I got to the First class lounge at the airport.
My American buddy teased me even harder and told me how I looked so bad that people will think I am dying of cancer…and we chuckled over his comments. He really chased and encouraged me to stop my fast because he felt I looked terrible.
But — the other friend, Matt told me: “you are only 7 days away from reaching an amazing milestone, 40 days and 40 nights water fast is something exceptional very few people can achieve …”
Then he said – “my suggestion is to take 2 hours break and think about it, pray, meditate, and refocus … and then decide if you stop or not. You have come so far … try not to stop now.”
The car arrived at the airport, and Giovanna and I quickly and efficiently checked-in and were in the First class lounge within 15 minutes or so of receiving these texts …
Literally, as I was walking into the lounge, fantasizing about the food and the great wine they serve, I got another teasing text from my friend in America … and he said, “man you look awful … have you eaten yet????”
… and then I got another text nearly at the same time from Matt again telling me: “you can do this. Go to the end!”
As I read this very positive, supportive text …something clicked. I decided instantly — I would go to the end of my challenge.
The power of positive thinking – the power of the mind. No exaggeration — My hunger immediately disappeared and I got back my focus.
And I never had any hunger or desire to break the fast for those last 8 days.
…………………………………………………..
In 2017, one of my goals was to achieve a 40 day and 40-night water fast.
I fasted 4 times over 2017 — 35, 20, 22, and 14 days over the year. (I fasted every 3 months)
I failed the two times I tried to do 40 days and stopped at day 35 and day 22.
In 2017, Naseba had its best year since 2010 with business increasing 157% compared to 016….and I wanted to do a long fast to “thank God” and “spiritually” appreciate everything in my life…so I decided that I would do a 40 day and 40-night water fast challenge from the beginning of Jan. 018, but this time, no matter how hungry I got, I would not stop until I achieved the end.
I reiterate – I wanted to show my appreciation to God, at the same time improve my focus.
Coincidentally, My church in Dubai, “Gatekeeper’s” (www.gatekeepers.tv) the Church leader, Pastor Ben Richard encouraged and launched a “21 day fast” for the 1,000+ members of the church from the beginning of 2018 – the “fast” depended on the person doing it. Some people gave up TV or junk food, meat, or social media – it didn’t have to be a strict “water fast” like I decided to do.
Example, Sophie’s “21 days fast“… she gave up sugar, carbohydrates and wine – and did a strict vegan diet for 21 days. She lost 20 lbs / 9 kilos over the 21 days.
Anyone who follows my blog knows that I like “water fasting” very much … and for the past 3 years, each year, I have fasted 3-4 times over each year.
My last meal was a great dinner on January 7th — a big, enjoyable meal with Sam, a close friend at a “fine dining” restaurant in Dubai ….
My fast was from Jan 8th – Feb 17th.
I find water fasting very mental.
The times I have wanted to water fast … and was focused on the water fast – I achieved my goal and the fast went easy.
But the couple times I half-heartedly “fasted” .. the fast did not go well, and I would end up struggling over the 20 days.
This time I planned and organized myself to ensure the best chance of success.
I purposefully gained an extra 6-10lbs … because I wanted to ensure that towards the end of the fast, I would have enough fat stores on my body …
When I tried to do 40 days last year, and ultimately stopped at day 35, I was much thinner before I started.
This time I was 209 lbs (95 kilos) when I began vs 191 lbs (87 kilos) when I began the fast last year.
Also, I decided to keep training throughout this fast – last years 35-day water fast I did ZERO physical activity, and during that fast, I never felt the same “fasting high” that I normally do.
3 years ago, I ran my fastest marathon ever on day 30 of a 30-day water fast. I ran throughout that 30-day water fast and felt great the entire time … so I decided to go back to exercising when I am water fasting. It works better for me.
I have a rowing machine and my cycling turbo at home … Over the 40 days / 40 nights … I trained on average 6 days a week for at least 2 hours in total per day (some weeks I trained 7 days a week)
I would row 45-60 minutes on the rowing machine (depending on the day) with a fairly high heart rate average, and then I would walk with Sophie for at least 1 hour … on a few occasions, we walked considerably longer.
Interesting to note: I rowed 30 minutes on day 40 and walked 90 minutes at a good pace …
I had planned and wanted to row an hour on day 40, but mentally, I failed because I felt tired – and also my plane had arrived 2 hours late, so I didn’t get enough sleep, maybe 3 hours … but I still did a 30-minute row with a 132 bpm/avg and then immediately walked 90 minutes on the 40th day of my water fast.
The last days of the fast — In Cairo, I walked more than 15+ km a day and felt great throughout. On that trip, each night, I walked at least 90-120 minutes … and felt amazing.
To be honest, during this fast, I felt so good throughout the day .. that rowing for up to an hour every day became almost an addiction – I was addicted to that “high” I would feel after the cardio from the row.
On the few days out of the 40, where I did not row, I would still feel good … but I didn’t have that same great feeling, that “HIGH” I felt on the days I rowed.
Incredible how great I would feel … even while in Nairobi on day 38 and 39, I didn’t have a rowing machine at the hotel, but I walked, jogged for 90 minutes on the treadmill twice a day … at high pace just to get my heart rate up to 135+ avg … and I felt great.
For me – I have learned from experience that when I water fast, I must also exercise to ensure I feel great.
I had issues with insomnia, as I often have when I get into later stages of longer water fasts. I guess my body does not need the same amount of sleep since my body doesn’t exert as much energy working to digest, and my organs are rested, etc.
I would fall asleep very easily, but I would wake up 3 hours later … wide awake and I would/could not go back to sleep.
I tried everything – from going to sleep later; drinking less water…reading, etc. but nothing seemed to help.
Day 31, 32, 33 I slept maybe 8 hours in total over the 3 days… it was terrible. BUT, I didn’t feel too bad … esp. when I rowed. A couple times, I rowed from 2 am – 3 am in the morning and then would take a shower, shave and get ready for work … it would be 3:45 am and I was ready … I would sit around until Sophie woke up at 5 am to do our walk.
Luckily, we have a big house in Dubai, so I would go downstairs and sleep in the guest room which became my room over the last 20+ days, so not to disturb Sophie.
I should mention after the 3 day period of crazy insomnia that I slept GREAT the last week of the fast … I especially slept great in Cairo – the beds at the Four Seasons Giza must be magical.
With all that said…
Water fasting is NOT difficult.
But if you tell yourself over and over how hard it is, for sure you will fail. I have seen people tell their social media group how they are going to fast … then they seem to update only the negatives about the fast, and how hard it is, etc.
From my experience – water fasting is very easy – MUCH EASIER than people think.
The process is simple: Day 1 is exciting, new and easy … day 2 is more difficult … day 3 is the hardest… day 4 is a challenge, but by now you are used to it ….
From day five your hunger will be gone.
If you want to try water fasting, I think you must read about fasting so you understand what to expect.
Organize yourself so you have water easily available – and at the same time, make sure you are not tempted to eat by going out to dinners with your family or friends too soon into your fast.
Ensure you are around supportive people – DO NOT listen to all the negativity … fasting is healthy and has been around for thousands and thousands of years – do not listen to all the negativity you will surely face.
Set a proper goal to go after … if you have never tried water fasting, I strongly suggest you do not try to go for 40 days right away and pick an easier goal to achieve.
21 days is an iconic length of a fast and a great achievement.
You will lose a lot of weight – but “fasting” is NOT a diet scheme … and I DO NOT water fast to lose weight.
I like to water fast for the focus is forces me to have – for spiritual reasons, and also during a water fast I detox; I feel so good … and love that incredible “fasting high” … and the feeling of energy non stop all day long that fasting is easy for me … and I like to do fasts every 3-4 months.
This 40 day fast … I did for the focus it forced me to have — for the challenge, and as mentioned above also for spiritual reasons.
I drank less water this time than on any of my other fasts.
This time I drank about 3 liters of water a day – Aquafina or Evian and a Perrier or two throughout the day.
I took NO supplements – NO vitamins – NO medicines – NO juices — NOTHING but water.
I am so obsessive with my water fast that I do NOT use or add even a lemon slice in my water … I have only water.
To be clear — Even when I am not fasting, I don’t take any medicine, supplements nor vitamins. I rarely drink juice, even freshly squeezed because of I don’t like the sugar from the juice.
The main issue you will face if you want to try “water fasting” is the negativity from people around you.
Most people will completely assume without knowing anything about “water fasting … that living on just water for 40 days is not healthy — but in fact, “water fasting” has been proven for centuries to be very healthy. (please see all the links I have included below for more information – including numerous reports on the effectiveness of water fasting and cancer)
Once you start … after 5 days your hunger will be completely gone.
I could easily go to a restaurant with my family or friends and sit with them as they ate … and I was not tempted at all.
The main negative for me is boredom. Also, another issue is that “fasting” is not social.
Although I would go out with Sophie and my girls … and sometimes with friends, sitting around drinking water while everyone ate and drank wasn’t much fun and surely, I didn’t bring much excitement to any of the social meals or functions I attended while on this fast.
I bet most people who break the water fast .. or fail is NOT because they get hungry … its because you get bored and when you are bored, you end of thinking about eating.
Thus, I wonder if its true hunger or just boredom that gets most people to fail a water fast?
If you want to fast, I suggest you read all about water fasting … watch YouTube videos and learn as much as you can, so you know what to expect.
(although from my experience, and in my humble opinion — too many of the YouTube videos are of people moaning and complaining about how hard it is to water fast…and how difficult it is, moaning…and moaning…and moaning about how hard it is and how they want to eat, etc I guess people think its look funny or cool if their “fast” seems more difficult)
… but (again, I reiterate) the truth is… after 5 days water fasting is NOT difficult at all)
On this 40 day 40 nights water fast I lost 42 lbs / 20 kilos
I got measured on day 41 and my body fat % came down from 16.9% to 11.8% (last year, on day 36 of my 35-day water fast, my body fat % was well under 10%. I guess I had more muscle mass last year than I do now.
In 2017, I focused exclusively on rowing and did no resistance weight training at all. I assume I lost muscle volume during the year for lack of resistance weight training … not because my body burned muscle during my fast (your body only burns fat stores, unless all your fat gets burned)
I have very little fat on my stomach, even less than I did when my body fat % was under 10% last year, thus I was very surprised my body fat % was still so high.
Although I do not want to get muscular … I will soon get back into serious weight training with a focus on my core to get further prepared for my big row across the Atlantic.
My blood sugar level on day 41 was normal and all other markers were in the “very healthy” category.
Resting heart rate on day one was 44 bpm and on day 41 it was 47 bpm (It went up a bit, but I am curious if maybe I wasn’t rested fully before my heart rate was taken)
This morning my resting heart rate was 44 bpm.
I went to another doctor yesterday (my historic Doctor) for my annual physical … (he doesn’t understand my fast and or why I like to do them) but he told me: “your blood work is “perfect” and your vitals are as healthy, even more healthy than most teenagers.”
Why do I seem to have an obsession with pain?
Several people have asked me why do I put my body through pain and challenges, whether physical endurance challenges that I like to do … or monotonous physical painful challenges where I will force my body to endure several hours of pain, just to see if I can finish a challenge, and of course my water fasts.
Why do I do this?
I guess it is similar to why I like to travel and adventure, and experience as much as possible … it’s about experiencing life to its fullest.
Also, I enjoy being very lean and nimble. I am 47 years old. I am an old man … but I DO NOT want to be fat and out of shape or big and muscular.
I want to be lean, focused and driven.
Endurance, physical/mental challenges help keep me driven and at the same force me to focus.
Probably similar to why I feel so much better after a hard cardio training session than I do after a long night sleep … I need to get my heart going.
………………………………………………………………………
For more Information on water fasting:
Loren Lockman has a great youtube channel with lots of information on water fasting. In my opinion, Loren is the truest expert when it comes to water fasting. https://www.youtube.com/user/LorenLockman
I highly recommend you google his name, watch his videos and look into his fasting clinic.
Also, Dr Goldhammer has a good site and some excellent videos.
https://www.youtube.com/user/LorenLockman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSH4vBBSDmg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_grRFH5oRDQ&t=1562s
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684131/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2815756/
MUST READ: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21088487
http://www.healthpromoting.com
the best book I have read on water fasting:
https://www.amazon.com/Science-Fasting-Sunbathing-Hygienic-System-ebook/dp/B005M77ZX6
https://www.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=3408
Akilah
Hello scott.
Your achievement is motivating and confirming; resulting from this, I bought and read the book.
However, after countless failed attempts at fasting (of which I merely made it to 3 days) I still do not understand how you, or any one manages it through the first 5 days, of which I am sure the fast becomes effortless.
How do you manage to make it through the first 4 – 5 days? What do you do? What does your day look like? Mental ‘tricks’? Staying busy? Planning out every single day?
Thank you, Akilah.
Cathy Esteves
Scott, wow great! Well done! I’ll be on my 14th day tomorrow. I did not plan to fast that long. Aiming at 21 days now, dreaming 40 as this is the ultimate spiritual fast. Though if true hunger kicks in, I’ll eat. By the way, thank you for sharing the episode at the airport. Support and love are tremendous. Focus and determination gold. I’m always greateful when a friend picks me up and help me to refocus. Last note, 47 is not old. I’m 49, and feel life starts afresh again and again.
Akilah, before fasting I had been on a keto diet for 3 months. The body was already fuelled on fat. This tremendously helped, I never experience the hunger pang. Hoping this helps. Best wishes for your successfull coming fast!
csr
if you are on your 14th day, then it’s easy now … no more hunger and I assume you have the fasting “high” and energy all the time. only a week left. it’s not the hunger that distracts me when I fast because I don’t get hungry at all … its the boredom. but focusing on the achievement at the end, the goal i.e. your 21 days or my month of May makes it worth the boredom. keep making it happen.
Sheela
Akilah, in my experience I feel one cant just decide to start fasting and complete a long fast soon after.
I started fasting and broke it several times, each time I broke fast, it was due to temptation and not real hunger. It felt as if my mind playing games on me. I craved for foods that I had not eaten in a long time. Also, I need to cook for a toddler and I try to make variety of tasty nutritious foods for him. Also, it took some time for my husband to realize how serious I am. He would bring yummy food home and that made it harder for me to fast.
But, I did not give up and continued my efforts and kept starting/breaking fasts. I feel that each attempt made me stronger and gave me insight into how I can win over my mind. Finally, my husband agreed to support me for a 40 day fast. Family love and support go a long way! I hope am successful this time! I will let you know.
Kimberly
Each night before bed and each morning when waking, tell yourself this is Day 1 of your fast. Do this until after Day 5, then from there on – think of it as the true number in days. 🙂 Best wishes for success!
Crystle
Hello Scott, I am attempting a 40 day water fast I am on day 6. My headache’s are finally ceasing and hunger pains are diminishing. I have struggled with being over weight since my first pregnancy. During my pregnancy I was severely depressed and after my so was born I began over eating, this has caused me a great deal of misery. I feel like this fast is cleansing all the years of depression and bad memories away. I find fasting to be very Impowering. I feel in control of my life and pray i can continue and be successful at it. I am inspired by your story, it gives me hope that this time I will make it all the way through my water fast. Thanks!!!
csr
stay focused and do not listen to all the negativity that you will face.
if you are a christian, I strongly recommend you read or listen to the book by Jentzen Franklin, “Prayer and Fasting.” Reading/listening to the book will make fasting easier for you. drop me an update when you get to 21 days. i advise you have only water .. no salt, no suppliments, no vitamins no fruit slices or juice … only water. make it happen
Jen Ham
Hi Scott,
What spiritual benefits did u receive from the fasts, u didn’t say. Did 7 get some revelations, visions or dreams, miracles?
csr
great question. i have had several incredible good fortunes during or shortly after a long fast.
its like magical … each time i fast something remarkable happens.
however … i did a 10 day dry fast a couple months ago, and a huge deal i was working on … blew out.
i just have to trust that its part of the climb, and that huge huge deal wasnt meant to happen for a reason.
Also, i did a 3 day dry fast last week — and a massive deal i was working on didnt happen ….
but maybe my breakthrough is the learning and growing from that … and i trust next time the deal will close.
but … i say with confidence that miracles happen during or soon after a fast.
Johnny Maxim
In 2004 I saved my life by doing a 36 day water fast, 4 days short of pulling a JESUS ,the toxins that I pissed out, brown crap , UNBELIEVABLE even mid way in the Fast rode a 12 speed bike alot, no word ofa LIE ? after the 3rd DAY Felt no HUNGER at all, If you have the MINDSET that you CAN’T guess what you WON’T ?
James
I would like advice on my super dry mouth during fasting. it is what makes me stop around the 2nd week mark. No matter how much I drink reverse osmosis water my dry mouth makes it hard to swallow. I saw one comment about dry mouth, but do I just need to keep drinking too much water and stay close to a toilet.
csr
I have zero experience with dry mouth so I can’t give any input on this. I like to dry fast, and even when I dry fast, I don’t have this experience.
I advise you to check out Loren lockman YouTube channel. He surely has a video discussing dry mouth. As for me, I’ve never experienced this.
Hebah
Hi Akilah,
SubhanAllah, I came across your story. I’m a 47 year old female, your exact age when you wrote this article, & am on day 12 of my water fast. I live in Bahrain. I would love to discuss this further with you, I hope you receive it.
Warmest Regards,
H
Christ Follower
Howdy! I’m on day 3 of a 22 day water fast (40 days total with the second half for slowly reintroducing different food types back into my diet starring with broth then up to a daniel fast, then daniel fast plus meat etc.). The purpose is spiritual. The longest water fast I’ve done is 7 days.
My primary issue I face is after day one, I get extreme body aches and mental distraction that makes it hard to work or do much. Primarily, the physical pains are miserable. I just ordered a calorie free electrolyte powder to add a bit to water which I’m hoping will help. I know you don’t recommend that but I think my muscles need it. Do you get any muscle pain and does it eventually subside or is it likely the whole fast will be this way?
csr
i highly suggest you just water fast and do not take any suppliments or vitamins or electorlytes, etc. since your name is “christ follower” then i will point out, Jesus didnt have any electorlyte powder to add to his water.
fasting is very mental. If you focus on your fast, you can make it happen … but try not to over think it. the hardest part is the first 5-7 days. after 7 days one’s hunger will be gone. I suggest a lot of your pains and distractions are more mental than physical. mentally get excited about your fast, and enjoy the process of detoxing, and fight on … and dont think about your body aches and or being tired.
have a great fast, and try not to over think the fast … and just enjoy the process
Christ follower
Well I see my other reply is still pending but today day 7 after persistent nausea, I didn’t didn’t want to touch the electrolyte powder (blech!). I didn’t but tonight around 8pm I threw up bright yellow bile with brown floating chunks like 5 or 6 times (a LOT of fluid!!). I unfortunately am breaking with broth now.
Have you ever thrown up fasting?
csr
no I have never thrown up fasting. maybe your body is having to detox a lot of stuff.
7 days is better than nothing … however, after 7 days fasting is much easier. Maybe try to go back on the fast.
all the best
Woman of God
Hi
Congratulations on completing your fast.I’m searching for a fasting partner.It’s easier if you have someone to help out with accountability ..To God be the glory , I’ve completed many 5 day dry fast and one 7 day.Also completed some water & liquid fast..I love fasting..It brings my flesh under subjection..
csr
thanks. I am on day 8 of the month of may fast. I am doing a water fast for the entire month of May.
Laurence
Hi WoG,
Lets partner when you are ready. Want to start this week
Thx
jay
hi. I want to start 10/05/20. If you need a fasting partner. just let me know.
Nino Capozzoli
Thank you for the link to the Herbert Shelton book. About 2.5 months ago I read a book by Dr. Jason Fung called The Obesity Key, about diabetes, diet, and intermittent fasting which got me pretty excited to start fasting. I did a day, then two and three. Since the beginning of March 2018 I have lost almost 30 lbs and have found quite a bit of clarity in this life change. This morning I began my first attempt at a 39 day fast. I search online for reading material about fasting but there seems to be so much misinformation – and then this morning I came upon your blog and feel like it was perfect timing, reading about someone who has gone through the 40 days and is still healthy, feeling great on the other side. My main reason for trying an extended day fast is that I have had a tough time breaking what seems like a pretty serious addiction to snacking and sugar, and from some of what I have read food cravings seem to lessen as a whole the more that you fast. What has your experience been?
csr
i fully agree … so much misinformation on fasting. i dont do intermittent, but only water fasting. i am not sure what type of fasting you do. the key is the first 5 days of a water fast. mentally, if you are prepared, the 5 days go by quickly, and you control your cravings. after 3-5 days, your hunger is gone completely. i can easily go out with friends and sit with them as they eat lunch or dinner when i am fasting. i suggest you try water fasting, not just intermittent. fasting is surely very healthy. i never get sick, ever. and i do a water fast every 4 months or so. i am on day 16 of a water fast … i am fasting the entire month of May. why? spiritual reasons, and also it helps me focus and i feel so good when i fast .. its a fasting high that i get and great all day long. key is being focused, and wanting to achieve so much that you dont even think about your hunger. also, surround yourself with people who support you, and stay away from negativity. keep me posted
Nino Capozzoli
I am on day 10 now – not feeling hungry at all but mentally it has been somewhat tough to maintain. I guess food continues to have a pretty strong pull even if it’s all in your mind. My BP continues to stay down, the only issue is that my pulse has quickened – my resting heart rate has gone from about 90 (my normal) to 120 this morning. It has been at around 115 since I started the water fast. I originally gave myself black coffee in the AM but have weaned myself off of that, and I’m just a little concerned about the elevated heart rate. I may try to push up my next doctors visit in two weeks to see about that. Otherwise things have been good, 10 days is 5 days better than I have ever fasted before.
csr
i am on day 23 of a water fast, and i am training 2 hours a day. i noticed my heart rate is considerably higher than normal. i assume this is normal because i am into a fast and also training a lot … my resting heart rate is normally around 43/44 maybe lower, but now its in the 60s. i am not worried.
instead of going to some fat doctor who is just going to tell you negative things about water fasting … or prescribe you medicine, maybe research and esp. look at Dr. Goldhammer. to me, he is the leading expert in fasting.
dont worry about your elevated heart rate. i posted 3 long blogs about 30,35, and 40 day water fasts … i discuss the higher heart rate in the 35 day one.
do what you feel is best … but i suggest you not waste money going to a dr. esp if you live in america and its going to cost an arm and a leg.
Dr Goldhammer has many youtube videos. I have never communicated with him, but to me he is the leading expert in water fasting.
Jen ham
Loved everything you said , have done 21day water fasts 3 times now, am 48 now. Have struggles with fatigue which would hinder my ability to pray. Hanger is not a problem. Now I’m excited to do it again with the exercise element. But I don’t want to lose 42lbs. As a woman, I’d like to keep a bit on my bones, lol. What do u think? Thanks
csr
instead of serious cardio – i suggest you just walk. Strict water fasting will cure your fatigue.
I also suggest you read or listen to jentzen franklin’s “prayer and fasting” (my reply is more related to your other queston)
Mary Wilkerson
Hi
I am so encouraged and uplifted spiritually by your blog.
I believe God lead me here. By his grace l have been on many fasts Some juice fasts for 40 days for spiritual reasons only but never 40 days on water only. Recently the Lord led me to go on 40 days water only fast staring 05/06/18 for spiritual cleansing from iniquity. I am now on day 11. I have no hunger pains, headaches etc. I stay focused on reading my Bible and listening to the word of God. I just ask for your prayers. The Lord once shared with me that each day you fast an evil spirit leaves you but we must repent for us and on behalf of past generations. After the 40 day fast my husband and l did without asking. God increased our business income 300%. We focused on God forgiveness, repentance, worship. It is useless to fast for money, houses etc. Fast for what Jesus Christ gave his life to do in all of us. Get rid of the root iniquity ( same nature in Satan or devil), transgressions, and sins. People have told us after fasting that we looked like we had some disease. We laugh out loudly at devils. We are winning this fight through the mighty power our Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit. He has given us freedom and choice.
Thank you. May God continue to shower his blessings upon you & family
csr
thanks for your message. enjoy the fast … now its easy for you because your hunger should be all gone. i am on day 16 … i want to fast the entire month of may. to appreciate my life, but also fasting helps me focus. i get a fasting “high” .. and feel great all day long.
keep me posted. all the best, God bless!
Isabis
Scott, have you ever experienced ‘true hunger’ before? (what is it like?) it is mentioned in Shelton’s book. And, dont you feel nausea, weak, and tired? or does the exercise remedy this?
thanks.
csr
I am on day 17 of a water fast (i want to fast the entire month of may) …
this fast, i have not done as much exercise as i normally do, and i dont feel as great – so for me exercising while fasting is important, and i feel so much better when i do.
as for the true hunger … i guess i felt this when i did a 35 day fast last year. i had wanted to do 40 days … but around day 33, i became very hungry and ultimately, on day 34/35 i had to leave the office and go home and get in bed i was very tired. But .. i didnt exercise at all during that fast.
my 40 day fast earlier this year … i got hungry around day 36, but mentally, i was much more focused and felt better, i think because of all the exercise i was doing. On that fast, on day 36, 37, 38 i walked 15+ miles a day. I rowed on a rowing machine nearly every day too 45 or 60 minutes depending on the day.
from my experience, fasting is very mental. if i am focused and into the fast … and want to do it, i can easily do it and i dont think about eating or food. However, if i only half heartedly do the fast, and am not completely into it, i think about food and the fast doesnt go as well.
as for feeling weak — on the contrary, i get a “high” when i fast. i feel so good, all day long that fasting for me is very easy because i want to feel that same “high” and energy level i get while fasting.
Steve
Awesome job. I’m wanting to start a fast for spiritual reasons, and also to shed this excess weight and detox. Question- when you break a fast, how do you proceed? Do you follow the recommendations to avoid “refeeding syndrome”, or do you just simply eat? After reading your positive experience with exercise (which is always touted to be avoided during long fasts), I wonder if “refeeding syndrome” is also exaggerated.
csr
i just did a 23 day waater fast. i wanted to go the entire month of may, but stopped because i am training for a big endurance race, and was burning too many calories … and although i felt great all day long, i didnt have the same energy during my training … so i stopped. I regret stopping, and wish i had just pushed onward.
with that said … I normally go to a 5 star restaurant when i break my fast, and i eat whatever i want. I once broke a 30 day water fast immediately after running my best/fastest full marathon of my life … and i broke with a big bag of peanut M & Ms. one of my best memories of breaking a fast. I broke my 23 day fast this week at Nobu.
now i am focused on a fruitarian, vegan diet/life style. Personally, i have to train when i fast in order to feel the great fasting high that you get … if i dont train, i dont feel as great. As for breaking the fast … i dont follow the protocol. keep me posted.
Lisa
Hello everyone I am on my first day of forty days… anyone want to partner?
csr
Lisa, enjoy the experience and remember to protect yourself from all the negativity you will face, even from good friends … esp. in america.
Fasting is very very healthy, so do not listen to the people around you tell you that you look bad or sick. After 5 days your hunger will be gone and you will feel amazing. make it happen
Dalia
I’m so happy to have found this blog! I’m about to embark on my first 40 day water only fast and have been mostly running into negativity. Your blog reminded me of why I’m doing it in the first place. I will read it again and again throughout to help remind me of why I started. Thank you for the motivation !
csr
if you have never fasted before, you might want to shoot for 21 days … and experience fasting first. 21 days is still very good length and an iconic number of days to fast. be prepared, esp. if you live in america to get a lot of negative feedback and little support from people around you.
fasting is very healthy. fasting is proving to fight cancer. after 5 days, you will feel great. if you do this … my suggestion is that you not be like most people, and talk constantly about how hard it is to fast (fasting is very easy – if you really want to do it) too many youtubing people moan and focus on negatives of fasting …
i did a water fast for 23 days in May. I am doing a 21 day water fast now. (day 2)
if you have never tried to water fast before — make sure you read a lot about it (read the links in the fasting blogs i posted with the links below)
if this is your first fast — start with 21 days (my suggestion) …. experience 21 days and then in a month go after 40 days. Or shoot for 21 days … and if all is going well (which it should) then keep fasting to 30-35 or 40 days.
hardest part is the fasting is not social, and you will get bored. when you get bored … stay strong and dont go into the kitchen!
Olamide Banjoko
Thanks for your encouragement, pls is possible to 6am to 6am fasting for year and then break with fruit everyday?
csr
if you fast from 6-6 and then have fruit … its great, but its not fasting. a water fast is having only water 24 hours a day for the amount of days you fast.
echo bravo
Scott. Very interesting to read.
I was introduced to fasting last year and agree with your findings.
Boredom is a big factor for me. No need to decide, shop, prepare, cook, or clean up – it is amazing how much bandwidth food takes up.
Came to your blog as am about to restart a fast and was researching more about fasting and exercise.
Last water fast I did was 14-days and on days 10 and 14 I swam 3.6Km with absolutely no issues. In fact, I had not felt so smooth in a while. I stopped as I was getting bored.
Some questions.
Have you never needed to add salts to your water due to the amount of exercise you do? I found that salts – Potassium and Sodium – made my 14-day breeze though. Though I might have been ‘over-drinking’ on previous attempts.
How do you modify water intake with exercise?
csr
when i water fast, i do not take any suppliments including salt. i dont even drink water that has lemon slice in it. just my choice and style of strict water fasting. i ran a 3:43 marathon on day 30 of a water fast. i am very slow runner and that marathon time is my fastest .. and it was on day 30 of a strict water fast. when i fast now, i drink about 3 liters of water a day because when i drink more, i wake up too much because i have to pee (in the beginning, when i first started to water fast, i probably drank too much water) … i recently did a 23 day water fast …i was aiming to fast the entire month of May, but am back into serious training for a endurance race … and mentally failed and decided to stop the fast because i told myself i was tired. truth is i probably should have just drunk more water and stayed focused because after i broke the fast, i had mediocre training that wasnt intense at all …
i am not an expert at fasting — i just like to water fast and i am certain in the health benefits. i water fast frequently. when i fast, i drink about 3 liters of water and do about 3 hours of training a day (run, cylce, swim or row) but the amount of water i drink increases depending on my energy, or lack of energy. if i feel tired, i drink water and get my energy back.
Aisling
Hi, thank you for this inspiring article. It is wonderful to find someone who successfully completes a long fast without – well, whining! Haha. Also I am happy to hear about it being possible to exercise during. I am starting a 40 day water fast. I have done 8 days before, but unfortunately had to stop there, as I was still living with my mum who got distressed over it and thought I was getting anorexic. I also struggled with very low energy and shaking hands, though now I realise it was probably due to drinking black coffee! I have a question about exercise. I am training for a marathon and I was so happy to hear you were able to run a fast marathon on day 30. How much running did you do while you were fasting? Did you do speed workouts at high intensities or just gentle distance? How far did you run? Thank you for your help!
csr
i suggest you go after a 21 day fast and not 40. also, i strongly suggest you take a week or two to get ready for it and eat more than usual. if you are already very thin, you will burn all your fat stores and you will have less energy. i discussed this in the 35 day water fast blog. i started that fast too thin. when i achieved the 40 days, i prepared and gained weight. it seemed to work. 21 days is a great iconic achievement and will serve you well. Do a few 20-30 day fasts before you jump to 40.
On the 30 day fast — I ran at least one hour 6 days a week (3 days on one day off) with every friday being a challenge day where I ran up to 3 hours. That fast was probably my all-time best and favorite fast because i felt great all day every day … and even on the marathon, i felt great. i recovered great too.
all the other fasts i have done have been in part motivated to feel that same amazing “high” that i did. the 40 day i felt good, but none have felt as great as i did on the 30 day. (maybe it was all the running i did) 35 day i did zero exercise and didnt feel as great as normal. i recenrly did 23 day water fast in May and trained up to 4 hours a day for 6 days a week and felt great. go for 21 days. learn more about fasting before you go after the 40 — is my suggestion.
csr
when i run while fasting it depends on my work out. if i have intervals, i run intensively even while fasting … on the 30 day fast i ran with my daughters boy friend every day so he and i ran hard, and i never wanted to lose to him so would push it. but to be honest, a couple times i walked in the middle of a tough run …
on the 23 day fast this part May, i trained a lot and the fast went well .. i was aiming for the enitre month, but i had a business trip where a client took me for dinner at an expensive restaurant and i broke the fast because i didnt want to come across rude
Laurence
hi Scott,
I find your article encouraging and would like you to be a mentor to me in my first 40 days water fasting journey. my whatsapp number is 233244856505
csr
thanks but i am not a fasting mentor. my strong suggestion is that if you have never fasted before, do not go after a 40 day. start with 14-21 days.
read about fasting. after 5 days it is easy and your hunger will go. keep me posted
Rachel Hillhouse
Hi Scott, I’ve done a 40 day water fast 2 years ago during the summer when my mom was dying of cancer. I was 40 lbs. overweight at the time. She passed away, but I was able to handle it better than expected because of God preparing me during my time of fasting. I have fasted off and on since then. I did a 21 day fast and became animeic. I have not exercised during fasting until just recently. I feel great when I do, but deal with some weakness. I have noticed that I am building up endurance and am able to go longer and do more. I’m debating on doing a 21 day fast, but hesitate, because I’m the leader of my run group at church. I run to keep in shape and weight loss. How can I do a long fast and still run? I’m 30 lbs. overweight. Do our bodies have that capability to exert ourselves without replenishing it without food and not have negative effects? I want to fast and run, but don’t want to in danger my health.
csr
again … i am not an expert. i am on day 21 of a water fast and i am getting ready to go for a 90 minute run. for me, its very mental. if i tell myself i am tired and weak, i have a terrible run and feel weak .. but if i go out and run in a positive mood, i can run for 2-3 hours on a fast. on day 14 of this fast, i met one of the senior pastors of my church for breakfast … but before i met him, i did a 2 hour row at the gym on the rowing machine. 2 hour row non stop is tough for some people, but again … i think its tough because we tell ourselves its tough.
i am very lean and dont have much body fat. if you are overweight … my strong suggestion is use your next fast to work on getting yourself back in shape, lose the weight and as you fast JUST WALK do not run. being overwieght will hurt your knees. when in fact, walking 1-2 hours a day you will see the weight fall off you, and you will feel better. try and get yourself in a routine, get your weight down and then get into running. but …. since you seem to enjoy running, even over weight .. then your next fast, stop thinking that you are tired, and focus on feeling good and you will see that you will feel great on your run. now i am off for a 90 minute run.
Rachel Hillhouse
Thank you for answering. I’ve been learning a lot about the power of our mind. Thank you for bringing that up. I’m learning what I think and say is what I believe and what I believe is what empowers me.
EMK
I am on day 10 of a water fast and I am losing about a pound a day. I want to continue for a while and am feeling very good. But I don’t want to continue to lose a pound a day. I can’t really understand why I am losing a pound a day…. Isn’t a pound 3500 calories? I am not exercising except some very small walks to and from work, store, etc. (less than 1 mile per day). So how am I losing 3500 calories per day? I Understand the first few days it was water weight, so I expected that. Is there some point when your metabolism slows down and you stop losing so much weight? I would have thought it would slow to 1/2 pound a day? Thanks,
csr
I am not an expert … but I normally lose 1 kg a day (about 2 lbs) a day for a period and then it stables out where you don’t lose much.
I am on day 21 of a water fast and I have been losing about a 2 lbs a day but i am training 2-3 hours a day. from what i have read and experienced, your weight will stablize but you will lose consistently about a 1 lb a day (i lose 2.2 lbs a day) … this is why for longer fasts, i always gain weight to make sure i have fat reserves for the later stages.
EMK
SO now I am on day 18 of 40 and I think the weight loss has slowed down a little. I really don’t want to lose 40 pounds because that would put me below my high school weight. Trusting God on this one. But I really feel great! And I’m noticing that the dark spots on my skin are fading, sense of smell is coming back, emotions have stabilized. Whoa! Not sure why I didn’t do this before lol. Thanks to all who have gone before me…..
csr
updates?
EMK
So, now I am on day 26 and feeling very good. Had a few rough days about a week ago (day 20-21) with lightheadedness and feeling dizzy. I decided to take in some electrolyte water and 1/8 tsp salt, and that really helped. So now I’m supplementing with that each day. Have to listen to your body! Not trying to hurt myself here. With the electrolytes I’m feeling very good. Really reorienting my thinking about food. Still losing about 3/4 pound a day. No hunger. I even cook for other people and taste test the food and spit it out, don’t swallow. It’s not difficult at all. Also, interesting, no loose skin! My body seems to be just adjusting to this process naturally. Have two more weeks left, and am kinda going to be sad when this is over. What an experience! I’ve been journaling most days and praying a lot. Doing this for God. But what He gives back is a lot!
csr
great job!! congratulations for making this happen.
Ricardo António Jara
Hi Scott, what you think about put some sea salt on that water? You think maybe change something, I fast Sincé 2010 but never more than seven days, because I really feel like water not make nothing for my hydratation, I mean some days I only drink a few glasdes and other days I drink a Lot of water but never felt hydratated. My fast experience is short but I want yo Know what you think about that.
csr
i dont use salt or drink salt water. but i do enkoy perrier or sparkling water during my water fast
Nathan Freeman
I’m beginning a church planting project in 40 days. To fend off boredom I will read my Bible out loud. I intend to start running again too and start doing my army Pt regimen again as I am about 30 pounds overweight.
I am praying for preparation of myself and those God will bring across my path so that I can reach them on a spiritual level and remove the impurities in my life.
Saeed
Greet! Mr.Scot and this post encourages me to do water fast for longer period this time. Anyhow I did before but after 2 days I had a severe hurt burn and I did not know how to deal with it so I cut the fast then. So did you experience a hurt burn during the fast? If yes,how you delt with?
Thank you for sharing this thankful post.
csr
i think you need to be more realistic … of course you are going to face pain and challenge, you are water fasting … and detoxing. I recently, did a 22 day water fast. i also fasted 23 days in May. i am on day 4 of another 21 day water fast i am doing with a friend of mine who has stage 4 cancer … supporting her and doing the water fast with her.
but remember … the first week or so, if you havent fasted before, will be a big challenge. But you are not going to die. Fasting is proving to kill / cure cancer. Focus on the cool experience and adventure … try not to think about the pain. After 5 days or so … your hunger is gone, and you will start to feel good again. make it happen. keep me posted
Anastasia
Hey!
Have recently come across your website and so inspired by your achievements. I’m also pretty determined by nature but have definitely come across obstacles I find hard to conquer. I’ve done 3 water fasts in the past but only for 7 days at a time. In terms of re-centering, re-focusing and strengthening my spiritual connection, there’s literally nothing like it. I’m a single mum and have big projects in my work coming up and I know I need my creativity and focus to be stronger than ever, after a really challenging year this year (I think a lot of people have felt those astrological challenges this year!) I really need to draw on my inner strength and clarity so am about to do my first 21 day water fast. I just wanted to post on here, to touch base with a community who understand about the magic of water fasting. Starting tomorrow! Thanks for listening! A x
Meg
Hi Scott, I am super excited to come across your website and am grateful that you share your breadth of experience with those of us just starting out. I have done intermittent fasting while on a Keto diet and didn’t experience hunger as long as I was in ketosis. Do you have any thoughts about pros/cons of starting a 21 day fast from a state of ketosis/keto lifestyle? Also, is there any place I can find information on referring in terms of the kinds of food to transition off the fast? I read you suggestions above and just want to get more information. Thank you!
csr
i am very biased towards water fasting … so not the best at giving unbiased advice. my suggestion is to read as much as you can, and research and study before you do the fast. everyone has different experiences and advice. example, i have read a lot — and some fasting guru’s say not to do any exercise at all while fasting … and just lay around and sleep all day, and rest. for me – when i do this type of water fast, i feel like crap and have zero energy. from my experience, when i fast, i need to do exercise — and i have read books that encourage exercise, and also read books that discourage it.
one thing i am confident of … is that you will not die on your water fast, so just experience and learn what works for you.
Rachel Hillhouse
Thank you for your advice! It’s working. I started a blog for my run group that I lead at my church. I’ve had a long journey to get to where I am today, so I’m just beginning. I’d appreciate any advice that you could give.
csr
my advice: commitment and consistency. dont try to do too much at once, but build up and most importantly, be consistent.
EMK
csr
are you still fasting? how many days is it today?
EMK
Still fasting. It’s day 32 today. I’m really feeling hunger now and find myself thinking about food. Feeling kinda weak. But determined to finish this out.
csr
update me when you finish. good job
EMK
After I finished the fast, my entire attitude about food changed. I don’t like the feeling of being “full” any more. And I’m finding myself skipping meals – intermittent fasting? And I’m almost vegan at this point, which I wasn’t anticipating. Overall in fasting this year I lost a lot of weight, and have gained about half of it back. And now I’m going into Advent and going to water fast – 23 days. Really looking forward to it.
Do you have any literature on how to maintain an ongoing fasting lifestyle?
csr
i suggest you get into a vegan diet. cut out the bread and sugar.
i highly recommend Loren Lockman’s youtube channel. Loren has lots of videos discussing water fasting.
Douglas j Gray
Dr. Shelton said that to set a specific period for fasting is not correct, that the body itself will tell you when to end a fast, and best results come if you do not end it prematurely, but also you don’t push it beyond when the body says to eat.
Art
Very inspiring work Scott! The longest I have gone water fasting is 15 days. By the third day I felt amazing and had no hunger. Have you noticed any changes to your eye color while fasting? Mine changed from hazel to a light green. I am going to attempt a 40 day fast starting tomorrow. Thanks for the motivation!
EK
Day 40 completed. Feeling very weak and very hungry. I think my body was telling me to stop for the last few days, but I pushed on because I wanted to reach the 40 day goal. I broke the fast with a small spoonful of honey. Will take some broth later. Taking it slowly for now. Have gotten a lot of perspective, and emotional continuity and composure, among other things.
csr
great achievement. good job. if you do a fasting debrief/report, please send it to me – i want to read it. your friends and family must be inspired. great job.
Linda Parker
Hi all. I’m from South Africa. Started my 40 day water fast on Monday 10 September 2018. Did cardio workouts on Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Came upon this blog this morning. Was about to give up earlier. But having read all the positive reports, I have decided to soldier on. Feeling very positive now as this was indeed an amswer to my morning prayer.I’ve even decided to up my exercise routine in the new week. Anyone looking for a “fasting partner”, I’m here for you. I’m also doing this for a particular reason. More sbout that later.
csr
you have made it 6 or 7 days, the hardest part is over. good luck
csr
Linda – are you still on your 40 day fast? if so, how is it going?
E.D.
Hi! I came across this website, which is super inspiring. In Sweden “not eating” is taboo and also I haven’t found a single swede that actually done water fasting and written about it. I have done some water fasts before, as most 10 days. This time I want to try 40 days. I want to do this for spiritual reasons, focus on myself, my body and not stress about food etc. I will continue eating my vitamins. Also I work full time and have horses. To be honest I hate “normal” exercising (did that a lot before, ie running, walking, bicycling etc etc), but I will continue riding one of my two horses (the other one is only a baby). I will try to stay focused but unfortunately I won’t be able to tell my surrounding about this (also why I post here). So if someone wants to join me, please let me know, I start today, September 22nd :).
Melissa Caulfield
I am inspired to start October 1st. I did 11 days in September of water and a glass of iced coffee in the a.m. Being a Mom of 3 sons and a wife- I found it so hard to cook dinner and ” all the smells”- even the noise of the fork to the plate seemed unusually loud, lol. I caved on day 11. But for reasons- I NEED the discipline and mental clarity.
csr
i am fasting the entire month of october. i need the focus and consistency fasting brings me. i fasted 23 days in May, 22 days in august/sept … but i didnt achieve my goal of entire month … so aiming for October. keep me posted. make it happen.
Melissa Caulfield
Thanks for your response. I did begin on October 1st and am 4 days in. I think I’m doing well. Felt “off” yesterday ..just felt tired but feel much better in Day 4. I don’t think about food much – gets a little challenging in the evening as I have to cook dinner for my family. But I have been able to walk away from the temptation. My goal is worth much more than food. How r u doing?
csr
i am on the end of day 4 too. i am not hungry and have felt ok … negative is that i was tired this morning and missed my run.
from my experience, fasting is very mental. when i am focused and want to make it happen … i can fast without any problem. But the times i have fasted, but didnt have my head completely into it … was very difficult, esp. the beginning. For me, the 4th day is normally the toughest, but this time not a problem. I need to ensure i dont get bored because then i will think about eating. i suggest the same for you.
keep making this happen. remember its very mental. if you tell yourself you are hungry, and or listen to your friends tell you its not good … you will fall down and fail. make it happen.
Scott Ragsdale
also – think about the positive impact you will have on many friends, friends of friends who will hear about what you achieved … your kids and husband will surely be inspired. so stay focused and go to the end. the key is NOT listening to all the negativity you will hear … fasting is surely good for us, and it’s Biblical.
reflect on how inspiring you will be … and the impact you will have on the people around you. since you are on day 4, after a couple of days, your hunger will be gone … and then its easy. 11 days is ok … but fasting the entire month will be a cool achievement. you can do it.
Melissa Caulfield
Thank you so very much! You have no idea ( or you probably do,lol) how inspiring and encouraging you are to me. You know, I was inspired to fast years ago because we were believing God for direction regarding our youngest sons health. I just needed to quiet the noise in my head and the opinions of others about what we should do. I was very new to fasting and only did 3 days. AMy husband and I did a 5 day juice fast. I didn’t like that one because for me I found all the sugar made me super tired. Also did a “daniel fast” and while that’s fine for some I was not focused and didn’t have much benefit from that experience. At the end of September – i desired to begin another fast.- It was the strangest thing- but being a Christian i do believe I was led into this one. I appreciate you believing in me and your positivity and encouragement. I just had an almost ” out of body or supernatural experience” today. I went to the grocery store for my family- my sweet husband offered to go but I really wanted to challenge myself. So I arrived with my list in hand – and grabbed all on my list. Upon leaving the store, all of a sudden I realized, like an epiphany, that even though I was putting food items in my basket – i was not thinking about food at all!! I left on a high as I realized- God’s grace is definitely on me during this time. Don’t get me wrong – just yesterday there are moments of feeling challenged..but like you I try to be most productive during the day taking care of my responsibilities and it keeps me focused. I find getting dressed and staying active is most beneficial! I pray you are doing well today!
csr
From my experience, and i have fasted numerous times … fasting is very mental. focus on achieving and making this happen, and you dont think about hunger. i am on day 6 and i have not been hungry at all this fast – probably because i am so focused on achieving the end. the key for you, esp. since you live in America, is NOT to listen to all the negativity you will receive from people. also, think of the positive impact you will have on many people in your life … you wont even know, but your fasting and achieving the end will get people thinking and talking, and i bet will inspire someone else to get their life in a better direction. stay strong.
as for your other question on breaking fast …I am not the best one to discuss breaking a long fast because i once broke a 30 day water fast (after i ran a full marathon on day 30) with a big bag of M&Ms which is stupid … i know, but damn did they taste good. this fast, i will break with fruitarian diet (mainly watermelon) for 4-5 days. i suggest you watch Loren Lockman on youtube. He seems to be the biggest expert on fasting.
Bret Bartlett
Hey Scott,
I am planning a 21 day fast, I’ve done 8 days before. I’m on day 4 now.
I was just wondering what you ate to come off of your 40 day fast.
csr
i might be good at fasting (i am on day 20 of a month long water fast) .. but i am a fool when it comes to breaking my fasts.
to break my 40 day and 40 night water fast (ultimately, i fasted 41 days) … i went to a french restaurant and had a great french meal, glass of champagne and several glasses of wine.
yes … i understand that is not the way to break fasts, but it was a great meal.
one of the times i fasted 30 days … i ran a full marathon on my 30th day. i ran 17 minutes faster than any other marathon i have done. when i finished the marathon, i broke my fast … and ate an entire large bag of M & M’s … damn, they were so good. As i type, i can still remember that momement!
Loren Lockman is the water fasting expert. i suggest you check out his videos on youtube. he advises to eat small amount of watermelon and build up over a few days before you eat normal food.
you are already on day 4 … dont quit. make it happen. drop us note when you get to the end.
Marisela Garcia
Very helpful! Looking into starting a 40 day fast tomorrow. I Have tried several times and failed. The longest I lasted was 7 days. Wish me luck.
csr
don’t try to fast for 40 days if you have failed many times and only achieved 7 days. go for 21 days. fasting is very mental and much easier than people think. I just broke a fast 5 minutes ago … I fasted the entire month of October. You can easily do 21 days if you organize yourself, and if you really want to achieve it. keep me posted.
Jor’dan
Thank for your story Scott! This was so powerful. I’ve encountered a lot of those same issues in my previous 21 day fasts. I am now to get back in the saddle. Thank you so much for your positivity and your contribution to humanity. Blessings!!
Cinamon
Starting a forty day water fast today!
csr
update me on day 20 and 40. make it happen.
Vicente
Hey, thanks for the post on your success in water fasting.
I am thinking of trying to do a 40 day water fast, and was wondering about your experience with training. I have past injuries to my knees, and need to workout often to tighten my quads. Will I still get the same tightness in my muscle in s water fast based on your experience?
Thanks for any help
csr
dont try a 40 day fast if you never water fasted before … go after a 21 day water fast first (my advice)
i have to do cardio exercise when i fast becasue i feel much better. fasting is a “anti-inflammatory” to the body, thus your body will be fine if you train while fasting.
Paul Burnham
Scott – I just read your piece on the 40-day water fast. Thank you for documenting this. I have completed a few four-day water fasts, and am currently beginning a seven-day water fast. My goal is to complete a 21-day water fast in January. Thanks for your inspiration and wisdom.
csr
the hardest part of a water fast is the first 7 days. good luck and when you achieve 21 days, drop another comment update.
Desiree
Hello,
I just wanted to say that I enjoyed your post and find it motivating. Tomorrow I will be starting a 30 day water fast. I have done 20 day master cleanse fasts and 20 days juice fasts but I have never done a water fast more than three consecutive days. I plan on reaching 30 days because I am motivated and really driven this time around. It has been about six years since I was introduced to juicing and the master cleanse but it wasn’t until recently that I started to research water fasting and all of its magical health benefits.
I will keep you updated when I reach every ten days!
-D
csr
i suggest you aim for a 21 day strict water fast. 3 weeks will be a great achievement … and then in a few months go after 30 days.
the first 6 days are the toughest … but after 6 days you will be easily fasting. Organize yourself – ensure you have lots and lots and lots of water (any bottle water is fine) and when ever you get tired, just drink water. even when you feel you have had enough, drink more.
dont listen to all the negativity you will surely face.
make it happen. drop me a message when you get to day 21.
Anita
Hi Scott
Thank you,Thank you, Thank you for your article.
I am on Day 29 and want to continue to say 40 against everyone’s opinion. This is my first time.I too drank nothing but tap water and iron and high blood medicine.
Walked 1 hr on treadmill daily
House bound as taking care of Mom 84 years old who can’t get up, lie down or walk on her own.
Will take it moment by moment at a time
Thank you for the info
Take care bsafe
Anita
Angel Mendez
I just wanted to say how uplifting positive intelligent and wonderful this blog is and how you have me back in the right mindset, your daughter is a lucky young lady to have you as a role model and my wish if I had a wish granted would be for everyone one in the world to have someone like you in their life……thanks again, sorry for the emotion but I’m water fasting right now and just finished a run???????✌?
csr
make it happen. drop me an update after you have fasted at least 14 days. make it happen.
csr
Did you achieve what you wanted from your water fast? How long did you go?
D-mac
Awesome-love what you’re sharing! On day 5 of what I hope to be 6-week waterfast (42 days).
The longest ive done so far is 30 days, 25 days & 21. The 30 was fairly easy because I was mentally prepared. I fast every other month & ranged between 10-30 days in 2018.
I agree w/ inability to sleep the longer the fast goes. I love how water fasting crucifies the flesh & bolsters our spirit-man.
Happy new year & God bless!
csr
every other month … great job. I did 5-6 fasts last year and calculated that i fasted 37% of last year. i am on a 40 day water fast that i am trying to do first 5 days dry fast. i did a 3.5 day dry fast before christmas holidays and it was a great experience.
keep me posted
Anonymous
Sir you have done more for me for my successful water fasting than anyone ever. For that, I thank YOU! 40 days water only fast-here I come!
csr
if you havent fasted before, shoot for 14 days … or 21 days. experience fasting before you immediately try to do 40. it is very mental. you will be told a lot of negativity by your friends, co workers, family and people around you … who will inflict their opinions without having any idea of what they are talking about. so before you fast, make sure you read the books i suggested. organize to have lots of water available, and make sure you stay strong the first 5-6 days (the hardest part is the first 3-4 days) after 5 days its very easy and you will not be hungry. keep me posted
csr
you can surely achieve 40 days, but you need to be organized and mentally prepared, esp. with all the negativity in america. make it happen.
Jenn
Great info here, I’m a 5’10” 140 lb female and I don’t exercise regularly. I honestly don’t think I have any fat reserves and dont know if I could build any up, gaining weight is nearly impossible for me. Do you think it really would make a difference for me to eat as much as possible for a week before going for a 21 day water fast?
csr
i am not a fasting expert – but my wife is tall and very thin. recently, she did a 21 day fasts and 14 days water fast — she didnt have much body fat left, and her hunger came back very strong … so from experience, once you get your body fat down to a point its too low, and your body doesnt have the same energy reserves, your hunger will come back very strong — 2 years ago, i got to day 34 of a 40 day water fast … i was unbearably hungry, and ultiamtely stopped on day 35. last year, i begam my fast 10 lbs heavier to ensure i had body fat for the last days … i guess my point is that your hunger will return once your body doesnt have enough energy stores to take. try to go at least 10-14 days so you get the benefits of the fast. i think too many people quit too early into the fast. be prepared the first 4 -5 days will be a challenge – but if you really want to fast, you will make it happen. its very very mental. good luck and update me after your fast
HGB
Hi Scott,
Thank you so much for your blog. It’s great to see some inspiration out there for others wanting to do 40 day fasts other than the negativity.
I was wondering if you have come across any information on the following symptoms. I get what some have called a “Keto Rash” about 15 days into my fast all over my torso and back and a little on my arms. I’m on day 30 now and it abated for a little bit, but then came back again. It itches profusely but I can endure that. The most concerning thing is that I have a hard time keeping water down. It starts to taste sickly sweet and my stomach rejects water so I am drinking less and less and feel constant nausea (not hunger) I am & was grossly overweight before starting this fast (but the reason for this fast was not weight loss) so I’m wondering if it is just the release of toxins in my body causing this. My main concern has been harming my kidneys & liver due to not enough water or dehydration. But it seems like that shouldn’t be a problem since your fat stores have a high water content? Thanks again for this page & good luck on all your future challenges & endeavors!
csr
my wife is very thin and tall … she recently did a 14 day water fast and experienced the same rash … but it went away. i have never experienced anything similar.
i suggest that you do not need to worry about your body/kidneys/liver … surely, the fast is detoxing and cleaning your system. 30 days is great … if you are heavy, for sure your body can go longer … try and go longer if you mentally can. strict water fasting is the ultimate way to clean and detox your system
keep us posted. try and cut sugar and meat once you are done fasting.
csr
you are on day 30 … you can surely go to 40 … and 40 days is an awesome, iconic achievement. Dont worry about your body … unless you are hyper thin …
if you still have a lot of body fat, 100% you are going to burn the body fat .. therefore, in theory, you can fast as long as you have body fat. You have come this far … 40 days is awesome, but if you still are heavy, 50 days is even cooler. I rently did a 23 day water fast, and i did the first 5.5 days dry fast … and then did another 5 days over the remaing 16 thus, i did nearly half the fast dry … i share this woth you only to highlight that i felt amazing. dont listen to all the negative bull shit said by people who have zero clue what they are talking about. i once had a doctor tell me that my water fasting was not good for me…. he was 34 years old, very over weight and looked terrible. I was 46 at the time and weighed less than i did when i was in high school … and surely, i can do physical activity/things that fat doctor cant. do not listen to all the negativity. you have achieved 30 days … you can 100% get to 40. but if you are still very heavy … go for 50. drop me an update with before and after photo when you finish your fast. make it happen
HGB
Well I’m sticking in there so far. Feel very weak and lethargic the last few days. Lots of vomiting bike. Also lots of mucous buildup in my sinuses. Thankfully work slows for me this time of year and I think I can maintain it for another 8 days and make the 40 day mark. I’ll definitely send you pics when I’m done.
csr
the more you have to detox the more you experience the bile and the other detoxing you are enduring. my friend who had stage 4 cancer and had endured 12 rounds of chemo … she felt like shit the entire fast, but after 26 days of water fasting, ultimately, she was clear of her cancer that the chemo didnt kill. stay strong. dont stop now. good job.
for me, i have to exercise when i fast to feel good. maybe try to go for a walk, and see how it helps you feel.
Alice
I’m amazed by all of you. I can’t make it to even 5 days, the fith day I end up lying on the bathroom floor vomiting bile. I have tried and failed so many times over about 9 years of being called to fast. I am a 34 year old female and very overweight despite not having children and it shouldn’t be this difficult but my body is very toxic it seems. I do better with dry fasting but still can’t get to 5 days with that either 🙁
csr
its very mental. when i put my mind to it, i can dry fast easily for 5 days (not have any water or food) .. or water fast for 30 days … but when i half heartedly do the fast, i always break it and i focus on the hunger.
you obviously have a lot to detox. i suggest you read as much as you can on “water fasting” .. pure water fasting, and not the bull shit american style of “broth” or soups … that small calorie gives you a little bit of energy, then your body is going to crave more. thats why water fasting is easier than starving oneself and only eating few hundred calories.
you can 100% do a 21 day water fast … without question. but in order for you to achieve this — you must organize and have lots and lots of water, and want to do the fast. the hardest part is the first 5 days…irronically, you are stopping at the very end of the hardest part.
read the book “fasting and sunbathing” by herbert shelton (check out the links at the bottom of each of my blogs on fasting) i am NOT trying to sell anything .. so my input is sincere. i have nothing to do with fasting … other than i am a big believer in the power of fasting. re-read my blogs on fasting, and check out the links on them. Loran Lockman is a group resource for info. his youtube channel. good luck and keep me posted when you achieve 21 days. then after you fast and detox your body … stop eating meat, chicken and all that processed sugar in america. you can do it — but you ahve to want it more than anything else.
Omar
Hi Scott! Thank you for sharing a very intriguing and inspiring blog! I couldn’t agree more that you must be in a proper mindset going into a fast. I ended my last fast at 23 days (40 day goal), after feeling like death towards the end. I am soon going to try again, and had a question. Since I will be documenting the fast this time around, I was wondering if it would be worth making some sort of experiment out of it. Do you think any MDs would be interested in documenting data from my fast?
csr
from my experience, Dr’s are not interested in fasting … because it takes away business from them. send me at mail at SR@naseba.com to tell me more about your fast. I will also doing another fast in the near future. 6 weeks ago, i fasted 20 days with 11 of the days “dry fast” no food or water .. great experience. good luck
Omar
Thanks for the reply! I will start in a few days, and will mail you about my blueprint/supplements. Very excited to hear your thoughts.
csr
important note: a strict water fast is only water — there is no need to take suppliments. if you are going to ‘water fast’ then just drink water — nothing else, including any salt or any suppliment.
Dolly Templeton
I just wanted to say thank you. Last year I set out to do a 40 day water fast, but ended up stopping after 25 days. It did help me heal through some things. I just set out to do a 40 day fast but went back to the master cleanse since it was a very spiritual journey in 2004. Today I just wanted to read other stories and I agree positivity is the only way… Even in my weakness God is strong. Day 5 going strong. Thanks for sharing!
Dani
How did you break your fast? How long did it take for you to eat regularly once again? How do you recommend breaking a 21 and 40 day fast?
Laiwe
Hello Scott 🙂
Wow! Coming across this is so inspiring. I’ve been doing so much reading on fasting because I am keen to try. But as you mentioned. Most of the information is very negative and discouraging. I have a question though,do you carry out enemas during your fasts? On other sites people recommend them and I’d like to know your opinion about it as you have so much experience with it. Otherwise, I hope all is going well for you. And THANK YOU so much for sharing with us. It is very encouraging and prompts one to realise that one can try successfully too.
csr
no i have never had an enema. i dont eat meat and have fasted a lot over the past 5 years or so, thus i am confident my insides are clean.
Cinder
Hello Scott!
I am so glad to have found your blog and comments from fellow fasters. I’m at day 5 of my fast. I intended to fast until Easter, which would be 25 days-but after reading this I’m inspired to go longer. I’ve completed longer fasts before: multiple 21, a few 30, and once a 39 day fast. I wanted to do 40 days but was enormously hungry towards the end. However, after breaking that fast, I immediately regretted not powering through. It is completely mental as you say, and it helps so much to have positive supporters. I’m coming here to get inspiration when needed!
csr
its mental. if you were incredibly hungry, it might mean your fast was over .. your body had no more fat stores. 2 years ago, i attempted 40 days and day 33-35 i was unbearably hungry and broke the fast. i had burned all my body fat, thus my body said it was time to end. when i did 40 days last year, i gained 10 kilo before, and i wasnt hungry at the end of it … and probably could have gone another 7-10 days. keep me posted – make it happen. i highly recommend Jentsen Franklin’s book, Fasting and Prayer. Reading the book helps me a lot (to stay focused) during my fast.
Rosa Houser
Hi, could you give some advice on refeeding after an extended fast. I am currently on a 21 day fast. After doing a 30 day fast last year my legs swelled up 6 days after refeeding. It happened after I drank a cherry/beet smoothie. Probably too sweet. This time I am thinking of refeeding in a keto style. Please give me your advice. Thanks! Rosa
cinder
Hello Scott,
Thank you for the supportive response.
Oh, there were plenty of fat reserves – particularly for just One. More. Day. I just gave in to the naysayers when the challenge peaked. Then rationalized that it was long enough. I’m at day 16 and really feeling more energetic and positive than I have on any previous fasts. The only difference is embracing the mental challenge and I have a clearly defined goal of deepening my appreciation of my opportunities here on the planet.
Thank you for the Franklin book recommendation. I hadn’t heard of him before. I’ve been looking at his book The Fasting Edge which has been a positive, encouraging read.
-Cinder
csr
great job – keep it up.
His book “prayer and fasting” is what i recommended.
Dani
40 days and nights, I did it! I appreciate your story!
csr
awesome!!! please share your report or blog on your experience — great job.
Roshni
Hi Scott. I stumbled upon your article which has inspired me greatly. I’m currently on day 36 of my intended 50 days fast and things have been going well apart from the expected discomfort in the first few weeks. I’m fasting to control and possibly reverse my recently diagnosed Type 2 diabetes and haven’t encountered any major issues with blood glucose etc. I’m doing it without any medical supervision since my doctor is one of those who believe diabetics need to be dependent on pills for the rest of their lives. I did not even bother discussing my decision to water fast with him. I am drinking exclusively pure water and took a few multi vitamins and magnesium/potassium in the first week until I decided to be strict with myself and stop taking any supplements. My concern is about re feeding after such an extended fast and I wanted to have your opinion about what’s the best way to break my fast. I’ve read about people breaking their fast with watermelon and diluted juice but I also read contradicting information about some people breaking their fast with proteins. Since I expect my potassium level to be very low having not taken supplements, what should I break my fast with?
csr
great job on making this happen … and i will be very interested to hear about your blood results after it is over. A close friend of my wife had stage 4 hochkins lymphoma and i forced her to water fast … and she did 28 days and after the fast, her PET scan was clear .. she cured herself of cancer. i witnessed this myself. i know it is true. The key as well is to change your diet after the fast. Stop sugar, oils and salt .. and try to move to a vegan diet. I am not expert at all … and i do not break my fasts the correct way. However, each time i have done long fasts, and had my blood work checked, all my levels were normal, thus i am not so sure your potassium level will be low. my experience says it will be normal but i am not an expert.
fruit is always the best way to break a fast – esp. watermelon. please drop another comment when you make it to 50 days and do your blood work. I bet you cure yourself. keep me posted.
csr
I highly suggest you watch lots of videos on Loren Lockman’s youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/user/LorenLockman
loren seems to be the main expert on water fasting – at least the best i have come across. he surely has a video discussing fasting and curing diabetes. only 2 weeks left … you can do it. keep it up and please update me when you finish
csr
i do not take any suppliments whatsoever – never … I am against taking suppliments and or prescription or over the counter drugs.
i never ever get sick. i am sure its because i water fast every few months.
check out Loren’s site and surely there is good info on the best way to break a fast.
csr
how did your blood work turn out? did you make it to 50 days?
Claudette
Hello Mr. Ragsdale,
I have completed many water fasts, my longest being 26 days. I have recently started a 40 day water fast. I plan to break fast on June 3rd. I am a certified holistic health coach and even with knowing all the reasons this is so good, I am nervous.I very badly want to accomplish this but I am afraid. My purpose is for healing and spiritual break through.
Your knowledge and positivity has been very helpful. I find myself reading it over again everyday.
My apologies for being long winded! 🙂 I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to reach people on this topic. It is very inspiring. Love and light to you and your family!
Warmly,
Claudette
csr
have a good fast. remember its very mental, and much easier than people think. stay away from the negativity … without question you will face negativity from friends or co workers, esp since you live in america where everyone is an expert. organize yourself with lots of water — and i strongly advise you do NOT take any suppliments, no salt or vitamins ..nothing but water. make it happen. drop me update when you get to day 20 and day 30. you can do this – but you have to make it happen.
Lily
I have tried fasting but never got beyond 5 days. How do you maintain mental clarity when you fast? I find myself getting very tired and easily distracted when I fast, making it difficult to fast when I work. Any suggestions on how to get by? I’m planning to do a 21 day fast for health reasons, but worried that it may interfere with my work
csr
fasting is much much much easier than everyone says it is. i guess people think it looks cool to act like strict water fasting is difficult.
if you really want to water fast, then do it. stop telling yourself how hard it is, and worry over work. then begin the fast on a thursday. you will hafve only 2 work days … from the 5th day, your hunger is gone. but all of this is very mental. if you want to do this … and focus on achieving 21 days, then you dont care about a few days of being hungry … because after 4-5 days you have no hunger. it all depends on you, and what you want to do and achieve.
do not listen to all the negativity that will pollute your life as you fast (esp. since you live in america – we, the people are opinionated, negative .. and seeing you achieve a 21 day water fast will hurt the feelings of all the people in your life who cant / dont think they can.
but stop telling yourself you cant. i recently dry fasted 10 days. i did not eat or drink for 10 days, and still went to work. i didnt do a blog on the 10 day dry fast because the truth is .. the dry fast was very easy, and i enjoyed it a lot. but … i wanted to do the dry fast and organized for it.
21 days is great … but you have to make it happen. Let the truth be known – water fasting is much much easier than all those moaners on youtube, who are just trying to look cool say it is.
csr
sorry – i didnt address your questions —
i suggest if you really want to water fast, you begin on a thursday, so you have only thursdy and friday at work, and satursday/sunday will be the toughest = but its very very mental.
i fast very often. every couple months or so, and even my wife has noticed … when i am focused, and want to fast, i fast very easily. however, when my heart is not into the fast .. and i just rush into the fast, i am hungry, and get distracted … and ultimately break it. so its very mental.
a very close friend of my wife and i … she had stage 4 hochkins lymphoma … chemo did not work. she had less than 6 months … and i forced her to water fast. she water fasted for 26 days, and cleared herself of the cancer. i know its true because i witnessed this myself. water fasting is very healthy and will surely help cure you of whatever ailment you have … even cancer. but you have to be focused and strict .. and not get distracted by all the negativity you will face.
Lily
Thank you for your advice. Another thing – based on your experience, does the hair thin during fasting? I’ve seen videos and forums where people who water fasted for extended periods ended up losing a lot of hair. Just wanted to hear any experiences that you have seen personally. Thank you.
csr
i shave my head. i have read that fasting improves hair quality and color – including turning grey hair to the original color. i hve read several different people experiencing very positive changes to their hair color and quality. my wife did a 21 day water fast and she said her hair quality improved.
csr
you will take this comment the wrong way … but you have not begun to water fast, and all the questions you ask about are founded on negatives.
you didnt ask about the incredible, all day long energy one experiences when they fast…or the great detoxing of the body…or how much sharper my mind seems, and my memory is far better when i am fassting …. there are so many great things to discuss and focus on .. instead of the points some moaners on youtube focus on because negativity sells … i say it again — strict water fasting is very very easy — and much much easier and enjoyable than the negataive people share.
Martine
Hi! What an inspiering blog!
I am on day 6 of my 11 day fast. I initially wanted to go for 14 or 21 days. but the 17th of May is our national day here in Norway and my sister invited me to stay with her for the weekend. I can’t tell her about the fast with her being a doctor and a former anorexic.. she would be furious. 🙁
And I don’t want to skip the celebrations with her since us is my favourite holiday. must also add that my sister is very dear to me and I don’t want to scare or hurt her.
But I am determined to start a 14 or 21 day fast when I get back home again!
How do you feel with social situations like this? Do you abstain from them or tell your family even tho they will be scared and angry. And might even take it personal, she will definitely think i have an eating disorder based on her oiwn expieriences..
Alina
WOW I am so glad I found your blog. I needed a positive approach toward fasting so thank you for sharing your experience. today is the first day of my 30 day water fast. I did a number of 7-10 day fasts before I had my daughter and I remember feeling GREAT exercising during my fasts. she is now 2 years old and I am still 40 pounds heavier than my pre-pregnancy weight. I know that water fasting is the only way out for me. I will update when I am done with my fast 🙂
csr
have a good fast. the hardest part is the first 4 days. from day 5 its very easy. update me when you get to 15 days. dont listen to any negativity.
Alina
Day 15 is almost over and I feel fine. you were right, the hunger does go away but the mental struggle to eat is REAL. I started to feel light, energized and in control starting from day 8. This morning I was a bit dizzy and nauseous for the first time after so many days. I think I need to take a bit of salt with my water today. I have been exercising for two hours every day ( moderate effort) and I have lost a total of 20 pounds as of this morning.
I have been reading the comments in this page for extra motivation 🙂
csr
good job. dont stop. the only time i tried salt in the middle of a fast, i noticed it made me hungry and or think about food.
dont think too much. a month or so ago, i did a 10 day dry fast that went very well .. mainly because i did not think about it, and or constantly analyze how i was feeling … i just did it, and it went well. I am on day 12 of a fast now. I wanted to do the first 7 days dry, but after 4 days i kept thinking and talking to myself, and ultimately drank water and stopped the “dry” fast. Its the same with everything in our life. when we are focused, organized and want to achieve something … we have a much better chance of going to the end instead of thinking and analyzing each move. You are on day 16 of a water fast …of course you feel different. There is only a few times i got dizzy or nauseous during a fast (this rarely happens to me) …i reflect back wonder how much of it was mental?? … maybe i was tired and just told myself i was feeling dizzy or nausea etc because unconsciously my body was trying to get me to stop the fast. Good luck
Jennifer Faye
Hi I’m so glad I found this blog . I have been studying dr sebi for awhile now and have been wanting to work my way up to a 40 day fast for spiritual reasons and health ofcourse. Dr Sebi had mentioned fasting corrected his vision from day 30 – 35 he was too weak to walk and was stuck in his bed but after day 36 he felt great and his eye sight was corrected , no need for wearing glasses anymore. Has anyone else experienced this ?
Cinder
41 day fast completed!
csr
great job. if you do a report or blog post, please send it to me. thanks
MJ
Hi, this page has been great inspiration source to me. Tomorrow, i will begin one ten-day fasting, only water. Thanks, Scott.
Omo. Paul
Hi Scott,
Know a good place in the emirates peaceful and quiet enough to do a long fast?
Finding a place with little to no distractions is my greatest problem.
I have some experience with fasting so I am not looking for supervision. I have a dream of hitting the 40 day mark.
A church lodging , monastery lodging ,around like minded people would be ok
Thanks for your encouraging post.
Blessed
Godbless you Sir for this post.
femmesquire
Holy crap! You are amazing!!! You are like a spiritual Bruce Wayne or something!! I found this post very inspirational. Thanks for all the links at the end. I will check those out.
Victoria McClure
Hi Scott.
Ive Been dipping my toe in the waters of the extended water fasts and I keep failing and was wondering if you could help me. My goal is to loose 60lbs by my friends wedding on October the 5th and was wondering what you think my best game plan would be. I was aiming to start with a 30 day water fast but what would you recommend?
Look forward to hearing from you and hearing your advice.
csr
i suggest if you have never fasted before … you do 21 days. Do not listen to any of your friends negative input. Do strict water fast … no salt; no juice; no suppliments…no vitmanins. Do a real, proper water fast … focus on achieving 21 days. if you are christian, read Jentzen Franklin’s “Prayer and Fasting” … that always helps me stay focused. your issue will be the negativity you will get from the people around you … but remember: fasting has been around for 1000s of years… and is the ultimate way to cleanse, detox, burn fat, and its proving to kill cancer.
once you decide you are going to do this — do it, and do it to the end. too many people come to my blog, get all excited, say they are gonna fast … but ultimately, after a few days … and negativity from their enviornment … they stop.
fasting is much much much easier than people thing … and its far easier than the people on youtube are pretending it to be.
i recently did a 10 day dry fast. i share that with you because it was easy … and for me its easier to dry fast than to water fast … but if you look at youtube, you see people act like they are doing something special if they dry fast for 3 days.
fasting is simple — but you have to mentally want to do it … and then not stop until you get to your goal.
the first 5 days will be a challenge … but after that, its easy .. and you will have zero hunger.
make it happen and send me message after you get to 21 days … and then if you can, go longer. good luck
victoria mcclure
Wow thank you so much for the quick reply.
Okay Im going to give it my all and keep you posted.
I say you drank perrier would that be aloud or pelligrino? and any Teas you would not recommend?
I was really interested to see that you exercised the entire time most say you shouldn’t.
Thank you so much for your help
csr
yes, on some fasts i drink perrier or pelligrino — as long as it doesnt have any sugar or fake sugar.
i ran a full marathon on day 30 of a 30 day water fast and it was my fastest marathon by 17 minutes. (i did not have anything, but water for those 30 days and on day 30 ran much faster than i ever have)
i need to exercise when i fast, and i notice that i feel much much better when i exercise while fasting. i am not suggesting you do this, esp. if you are not used to daily exercise or training.
i dont drink tea .. and remember you are water fasting, and if you are drinking teas or suppliments, it will take away from the fast. But when i water fast, i drink a coffee when i wake up – but that coffee is the only thing different to water. you can easily do 21 days if you put your mind to it and dont let the negatvity from “friends” bring you down. good luck
Victoria McClure
Okay great thank you so mcc for your help.
One last question.
With exercise and being consistent on sticking to the 21 days to start do you think I may reach my weight loss goals in a two month period?
csr
assuming you stay focused, and achieve 21 days … i would expect you to easily push to do another 10 days so ultimately you can go for 30-40 days.
you will lose 40+ lbs. once you complete the fast, then begin a vegan diet/lifestyle and you will lose the rest. The key is making sure you do not go crazy and eat like crazy after the fast. i highly suggest you cut out the sugar and meat … you will see weight will fall off you.
Victoria McClure
Wow. Great.. Thank you so much.
It is motivation in-itself to hear what can happen.
I will keep you posted. Starting day 1 tomorrow
Andrea
Hi, I have started a consecration fast with a goal of 40 days. I have completed day 2, water only, praise God. My focus is purely spiritual, to discern God’s voice more clearly and to further deny the flesh in order to live by the spirit. I am determined to make it through these first days for Jesus. He did it, and so much more for us, how can I not pursue it. I wrote the phrase on my hand “wait one hour” and each time habit hunger tempts me to break or to give in with juice, I read it and I pray. This has worked all day today. I am pleased to find your blog, and although I do not relish exercise in the way that you do, I will be incorporating it into my daily fast as well. Thank you for your encouraging testimonies.
~Andrea
csr
stay strong and focused. hunger is very mental — when you think that you are hungry, you will be. Dont think about food … and especially after 4-5 days your hunger will be gone. soon i will do another 40 day fast with the focus of hearing God’s voice. when you get to 21 days, drop me an update. then get to 40.
David
Hey Scott, I was really blessed by your article. I have been a long time Christian but never fasted longer than three days. I was feeling lead to do a seven day fast (I know that sounds weak compared to 40 days) but was being held back by fear. This was because the first three days are so difficult. So seven days it is! Thanks, and God bless.
csr
If you can do 7 days, surely you can do 21. 21 days is iconic length… Truth is after 7 days fasting is very easy. Have a good fast, and make sure you don’t take any vitamins or auplimwnts or salts… Just water. Good luck
Elizabeth
Hello again! Last year I did the 40 water fast with excellent results (Aug 6-Sept 15, 2018). For one thing, my emotional makeup completely stabilized. I had been dx’d with complex PTSD, and had gone through a lot of therapy and even taken medication at one point, all of which was helpful. But going through the fast seems to have really cleaned out my gut (“the second brain”) and stabilized me further than any other therapy. I’ve retained most of the results. I’m starting another fast, and on day 3 now. Not entirely sure whether I will go all 40 days, as I don’t have the body mass I had last year. But we shall see. I’m going to go until I reach true hunger again, which is what happened on Day 37 last year. So we shall see. Anyway, just documenting here: Day 3 (started again on August 6), and hunger was fierce this morning but I ignored it and it is gone now. My blood sugar seems to be stabilizing. I’m really happy to be doing this again. (please don’t use my last name if you post this).
Linda
Hello ,
I am very intrigued with doing an extended fast to kill cancer ( stage 4 NHL ) . You mentioned a book in the credits but the link does not work …can you please reference the name of the book and the author ?
I have been KETO 2 years and have been doing IF . Recently, I started ADF3x36 ( alternate day fasting ) . I’m interested in doing a 21 plus day fast .
I’ve got Dr Fungs book , but he doesn’t speak to longer extended fasts . I Would really appreciate some insight into reading material for extended fasts .
Your journey is amazing to read , thank you for sharing .
Linda
csr
i am not sure of the link you refer to .. but a book that i highly recommend is https://www.amazon.com/Science-Fasting-Sunbathing-Hygienic-System-ebook/dp/B005M77ZX6
my wife’s friend had stage 4 cancer. chemo/radiation did not work and that was it … i forced her to water fast. i would take her water (evian) every morning and really chased her to water fast. She had a very negative experience because detoxing all the chemo/radiation but she water fasted for 28 days. a week after her water fast she had another PET scan and she was cancer free. Water fasting starves the body of sugar and cancer feeds on sugar. i am not a Dr. but i am certain that water fasting is very very healthy – and can cure cancer. there are many stories about water fasting curing people of cancer. i witnessed it first hand. water fasting is the ideal way to heal oneself.
I highly recommend Loren Lockman’s youtube channel.
Kate
Thank you for sharing your journeys. I’ve done many 3 day fasts, and I completed a 21 day fast last year. Looking back, the 21 day fast was fairly easy. Yes, the boredom though. I am starting a 30 day fast tomorrow to lose weight and get off the simple carbs again. I feel addicted. Question: do you “let yourself” think about post-fast eating during your fast? Or do you train yourself to not think about food or even strategize about what you will do differently when it’s done? Maybe it’s best to simply stay in the moment, and just DO the fast. For me, I know the fast is the first step; the change I need to make long term is the second step. I think OMAD with limited simple carbs will be the right thing for me. Thank you. I will make it happen.
csr
its very mental. if you think about food and eating … and are around the house and bored, you will be tempted to eat.
I am not an expert – i fast often and believe in fasting as a cure all for everything … and i love to fast — but the times that i half heartedly fasted … and found myself dreaming of eating was the times i didnt reach my goal length. My suggestion – focus on the cool adventure. Dont listen to any negativity … and use all the negativity you will surely face to motivate you to complete the fast. Think of the positive impact you will have on your family and friends … co workers … everyone around you who will witness you throughout the 30 days. Focus on achieving the end … there will be plenty of time to eat later.
also – when i get tired and or unfocused, I read about fasting. I am christian and a lot of the reason i fast is to humble myself – so when i get distracted and think about eating or have more hunger pains than usual, i read “Prayer and Fasting” by Jentzen Franklin. Or a book that is not spiritual “Fasting and Sun bathing” by Herbert Sheldom (i have read both these books numerous times.
But …. as I discussed at the beginning of the 40 day fast blog … its super super mental. Just focus on your climb … slowly, but surely you will get to the top of your mountain. good luck and keep me posted
csr
also – i highly recommend Loren Lockman’s youtube — when you get down and distracted and want to break your fast, go to youtube and watch one of his videos. It will help get you to remember why you are fasting and the massive benefits of fasting are having on your body and mind.
Kate
Thank you for your suggestions and positivity. I’m excited. I choose to be excited, as if it’s already done. And in a way, it IS already done, because I am going to do it. What a relief I will feel in 30 days, when my body and mind feel right and good again. And my goodness, it’s only 30 days! It’s a miracle, really. Fasting. What other thing could bring these benefits in that amount of time? Nothing. There are times, when I feel my body fights me, when I am addicted to processed food, I feel my body is against me. Fasting reminds me that my body is just fine. My body is not the problem. It’s the “food”. Our food supply is toxic, and we are suffering so greatly because of it. Well, fasting helps us say “I will participate no longer”. It IS a road less travelled. Bless the great Mr. Frost.
csr
Every 10 days post a comment and don’t quit or stop until you get to 30 days. Good luck
Anu
Hi Scot,
I was very impressed with your fast and have gone through some references. My question is what is your opinion about liver flushes and whether a water fast is preferable to deal with fatty liver and gallstones? Am generally in good health otherwise and have no symptoms from the gall stones which are large according to ultrasound
csr
sorry – i am not an expert and give no health advice … other than to say i believe a long water fast cures just about everything.
a close friend had stage 4 cancer … chemo didnt work. i literally made her water fast and i fasted with her … and ultimately, she was all clear of her cancer after 26 days of a water fast (i wish she had done 40 days, but she stopped after 26 days — my experience is the longer the water fast, the better – as long as one is not too thin and still have fat on their body)
Ebony
I am so happy I came across your post. I am currently on day 10 of a 21 day fast and I was ready to give up on Day 5. For some reason it was extraordinarily difficult. Your post and all the comments gave me the motivation I needed to continue. My fast was originally going to be a 7 day fast and 2 days ago I decided to extend it to a 10-day and now a 21-day fast. Whenever I feel like giving up, I come back to this post and all of the comments and it spurs me on. Thank you
csr
its crazy how mental it all is …
keep making it happen and post a comment once you reach your goal.
good job.
A.M.P
This is not meant to be condescending but it seems your entire purpose of completing a 40 day fast is simply to prove you can complete a 40 day fast. The purpose of fasting is to cleanse and heal the body which can have miraculous results. Your body can’t heal itself however if you are not resting during the fast. Exercising or any activity is not wise at all during a fast. This is because during a fast, your body is using its energy to heal and detox. If you perform any activity or exercise, your body won’t have energy to heal and detox. If weight loss is your ONLY objective than that’s fine but I read that you’re advocating people to eat as much as possible to gain weight before the fast. Why on earth would one want to do that? You need to do the exact opposite and start eating less by eliminating meat, dairy and refined carbs in the weeks before the fast. Eating more food prior to fasting will leave more junk in your body to cleanse and you will not get the same benefits. Many people will also have more difficulty dealing with detox symptoms if they eat more before the fast. Your body won’t lose more weight than it needs to. Anyone telling you that you look too thin is just ignorant of the fact that most people in the western world are too fat. Again, not trying to attack you but there is a lot of misinformation on the web about fasting. Long term fast are amazing and beneficial but can also be extremely harmful if not done properly. Kudos for completing the fast !
csr
Thanks for your input — but regardless of what you think or I think … people fast for their own reasons and have their owns ways that works best.
I ran a full marathon on the 30th day of a 30 day water fast … I was 17 minutes faster than my best marathon time. whether it was good for me or not, it is how I fast.
I have done another 30+ day fast where i did zero exercise and just focused on resting … but i never felt as great as I do when i fast and do exercies. So allow me to humbly disagree with you.
maybe the books say I should rest … but my body says differently, and I fast the way I choose to fast. One big problem i have with fasting is all the “experts” who have their “opinions” … all these people who say people need to have salt when they fast. I have done another fast whether i had salt from time to time and never gained the fasting high — also, i seem to stay hungry when i have salt while fasting. I did a 10 dry fast a few months ago — for me dry fasting is easier than water fasting, but I can not exercise when I dry fast.
I appreciate your input — but I challenge you to be more open minded. People have their own reasons for fasting. For me, i fast for spiritual reasons and to humble myself before God (i am christian) but also, i fast to cleanse my body and I love this fasting high i feel (today is day 10 of a water fast)
The best fast I ever did … where i felt the best without question was the 30 day fast i did and at the same time trained 6 days a week running/training for the full marathon. I am chasing that amazing high I felt the entire 30 days … and then the magic of running 17 minutes faster. I have run 3 marathons since then, and one of them I was in better shape … but still ran 21 minutes slower than I did when i was on day 30 of a strict only water fast. I broke that fast by eating a large bag of M&Ms … yes…i know that is not the best but it was damn good.
Phyllis
Hi Scott, I’ve been reading your blogs on fasting have loved all your travels. Today, September 22,2019 am starting a water fast for 21 days. I started a water fast in August but because I was wishy washy I only went 5 days. I didn’t exercise either and I think that was a problem so this time I will keep up with exercise. Thank you for writing about your fasting experience it’s very encouraging.
csr
after 5 days it gets easy! next time try to push past the 5/6 days then the hunger is all gone
Xolani Xaba
Great testimonies right there. I will start my fast on the 30th of September.So help me Lord.
Mike
Hi Scott, How is your friend with stage 4 cancer doing? I recently found out that I have a 4” tumor in one of my kidneys. I’m scheduled for surgery in 22 days. I started reading about all things cancer and came across the Otto Warburg research. Basically his research concluded that cancer cells are carnivorous glucose/sugar consumers and they will die without it. Since normal cells adapt and survive without glucose for extended periods of time they are not effected by a fast. There is much more to it than that I wont go into now, The bottom line is I am currently over 5 days into what I intend to be a 21 day water fast. Other than the 2nd day which was like having the stomach flu, I’m doing great. My thought is that if I don’t put any food in my body for the 21 days, there will no glucose to feed this tumor and hopefully it will be greatly diminished by the time I have go in for surgery. When I do break this fast I will only eat foods that are known to slow or stop cancer growth. Thanks for your blog it’s been very informative and encouraging.
csr
the longer you fast the more it will kill your tumor. my friend is still cancer free and she follows a strict vegan diet.
i also suggest you check out loren lockman youtube — i promote him a lot in the blog, and I do not know him at all … but i think he is the expert when it comes to fasting.
he has several videos where he discusses cancer. 21 days is great — but if you can go 21 days, you can surely do 30 … the longer you fast the better is my input … but i am not an expert at all. keep me posted and all the best
Jason L
Great and enlightening article. I have one question; you said you add no vitamins during a fast but what about minerals/electrolytes? Do you supplement with salt, potassium, magnesium or calcium during a fast? Thanks!
csr
I take zero supplements vitamins and don’t add anything to my water.
Emily
Hi Scott, thanks for this inspiring article. I’m on day 5 of my water fast and it is true, it does get so much easier day 4 and 5! Maybe can you help me with a question? Since day 2 I’ve had a hard pounding heartbeat, not any faster than usual just harder, to the point I can see my chest moving up and down, and it distracts me from sleeping. Have you any advice about this? I can tolerate it but it would be great if it would be normal!
csr
Sorry I just saw this comment. I have no experience with this. Is it better now? I suggest you check out Loran lockman YouTube channel and his site and see if he discusses this in any of his videos.
Hope you are well.
Emily
Hi Scott, thanks for replying. I have persevered and the pounding heart has got much less, though still noticeable at times. Now I am on day 17 of my water fast! I’m just suffering from low energy mainly. Wish I could run like you!! I’ll check out Loren’s YouTube. Thanks again for the inspiration!
Caren Opina
Hello Scott, I recently started fasting. I am a 20-year old college student and I am 5’2 and I have been overweight since I was a little girl. The highest weight I was this year was at 180lbs and so far I have dropped to 168lbs. Initially, I wasn’t planning on fasting but I am in school for long periods of time, sometimes for almost half the day so I am usually preoccupied and focused on schoolwork if not I am working. When I get home on weekdays I usually just go to sleep so it hasn’t been too hard so far. The weekends are much harder as I am home and parents need to see me eat.
I want to ask about extra skin after fasting. I want to fast for a month at least to get to a healthy BMI. Did you have any extra skin hanging after losing all that weight or was your body able to keep up with the weight loss without a problem? Also, will I lose weight all over or just on my stomach? I am concerned that my thighs and arms won’t be able to lose weight like my stomach. So far after 12lbs, I don’t really see a difference. Aside from this conern, I’m feeling pretty good. My skin has been looking clearer and my cycle seems to have gotten more normal so fasting seems to be helping me to regular my hormones.
Thank you
csr
Good job. I didn’t have extra skin because I was in athletic shape and didn’t have much body fat… But I understand your concerns. My advice is to keep fasting and as you get to your goal weight and lose your excess weight, you can go see a doctor about surgery for the excess skin … But try to continue fasting. Your body will use the fat stores for food, and most of these fat stores are around our stomach area so don’t worry about your arms and legs getting too skinny.
As you are discovering, fasting is much easier than people say and think. Try to go 21 to 30 days. 21 days is iconic fasting number from the bible…i am fasting the entire month of November. I fasted for first 14 days in October. I like to fast. Keep making it happen
Jessica
Fasting from 08th of November till 17th of November! Hey Scott, I am a german med student in Hungary and so fascinated about fasting. Did an 24 days fast in summer break but I am currently studying and taking exams etc. I am planning to do a 40 day fast starting tomorrow. I noticed more focus and concentrating while fasting but am afraid that I this will drop in the 40 days (have to take exams as well) you think 40 days with concentration is sustainable for me? 🙂
Greetings
Jessica
csr
i am much sharper when i fast – and i feel so much better when I fast. i wouldnt worry about concentrating or losing concentration while fasting … but this is just my opinion. good luck
Rodolfo Martínez Cadena
Hello Scott,
My name is Rodolfo, Congratulations for such a comittment and gratitude with God. I am in my Day 31.
Greeting from Mexico.
csr
31 days. Great job.
Lucy
Hi Scott great article. I started on a water fast 30 days but sadly had to give it up today. Looking at my tongue which is only 1/4 clear and I still have plenty excess weight it was too early to break. However on day 28 I started with terrible constipation, don’t know where the poo has come from but I have been unable to clear even with enemas so started eating fruit today in desperation! I am not hungry so having to force myself in the hope some roughage will clear it. Have you any experience of constipation? How soon do you think I could start back on another water fast as the mental benefits were huge! Many thanks
csr
i replied to this several weeks ago, but i do not see my replies listed. I am not sure why.
i suggest you needed to drink more water – i fast often so my system is probably cleaner, and i do not eat meat or chicken.
when i did a 40 day fast last year, on day 23 or 24 i took a massive shit .. it was shocking how much came out of me (and i have done several long fasts before)
its scary to considered how much stuff we have stuck inside us. In the future, when this happens … instead of taking medicine or enema … just drink much more water. for me this is the key. i fasted 10+ days a month last year. i just started a 40 day fast today …
i intentionally gained weight for this fast, so its been fun being in south of france and eating whatever i want and whenever i want to ensure i gained weight for this 40 day fast.
George B
Hello Scott
I enjoyed reading about your fast. My hesitation in fasting for long periods has always been about the weight loss. How do you gained your weight back and be able to fast again?
csr
last year, i fasted 10+ days a month … and each time i would break my fast, i would go through several days of eating a lot. my oldest daughter teases me that i have a eating disorder. I am currently doing a 40 day fast … and for this fast i intentionally gained weight to ensure i am not too thin towards day 30-40 of the fast. my wife noticed how (although) i ate and ate … and drank, i didnt seem to gain as much weight as would be expected from someone who was eating like i was … so maybe all my fasting, i dont know.
dont let your worry/concern over gaining your weight back stop you from fasting … but ensure you are not too skinny. if you are super thin, then do a shorter fast, example 3-7 days. maybe do a 3 day dry fast? for me, dry fasting is easier than water fasting – but i dont have the same energy levels when i dry fast vs water fast, and i can not exercise during a dry fast … but its an awesome experience to dry fast for 3-10 days. i did at least a 3 day dry fast every month in 019 and a 7 and 10 day dry fast within the year. i highly recommend fasting to everyone … and dont let worrying about losing weight stop you. just fast for shorter period.
Michael Wheeler
Scott, have you attempted your row across the Atlantic?
csr
not yet. unfortunately, work got in the way … i am hoping and preparing that i will do it this coming october 2020.
thanks for asking!
Jonathan Murphy
Can you drink San Pellegrino only on a 40 day fast?
csr
i drink Evian and occasionally a Perrier
Jon Head
Hi Scott!
It is January 11, so I am guessing you have started your fast today? I’d just like to wish you all the best and thank you so much for inspiring me. Your blog is fascinating, not just the fasting, but the travel and endurance stuff and everything else – truly inspirational! Great to see a man who likes to live life to the full and keep himself in such great shape.
I am on day 4 of my own fast (99 hours into a planned 1000 hour fast!), having done several fasts last year. Your site was a huge factor in giving me the knowledge, confidence and inspiration to make fasting a part of my lifestyle and I really love it now for all the reasons you have listed and also in my case, for weight loss as I have struggled with my weight for decades. I feel that fasting has opened up a whole new world for me and I thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and experience.
Good luck with the fast Scott and please keep us updated during the fast!
All the very best Scott and follow fasting readers!
Jon
csr
Hi Jon, thanks for your comment. Yes, I am into my 40 day fast (thanks for the interest) You are on day 4 of a 41/42 day fast. make it happen.
fasting is much much easier than people think — and fasting is very healthy so do not listen to all the negativity (you will surely receive) from people around you, esp since you are in America where everyone is an expert. Fasting has been around for 1000s of years and is unquestionably very healthy. Keep me posted.
FirstTimeWaterFaster
Hi Scott,
Your blog is inspiring me to complete my 21 day fast that I started on January 12th, 2020. My church is encouraging people to do this, although most will just do a daniel fast, or intermittent fast, or juice fast, social media fast etc. In the past I have done a 3 day soft dry fast but I have never done a water fast before, although I have done some research that leads me to conclude that it would be beneficial. I should have enough fat to burn for energy since I recently became overweight according to the BMI (albeit just barely). On Saturday I was 162 lbs and I am about 5’7″
Anyway I haven’t had a meal since Saturday January 11th, 2020. I did accidentally eat one tiny alpine strawberry and a tiny bite of a fig newton that my 2 year son put in my mouth on Sunday but other than that I have only been drinking pure glass bottled at the source italian mineral water (mostly still but I have had some carbonated with organic natural flavors). I did start drinking plain green tea the other day as well, as I read that it can help the body metabolize fat, but I also make sure to use the still mineral water for this. I felt great and energized for the first 4 days other than some slight hunger pains on Sunday that passed quickly. This morning though I felt lethargic although I am starting to feel better now after having some of the carbonated mineral water with natural flavors (zero calorie) and some green tea brewed with still mineral water. I am challenging myself during this time to do something else I’ve never done before, I am reading the entire bible from start to finish. So far I’ve read Genesis, Exodus, and most of Leviticus. Please pray for me to have the strength of spirit and resolve to complete this 21 days of prayer and fasting and finish reading the rest of the holy scripture.
csr
Stay strong and remember you are doing this fast for spiritual reasons, for God so maybe that is why it is more difficult now. I too started a fast on Jan 11th.
I am going 40 days.
Stop drinking everything but pure water and or sparkling water. Green tea or black coffee is fine. Yesterday was day 6 for me too, and like you, I also felt like crap and lethargic and slept very poorly… But this will go away within a day or so. Stay strong.
Keep me posted and don’t quit.
All the best
FirstTimeWaterFaster
Today I feel much better, I am energized and the nausea is gone. This is day 7. I’ve been drinking nothing but pure mineral water, plain green tea, and black coffee and I use the mineral water for the coffee and tea. Yesterday was the most difficult this far but I think I may have passed through the worst of it.
csr
Stay strong and do not break your fast. Only 14 days left. You got this.
FirstTimeWaterFaster
Thanks for the encouragement it really helped! I am now on day 19. The only thing I changed recently was I started drinking a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of pink Himalayan sea salt sole each day to balance my electrolytes. I did this because I noticed my mouth getting extremely dry and it didn’t go away no matter how much water I drank. The vinegar and sole worked like a charm. Anyway I’ve lost so much weight I don’t think I have hardly any body fat left I’m down over 20lbs, I haven’t been this thin in over a decade. Though I haven’t found the time to read the whole bible, I did get through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. I plan to complete Deuteronomy by Sunday. I’m feeling really good I’m glad I didn’t give up I really appreciate your support. I hope you are also doing well!
csr
personally, I dont take any salts or vinegar stuff . good job staying focused on your fast. I highly suggest you watch Jentzen Franklin “fasting and prayer” sermons on youtube and also Derek Prince has several excellent sermons on the power of fasting and prayer.
I am on day 21 of a 40 day water fast. only 19 days left.
FirstTimeWaterFaster
Thanks for the tip I will check those sermons out!
To each his own I say with regards to the special pink himalayan salt and organic apple cider vinegar for me it seems to have solved an issue I had with extreme dry mouth its effect is palpable and it nearly immediately makes me feel better perhaps you haven’t had the same experience.
I’m not too worried about being too exclusive with my water fast personally I think it’s okay for to consume anything that doesn’t have calories so pink himalayan sea salt, apple cider vinegar, coffee, and tea are fine as long as the ingredients are free of extraneous chemicals which I why I make sure it is all natural and organic and made with pure artesian mineral water bottled in glass at the source.
I’m not following any particular biblical scripture with regards to what I allow myself to consume on my fast, I’m not aware of any that gives strict guidelines as to what constitutes fasting, from my understanding there are multiple kinds of fasting in the bible such as Daniel fasting etc.
I do have a question for you though since you have a lot of experience with this, how do you break your fast? I’ve seen a lot of people say to do it slowly and start with easy to digest foods like watermelon do you do something like that?
csr
i regret my reply came across as judgmental. People fast for their own reasons and fast the way they want to … to each their own. I edited my comment and took out the part that came across judgmental.
I am not an expert .. my only comment (which is NOT directed to you at all, but to the subject of fasting) is that too many people on youtube and facebook/social media moan and moan and moan about fasting and how hard it is, etc.
Fasting is not meant to be easy.
I am the wrong person to ask on breaking fasts … I broke a 30 day water fast … i ran a full marathon on the 30th day, and immediately after the marathon I broke my water fast by eating a bag of M&Ms (i dont suggest this as a good way to break a fast) Most other fasts I have done, I break with a pizza or french meal.
Again .. i am not saying this is a good way to do it – just proving that i am not an expert at fasting.
Last year, I fast at least 10 days a month with many 3 day dry fasts, a 7 day and 10 day dry fast. My 10 day dry fast, I broke with water and soup …
I will soon begin posting more fasting experiences and stories — not to self promote, but to further push people to try fasting.
fasting is magical — and especially for Christians, the power of fasting must be shared.
keep fasting … and drop me an update when you finish.
all the best
ps. i shared above about my 7 day and 10 day dry fast. I could have easily gone longer on the 10th day of the dry fast – but I had to travel so broke it.
I suggest to anyone reading this who is into fasting and or needs a break through or special magic in their life — get into fasting, and try a 3 day dry fast.
its an awesome experience that is much much easier than people think.
csr
Personally I think the zero calorie drinks with fake sweetener make it harder. Also that fake sugar is horrific for our health. Try to stick to you water, sparkling and a coffee or green tea… And stop the zero calorie sweeteners.
Selumiel Takaliuang
Hi Scott, I am on 5th day of 40 days fasting as Jesus did. It is my first try. I did 7 and 21 days fast before.
Thank you for your blog, really encouraging me to accomplish my 40 days fasting.
When reading the Bible while fasting, I was wondering and asking myself, why God sent Moses and Elijah to speak with Jesus on the mountain…
And I remember, on the Bible only Moses and Elijah did 40 days fasting beside Jesus. So 3 of them the only person who did 40 days fasting entire the Bible story. That’s really motivated me to finish my 40 days fasting ?
On the 3rd day, my hunger has gone…and I am doing great now…I hope I will make it and cant wait to feel like Jesus did when he finished his 40 days fasting and feel so hungry.
I will post again if I finish it … ?
csr
i am on day 27 of a 40 day fast. stay strong. watch all the Jentzen Franklin sermons on fasting and prayer and Derek Prince has a few great ones on fasting and prayer – both are on youtube.
drop me a message when you complete this. make it happen.
KAVITHA LETCHMANAN
Hi Scott,
I have tried water fasting only lasted 2 days, i couldn’t handle it at all and feel like throwing up, i had to go back home from work and straight to the bed. I totally regret starting the water fasting and that was 1 month ago.Slowly now after reading your blog im inspired to start but im so worried to be triggered with migraine which ruins my entire week (normally i have migraine for days and wont cure with paracetamol also)
csr
my advice is you read as much as you can on water fasting — watch Loren Lockman youtube, and try it again.
fasting has been around for 1,000s of years and for certain fasting works.
but … i understand it is not for everyone.
Dont try fasting again until you are 100% certain you want to do it – and you really want to fast.
if you only half heartedly want to fast … you will be miserable.
if you ever try it and go to the end, drop another comment after your experience.
Nick
I believe you fasted for that long because I have done it myself. As for rowing, running a marathon or walking 15 KM/day, that’s total BS.
csr
why would I lie about this???? to look cool?
I recently completed another 40 day fast and did 13 days of it dry (broken up into 3 day dry fasts)… and every day I did at least 2 hours of cardio.
i ran my fastest full marathon on day 30 of a 30 day water fast … but I am in very good shape, so dont have detox issues and I fast often.
posting senseless negativity … is such a waste of time.
What a surprise … you are american from Ohio.
What type of man wastes their time to post a negative comment on a blog …? So many super bitches in our world today who focus on negative esp. in america. I challenge you to stop being a negative super bitch and focus on being positive. good luck
Jessica
Dear Scott, I’m currently on day 25/62 of my water fast but I’m experiencing extreme tiredness, you have any tips? I’m jogging every day 5km.
Best regards
Jessica
csr
try to drink more water … and or take a couple days off from exercise.
if you are too thin, maybe your body is telling you something … but normally this will be extreme hunger.
my suggestion is to drink more water. I didnt understand … you are doing a 62 day water fast?
Jessica
Yes I’m doing a 62 day water fast. Started at 86kg now 70kg on 164cm so definitely not too thin. I would say I drink about 2L a day, maybe not enough? I feel like this for around 4-5 days I thought my body is going to tell me to stop or refeed or something
Best regards
csr
fight on. of course you are a bit tired … but its also very mental. try and not think that you are tired.
regardless … keep fighting. my experience says once you get out of this mental pit, you wont be tired and your energy will return.
do not over think your fast. if you still have body fat, your body still has fuel to burn so dont worry.
keep me posted
Jessica
Hey! My blood pressure is really low (80/60) while doing it and I’m really not feeling good anymore but I can try to push it through. Greetings
csr
if you dont feel well, dont keep pushing.
Loren Lockman has a great youtube channel and I think he is the truest expert on water fasting.
Chidimma
This blog is a great inspiration to me. I have tried to carry out a 21 day fast many times but I failed to meet up with it. I ended the last on eon the 11th day. I am starting off tomorrow again and this time, I will finish it.
Thanks Scott! You are a blessing.
Claudette Da Silva
Hello,
Every time I do a water fast, I always come back here to read your testimonial. Every time, I get further. 10; 16; 18; 21; 35…I have prepared to begin a 40 day water fast today.
I just want to say thank you!
Claudette
csr
great job. drop me an update when you get to day 20 of your fast. I highly recommend Derek Prince “fasting and prayer” and also Jentzen Franklin’s “Fasting and prayer” sermons on youtube. even if you are not a Christian … these messages will help stay focused on your journey.
Claudette Da Silva
Thank you so much for your fasting and prayer YouTube suggestions! They really are extremely helpful. ?
Claudette Da Silva
Hello!
I’ve made it to day 32 of my water fast. I’m finding these last few days to be a lot more challenging. I really want some fresh water melon juice!
Anyway, your suggestions on YouTube helped me push through and I want to say thank you. Hopefully I can make it to my goal. I still have to cook everyday for my of 6, which has made me feel very strong but it also makes it that much more difficult.
Pray for me please! Lol I can do this.
csr
keep me posted. good job and stay strong.
James
I am only on day three of water fast, and have watched all of Loren Lockman’s YouTube videos. He says I shouldn’t do fasting on my own and that re-feeding can be dangerous. Also my body is twitching from I assume dehydration and Loren Lockman says to sip my water and not have Completely clear pee, but I always feel thirsty when I stop chugging my reverse osmosis water. Could you tell me about your re-feeding, hydrating, and urinating process…i think if I cannot feel secure And knowledgeable about those three things then my fast will end far short of 40 days though I am not struggling with not eating, as you say fasting is easy except for all the warnings from Lockman and others of the great potential damage I could be doing to my body do to ignorance and neglect. I am 28 and 260-270 lbs if that helps.
csr
Loren is a brilliant expert … but that is his job. of course he is going to tell people they should not do fasting on their own … come to him and pay him to advise you. i say that with the utmost respect for Loren.
I have done several 30 day fasts and 2 x 40 day fasts … i am on day 24 of my 2nd 40 day fast this year, and i have never used anyone — and i do it hard core, strict water. and 3 days a week, i do dry (today is day 3 of a dry section) … fasting is very very healthy. don’t over think this. drink lots and lots of water and you will be fine.
the hardest part of the fast is the first 5-7 days. if you are only on day 3 … this is nothing and normal detoxing feeling. your weight surely has enough body fat to carry you through a long fast. stop over thinking … drink lots of water and understand your first week will be tough. but after that …. its very very easy. keep me posted
James
Thank you for being a personal guide for me and others! Loren just told a scary story about a person eating to much watermelon instead of refeeding slowly and they developed serious intestinal issues…and he and others warned me of over watering and hurting my kidneys, but I will stick to the 3-4 Litres of water sipping through the day. Thank you again!!!
csr
I always break my fast with a nice French meal. I’m not the best at giving advice for breaking a fast… However I’m very healthy and don’t have any issues. On day 30 of a 30 day fast, I ran a full marathon 17 minutes faster than my best time… I drank water during the race but broke my fast with a big bag of M&Ms…. And I was fine. I will never forget that big bag and how great they tasted.
My input is this.. Fasting is much much much easier than everyone acts like. I guess people think it looks cool if they talk about how hard fasting is… Or mentioning people getting sick etc. When in fact, after 5 – 7 days max. Your hunger is gone and ultimately you completely detox and cleanse your body.
Anyone who says you need an expert to guide you to fast…. Doesn’t know fasting or is a guru who makes money off helping people fast.
I’m on day 26 of my 2nd 40 day fast in 2020. (I did 40 day from Jan 11th to Feb 22nd) I feel great right now.. My only complaint is insomnia.
But I am into fasting and prayer… That’s why I fast.
But from my experience… And I fast at least 2 days a week when I’m not doing my 40 day…. Is don’t think so much. Don’t listen to all the bull shit and negativity out there. Fasting is hugely healthy and is proven to cure even cancer.
Good luck. Just drink lots of water…. Fight through the first 7 days and you will be fine. When it’s over… Eat what ever you want and celebrate your fast.
I am already dreaming of my duck confit that I will have on day 41….. I know I know… I should have only soup and fruit but for me this works fine.
csr
Loren is a brilliant guru and in my opinion is the main expert out there… However, I don’t waste my time worrying about stories of some guy supposedly getting really sick from eating too much water melon… After my first 40 day fast I ate and drank champagne and wine and had an amazing lunch…. And I was fine.
I did a 10 day dry fast last year. Yes, 10 days no food or water… I could have gone longer but I had to fly and I was worried about being too dehydrated so broke it…. I enjoyed a nice large pizza and champagne. I have read that people say it’s not possible to dry fast more than 3 days… I have dry fasted many 5 days, 2 x 7 days and one 10 days. My point… Is do not over think this fast. You have a goal of 30 day water fast… Stick to it. Stop telling yourself how hard it is… And how it’s not good, etc… And just plug away. You achieve 30 day water fast… It will completely change your life.
It’s 2am in France right now… I can’t sleep because of fasting Insomnia… But it’s well worth it because how great I feel through out the day.
Stop over thinking… It’s very very very simple. Drink lots of water and plug away.
Keep me posted
Vitaliy Surova
Hey, Scott! I hope you’re water fast is going well, you have been able to sleep some, and that you are doing better with work/finances.
I’m relatively new to extended water fasting – do you know if exercising while water fasting, whether the exercise is light or moderate, affects your body’s healing process? As you know, Loren Lockman has mentioned multiple times before that it’s best to give your body as much rest as possible while water fasting in order for the best physical healing to occur. But… you obviously exercise a lot while fasting haha. And it sounds like you feel a lot better when you exercise than when you don’t. So, do you think that if there is any affect on the body’s healing process through exercising while fasting, that it’s very minor? I’m trying to decide on whether or not to exercise while fasting, but I also don’t want to miss out on any physical benefits.
Thanks for any knowledge that you might have on this! Apologies if you have already answered this question somewhere and I just missed it.
Appreciate it, Scott!
csr
i know most people say to rest and do nothing … but for me, I feel much much better when i do some cardio and get my heart going while I am fasting.
I have no idea how it impacts healing — I just feel much much better when I exercise and fast.
have great fast and keep me posted
Ákos torok
You said: on the day 30 of my fast i run the maraton…. Sorry but i think is the big lie ever!!!!!
csr
Why would I lie? The problem with keeping a blog is sometimes I have to waste my time reading comments from total losers like yourself.
Instead of wasting your and my time just posting senseless negativity… Maybe reflect on your own self and make your life happen.
Day 30th of a 30 day water fast I ran a full marathon 17 minutes faster than I have ever run before. Whether you believe me or not…. I do not care whatsoever.
Sun
Hey,
I trust you are well.
I’m now on day 10 and have quite a bit to go. I’m getting a little worried as I have had no bowel movements at all. Wondering what to do? I’m drinking lots of water. Please help
csr
i am on day 28 of another 40 day fast … and i have not had to take a crap since day 6. from my experience, and have done several long fasts … this is normal.
on another 40 day fast i did … i didnt take a crap from day 2 or 3, but … on day 23 I took a massive crap. I share that with the readers because it is shocking how much stuff we have stuck inside us (and i rarely eat meat and do long fast often) … dont worry. when you need to go, you will have to go. just keep drinking lots of water.
keep me posted
James
Sorry I am forgetting information right now. My pulse is increasing and walking around and standing is making my blood pump. I switched to Re-mineralized Reverse Osmosis Water on day 12 and today will be day 14. Loren Lockman said don’t trust in Alkaline water, but these and other water people said that they only add “natural minerals” like calcium, potassium, magnesium, etc. Which raises the ph “naturally” not electrically…again sorry for rapid comments just feeling weak and worried.
csr
(this reply is for all 3 of the latest messages you sent)
to be honest … this is a lot of thinking. i dont go into this type of deep thinking.
Example … today is day 34 of a water fast i am doing. i dont sleep very well … and woke up at mid night and felt like total shit. mentally, because i was half asleep .. i told myself that i would break my fast when i woke up. I went back to sleep … slept mediocre, but when i woke, I felt better … I didnt think about why I felt like shit, I just understood its been 34 days since I ate and I dont have much body fat … i just assume i should be running out of gas … so i dont stop/break my fast and will keep plugging away until day 40.
I would trust Loren Lockman advice over every other blogger out there … i have no idea about the water. i drink evian or volvic or cheap bottle water sold at Carrefour in France. Sometimes I will enjoy a perrier too.
I think you over think this fasting stuff. Yes, you will have days you are tired and lethargic … but you are on a water fast. For me, the key is exercise. If i feel like crap, I go for a long walk and i feel better.
you mentioned already you have fat reserves, so you are not going to die … as uncomfortable as you might feel from time to time.
i am not a fasting expert and only give advice from my experience. I feel confident that fasting is very much mental. so if you really want to achieve your goal, keep plugging away.
Santosh Kumar Rai
Greetings to you gentleman,
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for leading many on the path of healing physical, mental and spiritual. At the same time, I am indebted to The Internet that helped me get rid of a chronic tobacco addiction, and then caffeine addiction. Now, Lord Jesus wants me to follow this way. My mom whose, mother left the world when she was just a few months old and father had been a wanderer, has been suffering from Plastic Anaemia, a disease in which the bone marrow stop working and blood formation ceases. For 9 years, she has been surviving on blood donated by people. My dad, a retired Honourary Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force, had an open heart surgery because of 60 Years of chewing tobacco. Because of my pampered life and intoxication, my first wife along with my daughter left me legally, though she has claimed for some compensation. I am a Hindu from the Republic of India, Santosh Kumar Rai, M. A with the English Literature from the University of Allahabad, U. P carrying 59.4 % marks but earn almost an iota. I got married for the second time and have a son about a year old, but things in my marital relationship are the same. My wife incites domestic violence on lame excuses and weaved stories. Well, I beg for your pardon. I should not have disclosed my heart to someone that is a philanthropy.
I expect your blessings to give me energy to reach the 40 day water fast to put things in my life right.
Thank you very much.
I love you.
Santosh.
johno
Hi Scott, this is up there amongst the best articles I have read on fasting. I am amazed at how you can do these long water fasts and incorporate lots of exercise. As you would know many fasting practitioners advocate rest. Anyway, each to our own and I agree with you on the boredom thing. Boredom is the usual reason I stop.
I feel I am in need of a decent fast and have found your article and the comments inspiring. Thankyou.
csr
Hi, I have done 2 x 40 day fasts so far this year, and i fast every mon, tuesday, and thursday when i am not into a 40 day …
This year, i have focused my fast more on prayer and fasting, and have done far less cardio than I normally do while I fast … and although each fast has been good, I have not had that same amazing fasting high as I do when i do cardio while fasting. Although this year i did hikes and walks while fasting, nothing at the same cardio level as previous fasts … and the fast was not at all the same.
I have had several people leave comments telling me that I am lying about all the cardio I have done … including running the full marathon on day 30 of a water fast … but like i always reply to such negativity …. why would i lie? to look cool? I dont need to lie to look cool.
I add the above comment to ensure no misunderstanding. My earlier long fasts 21 – 40 day fasts … I did serious cardio training every day, normally early in the morning .. and I felt amazing throughout the day. amazing.
The past 18 months, I have done several long fasts … including the most recent 2 x 40 day fasts, but i have not done the same level of cardio (although i have walked/hiked daily) … and these fasts have been more restful/peaceful … but not at all that same fasting high i had before.
with all that said — from my experience, I feel much much better during a fast when i incorporate at least 60, ideally 90 minutes of cardio training when fasting. Regardless of whether the fasting experts agree with this or not … this is my experience.
johno
Thanks for the reply Scott. I still haven’t got through all the comments yet. This is very inspiring. Regarding negativity, there are only a couple of people in my world which would not freak if I said I won’t be eating for 1 week, not to mention 3 weeks. Such a shame fasting is still on the outer of mainstream consciousness. So on a normal week when you are not doing a long fast do you just fast a couple of days out of each week ?
csr
i fast mon, tuesday and thursday every week – so i fasted yesterday and again today and then again this thursday. every week.
Fasting is very very very healthy and the negativity surrounding it is unfortunate, but if anything it motivates me to stay strong.
Good luck and keep me posted on your fasting experience
John Shepherd
Very useful article Scott. I’m currently on day 10 of my water fast and finding it really rather interesting. Days 9 and 10 have actually been the best. My fast is actually a hunger strike against the Marriott Corporation and I’m now rather interested to see how long I can manage to keep going. I’m 62 which is a little problematic I suppose. But Im getting some exercise in, doing lots of “useful” reading, campaigning, listening to music and meditating. A thoroughly fascinating dual-purpose experience
csr
fasting is hugely healthy … regardless of your age. The longer you fast (i assume you have extra body fat) you will burn fat reserves … and you are detoxing all the negative stuff in you. Stay strong … and go for 21 days. 21 days is a great, iconic time period to fast/humble yourself. dont worry about your age …. great effort for fasting. drink lots of water and dont take any suppliments or drink any juice. keep me posted
John Shepherd
About extra body fat… well, along with age that was my other worry because Im fairly slight, not over-thin but not overweight. 164cm, 63kg. There is certainly fat there but not like a lot of people. I fed myself up in preparation and that had some effect. Does 21 days still sound possible? Thanks for your other replies. Very helpful
csr
Yes. For sure you can do 21 days, if you choose to go for 21 days.
Don’t worry about your age. Fasting has been around for many thousands of years and is very very healthy. It’s the ultimate way to heal and cleanse one’s body.
Don’t let people scare you into stopping.
John Shepherd
Thanks once again. I’ll let you know how it goes
csr
stay strong and dont listen to the negativity … i guarantee you achieve 21 day water fast, it will have a positive life changing impact on you. keep me posted – and stay strong and positive.
John Shepherd
I have a slight query. Being on day 10 I’m just wondering if Ive missed advice regarding going to the toilet (no. 2 style). Do you take anything to encourage this or do you even leave that for the body to deal with?
csr
my best story related to this question is my first 40 day fast a few years ago …. after 2 days I didnt need to take a shit. until …. Day 23 i took a massive crap …. just massive. I was shocked to consider how much excess was still in my intestines and/or bowels. its funny .. but always around day 22 – 24 on the longer fasts, i have to take my first crap after the 2nd day or so …
dont worry. just drink lots and lots of water, and when its time you will have to go … esp. if you have been a big meat eater.
Fasting is life changing .. and i guarantee after a 21 day fast — go to the end, and achieve at least 21 days …. it will have a life changing positive impact on your life.
keep me posted – and feel free to ask what ever you need.
I fast very often and have lots of experience with long fasts and dry fasts … and i fast every mon, tues and thursday … my point is .. fasting is very healthy – very very very healthy and simple. and of course … its going to be a challenge — you are not eating … but at the end of the day, you are not going to die … esp. if you have body fat reserves. keep fasting … and dont worry .. and dont listen to any of the negativity from your friends.
John Shepherd
Hi Scott. I have now reached day 21 of my fast/hunger strike(see messages above). It’s been much better than I ever imagined, a bit of lower intestine discomfort, occasional tiredness but to date I feel great. I have certainly lost some “puppy” fat! I have decided to continue as the hunger strike is yet to produce a result. Any advice for the next 10/20 days or so? Just keep going on as before? Thanks. John
csr
great job. 21 days is already a extended fast … but achieving 30-40 days is even more impactful.
my advice … just keep drinking lots of water … and dont let any negativity cause you to stop. 21 days is excellent … but the longer you go, the more positive impact it will have on your overall … spiritual and body/health.
keep me posted. where do you live?
John Shepherd
Thanks Scott. I’m in London UK. I’m drinking 3 litres water per day without fail, morning exercises, 2 short walks (not quite my 10,000 steps per day) and I have lots to do indoors. No boredom (as yet). Reading lots of Krishnamurti, so relevant to today’s world even though he gave his talks decades ago.
csr
how is your fast? you still fasting?
John Shepherd
Hi Scott, Yes just completing day 40. I’m amazed how its all happened as just a part of the daily routine. A few ups and downs though not many. Ive remained busy, exercised and walked everyday, kept the brain going with cryptic crosswords and reading and had a lot to do concerning my campaign. As I told you Im also on hunger strike. Today I got a lot of publicity in the UK press, far from factually correct, but at least its publicity. Ive even been invited to take part in an Australian radio chat show. Nevertheless, the hunger strike is to continue because of the hardball attitude of the US hospitality corporation. I think matters now get a bit dicey though Im prepared for the potential eventualities (I think!). My question to you, and youre so good at responding to these matters, is – if I have a positive outcome in the next few days what is your safe method for returning to a proper diet. Ive read various articles but theres little agreement on the matter. I know it can be dangerous if not approached carefully. Just as an aside question, have you ever gone beyond 40 days yourself?
John Shepherd
And a further question if Imay, if I was to take in some temporary replenishment without stopping the strike (smoothies or whatever) what would you suggest as a safe, impactful and healthy option. If I’m taking you out of your comfort zone here then please just say. Thanks
csr
if you still have body fat … which you seem to suggest that you have … and if you are mentally ok … 50 days will get you more press than 40.
you can eat a bunch of fruit … if you want to eat. but … since you seem to be mentally tough and into it, and you suggested you had extra body fat, then go to 50 days. that would be awesome and would surely get you even more press.
If you want to stop .. then eat fruit and or smoothies, but makes sure they dont have diary (my suggestion is no diary for a couple weeks)
please drop me a note to tell me what you decide.
since you seem to be into it … 50 days would be a kick ass achievement…. and surely, get you even more press.
csr
great job. i suggest if and when you decide to break your fast, you have fruit. I am very very active and have never been strict with breaking my fasts, in fact tonight i just broke a 14 day fast with a large pizza and after the pizza … i ate a large plate of watermelon. so i did it in reverse.
please fwd me the press and your other stuff you get in the news to my emails is csr@naseba.com
Dawn Thomas
Thanks for your post, I got some good stuff from it and some great resources as well. Cheers.
Cassandra
Thank you so much for your example and inspiration Scott! My husband and I have enjoyed reading about your fasting experiences and we are both inspired. At the beginning of 2020, I felt called to fast and pray and as the months have gone by, I’ve kept putting it off. The more I read about fasting, I became drawn to water fast for 40 days. I’ve started and stopped many times over the last several months, mostly because I would not stick to it 100%. I would give in and have lots of sugar free gum or coffee with cream or sugar free drinks and think “this is not my best and I need to be 100% all in” or ” I will start tomorrow perfectly, I will start on Monday, I will start after the tough workout on Friday, etc etc etc. I really do want to water fast for 40 days and know that I can do it. I’ve done two 21 day broth and coconut water fast before, allowing gum and sugarless drinks, yet the cleansing and spiritual benefits of strict water fasting are the reasons I’ve kept attempting. Do you have any suggestions/thoughts/or mindsets you’ve found to help you begin and stick to it? Thank you so much for taking your time to post your journey Scott!
csr
fasting is very very very mental. if you have never done a long water fast (only water) then do not go after 40 days right away. 21 days or 30 day water fast are both great, much easier to achieve fasting lengths.
the key is wanting to fast and focusing on the fast … and not breaking it. from my experience, bordem is the main reason i have broken a fast in the middle of it.
fasting is massively massively healthy and its indescribable how great I feel after 8 days on a strict water fast … but mentally, i like stuff like this.
I suggest in stead of going for 40 days … try and fast an entire month. example Nov. Mentally decide “i am going to strict water fast for the month of november … and no matter what, i will not break it” DO NOT use “pink salt” or “apple vinegar” or whatever else is trendy in america … in my opinion, this is just people trying to find ways, crutches to make fasting easy. in fact, fasting with only water is very easy … after 5-8 days. depending on how much you have to detox … for me, after 4-5 days my hunger is all gone … and then i get the fasting high from day 8.
When i am not doing a long water fast, i fast 4 days a week … I dry fast (mon, tue, wed, and fri) I share this with you NOT to boast … but to show you how focused I am on fasting. I really like to “dry fast” but i do not recommend dry fasting to anyone who is not into fasting. However, its much much much easier than people think.
consider fasting the entire month of november … and if you decide to fast … dont tell anyone, and just focus on the achievement. You DO NOT need to be supervised (anyone who says this is surely trying to sell services related to fasting) but you need to want to fast with a strong focus … and just make it happen.
look at it as a game. also, i fast for spiritual reasons and i have had many many crazy positive things happen … focus on prayer every morning during your fast, and then again in the evening … and see what happens.
keep me posted
scott
csr
also … i highly/strongly advise not to have gum or juice or anything other than water during the time you choose to fast.
Jim Gosnell
Just completed my first 21 day water only fast at age 63. Looking at doing a 40 day water only fast next time. Is water only ok for a 40 day fast or should I mix in some green tea or vegetable juices. Thanks for the blog, it really encouraged me during my fast!
csr
good job on your 21 day fast. surely, fasting is going to help you be healthy/healthier even at 63.
I am old school style … so I only do strict water fasts or dry fast.
If you just finished your 21 day fast … maybe try fasting 1 day a week .. water only. I am not sure if you are religious, but i strongly suggest incorporating “prayer” into your days when you are fasting. I have experienced many super natural positive things over the past few years since i have gotten so much into fasting. (when i am not doing a long fast, i fast 4 days a week. i love to fast and gain a lot from fasting)
Jim Gosnell
Thanks for the response!! I hope you keep this page active. It was so helpful during my fast. I am religious and did a lot of praying during my fast. Blessings to you.
csr
consider fasting 1 or 2 days a week … its incredibly healthy, and also from a spiritual side, fasting is magical.
keep making it happen.
Cassandra
Scott,
Thank you so much for your time! You are right. It is very much mental. I eat pretty clean already, except for the coffees with cream and sugar or artificial sweeteners and sugar free drinks/sugar free gum. It’s crazy to me how the body can become so addicted to sweeteners and artificial sweeteners. It makes me so excited to get rid of those things in my diet/life and like you said, look at it like a game. Plus, I am on the same team as myself so why wouldn’t I do what is best for my health and to be an example to my family and friends, of course explaining to them after the fast is complete. I will focus on prayer in the morning and evenings for sure. Thank you so much for your input! I will begin soon and keep you posted. Excited to know and to remind myself that it is very mental and I have the chance to become stronger mentally and healthier physically and stronger spiritually. Thank you!
Cassandra
csr
remember the hardest part is day 2-4 … after 5 days your hunger will be gone … so make sure you stay strong for the first 5 days …
also … remember fasting is NOT meant to be easy, but you will NOT die from water fasting … so once you begin make sure you stay strong.
focus on prayer … and it will make your fast much easier. make it happen.
keep me posted
Cassandra
Scott,
Thank you for your insight and helpful mindset tips. I am so excited to begin my water fast tomorrow morning. My goal is to make it the 40 days, which will bring me through December 5th and I will break the fast on the morning of December 6th. We have a big get together the evening of the 5th, so I will get the chance to stay strong through that evening and make it through the time I have decided. I will keep you posted. Thank you again for your encouragement.
csr
good luck. update me when you get to day 20. enjoy
csr
fasting is much much much easier than people think … but i think the key is sticking to strict water fasting and not adding anything … just drink water.
Jim G
Hey Scott. Love your blog here it is so encouraging. I completed a 21 day water only fast last month and I am considering doing a 40 day water only fast. I am 63 years old and in good shape no health issues. Do you think it would be safe to do this? Because once I decide to do it I do not want to quit till I reach the goal. Btw On my 21 day water only fast I did the treadmill regularly just like a normally do thanks to your comments about running during your fast. Thank you for that idea Because I actually felt better when I would run on the treadmill
csr
Great job doing your first 21 day water fast. i am sure your fasting improved your health. As long as you have extra body fat to burn, I think long water fasting is always healthy.
When are you considering the 40 day? Since you just finished a 21 day, maybe do your 40 day from beginning of January … and until then fast 1 day a week
Are you Christian or religious? did you incorporate prayer into your fast? Assuming you did … have you experienced anything super naturally positive happen in your life since the fast?
great job on achieving your fast!!
ps. i am sure strict water fasting improved your health…so when you complete a 40 day, it will make you even more healthy.
please keep me posted on what you decide, your next fast and if you decide to fast 1 or 2 days a week (i fast 4 days a week every week when i am not doing a long fast and esp. for christian readers, i highly/enthusiastically recommend fasting at least one day a week)
csr
(below) – on sept 26th, i replied to a comment with a long reply/input .. maybe some of what i discussed in that reply will add value to you.
csr
how is the fasting? did you go for a 40 day last year?
Jim G
Thanks for the reply, Scott. Very helpful as always. I am a Christian and I do pray a lot when I do these extended fasts. I have done several fasts of more than 5 days, but this last 21 day fast was my longest. I usually get some incredible miracles shortly after I complete one of these fasts. A lot of mine have been in the financial realm. Nothing so far from the 21 day fast. But it has only been a couple of weeks since I finished it. I will keep you posted about any miracles that happen in the coming days. I am sure they will happen because God says there is a reward in fasting. Thanks again for all of your encouragement. You have been a godsend for me on this fasting journey. God bless always!
csr
thanks. please keep me posted.
dani
Hey Scott so in April of 2019 I completed my first and only long term water fast of 40 days and 40 nights, your story helped. Things were starting to go great, after a 2 year battle in court that cleared my name and applying to naturalization that I then was able to start a new job and I planned on moving in with my girl at the time, I felt it was right to start fresh with a refreshed body and spirit that I should keep things going great.
Unfortunately that didn’t happen. My car was stolen, the case that I battled came up again during my naturalization process and my gf cheated on me. This was only within 30 days after my fast.
Physically after the water fast I felt great, truthfully I felt like a teenager again with the energy and the sensation of feeling young again. I felt physically unstoppable. of course coming off the fast is important which is why I did it the best way I could or read about. and I didnt want to suddenly fall off or become sick or possibly worse from the stories ive heard.
I went from march 1st 2019 at 212lbs with 28 % body fat and after 40 days on April 10th I was at 161 lbs with 19% body fat and by August 24th 2019 I was at 180lbs with 12% body fat. After my fast I ate properly and began working out.
Although mentally and emotionally I was in turmoil of the worst kind, started having dark thoughts. looking back into it I may have suffered an ego death, I felt i was in crisis. from my case, my naturalization in jeopardy, stolen car, and a breakup. I was suffering, I was lost and alone.
I was not expecting my life to just come crashing down like that, physically i was strong but mentally and emotionally i was weak not prepared. I was angry, impatient, aggressive. I was not ready for these situations. Once the winter months of 2019 hit here in the U.S I was done. During the summer here of 2019, I felt physically superior I worked out non stop Jus constant training. I felt strong right so because i was single too I began messing with girls more and more, I also began smoking marijuana. My mental and emotional state was everywhere so much anger and aggression. So once winter hit here and everyone and everything went inside so did I, After 4 years i forgot what it was like to be single to feel as i once was because now i was different, Winter of 2019 My court case was then again settled and my naturalization got accepted and i had a new car. All this felt new to me. I was still angry and aggressive though into 2020. I began getting injured, I started smoking more, eating more, I even started to drink, I was mistreating women and mistreating myself. I literally destroyed myself all 2020. This was not the different person i wanted to be.
I learned alot about myself, How broken I can become This was the second time
i may have broken in my life and this time I felt i had more control well because im an adult with money now. The marijuana calmed me down alot from becoming even more stupid and I also thought alot about god and prayed at times, and suprisingly did well at work this year. but the end of 2020 is here and i feel calmer now more patient less aggressive more sure of myself. Things are settling and im regaining a sense of purpose again for myself.
I want to fast again and I want to be prepared again for after the fast with a new mind. My plan is to go 21 days into january and depending on how i feel to finish the month off. I dont think I can do a complete spiritual religious 40 day 40 night water fast yet.
csr
any updates on your situation since your 40 day fast? some times what appears to be very negative turns out to be a massive blessing …
Mel
Thank you for sharing your journey Scott. I have completed a 21 day water fast four years ago over health issues (The plan was to do 30 but I caved in to commentary and as I have strong bone structure any weight loss always looks more dramatic on me), leading up to a surgical intervention. I believe because of this the issue has not re-occurred. I fluctuate between a vegan (4years) to vegetarian diet normally but lately Falken off that as well with massive life changes. I have recently relocated (a fresh start in more ways than one) and the time spent refurbishing while working and not being too familiar to the area took my focus off a lot of how I normally mange my health with food and exercise I mostly run but do HIIT I prefer the outdoors to indoor & gyms. I felt the urge to fast for quite some time but schedule and circumstances where not conducive. I have now started on Monday and although I have researched it before I don’t want to be complacent and I am always keen for a deeper experience and knowledge so I have gone back to researching water fast more as I go along. The healing effects the first time around are amazing and the sense of detaching yourself of a lot of toxic things not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually is what has me coming back to it. So when my weight is fluctuating outside of the hormones I know it’s a manifestation of the emotional and spiritual. So I agree as for me I can’t be focused purely to see the weight drop but to be in a space to release the cause of it: bad habits, unresolved issues, fasting brings me much needed clarity to overcome and process challenges I have faced in the past. Since I have a fresh start and the timing is conducive it’s time to reset the body too. Today is day 4 and I remember from the first time around that I needed less sleep.
Your posts are refreshing, insightful and informative. Thank you for listing further resources to check.
csr
100% fasting is healthy and is not going to hurt you. Anyone that tells you it is dangerous does not know what they are talking about. Just about everyone can go 21 days without eating because the body has enough body fat to burn for fuel/energy.
My big advice is do not over think your fast. Do NOT listen to all the negativity that you will surely get (esp. if you live in America). keep me posted and contact me any time you need support or input.
If you are a Christian, i highly recommend “Derek Prince – fasting and prayer” on youtube.
if you have the “fresh start” new beginning … enjoy the fast and you can easily achieve 21 days.
keep me posted
Luke
Hi Scott,
What were the spiritual benefits of your fast? Did you encounter the Lord in a deeper way? What is your motivation for fasting 40 days?
csr
sorry – i see that I didnt reply to your question. It is indescribable how much spiritually I gain from my long fasts, and all my fasting in general.
When I am not doing a long fast, I fast 3-4 days a week (depending on the week, i fast 4 days every other week) I have had so many crazy, super natural positives things happen to me over the past 18-24 months (even going back to 3 years ago, after my first 40 day fast)
I strongly suggest everyone I know to fast .. even people who I know who are not Christian and or don’t believe, I still strongly recommend fasting.
It is difficult to explain what I gain from fasting without coming across like I am making it up or some freak … but unquestionably, fasting has protected me…brought me financial miracles…kept me from being brought down, and at the same I feel great, always. One day soon, I hope to do a blog about my experience in 2020 doing 3 x 40 days and ultimately fasting 275 days over the year .. and what it brought me/and helped me achieve.
Hammer
Do you drink coffee on your water fasts in the morning?
csr
Yes, I drink one black coffee as soon as I wake up when I water fast.
When I dry fast, I do not.
Dineo
Hey Scott, I’m on Day 5,and shuuuuu am I feeling it, I tried to take a nap which lasted only 15 min. I have been wanting to do a water fast for a long time now, but I kept failing after 3 – 5 days. Instead I would end up doing Daniel’s but Ive always wanted to stretch myself. Last month I grew anxious as to what 2022 holds for me and the only thing I could think of to queit the flesh was a fast. I nearly hit snooze button and I remembered your article that I came across last year. Still so relevant and so helpful. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Blessings on blessings to you and yours.
csr
the hardest part is nearly over — the first 5 or 6 days, maybe 7 days if you have a lot to detox are the toughest …. but soon, you will have nearly zero hunger and it will be much much easier. DO NOT STOP NOW – you have come this far.
csr
keep me posted. stick to the water fast … dont give up now. in less than 48 hrs all this hunger will be gone and you will begin to feel amazing.
(i dont know if you are or not — but even if you are not christian) watch Derek Prince’s sermon on “fasting and prayer.”
Also – Grace Digital Network on youtube has some of the best fasting content I have seen — so maybe, if you have time, go to youtube and type in “grace digital network fasting” that have 8 (i think) different 20 minute videos … but keep going. you have come this far …
keep me posted
SB Andrews
Hi Scott, thank you for encouraging water fast! I’had almost thought no one is interested in water fast anymore, because I barely see people encourage it. They are mostly doing it on a partial level. I have read several books on lengthy fast and one of it that I recommend so well is by Evangelist Franklin Hall. He is the author of Glorified fast and the atomic power of fasting. I got my first motivation from His books on lengthy fast which is strictly water fast. Even if I have this motivation, I still have not crossed day 7, now my attempts are not going above 3 days. But coming across your blog is a challenge and a blessing for me.I am to go into a 21days fast this week and I just got to your blog. It has encouraged me more and I know I’ll come back to share with you my success story. I like it when you say it helps mentally and something miraculous happens when we fast. I am elevated! God bless you!
csr
I recommend fasting and prayer to everyone, even to people who don’t believe in God … because fasting is incredible. Every long fast I have done, I have experienced super natural amazing positive things happen. I highly recommend Derek Prince sermons on fasting and prayer on youtube. And Dr Myles Munroe has a great sermon on fasting and prayer.
I suggest you reconsider your start date of this 21 day fast, and wait until after christmas … maybe start from Jan 1st. I fast 4 days a week, and often dry fast 3 days a week … and I recommend fasting to everyone, esp. to people who are sick and need a miracle and to people who need financial break through.
keep me posted on your fast. all the best
Jared w
I am wanting to go as long as I can my first fast with a minimum of 7 days. I am just curious if you have noticed anything new or different happening from fasting. Had you noticed yiu skin feeling tighter, because I noticed it looks as if the skin on your face looked brighter and tighter in the 40 day pic. Also, I’m wondering if it will create new hair follicles being thst fasting causes cell regeneration. Thanks
csr
i have seen many positive things from fasting – health and spiritual. i didnt notice anything new with hair folicles and assume my skin gets tights the more thin I get.
fasting is very mental – if you want to fast, you can easily fast 7 days. but you must really want to fast. half heartedly fasting does not work, at least from my expeirence.
take 7 days and fast … you are not going to die from 7 days of not eating so try it – and you will see.
a great book to read that is not religious is by Herbert Shelton, fasting and sunbathing (something like that, i cant remember the title but google it) it will give you more insight into fasting from a non religious perspectiove. all the best
C E
I did my first 40 day fast during the pandemic; it was by far one of thee best–if not THEE absolute best one I have done yet. I read this story and another woman’s story that gives a breakdown of what your body goes through and it was spot on! There were days of fatigue, crying, but I had more days of clarity and energy. I am actually going to do another one and I look forward to it. There were/are so many benefits to fasting and I do agree that it is mainly mental!