Happy Wednesday! My planned 48 hour fast went well, thankfully I was able to get out of my work dinner so that meant I could fast without awkwardness or feel guilted into having dinner. 😂 I will break my fast today at my work lunch and then fly home this evening. It really does make trips so much simpler when I use that for my fasting time.
I asked AI about the benefits of fasting and I think it's a pretty great list so I thought I would share. Have you experienced any of these benefits? What does your fasting routine look like? Of you haven't tried it yet, why not?
Benefits of Fasting:
Weight Loss:
Caloric Restriction: By not eating for a period, you naturally reduce your caloric intake, which can lead to weight loss.
Metabolic Shift: Fasting can shift your body from using glucose for energy to burning fat, including visceral fat, which is linked to various health issues.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity:
Fasting can lower blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance, which might decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cellular Repair and Autophagy:
During fasting, your cells initiate autophagy, a process where they remove dysfunctional proteins and regenerate new ones, essentially cleaning out damaged cells to make way for new ones.
Heart Health:
Fasting can lead to reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, all of which are beneficial for heart health.
Brain Health:
There's some evidence suggesting fasting might promote brain health by increasing levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which supports neuron health and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Cancer Prevention and Treatment:
Some studies indicate that fasting might make cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy while protecting normal cells, potentially reducing side effects of cancer treatments. However, this is still under research.
Longevity:
Animal studies have shown that caloric restriction, including through fasting, can extend lifespan. While direct human studies are limited, the health benefits observed might contribute to a longer, healthier life.
Reduction in Inflammation:
Fasting can reduce markers of inflammation, potentially lowering the risk for various chronic conditions linked to inflammation.
Mental Clarity and Focus:
Some people report improved mental clarity and focus during fasting periods, possibly due to the body's increased production of ketones, which are an alternative energy source for the brain.
Digestive Rest:
Giving your digestive system a break can lead to less strain on the stomach and intestines, potentially improving symptoms for those with digestive issues.
Important Considerations:
Hydration: It's crucial to drink plenty of water (and electrolytes) during fasting periods to avoid dehydration.
Not One-Size-Fits-All: The benefits can vary greatly depending on individual health, the type of fasting (intermittent, water fasting, etc.), and how it's implemented.
Happy Saturday! I hope you are all doing well. I know some people in the group have had some recent tough news for themselves or family members. It really puts the day to day issues we face into perspective, and reminds me to just focus on doing the best I can to be as healthy as possible. To those who are having a hard time, we are all here for you and sending you some prayers and support. 🙏🏼🙏🏼 Just focus today on doing the best you can and remember that food isn't going to bring you the comfort you are looking for.
Here is a little video of Penelopes performance from her piano recital l last night, she's been taking lessons for about a year and a half. 🎹🤍🖤
*Livestream Monday night at 4pm pst/7pm est
Thinking about the year ahead can be overwhelming when it comes to goal setting. For some people, like me, short term goals can be much more motivating. Right now it's beast mode through the Meetup this Saturday. That said, I do still have long term goals for the year. Staying carnivore is just a given now as it's my life already so I have to dive a little deeper for me. I'd like to stay in the same weight range but lower my body fat a bit. Gain some muscle mass in short. Gym at least 4 times a week and beast mode at the same time is my recipe.
Steak video for interest. 🤪
Do you do better with short or long term goals?
So sorry guys, my 2 1/2 hour drive home from the cabin is turning into a 5+ hour drive home so I am not going to make it in time to Livestream tonight. I'll post the link for the Dr Berry Livestream for tomorrow when I know it. I'll catch up on posts here when I get home if you have any questions.
Happy Saturday!! One thing I thought might be fun today is for everyone to share their favorite Budget meal and their favorite Bougie meal on a carnivore diet (or whatever version you eat).
"Bougie [boo-zhee, -jee] (An adjective slang): relating to or characteristic of a person who indulges in some of the luxuries and comforts of a fancy lifestyle."
For example, my favorite Budget friendly meal is just a taco bowl, ground beef with some seasonings, little shredded cheese, and sour cream. I could eat that every day and not get sick of it!!!
For my Bougie meal: A fancy American wagyu steak, usually ribeye, crab legs, and of course bread cheese! That is typically what we eat for Christmas every year. If budget didn't matter I would eat that a lot more often! 😂
What about you? What's your favorite budget meal and bougie meal?
This is a quick share of a NSV. I slipped into a pair of shorts I haven't been able to get past my thighs in several years. The shorts fit beautifully. I'm truly amazed. I haven't weighed in a while but the last time I did I was down about 4 pounds. I attribute the body change to almost 4 months of working out 4 to 5 days a week.
