fasting/dry fasting for recovery

[sssssteve Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sssssteve]

there are quite a few people that swear by fasting and/or dry fasting as a means to allow the body to heal and detoxify itself. I have personally used dry fasting for a number of things such as to relieve back pain and to help with kicking the habit of smoking. since injuries come here and there with PE, and breaks/rest days are a normal part of PE routines; I was wondering if anyone has had experience with incorporating fasting into their training regimen to either aid in recovery from an injury or to optimize gains.

it seems illogical because your whole life you are taught that recovery is dependent on that which you consume such as increased water intake or anti-inflammatory meds. but reading through testimonials and research on the subject shows that when dry fasting, the body goes into a shut-down-and-repair/detox mode... AND not to mention the fact that intermittent fasting has been shown to make testosterone levels shoot through the roof. win/win.

I am going to start incorporating intermittent fasting (consuming fluids only), but with my experience with dry fasting, you do not really start to feel the effects until around 36 hours in so I am only going to plan on using it if I encounter any kind of injury.

[Sean Jacobs Retired Moderator Member of the Month Dec 2012PEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close Sean Jacobs]

I've been eating 1 meal per day (95+% of the time) for about 6 months now, so that is about 22 hrs of fasting each day. I read "The Warrior Diet" and decided to tweak it and just do intermittent fasting every day. I do take fish oil and a teaspoon of coconut oil in the morning. I only drink water or herbal tea during the day and eat a large meal at supper time. I have noticed that my recover time after my workouts (body workouts not PE) have been shorter. I'll have to pay attention to my PE recovery.

[UncleTractor Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close UncleTractor]

I fast about once a week, sometimes more as part of my overall health routine. I've long suspected that it might be beneficial to PE. Seems I'm not the only one!

[Big Al AdministratorPEGym EditorMale Enhancement Coach Rep.PEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close Big Al]

Fasting can be very beneficial- provided that you do it right and take into account any health issues you may currently have.

[Toadstool Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Toadstool]

Steve, I think this is a great idea. Be sure to record yourself carefully.

How long were you planning on doing this for?

[JunkyardDog Member Find all posts View Profile Close JunkyardDog]

very interesting.

[burtybasset Retired Moderator Member of the Month May 2014PEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close burtybasset]

I do this just not as religiously as I should, there have been some great studies on this, I posted a video in the interesting video's thread you may find interesting.

This guy suggests you don't have to completely starve on your fast days, just limit your calorie intake to 600 calories for men and 450 I think for women.

He also suggests the benefits extend far beyond weight loss and health, there are hints that fasting may cause the body to produce new brain cells, I could always use a few more of those.

https://www.pegym.com/forums/gym/718...tml#post858733

[Clamz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Clamz]

I read "The Warrior Diet" and decided to tweak it and just do intermittent fasting every day.

Hey I did exactly this for three months earlier this year,
i found that recovery times were quicker,
however my girth gains REALLY slowed - this is just in my own case.

You should post your results with fasting when you're really into it hey,
would be curious if it's just me.


EDIT: Intermittent fasting really works well though - lost alot of weight and felt real good,
but felt like i was lacking energy after around that 3 month mark.. but try it OP, you might really love it.

[Big Al AdministratorPEGym EditorMale Enhancement Coach Rep.PEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close Big Al]

Look into combining your fast with a detoxifying "cleanse" for maximum effect.

[kickinthemebs Senior Member Member of the Month Feb 2014 Find all posts View Profile Close kickinthemebs]

I like food too much.

[Big Al AdministratorPEGym EditorMale Enhancement Coach Rep.PEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close Big Al]

I like food too much.

All the more reason to do the occasional fast and cleanse. As you get older and your digestive system becomes more fickle, maintaining regularity and cleaning it out becomes more of an active process.

[GymRatGuy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GymRatGuy]

I myself have been intermittently fasting for almost a year.
Studies have shown it reduces cortisol and allows for an increase in fat loss, especially when doing fasted training, cardio. I still eat alot, eat sweets, and since I ended my bulk at 218lbs in January I've lost 18lbs and maintained my strength by just cutting calories. I treat PE as I do actual bodybuilding so if i get out of work at noon:

12-1330: workout time
1330-1400: Cardio
1400-1600: Dedicated PE and Edging
1600-2200: Eating window

Its not bad once you get used to it.

[sssssteve Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sssssteve]

Steve, I think this is a great idea. Be sure to record yourself carefully.

How long were you planning on doing this for?

I am going to be doing it once/maybe 1 and a half days per week at least until August (combined with a workout routine since I am wanting to drop about 30 pounds for cycling while maintaining muscle mass). the thing that got me started was that I had to do some bloodwork for a routine physical and there was a fasting period involved with that so I figured that I would roll it over into an actual change in eating habit. I used to only do dry fasting as needed but more and more reading shows that intermittent fasting can be even more beneficial.

and yes... before you start up a routine like this, be sure to have a talk with your doctor if you feel as though it has the potential to be a threat to your overall well being.

I'll note negative changes in mood, eq, and other indicators.

[Big Al AdministratorPEGym EditorMale Enhancement Coach Rep.PEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close Big Al]

A timely article: Fasting for three days can regenerate entire immune system, study finds - Telegraph

[sssssteve Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sssssteve]

awesome... it feels good when they let in a trickle of research on the subject instead of promoting disinformation.