This day was actually more difficult mentally. I was reading
negative things about long term fasting on the internet and obviously started
doubting my approach. I was thinking about quitting it before hunger returns.
Or if I should switch to juice fasting, etc.
Determination
But I am determined to do this experiment and also complete
it. I have now been through the hardest part. If I quit now I would regret it
later, because I do not know what it could have done for me.
If I want to be successful, I have to find a way to deal
with the boredom. Just getting my thoughts away from food. If I fall into the
trap of eating out of boredom, I have not broken with my previous habits. They
have already improved on the one meal a day diet. But I would be going back to
regular smaller meals first. In order not to overtax my digestive system after
it has been resting for so long.
Digestion and sour stomach
My stomach is still not shut down completely. This is
annoying. Many other fasters mention that they do not feel any hunger in the
stomach after day 2 or 3. But for me I still get the regular sour feeling.
My explanation for this is that bile is expelled into the
stomach to release toxins from the liver. And this starts the process of
digestion. I can also feel that some matter has accumulated in my large
intestine. But it is too small to trigger a full bowel movement. So I would
like to get rid of it before it hardens up too much. But I do not want to take
a laxative again. I am going to buy an enema and try to get of it that way. As
one of my goals is to get rid of hemorrhoids through the process of water
fasting, passing a hard stool at the end of it, might be counterproductive.
Sleep and energy levels
I did not sleep very long this night. 4-5 hours at most. And
felt tired therefore in the morning.
Energy levels are generally more even. Without food
demanding energy for digestion there are no ups and downs during the day. This
can make it more pleasant for some. Or more challenging for others. If you are
tired at times, where you can relax that is a welcome and worthwhile feeling.
You do not have to think about what to do, when you do not have enough energy
anyways. Having the same (high) energy all day long gives much more room for
boredom and requires more creativity on your part ;)