20 Comments
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Neural Foundry's avatar

Brillaint writeup on the metabolic side of this challenge. That 6.5 mmol/L ketone spike is absurdly high for just 72 hours, honestly didnt think you could push that without extended fasting. I tried somthing similar last year with mackerel and hit maybe 2.5 tops. The big insight here is how individual metabolic flexibility determines if someone can even handle this type of protcol comfortably or if they just crash hard like Luke did.

Tim Ebl πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

Yeah, I think I got such good results bercause I tend to do a keto cycle, 4 days on and three days off, most of the time. You’re right, individual body flexibility and body chemistry make a huge difference to whether or not you can even stand this kind of challenge.

Kyle Shepard's avatar

Haha fun challenge! Two questions:

1. Did weight stay off after the fast?

2. How were the farts? (Always fun to see what the body produces in some of these related challenges during and after)

Tim Ebl πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

Weight is staying off! Although I am still 100% keto right now so that helps. I gained back a pound. And I had zero gaseous emissions! Gas is from fermented carbs in general, so I guess that might be why there was none?

Kyle Shepard's avatar

Love it. Had sardines while fasted for only a day last week and I did not have the same experience with gaseous emissions. Smelled like a different person farted in my office…

Tim Ebl πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

You must have had some old leftovers in the intestinal tract πŸ˜‚

Kyle Shepard's avatar

Haha very likely!

Jim's avatar

My wife and I just finished the challenge. Yes, it is a challenge. Our experience is more like your friend's. However, we may incorporate them into our diet just to get the Omega 3s. I don't think we'll do the challenge again. I can do a 40 hour water fast fairly easily and get good results without the gastrointestinal stress. Good on you. Great article. I laughed hard. It shouldn't be funny. I laughed anyway.

Tim Ebl πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

Thanks for sharing your story!

think I might try a modified form next week. Use intermittent fasting and one can of sardines, then a few eggs for supper. I expect to get almost as good results from that.

Mac Dohm's avatar

I send the urge again, to smash some sardines.

Tim Ebl πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

I'm going to do it again starting Sunday. One more set to lock in the benefits.

Mac Dohm's avatar

Nice! I’ll keep you posted. My mom has been doing it since the beginning of the year. A brave soul.

Tim Ebl πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

Great work! Yeah, a day of IF and sardines should help if you can manage it

Mac Dohm's avatar

Yeah the sleep for me has been big and not eating past 7. Whole foods. Typically 1 decent sized meal and then protein shake. If there’s a snack, it’s some meat and cheese.

Tim Ebl πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

Sounds like you’re on track!

Tim Ebl πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

Two weeks? That is brave πŸ˜‚ but it cuts down on food prep and dishes

Mac Dohm's avatar

I think she’s done 2 seperate 3 day fasts - and I think she’s shooting for once a month. Not a bad idea!

Tim Ebl πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

It really isn’t a bad idea. I’m on board with that

Mac Dohm's avatar

I’m down 8 lbs since NYE - may integrate some sardines in the mix to keep the engine going.