Embarking on a 72-hour water fast recently was an enlightening experience for me. For those of you wondering why someone would willingly choose to go three whole days without calories, it’s not as insane as it sounds. There’s a considerable amount of research that highlights the potential benefits of such a fast.

The benefits are manifold, with weight loss often cited as the main draw. However, shedding pounds was not my primary goal. Instead, I was more intrigued by the promise of a regenerated immune system and a mental and physical reset. A study from the University of Southern California shows that a 72-hour fast can essentially reboot the immune system, promoting the regeneration of new cells. That’s a big win for anyone interested in overall wellness.

The desire for a mental and physical reset was my principal motivation. Fasting, for me, has been like hitting the refresh button, clearing out the system, and starting anew. It’s a radical way to shift gears and bring about a new perspective.

You might think that because I’ve been practicing intermittent fasting (IF) for the past 11 months, an extended fast of 72 hours would be a breeze. That assumption turned out to be not entirely accurate. I recently shifted my IF routine from a 16-hour fast to 15 hours daily. This change, surprisingly, seemed to make my latest 72-hour fast more challenging than the previous ones.

The effects of this shift were palpable. I noticed some weight gain, and not the desirable kind. I seemed to be accumulating body fat, which is definitely not a part of my wellness goal. For this reason, I’m contemplating returning to my 16-hour daily fast.

Despite the hurdles, I’m an advocate for both IF and the 72-hour fast. I’ve seen some truly inspiring results from folks who’ve given it a go, losing weight, and shedding fat. I encourage anyone curious about this to give it a try. It’s an empowering journey of self-discovery and discipline.

If you have any questions or thoughts, I’d love to hear them. Please feel free to comment below. Thanks for joining me on this journey, and here’s to our health!