So, you’ve decided to try fasting. Maybe it’s something you’ve heard a lot about, or you’re hoping to get some health benefits like weight loss, more energy, or improved focus. But after a few days, you start to feel frustrated, tired, or even discouraged. Trust me, I’ve been there. In fact, we’ve all been there.
Fasting isn’t always easy, especially in the beginning. There are real challenges that come with it, from hunger pangs to low energy and even doubts about whether it’s really worth it. But here’s the thing—those challenges are totally normal. They’re part of the journey, and there are ways to overcome them.
In this post, I want to share some stories of people who faced common fasting challenges and how they got through them. Whether you’re just starting or have been fasting for a while, these stories will give you insight into what to expect and how to stay motivated.
Challenge #1: Dealing with Hunger
When I first started fasting, one of the hardest things for me was dealing with hunger. I wasn’t used to going without food for long periods, and my body kept telling me I needed something to eat. It felt like my stomach was growling all day long.
One friend, Sarah, had a similar experience. She said, “The first few days were rough. I’d always have these intense hunger pangs, and I’d start thinking I couldn’t make it. But I realized the hunger would pass. After a while, I started to get used to it.”
Sarah’s experience is common for many people who start fasting. The key is to remember that hunger usually comes in waves. It’s not constant, and it doesn’t last forever. Drinking water, herbal teas, or even black coffee can help distract you and keep you full. Over time, your body adapts, and the hunger becomes much more manageable.
Challenge #2: Feeling Low on Energy
Another big challenge I faced was a drop in energy, especially during the first few days of fasting. I wasn’t used to working out on an empty stomach, and there were times when I felt sluggish and weak.
John, a guy I met at the gym, shared his own experience. “The first week was the hardest,” he told me. “I felt drained, like I just didn’t have the energy to do anything, let alone exercise. But after a few days, I noticed I started feeling more energized. It’s like my body adjusted, and I felt better than I had in months.”
This drop in energy is totally normal in the beginning. It’s your body adjusting to burning fat for fuel instead of carbs. As your body adapts to fasting, it starts to get more efficient at using fat for energy, and you’ll start to feel more energized.
In the meantime, make sure you’re staying hydrated. Dehydration can make you feel even more tired, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. Adding in a bit of salt or electrolytes can also help, especially if you’re feeling sluggish.
Challenge #3: Feeling Like You’re Missing Out on Food
For some people, fasting can feel like they’re missing out on food. This was a struggle for my friend Lisa, who had a habit of snacking throughout the day. She would often find herself scrolling through Instagram, seeing delicious food posts, and feeling like she was being left out.
“I felt like everyone was enjoying their meals, and I was stuck in this ‘no food zone,’” Lisa admitted. “But then I started to shift my mindset. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t have, I started thinking about the benefits I was giving my body. I’d remind myself why I was fasting—whether it was to lose weight, get healthier, or just give my digestive system a break.”
Lisa’s shift in perspective really helped her. When you’re fasting, it’s important to remember the reasons why you started in the first place. Focusing on the long-term benefits can help distract you from the short-term temptation. You can even find other ways to enjoy the social aspects of food, like preparing delicious meals for your eating window or sharing healthy recipes with friends.
Challenge #4: Breaking the Fast and Overeating
If you’ve ever broken your fast only to find yourself overeating, you’re not alone. This was another challenge I faced during my fasting journey. I would open my eating window feeling so hungry that I’d eat way more than I actually needed. The feeling of eating too much left me feeling uncomfortable and sluggish, which made the whole fasting experience feel less enjoyable.
One person, Mark, told me that he struggled with this, too. “At first, I would break my fast with a big meal, and it would make me feel really bloated. I learned that it’s better to ease into it with a smaller, balanced meal. Something like a salad with protein or a smoothie was a good start.”
Mark is spot on. When you break your fast, it’s important to start with something light and easy to digest. Eating something too heavy right away can cause discomfort and leave you feeling sluggish. I’ve found that starting with a glass of water or tea, followed by a small meal that includes protein, healthy fats, and fiber, helps me feel full without overloading my system.
Challenge #5: Sticking to a Routine
Sticking to a fasting routine is often one of the biggest hurdles. Life gets busy, and sometimes it’s easy to get off track. Maybe you end up eating outside your fasting window because of a social event or a hectic schedule.
I know how tough it can be to stay consistent. My friend Rachel, who has been fasting for a few months, mentioned, “There were days when I would fall off track because I was too busy or stressed. But I didn’t let it throw me off completely. I’d just start fresh the next day.”
Rachel’s approach is exactly what I recommend. Fasting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making it work for you. If you miss a day or have a slip-up, don’t give up. Just get back into the groove and keep moving forward. Consistency over time is what matters most.
Conclusion: Embrace the Challenges and Keep Going
Fasting isn’t always easy, and you’ll face some challenges along the way. But as you’ve seen from the stories of people like Sarah, John, Lisa, Mark, and Rachel, those challenges are completely normal—and they’re part of the process. Whether it’s hunger, low energy, or feeling like you’re missing out, there are ways to push through and keep moving forward.
The key is to be kind to yourself and recognize that your body is adjusting. It takes time to get used to fasting, but once you do, the rewards can be huge. You’ll feel more energized, focused, and even start to see those health benefits you’ve been hoping for.
So, if you’re struggling with fasting, remember you’re not alone. Every challenge is just another opportunity to learn and grow. Keep going, and soon you’ll be able to look back and be proud of the progress you’ve made. You’ve got this!