Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about starting fasting, or maybe you’ve already jumped in. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. I remember when I first started fasting—it was exciting, but also confusing. I thought I knew what I was doing, but there were so many things I wish I had known before I got started. So today, I’m going to share some of those lessons with you, along with a few tips I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, these will help make your fasting journey a lot smoother!
1. Fasting Is a Gradual Process, Not a Race
When I first heard about fasting, I thought I needed to jump straight into it—fast for 16 hours, eat in an 8-hour window, and go from there. But, let me tell you, it wasn’t that easy. The first time I tried fasting, I was hungry, tired, and really cranky. I felt like I was failing because I couldn’t last through the full fasting period.
What I wish I had known is that fasting is a gradual process. It’s okay to start slow. I began with a 12-hour fast and worked my way up. Once my body got used to it, I was able to extend my fasting window, but I didn’t rush it. Starting slow allowed me to get comfortable without feeling overwhelmed. So, if you’re new to fasting, don’t pressure yourself to do it perfectly from day one. Listen to your body and ease into it.
2. Hydration Is Key
I can’t stress this enough—staying hydrated is one of the most important parts of fasting. I remember one of my first fasting attempts when I felt absolutely miserable by midday. My head was pounding, and I was feeling lightheaded. I assumed it was just hunger, but then I realized I hadn’t been drinking enough water.
When you’re fasting, you’re not just abstaining from food—you’re also not getting that automatic fluid intake that comes from meals and snacks. I learned that I needed to drink water consistently throughout the day, even during fasting hours. Water not only helps with hunger pangs, but it keeps your body functioning properly. You can also add electrolytes if you’re feeling extra fatigued, but water should be your go-to.
3. Hunger Isn’t the End of the World
One thing that surprised me about fasting is how often I felt hungry—especially in the beginning. But here’s what I didn’t know before I started: hunger is temporary. When I first started fasting, I panicked as soon as I felt hungry. I thought I was doing something wrong, or that I wouldn’t make it. But hunger comes and goes.
I’ve learned that hunger isn’t a sign of failure—it’s just a sign that your body is adjusting. After some time, I started recognizing that hunger would pass after a little while. Instead of reaching for food immediately, I learned to distract myself with a walk, a glass of water, or simply by staying busy. It made fasting much easier once I realized hunger was just a feeling, not a reason to break my fast.
4. It’s Not Just About Food—It’s About Your Mindset
One thing I didn’t fully understand before I started fasting was that it wasn’t just a physical challenge—it was mental, too. Fasting isn’t just about skipping meals; it’s about breaking old habits, learning to manage your thoughts around food, and adjusting your lifestyle.
For example, I used to be someone who ate breakfast as soon as I woke up, no matter what. But when I started fasting, I had to adjust that mindset. It was hard to get used to not eating in the morning, especially when I was used to grabbing a quick bite and starting my day with food. But over time, I learned that fasting wasn’t about deprivation—it was about rethinking when and why I ate.
Having the right mindset is key. It helps you stick to your fasting plan without feeling like you’re missing out. You’ve got to see fasting as a tool for better health, not a restriction. That mental shift made all the difference for me.
5. You Might Not See Instant Results, and That’s Okay
I’ll be honest—when I first started fasting, I was hoping for some magic weight-loss transformation to happen overnight. But guess what? That didn’t happen. I wasn’t dropping pounds every day, and at times, I felt frustrated because I didn’t see the immediate results I was hoping for.
What I wish I had known before I started fasting is that it’s a slow and steady process. Results take time. Your body is adjusting, and things like fat loss or improved health take a while to show up. I had to remind myself to be patient. Fasting isn’t a quick-fix diet—it’s a lifestyle change, and like any meaningful change, it takes time. So don’t get discouraged if things aren’t happening as fast as you want. Keep going, and you’ll see results eventually.
6. Eating the Right Foods Makes a Huge Difference
At first, I thought fasting was all about the fasting period and didn’t put much thought into what I ate during my eating window. But trust me, the food you eat after fasting is just as important as the fast itself. If you break your fast with something unhealthy or too heavy, you could feel sluggish or bloated, and all the benefits of fasting can be undone.
I quickly learned that I needed to focus on eating nutrient-dense foods during my eating window. Things like lean proteins, healthy fats, vegetables, and fruits. When I started fueling my body with the right foods, I felt so much better and noticed I had more energy throughout the day. So, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can eat whatever you want just because you’re fasting. What you eat matters too!
7. Fasting Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
One of the biggest lessons I learned while fasting is that there is no “one right way” to do it. There are so many different types of fasting, from intermittent fasting to water fasting to alternate-day fasting. What worked for me might not work for you, and that’s okay.
If you’re new to fasting, experiment with different methods to find what works best for your body and your lifestyle. I started with the 16:8 method, but other methods like 12:12 or 18:6 might feel better for you. The key is to listen to your body and find a routine that fits your schedule and energy levels. There’s no need to force yourself into a fasting plan that doesn’t feel right.
8. It’s Normal to Feel Challenged—But You’ve Got This
Finally, I want to say this: it’s okay to feel challenged at times. Fasting isn’t always easy, and you might encounter moments where you feel like quitting. There were days when I felt tired, cranky, or just plain hungry. But in the end, I always reminded myself that the discomfort was temporary and part of the process.
You might face challenges too, and that’s totally normal. Just remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Stay consistent, be kind to yourself, and know that the benefits of fasting will start to show up if you stick with it.
Final Thoughts
Starting fasting can feel overwhelming at first, but if I could go back and give myself advice before I started, these are the things I wish I knew. Fasting is about more than just skipping meals—it’s about mindset, patience, hydration, and adjusting your lifestyle for long-term health benefits.
If you’re thinking about trying fasting, take it slow, stay patient, and don’t be afraid to adjust things as you go. Your body will thank you in the long run, and you’ll start seeing amazing results.