As a follow up to my previous 2023 updates, I’ve noticed that these frequent fasting has limited my cravings for sweets significantly. In the past, I would crave ice cream, chocolate or sugary drinks to satisfy a sweet tooth. And then feel horrible. Nowadays, I realize that fasting has almost eliminated these sweet tooth cravings. That is not to say I never eat sweet food. Whenever I feel mentally tired or exhausted from work, I shift my mental mood by ordering a Starbucks double blended caramel frappucino with an extra espresso shot, and extra caramel sauce and no whip cream. The break from work and enjoyment I get from such a huge sugar rush puts me back into a relaxed mood to continue working.

Something odd that I’ve also noticed is that whenever I eat a steak, I feel the urge for carbonated drinks. When that happens, I’ll drink a Coca Cola or Bundaberg Ginger Beer. Other times, I may drink a non-sugary option like Sanzo. The yuzu and mango flavors are great. I still haven’t figured out why eating steak will elicit a desire for carbonation. I think though it might actually be more of a reaction to eating something fatty/greasy. Sometimes eating meals rich in protein and fats also elicits this same type of craving.

I am also finding that another fasting benefit is a potential reset to the balance of competing hormones such as Ghrelin vs Leptin and Insulin vs Glucagon and even other hormones like Peptide YY, Cholecystokinin (CCK) and cortisol. I’ve noticed that I don’t get hungry as often. I generally will end up eating some fruits (oranges) and/or vegetables (sliced cabbage) for dinner to minimize any hunger. I’m working towards not eating so to extend fasting time in between meals.

Watching youtube influencers on fasting like Dr Fung, I think I should plan on having longer term (up to 72 hour/ 3 day) fasts in order to be more in the fat burning mode. I think that actually is possible now that I’m used to 36-40 hour fasts. What’s another 24hour right?