Ever wondered what would happen to you if you went on a 72-hour fast?
I decided to take the leap — no food, just water, for three straight days — and the experience changed me both mentally and physically in ways I didn’t expect. Here’s the full story of my 72-hour fast, the battles I faced, the surprising benefits, and why I would absolutely do it again.
Why I Decided to Attempt a 72-Hour Fast
For a long time, I was familiar with intermittent fasting — 16 hours, 18 hours, even 24-hour stretches. At one point, I pushed myself to a 38-hour fast, which already felt like a major accomplishment.
However, I reached a point where mindless eating had taken over my life. The guilt after every binge was getting too heavy to carry. I needed a real reset — not just physically, but mentally.
That’s when I learned about the transformative power of a 72-hour fast. People described it as magical for resetting insulin sensitivity, curbing sugar cravings, and giving the mind a much-needed reboot. It sounded like exactly what I needed.
The First 38 Hours: Familiar Territory
At the start of my 72-hour fast, everything felt surprisingly easy.
My body knew the dance — hunger waves would rise and fall, but I was prepared. I stayed busy, drank plenty of water, and moved through my day without too much resistance. However, once I crossed the 38-hour mark, everything changed.
The Mental War Begins After 38 Hours
Interestingly, during a 72-hour fast, true hunger disappears after the first day. It’s not your body that’s hungry — it’s your mind.
Past 38 hours, my brain started pulling every trick in the book. Thoughts of food, cravings for flavors, and even childhood memories linked to meals started to flood in. It was a psychological war.
Moreover, around the 50-hour mark, the cravings weren’t physical; they were purely mental. You begin to realize that the mind can be your greatest enemy — or your strongest ally — during a 72-hour fast.
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The Mind War: Right vs Left
Imagine for a moment that your mind splits into two sides:
- The Left side whispering, “Come on, just a little bite won’t hurt.”
- The Right side standing firm, “Remember why you started. Don’t throw this away.”
This internal war is the true test of a 72-hour fast.
And it gets especially brutal when you’re around people eating — when the aroma of their meals engulfs you. At that point, it’s not just about willpower. It’s about strategy.
One thing that really helped me was accountability.
Using Accountability to Stay on Track
I told a few people close to me that I was fasting. Not only did this make it harder to sneak a bite (because I’d have to explain myself), but it also gave me an external sense of responsibility. Failing in their presence? That wasn’t an option.
Why? Because having people around who could witness my success — or my failure — kept me committed when my own willpower was starting to crack.
62 Hours In: The Morning Calm
Interestingly, at about 62 hours into the 72-hour fast, mornings started to feel lighter and easier.
There was a peacefulness to waking up empty — no bloating, no heaviness, no sluggishness.
However, as I approached the 68-hour mark, the mental chatter returned. My brain was obsessed, not with eating immediately, but with how I would break the fast carefully. I knew that the wrong food choices could undo all the benefits of the 72-hour fast.
Pro Tip:
The hardest part of a 72-hour fast is not the fasting itself.
It’s preventing yourself from falling back into bad eating habits once it’s over.
And let me tell you — there’s nothing worse than falling back into mindless eating after such a powerful reset.
Incredible Benefits I Experienced During My 72-Hour Fast
Despite all the battles, the 72-hour fast rewarded me with benefits I honestly did not anticipate:
1. Mental Clarity Like Never Before
After 48 hours, it was as if a fog lifted.
My thoughts became sharper, faster, and more organized.
Tasks that used to drain my focus suddenly felt effortless.
This mental clarity alone made the 72-hour fast worth it.
2. Reduced Cravings and Sugar Addiction
One major goal of the 72-hour fast was to break my sugar addiction.
By the end, I noticed that the loud, constant craving for sweet foods had dropped significantly.
It felt like my body had been recalibrated.
3. Lower Inflammation and Physical Lightness
Another huge benefit was reduced inflammation.
I noticed it in my joints, my skin, and even in my overall posture. I moved more freely and with less tension.
4. Mood Stability and Emotional Balance
By the second and third days of the 72-hour fast, a calming effect had set in.
I wasn’t riding emotional highs and lows anymore. I felt steady, grounded, and less reactive to small stressors.
5. Improved Insulin Sensitivity
One of the most powerful effects of the 72-hour fast was giving my insulin system a break.
By staying away from food for three days, my body had a chance to repair its response to sugars and carbs — which is critical for long-term health.
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend a 72-Hour Fast?
In a word: Yes — but only if you’re prepared for what it really demands.
The 72-hour fast isn’t just about not eating. It’s about confronting your mental habits, facing your emotional attachments to food, and coming out stronger on the other side.
This experience gave me more than just physical benefits. It gave me back control.
If you’re seeking a true reset — for your mind, body, and habits — a 72-hour fast might just be the challenge you need.
I am available to guide you on this journey. Add me up on Tiktok and send me a dm.
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