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Fibonacci fasting
Jun. 17th, 2012 08:15 amSo I'm thinking of trying to fast in a Fibonacci sequence, that is fasting for 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 and, if I feel like I can do it, 21 days in a row, with one day of padding (that is to say, eating) in-between period of fasting, or maybe two or three days in-between the 13 and 21 day fast periods. I don't think I'm going to try for 34 days just yet, though eventually I do want to try a full 40-day Lenten fast. Maybe next Spring.
I'm planning on starting this on Monday.
To address the inevitable concerns: Yes, I know this isn't good for me. Being good for me isn't the point. Testing myself is the point, and doing it in a way that satisfies my fascination with mathematical sequences is a bonus. I've done quite a bit of research -- real science research, not pop-diet-book research. I'm doing all that I can to minimize both the risk involved and the damage to my body, which involves but is not limited to plenty of fluids, light resistance training, and substantial vitamin, mineral and electrolyte supplementation. I shouldn't lose more than about a kilogram (~2.2 lbs) of muscle mass and seventeen kilos (~37 lbs) of adipose tissue, and I should be in no danger of cardiac damage or dangerous electrolyte imbalance.
With my metabolism, body fat percentage and correct vitamin and mineral supplementation, believe it or not I could actually go somewhere between four and five months without eating before hitting the outer edge of the danger zone. Mind you, I'd lose a lot of strength and muscle mass and feel really terrible, and I wouldn't really be good for very much towards the latter end of that period, but were I to be stranded in my car in a snowstorm in the wintertime, I should be able to make it through to the spring thaw (assuming clean water and a trunkful of vitamins and electrolytes. And a working shower and toilet. I mean I probably could survive without the shower and toilet, but I don't know if I'd want to).
I want to make it clear that I'm not recommending anyone else do this, because it probably isn't good for you. Talk to any doctor. They'll tell you how dumb it is. But we should all have a right to be dumb, and so I'm going to try it.
I'm planning on starting this on Monday.
To address the inevitable concerns: Yes, I know this isn't good for me. Being good for me isn't the point. Testing myself is the point, and doing it in a way that satisfies my fascination with mathematical sequences is a bonus. I've done quite a bit of research -- real science research, not pop-diet-book research. I'm doing all that I can to minimize both the risk involved and the damage to my body, which involves but is not limited to plenty of fluids, light resistance training, and substantial vitamin, mineral and electrolyte supplementation. I shouldn't lose more than about a kilogram (~2.2 lbs) of muscle mass and seventeen kilos (~37 lbs) of adipose tissue, and I should be in no danger of cardiac damage or dangerous electrolyte imbalance.
With my metabolism, body fat percentage and correct vitamin and mineral supplementation, believe it or not I could actually go somewhere between four and five months without eating before hitting the outer edge of the danger zone. Mind you, I'd lose a lot of strength and muscle mass and feel really terrible, and I wouldn't really be good for very much towards the latter end of that period, but were I to be stranded in my car in a snowstorm in the wintertime, I should be able to make it through to the spring thaw (assuming clean water and a trunkful of vitamins and electrolytes. And a working shower and toilet. I mean I probably could survive without the shower and toilet, but I don't know if I'd want to).
I want to make it clear that I'm not recommending anyone else do this, because it probably isn't good for you. Talk to any doctor. They'll tell you how dumb it is. But we should all have a right to be dumb, and so I'm going to try it.
