How to do a 21 Day WATER FAST | My story, fasting TIPS, and before and after PICS

How to water fast. How I completed a 21 Day water fast and lost 39lbs in 24 days. My fasting tips, how I prepared for my fast, how I broke my fast, and my before and after pics.
Can you train while fasting? I did and this is what happened. How much weight can you lose drinking only water? I drank only water for 21 days and lost 31lbs. plus I lost 8lbs. during the 3 days of fasting preparation. How much weight did I gain after breaking my fast? I share all my results.
See what happened after I broke my fast and how I continued my transformation, subscribe: / @challengetheory
Links:
David Goggins, “Can’t Hurt Me”
davidgoggins.com/book/
Dr. Alan Goldhamer interview by Tom Bilyeu
• How To REVERSE YOUR AG...
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:38 - How I Prepared for My Water Fast
2:52 - What to Expect the First Week of Fasting
4:17 - What to Expect the Second Week of Fasting
6:54 - What to Expect the Third Week of Fasting
8:26 - Can You Train While Fasting?
10:51 - Tips For a Successful Water Fast
13:47 - How I Broke My Fast
14:57 - The Mistake I Made Breaking My Fast
17:45 - My 21-Day Fast Before and After Pics
#waterfasting #weightloss #motivation

[@magi144]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m on day 20 of 28 and videos like yours are so motivational.

[@ChallengeTheory]

That is so cool to hear, thanks! Day 20! You are in the final stretch now, 1 more week to go. Good luck finishing strong. I'm sending some positive fasting energy your way.

[@magi144]

@@ChallengeTheory much appreciated

[@marchfifth1754]

Hey congrats, how much weight did you lose?

[@magi144]

@@marchfifth1754 34 pounds.

[@marchfifth1754]

@@magi144 Congrats!

[@TheCandace018]

Thank you for sharing your story. It is amazing to see what you accomplished during your fast. People are so quick to tell you their opinion on what you should or should not have done but fail to realize everybody responds differently to a regiment. Great job!

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you! That is so well said. Everyone responds different and you really don't know how your body will respond until you try it yourself. That is why I started small and worked my way up. Thanks for the comment!

[@o0hmikee17]

I started my fast last May. In 28 days I lost 24.6lbs. I’m trying to lose another 24lbs or more before the summer ends. I started at 276lbs and currently 251.4lbs. I started weight training and cardio into my weight loss journey.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Let's go! Congrats. That is how it starts now you just have to keep making gains. Keep grinding!

[@mileskintnermusic7349]

How was exercising while on the fast? Especially in the first couple days. Did you have energy?

[@nick.b.k]

I’m so euphoric about your journey. It’s my 4th day fasting . And I’m motivated than never to continue this journey

[@ChallengeTheory]

Let's go day 4! Congrats, the first 3 days are the hardest. The mental battle doesn't get any easier but the physical hunger lets up for me by day 4. It is so cool to hear that my journey is helpful to someone like you on day 4 of your fast. Stay strong and good luck hitting your goal. Keep grinding.

[@Dispondent]

I’m on day 4 of mine. Thank you so much for posting this and being honest and open. Greetings from Jamaica.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Way to go on day 4! I'm so glad my video found you in Jamaica and was helpful! Good luck on your fast! You made it past the hardest part, those first 3 days. You got this! Thanks for the comment.

[@queenintuition7479]

Thank you for being so detailed

[@johnnyrivera7099]

Thank you for the motivation buddy. Starting my 30 day fast today. I completed a one week fast recently, for the first time and it wasn’t hard at all. My body and mind felt great. I’m 44 years old, presently 5’9, 230lbs, trying to drop 30 pounds in 3 months. Wish me luck 🤞🏼 Thank you champ 💪🏼🤙🏼

[@ChallengeTheory]

Let's go! Good luck buddy, 30 days is no joke. When you finish this fast you will know you can do anything you put your mind to. I felt like the 20th day and the 7th day physically felt the same to me it was just the mental endurance that was getting to me. Let me know how it goes. Keep grinding.

[@han3wmanwukong125]

I think you'll do great!

[@meanhead1337]

How'd it go?

[@WhiteChocolate444]

Awesome video man! Congratulations on your success. Thank you for sharing your journey

[@princessfrancois8225]

I loved this video. I just completed day 2 of my 5 day fast and this was informative.

[@loveofinquiry8067]

Awesome video, thank you! Good for you!❤

[@hubertporowski8967]

Thanks man, very very inspiring.

[@soulpowerful]

Congratulations! It’s fantastic to see more and more inspirational and educational videos popping up.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you so much for the support I really appreciate it!

[@terriewilson2584]

Thank you for making this video. It’s very informative very calming and pleasant to watch.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you! That is so nice to hear.

[@BullSheeper]

Great info, thank you and great results!

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you!

[@DeeDeex007o]

WOW! You've inspired me! I love that you'd read a spiritual book daily! Congratulations on your successful fast!

[@kempfreehold9450]

Your editing is really terrific. I hardly edit my videos at all, but I admire people who do.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you! I use Premiere Pro. The cool thing with Premiere Pro is KZbin has tons of tutorials on it.

[@kempfreehold9450]

@@ChallengeTheory I'll look into it, maybe. I am a homeschooling mama of four whose channel focuses on homesteading. Mainly, I don't edit because I don't have time. 🤣

[@cobhead1986]

Very valuable information in your video. I'll use it as I am prepping to start my journey as well. Great job and good luck on reaching your goals.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you! Good luck! I'm sending some positive fasting energy your way.

[@MrMiisoBlack]

I’m on Day 3 out of 21. Let’s Go !!!

[@ChallengeTheory]

Let's Go!!!!! You are getting me fired up! Good luck on your fast! Day 3 is in the bag you are home free now! The first 3 days are the hardest.

[@cwizzy13]

Great job man, that's awesome!

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you!

[@jammin6816]

Seriously great job!! 👏 I just finished my fourth 4-day fast and I feel so good. You just inspired me to plan out a 14 day fast. I only have 20 pounds to lose so I think 21 days may be too much.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thanks! Great job on 4 days, the first few days are the hardest! Good luck on the 14 day fast if you decide to go for it.

[@leevancleef358]

Great Job Dude...Amazing Accomplishment! You look so much better too. Great Video

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you so much!

[@ericarmstrong8561]

I appreciate your hard work, thank you

[@ChallengeTheory]

That is awesome! Thank you!

[@hephzibahb.7370]

Thank you for this!

[@ChallengeTheory]

I'm so glad my video was helpful. Good luck on your transformation journey!

[@Stealth-im7ld]

That was an amazing journey. Thank you for sharing this video. Absolutely beautiful man...

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you! Much appreciated.

[@lawdogwales5921]

Good work and a good video. Congratulations!

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you!

[@nabilakamran4068]

Wow that was amazing …….great video keep up the good work

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you!

[@nourfaysal9231]

You are great, well done ,I will start tomorrow ❤

[@ChallengeTheory]

Ha! Thanks and good luck!

[@daryldo]

Love the honesty here, alot of videos skip the realism

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you! That is so cool to hear.

[@FatherOfTheParty]

14 days into my 45 day water fast. Seeing very similar results to what you report. I also notice a much more level mood. Things that normally irritate me are just rolling off my back. I laugh more, my wife was skeptical when I told her my plan but she's slowly coming around. Keeping a log so I can look back and remind myself how things go. Fully plan on repeating this experience. Thanks for posting this. I am also including electrolytes every day.

[@humblepharaoh5203]

Great work. Please update after you break your fast.

[@FatherOfTheParty]

Day 28 today. Things going really well. Zero hunger, down almost 30 lbs. I do not plan on breaking the fast with anything high carb like watermelon. Plan is to start with a cup of beef broth every couple hours on the first day then bone broth every couple hours for the next day or so. Then bone broth with an egg whipped in and maybe a little yogurt. By day four I'll mix in a small amount of cooked vegetables and pickles. If things are still looking good I'll start to add small amounts of steamed veggies and meat. From there probably just go with OMAD for a while.

[@lars555555555555]

@@FatherOfTheParty Nice 🎉

[@Rayzorbladez]

​@@FatherOfTheParty how's it going for you? I'm about to start a 30 day.

[@FatherOfTheParty]

I broke my fast a week ago Wednesday which was a little short of my goal (35 days instead of 45). It wasn't that I was having any trouble, just that I decided to get my refeed done before Easter Sunday (tomorrow) so that I could enjoy that day with family. Even still, I was too aggressive in refeeding and developed a little edema in my ankles. Probably just too much salt in the bone/beef broth that I was using. I'm at 23 lbs down right now (from a low of 33 lbs right before I started refeeding) still probably retaining a little too much water. All in all a good experience which I will repeat with a little better planning next time. Good luck on your 30-day fast!

[@tammiefi8716]

This was a great video thank you for sharing

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you!

[@yolandastanford9223]

CONGRATULATIONS 🥳🥳🥳

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you!!!

[@kumarijhunjhun121]

Hi, I did 14 days fast and lost 7 kgs.I am from India and its a great experience....my target is 27 kgs which will end up by the end of Nov total 40days of water fast I am on it.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Wow! That is amazing. Even after doing 21 days myself it is hard to imagine making it 40 days. If you can do that you can really do anything you put your mind to. Good luck accomplishing your goal, I'm cheering for you.

[@awheoiele3390]

Hey how did it go?

[@sushmithcherry9899]

@@awheoiele3390 i think he’s dead 💀 😂

[@dansfoods1]

So isn't this dangerous

[@dalehanson4067]

Congratulations !!

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thanks!

[@1MNUTZ]

Solid work

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thanks!

[@chellierhapsody2197]

Thanks for sharing your story! I'm on day 3 and i no longer have the headaches! I take naps and i am gentle with my body, taking a short walk or 2 every day. It's been great so far!

[@ChallengeTheory]

Congrats on 3 days! You are doing it right. From my experience taking it easy and being gentle on your body is the way to go. Good luck finishing strong.

[@chellierhapsody2197]

@ChallengeTheory aw thank you so much for your positive vibes and your inspiration! You're awesome!

[@tonyg5162]

Great video man! You have inspired me to try it!

[@ChallengeTheory]

That's awesome! Good luck. Let me know how it goes.

[@Healthy4Life111]

Im proud of you bro!

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you so much!

[@yenGet]

Thanks for sharing.

[@RawwVeggies]

I’m about 260 right now and I want to get to 190. Your video is very inspiring. Thank you for the info.

[@ChallengeTheory]

That's awesome! Good luck on your transformation journey!

[@magma9138]

Congratulations!

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thanks!

[@triad01]

Hi, just wanted to say thank you so much for documenting your journey, I'm a fat man at a similar starting weight and I've tried a lot of things just to fail miserably and go on binge eating. For the 2 days I managed to fast before I had horrible acid reflux and just gave up. Thank you for covering how to avoid that, I'll starting prepping & consuming broth over the next 3 days and hopefully I'm able to go on a successful fast. You're inspiring a lot of people like myself and reminding us it's not the end of the line, continue what you do, cheers!

[@ChallengeTheory]

Wow! Thank you for this comment. I knew there were other people like me out there! I'm so happy my story was helpful! I failed so many times and all my failures just made it that much sweeter when I finally finished. I could have never made it past 1 week until I figured out how to avoid the acid reflux. Good luck on your fast! I hope you crush your goal. Please let me know how it goes! It's never too late!

[@jenniferbmendezful]

Thank you for sharing your experience very nice video documentary on your 21 day experience.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you!

[@jtlinhisprime]

Great job I’ve always failed my fasting but it took discipline from u to complete it 🙏🏾

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you! FYI, I have attempted this 21 day fast 4 times over the past 10 years and this is the first time I succeeded at finishing. I failed 3 times but I learned something every time.

[@jtlinhisprime]

@@ChallengeTheory fr thanks for the intel im gonna try my hardest next fast hope your channel succeeds

[@ChallengeTheory]

@@jtlinhisprime I appreciate that! Good luck on your next fast!

[@diannaman1918]

Wow good job!

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you!

[@NG.the.ENGINE]

Nice one, I am on day 10, simply drinking water. I experienced a severe headache on day 3, I literally cried lol but right now I am doing great. If I could get rid of the taste in my mouth I could do 40 days as I have done 35 before!! Great video

[@ChallengeTheory]

The taste! I remember looking forward to brushing my teeth for that few minutes of relief. You made it through the toughest part! Good luck hitting your goal! That is amazing you have done 35 days before, what an accomplishment. Thanks!

[@MagzHD0113]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m starting my 26 day fast tomorrow. Wish me luck😭

[@Aisatelliteinternet]

Great job.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you!

[@zoni36]

Thanks your video. I'm at Day 6 and it has been a constant struggle. I'm hoping to do 21 days and I hope it doesn't get harder. I'm on KZbin looking for help on how to stay on my water fast so thank you so much for documenting your fast. It was very helpful!

[@ChallengeTheory]

That is awesome. Congrats on day 6! For me day 21 felt the same as day 6. The hard part is not thinking about how long you have to go. What helped me was I always felt great in the mornings, so I just tried to think about 1 day at a time and looking forward to the next morning when I knew I would feel amazing again. Good luck! I'm sending some positive fasting energy your way.

[@zoni36]

@@ChallengeTheory thanks for your words of encouragement! I ended up only doing 14 days, but will try again for 21 starting 3-14-23. One strange thing that I found really helped me is to NOT take supplements or vitamins/minerals. They really upset my stomach, made me feel awful. I’m a pretty consistent supplement taker when I’m not fasting. Maybe I had enough in my body to sustain me? Not sure as so many other people had the opposite effect where they needed more electrolytes. At any rate, I’m sticking with green tea and water next time, maybe an occasional coffee. Again, much appreciation for taking the time to make this video!! It really helped me!

[@ChallengeTheory]

@@zoni36 14 days! That's an amazing accomplishment. Congrats! Thank you for the update. Everyone has to find the way that works best for them. I avoid everything but electrolytes but a lot of people do coffee and tea with no sweetener. If you are like me you are feeling like you can do anything you set your mind to now. 2023 is going to be an awesome year!

[@tombifrida400]

My love this video motivated me

[@ChallengeTheory]

That's awesome! :)

[@camillekale5566]

I just started OMAD two days ago and my brain is telling me to go ahead and do a water fast. I really think I can do this. I need to lose 20 lbs. Thanks for the motivation

[@ChallengeTheory]

Let's go! I'm doing OMAD right now and I love it. I started with 3-day fasts and worked my way up. You could try fasting for a few days and see how your body responds. Good luck hitting your goal and losing that 20 lbs.! Let's get this done in the next 4 months!

[@han3wmanwukong125]

I committed myself to walking to and from work on days that I can so I can get some sort of exercise without losing muscle. I plan on ending with low fat kefir, yogurt and homemade chicken broth with seaweed for about a week. I am on day 8 of my fast and you continue to be an inspiration.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Day 8! You are in deep now. Sounds like you are cruising right along. I took daily walks and it was crazy how much I enjoyed getting out and just taking a walk. Good luck finishing strong!

[@TheRoadhammer379]

You won't lose any noticeable muscle while fasting. I encourage you to research the Irish gentleman who fasted for 370 days, water, supplements and under doctor supervision. I believe he lost roughly 300 lbs and only had a muscle loss of 4%.

[@MrsMunyao]

This is an informative video

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thanks!

[@almatt8310]

Excellent video 👏 In gazillions of YT videos about water fasting people seldom talk abıut the prep for WF and what not to do after breaking the WF which are probably more vital than the actual fast itself. People seem to be fixated on how much weight is lost (unfortunately most of which, probably all of it and then some, will come back if you don't break it properly and do not keep eating "clean" afterwards) . Kudos for explaining the mental side of the WF in length as well. Awesome job 👍

[@almatt8310]

That's what I love about the internet. We can all share our failures and successes and learn from each other's good and bad experiences without actually having to go through them ourselves. I'm years into WF and I weigh a lot less than when I started and still keep losing if and when I want to. More importantly I got to know my body and how it reacts to different things at the age of 50. Finally I am in charge of my body, weight and health 🙂 Still experiencing different things and discover more about myself every day. The mental boost is also a bonus 👍 If someone told me I could go for 2 days without any food I'd laugh at them. But now even weeks of WF is a piece of cake for me. Or shall I say a big steak and huge bowl of green salad 😁 I'd also encourage everybody to look into OMAD, intermittent fasting, carnivore and Keto. This channel should get millions of views. And I'm serious. Your videos are very thorough and catches the most important details that most of the YT'ers seem to be missing. YT is full of videos that show people lose serious amounts of weight in a short amount of time and they get millions of views. I'd encourage people to watch the same people's follow up videos or lack there of 😉 I thank you again for the quality content and wish all fellow WF'ers the best in their journey to get healthy for themselves and their loved ones 👏

[@almatt8310]

There are no shortcuts in life as a wise person once said. WF is just a tool and its success depends on how capable and determined the hands that are using it are. YT is full of sensational videos that cater to people who want to WF for a few days and wake up with an olympic athlete's body one morning. Then they discover the water weight, how to break the WF, how to use the WF as a fresh start for a healthy lifestyle etc 😉 It's a very bumpy road but it's worth every inch of the journey. Smooth or bumpy 🙂

[@ChallengeTheory]

I once did a fast where I broke my fast with a binge meal and went straight back to my old eating habits and I gained back all the weight and had no lasting benefits from that fast. But it was a great learning experience. Compared to my last fast where I transitioned into my new diet plan from day 1 and I'm still feeling the benefits today 6 months later.

[@parsoniareigns]

Well done.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you!

[@tajuanahuston2225]

You go boyyyyy!!! Loved every second of this video. I was so worried when you started lacing up your shoes for the 5k. I was like no wayyyyyyy is he going to risk this. Thanks for this video. The mind is a powerful thing and we can accomplish anything we put our minds to.

[@sprinklermadness]

Wow thanks for this video. I'm on day 3 of 21. Started at 273lbs as well. Thanks again

[@ChallengeTheory]

That's awesome! The first 3 days were the hardest for me so hopefully it will get a little easier now for you. I'm so glad my video was helpful. Stay strong! You got this!

[@gregzilla_12]

Did you get to 21 days? What was your results?

[@sprinklermadness]

@@gregzilla_12 I didn't I failed again and went off the rails. Last few months have been bad for me.

[@ChallengeTheory]

@@sprinklermadness I just saw this comment. I have had several fasts where I have done the same thing. Going from the fast to a healthy diet is a whole different challenge. Hope you are doing good. Keep grinding!

[@emmaarif7044]

Hey thanks for the video! Very inspirational and informative. I'm on Day 1 of water fast. I've tried it for 14 days during the covid lockdown back in 2020. I remember the mental war like it was just yesterday. Will have another 14 days and if it's possible to push it to 30 days. A lot of what you mentioned is relatable. Wish you health and happines. Much love from Singapore!

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you so much! Good luck! 14 days is a huge accomplishment. The mental battle is the biggest challenge. Stay strong. I am sending some positive fasting energy your way!

[@nichekbaal6272]

How was your fast? How long could you do it?

[@This.is.my.family]

Thank you for the information. We have a little over 21 days before we travel for Labor Day so I'm going to try this to get some much unnecessary weight off.

[@ChallengeTheory]

I'm so glad it was helpful! The benefits go far beyond just the weight you will lose too! Good luck on your fast.

[@ruthverstegen6095]

thank you!

[@reginaposillico8922]

I read David Goggins “Can’t Hurt Me” it was awesome. I to recommend to everyone.

[@ChallengeTheory]

When I am getting outside my comfort zone I always think to myself, "What would Goggins do?" and the answer is always, just keep grinding!

[@douglasmolina5994]

Wow and this guy was a.bit over weight not a runner it is uncredible what the body can do this is a great motivational example of how to do things inlearned alot thanks man .very impressive

[@ChallengeTheory]

@@douglasmolina5994 Hey thanks buddy! I was about 60-70lbs. over weight and hated running! But now I love it, crazy! I appreciate the support!

[@debz7682]

Great book read it last year

[@ChallengeTheory]

@@debz7682 Yes! I can't imagine taking on the challenges he did! Makes my challenges seem much more possible.

[@sterlingforbes3872]

Great video brother. Seriously great job! I do 10 day fasts regularly ... my only advice for ya is to break it in a keto diet form. That way you don't gain all that water weight right away and it's much easier on the body. But seriously, great job man!!! Inspiring!

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you so much! That is great advice, I may do that next time. I ate the carbs and a bunch of sodium so my body held onto all the water. That was one of my mistakes on the fast. Thanks for the comment!

[@tonyg5162]

How would you recommend breaking fast? I am on day 2 and plan on going 5 days

[@user-dt5gy1rt3g]

Your results are so amazing and inspiring. I just started my own journey, and your video will help inspire me and others.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you! Good luck on your fast! I'm so happy my video helped you.

[@MrRoundthetwist]

Great video and very informative! I’m on day 4 of a 21 day water fast, goal is to eventually get my weight back in the 180-190 range, start weight 239.4, this am after 3 days 227.2, mostly water weight lost but gotta start somewhere I look at this as phase 1, phase 2 after the fast I will do intermittent fasting and ease back into running for fitness

[@ChallengeTheory]

I love that plan. My journey was very similar. It is so important to transition straight from the fast to a healthy diet with no binge meal. When I do this I can ride out the benefits of the fast for months. Following my normal diet after a fast feel so easy. Good luck! I hope you crush your goal!

[@MrRoundthetwist]

@@ChallengeTheory thank you! Also congrats on your successes I’ve watched several of your vids all very encouraging and inspiring!

[@ChallengeTheory]

@@MrRoundthetwist That's awesome! Thank you.

[@MrStarnger1]

@@MrRoundthetwist How is it going?

[@EleeBot]

update?

[@radhikajujjavarapu6971]

Can you talk about hair fall please? BTW are you in Scottsdale?

[@user-gq8jp7oj2w]

So inspiring and helpful! I’m on day 3 of my 21 day fast and I’m 294.2 Ibs as of today. I forgot to weigh myself two days ago on day one🤦🏽‍♂️🤣, but I’ll be using your videos as my daily inspiration! My goal is to be at the 250 Ib mark by the end of it🙏🏽 💚

[@ChallengeTheory]

That is awesome! So glad my video is helpful. The first 3 days are the hardest. Good luck hitting your goal. I'm sending some positive fasting vibes your way!

[@user-gq8jp7oj2w]

@@ChallengeTheory thank you soooo much! I’m on day 7 and I’m down to 283 now praise all be to God and my actual goal is to be at 230 and lower like 220!😊

[@jonbon7219]

​@@user-gq8jp7oj2whow did u do? how many days? what's ur weight?

[@ritayakubu2956]

Great video Am about to start a 30 days water fast for the first time and i hope i don't fail

[@ChallengeTheory]

Wow, 30 days! Good luck. If you can finish a 30 day fast their is nothing you can't do.

[@ertezaershad2402]

Got Inspired By your story I need to lose 20pounds so i aimed for 14days fast On my 4th day today , still feeling good 👍

[@ChallengeTheory]

That's awesome. Day 4! Let's go! Stay strong, and good luck hitting your goal.

[@mburns1679]

Had insomnia, dry mouth , dizziness. Tried to ride my bike. Couldn't do it, too strenuous. Lightly used treadmill, recumbent bike, elliptical. 21 days of water fast. 17 lbs. Down 3 sizes. Not tempted . My house is full of food. Now on ADF with omad. Will do 21-28 Day water fast in one month.

[@ChallengeTheory]

We had such a similar experience! It sounds like you got some crazy willpower from completing your 21 day fast. Being able to enjoy one meal a day and live in a house full of food without being tempted is such a benefit! The increased willpower was my favorite benefit from my fast. Good luck taking on your next fast!

[@harkeeratsingh2509]

Very inspiring. I am thinking about the same. Wish me luck.

[@abigailmendoza2502]

the dream part made me laugh so much hahaha especially with such a serious voice haha. congrats on your success!

[@ChallengeTheory]

That's awesome! It was true. Thank you!

[@martaagustin9398]

Im on my 9 day fast and I also had those food dreams lol you motivate me to do 21 days

[@ChallengeTheory]

That is so cool. Congrats on day 9, that is such an accomplishment. No one knows how hard that is unless they have done it themselves. Good luck hitting your new goal of 21 days. I'm sending some positive fasting energy your way.

[@asindhana]

Thanks a lot

[@krisianzavalani]

Hello. Wonderful video and straight to the point I love it! Did you take any suplements during the fast? Were you worried about the refeeding syndrome?

[@ChallengeTheory]

It is recommended to supplement electrolytes and I plan to do that on future fasts. On this fast, I just drank water. Here is a good video about how to supplement electrolytes that I will use next time. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5u3hYiNfbl0ga8

[@ChallengeTheory]

I did research refeeding syndrome and I was careful to start back on easily digestible foods in small portions and I avoided sugar and carbs at first. I transition back to my healthy diet over 3 days.

[@krisianzavalani]

Thank you so much and I hope you continue to do great on your journey 😁

[@ChallengeTheory]

@@krisianzavalani Thanks!

[@imflyingoverclouds]

Ideal: 21 fast days -> 7 days bone broth -> Solid food. (low carb, rich in saturated fat) : Ideally continue with low carb diet.

[@tylertheeuchiha]

Thank you for this, I want to try a water fast with jump roping

[@ChallengeTheory]

It can be done! I'm so happy that my video was helpful! Thanks for the comment and I hope you rock your fast!

[@eldante4139]

I am going to attempt to do 7 days fast fron tomorrow. I have never fasted that long, I weigh 228lbs and I’m 6ft 2’ but my muscle level is low. I used to regularly run half marathons and go to the gym, but the last three years my depression and anxiety has had me with zero motivation. I want to lose weight and get back at it. My main concern is if my mental health spikes due to fasting. If that happens and it’s too much I think maybe I should stop then? Maybe if that happens I will try shorter fasts and build up. Either way, it’s great to see what you achieved and, echoing others, it’s inspirational to see. Although I came here looking for advice as I wanted to start. You have shown how possible it is to do it and just how good the journey of achievement can be. Thank you

[@ChallengeTheory]

Hey buddy! Good luck on your fasting journey. I agree that you must be willing to break your fast if you experience bad side effects or are feeling mentally overwhelmed. I started small with 3-day fasts. I felt an amazing feeling of accomplishment with just 3 days. I gradually worked up to my 21-day fast over the last 10 years. My experience has been that I will have highs and lows when on a prolonged fast but in general I feel clear-headed and more confident and proud of myself.

[@pinkshelly]

U are a machine!!! I've only done 48 hrs at most wow I wish I could do 21 days

[@ChallengeTheory]

Ha! Thanks! The first 3 days are the hardest. I started with 3-day fasts and worked my way up to this one. Keep grinding!

[@TheRoadhammer379]

Don't be discouraged, I started several years ago on OMAD, I was on a 20/4 schedule. I then eventually pushed to 32/4 and now I live solely on a 44/4 schedule, I don't eat for 44 hrs and I went from 310lbs to a maintaining weight of 230lbs consistently. Any fasting is positive for our bodies, good luck and stay excellent.

[@cardinale3946]

I’m about to start my 21 day water fast in a few days…a tiny problem is that I work at an Italian restaurant so I guess this will be a pretty challenging mental game for me but it kind of makes me excited to put my mental strength through such extreme test😂

[@ChallengeTheory]

You are a beast if you can do a fast while working at a restaurant. Being a round food while fasting is the hardest part for me, the smells etc. Hope you reached your goal!

[@SassyJ]

The food dreams always happens to me and then I freak out lol. I've started my 14days fast today. This will be my 3rd 14days fast that I've done.

[@ChallengeTheory]

The food dreams! Good to know I'm not the only one. Good luck on your fast! I'm sending you some positive vibes!

[@SassyJ]

@@ChallengeTheory they always feel so real lol. Thank you.😁

[@samanthaw4744]

Totally agree I always use LMNT when I fast. Helps with energy

[@Purpz710]

Starting today. Need to lose 40lbs to get back into a healthy weight range and I’m ready for this! Even if I get to lose half of what I need that’s still 20lbs closer!

[@ChallengeTheory]

That's awesome! I used my fast to jump start my diet too. After my fast eating a balanced diet seemed indulgent. Good luck! You got this!

[@mercedezz]

How’d it go?

[@Purpz710]

@@mercedezz I ended up fasting 14 days and lost 20lbs. Now I’m on a calorie deficit diet and still losing weight everyday. The 14 days definitely helped so much. First couple days were hard but it gets easier and then finally I hit the wall! Just give your body what it wants when it starts to beg you and you’ll be okay

[@ChallengeTheory]

@@Purpz710 Awesome accomplishment! Hope your still crushing it in 2023!

[@skp90210]

Great video! I had a question about electrolytes during a 21 day fast do most people take then or not?

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thanks! Yes, you should take electrolytes, it makes the fast safer and relieves a lot of the side effects. I plan to take them on my next fast. Here is a great video on an easy way to get your electrolytes when doing a prolonged fast. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5u3hYiNfbl0ga8

[@pinkbubblegumprincess]

i’m on day 26 out of a 30 day water fast. i’m down 25 pounds but wanted to lose way more :(

[@ChallengeTheory]

Congrats on 26 days! That is amazing! Don't be discouraged! Anything more than 1 lb. weight loss per day is either muscle loss or just water weight. My 39lbs. lost in 24 days includes 8 pounds I lost in the 3 days of prep which was all water weight. Just think, losing 25 lbs. would normally take 3-4 months. Thanks for the comment and I hope you finish strong!

[@EnergySerenity]

Congratulations on making it this far! I am on Day 4 of a water only fast. My plan is to fast for 28 days. I have already dropped a significant amount of weight. Started at 154 now am at 142. I hope I don't lose too much as to cause others to worry.

[@ChallengeTheory]

@@EnergySerenity Thank you! I was 80lbs. over weight when I started my fast so I knew I had plenty of fat to spare! Good luck with your fast! I have never researched fasting if you are already lean, if that is your case make sure and do your research and be safe! Thanks for the comment!

[@deeasmr7401]

What was your starting weight

[@myself.gowtham]

@@ChallengeTheory hi I m on my day 7 lost 6 kgs so far. But from yesterday I m getting burps and puking after that . I m puking like citric acid water and some food i m confused what do you think about this? My body is cleansing or it is dangerous ? Pls reply

[@queenursula]

Thank you for the video! Im watching inspirational videos to keep motivated on my Water only fasting. Im on day 6. I started at 289.2 and i weighed 273.4 this morning. 15.8 pounds off! Thats about 2.6 a day off. Day 2 and today have been hard for different reasons . Day 2 was because my brain kept trying to break me and eat and i even dreamt i broke my fast that night 😂 today its hard because ive been tired all day. Still motivated to continue. Ive also been watching A healthy alternative here on YT, they posted a video of doing 14 days of straight water fast then break it 3 days with citrus fruit smoothie and green vegetables then jump right back into another 14 day fast so you can keep up the 2 pound weight loss. Cause apparently after 14 or so days (maybe 21) your weight loss drops to 1 a day. I changed it to match what i want to do so im going to do only 1 day with a citrus fruit smoothie in the morning and a green vegetable smoothie at night then jump back into the 14 day fast. See if that works better for me.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Congrats on making it to day 6! The first 3 days are always the hardest for me too. I can relate to everything you are saying. I have weird food dreams and my brain is always trying to convince me to break my fast. I've never tried what you described with breaking the fast for 1-2 days and then continuing. I would imagine the craving would be crazy after that 1 meal and getting back into the fasting mindset might be an extra challenge but I've heard a lot of people will do a version of this. Good luck reaching your goal! Stay strong!

[@alicesheppy1117]

I STARTED MY FAST 6.2.2024-7.13.2024... IM AIMING FOR 40 DAYS AND IM HEADING INTO WORK AND TRY WALKING IN THE AFTERNOON TO HELP ME SLEEP 😴

[@simple834]

How is it going?

[@lasandasheppy712]

I'm day 3.. im down 8.5lbs and im aiming for 40 days.. I'm going to start walking at the gym. Thx

[@lasandasheppy712]

I'm doing water, ketone in my water, black coffee, green tea. My last week of my 40 days I'll only do water 💧

[@ChallengeTheory]

Day 3! Let's go! 40 days?! You are crazy, good luck! If you make 40 days there is nothing you can't accomplish. The same is true if you make 20 days. Sounds like you have a good plan and the first 3 days are the hardest, so hopefully it will get a little easier now physically. The real challenge is always mental. Stay strong and let me know how it goes.

[@devnicole8989]

@@lasandasheppy712did u complete the 40 days ?

[@jacintosuarez9130]

Its wierd how people break their fast with beef broth or chicken broth. Everytime I break a fast even a long one I eat a whole meal. People have their opinions about about fasting but it does a lot more than just losing weight. It gives your body rest from digestion helping it work on other organs, remove toxins and much more. And fasting always been around since primitive days, sometimes they will go days without eating. Also its a spiritual way to grow as a Christian thats the reason why i fast. God bless great video.

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you so much! I agree the spiritual benefits and the change in mindset are the biggest benefits for me. For me my body handless fasting much better than my brain, the challenge for me is always mental. Thanks! Keep grinding!

[@jacintosuarez9130]

@ChallengeTheory thanks for taking the time to read and reply. yes keep that grinding going

[@86davecook]

Great job and screw all the weird haters or comments. Just want to know, when you broke your fast and gained weight back, we're u still fasting like intermittent fasting, or did u just go back to eating normal

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you! When I broke my fast I went to a balanced diet eating 3-4 meals a day and tracking calories and macros using My Fitness Pal. I have been staying around 2300 - 2500 calories per day. I still have not taken a cheat meal and I'm still making progress! After the fast eating normally seemed easy.

[@86davecook]

@@ChallengeTheory great work. Keep going

[@lewisgeddes4059]

Great video. Amazing achievement & results. Do you do intermittent fasting on a regular basic or do you just stick with prolonged fasts? Great content & thanks for the inspiration 🙏

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you! For the past 2 years I have done a keto diet with intermittent fasting, where I would eat 1 or 2 meals a day. My problem was I would always fall off after a few months and never seemed to keep my results. I have only done 4 extended fasts over the past 10 years and it is more of a mental and physical reset than anything. But since this fast I have been eating 4 meals a day and counting calories and taking no cheat meals. So far I am still making gains! Thanks for the comment!

[@lewisgeddes4059]

@@ChallengeTheory Thanks for your reply. I'll look forward to more informative videos and Great content. 👍

[@williamgreen6179]

Walmart sells a sugar free salad dressing in several favor profiles. I also I like to put ground flax seed, and nutrition yeast on my salads. I like to do 1 to 2 wks fasts; but I try not to do super long fast. I live on a Keto lifestyle easting all of my food in a 4 hours window each day. If I'm try to cut weight I"ll do 7 day fast. Just remember the first 20 lbs is almost all water from shedding carbs. To maintain weight loss, I have to maintain a sugar free diet, along with no pasta, rice or bread type carbs. I don't limit my vegetable carbs while maintain weight. I also eat about a ounce of cheese or dairy at day. I do however limit fruits due to high sugar and carbs. I limit my personal carbs to 50 net grams per day

[@ChallengeTheory]

That sounds like a solid plan. I do the OMAD (4-hour eating window) as a way to drop weight and to maintain.

[@sunday3pm735]

This is such an encouraging video. Thanks for sharing all these very real details. Also I’m very curious if your weight loss is more or less of a linear speed?

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you! I usually lose 1 lb. per day during a water fast and it is linear. With this fast I had been eating poorly for awhile before starting so during the prep and the first few days I lost a bunch of extra water weight. But after the first 3 days into the fast I saw 1 lb. off the scale every day. Thanks for the comment!

[@sunday3pm735]

@@ChallengeTheory gotcha, and it does make sense too. I saw the Scottish man’s 300+ day fasting and the weight loss is also more of less linear in certain periods. Your video is very relatable to a lot of people, and more people should see this instead of having doctors talking about theories and cases

[@ChallengeTheory]

@@sunday3pm735 Thank you so much! When I was fasting it helped me to see other people sharing their fasting stories. It is cool to think people may benefit from my story!

[@lakshmivallabhaneni2963]

R u doing any workouts during the fasting how to control food cravings while fasting and food addiction u reply motivate me s lot tq in advance

[@ChallengeTheory]

For this fast I trained 1 day a week. The first 4 days I felt physically hungry but after that, it was mostly mental. There is no trick to overcoming food cravings. I stayed busy and tried not to be around food too much. I always felt great in the mornings so when I would struggle I kept telling myself once I go to sleep I will feel amazing in the morning. Got to remember it is only temporary.

[@annebullenjames3940]

Just wondering. You have a 14 day water fast video and a 21 day water fast video. Are these from the same fast? or did you do 2 separate water fasts? If so, how long did you feast in between the 2 fasts? Thanks. And congrats on your accomplishments!

[@ChallengeTheory]

It was 1 fast. I made the video at 14 days in and continued through to 21 days. I've done 4 other extended fasts over the past 10 years but this one at 21 days is the longest I've done. My 2nd longest was 17 days and that was several years ago.

[@chaosisborn]

i have stage 4 lung cancer and doctor told me I’m done for and only have one month[ 18 years old] left so I’m gonna do a 21 day fast with water only I got to try something at least before I leave this world!🤟🏽

[@ChallengeTheory]

Wait what?! If this is true then my heart goes out to you brother. Maybe you can find a Dr. that can guide you on this. I can't comment about the medical effects or dangers I am no expert, but I like to think if I was in your situation I would have the same kind of attitude.

[@lifeisagift5627]

I don't think you lost muscles. Strength yes, definitely, because you don't have fast glucose to help your weight lifting and exercise. Great energy and discipline ♥️🙏🏻

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thank you and yes I agree that I did not lose any true muscle. Once the muscle is created it may shrink but it comes back quickly from muscle memory.

[@TheBrighterSpider]

Temporarily yes, significant muscle loss. You have to understand the entire point of weightlifting is to tear down muscle tissue and force the body to repair it. But in a fasted state, the body cannot do that. So repeat weightlifting sessions are tearing up the muscle but no ability to heal. The body won’t eat its muscle on a fast, this is true. But if you kill muscle via weightlifting, it’s toast until the re-feed, which in his case was weeks later. So yes, he really lost muscle at least until he ate weeks later.

[@ChallengeTheory]

@@TheBrighterSpider I agree with you. I've heard that training when on a prolonged fast causes more muscle loss than just fasting alone. It also causes your body to have less energy to spend on healing. On my 21-day fast I trained 1 day a week and I did not feel it was beneficial so I don't train when on a prolonged fast anymore. Thanks for the comment!

[@naijaviral5888]

What’s your take on Dr. Alan Goldhamers SOS diet? Since you mentioned eating potatoes with salt

[@ChallengeTheory]

Dr. Goldhamer's advice on how to do an extended water fast and what to expect was the best I found on KZbin, but his SOS diet was not for me. I found that starting and finishing a fast with just vegetables is a good way to flush out my digestive system with natural fiber but after a few days of just vegetables I was ready to get back to a balanced diet. The diet I went to after my fast is counting calories and macros and no cheat meals. I weigh 250lbs. now and my daily goal is: 2,400 calories / 240g protein / 80g fat / 80g carbs. Thanks for the comment!

[@Adnan-Masood]

U look like josh brolin man. Btw congrats its very inspiring im also starting from today.

[@ChallengeTheory]

LOL - You are not the first person to tell me that! Thank you for the comment and good luck on your fast! You got this!

[@Adnan-Masood]

@@ChallengeTheory thanks God bless 👍🏻

[@tr4pgod647]

Hi what's the song at 8:26? Caught me off guard there

[@ChallengeTheory]

The song is called, "I Need You" by NM. I got it from Artlist.io. artlist.io/song/86295/i-need-you

[@jackforeman3687]

They say that doing strenuous exercises like lifting weights or running to where you stress your muscles that you're going to start burning protein during a fast you should be doing things like walking or maybe greasing the groove where you do one or two exercises where you don't hardly use any muscle just don't do strenuous things otherwise you cut into your protein

[@ChallengeTheory]

Yes, I agree! I watched a video that said you can even cause more muscle loss if you do too much hard training. I want to preserve as much muscle as possible when fasting so I don't plan on lifting or doing long runs on my future fasts. Pushing myself physically while in a fasted state did have the mental benefit of making me feel like I was capable of anything. Thanks for the comment!

[@cjbanaga5497]

Hey, what’s the song used on the 5k run?

[@ChallengeTheory]

I got it from Artlist.io. The song is 'I Need You' by NM.

[@bettygrable6440]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Music sucked and was distracting though IMO

[@ChallengeTheory]

Thanks! I'm still working on my editing skills.