A Little Extra 4.26.24

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Yep, we’re still talking about fasting!!! I know this ⬇️⬇️ feeling!! LOL

Fasting before a presentation or speech??

Many of you travel for work or have a job that requires speaking in front of large groups, etc. You can use a fasting lifestyle to help your brain be as focused as possible for those moments:

🧠🧠Mental Clarity: Fasting can enhance mental clarity and improve focus by reducing brain fog and increasing alertness.

⚡⚡Increased Energy: By giving your digestive system a break, fasting can redirect energy to other bodily functions, including cognitive processes, leading to increased energy levels and improved focus.

🧠🧠Improved Cognitive Function: Fasting has been associated with increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes the growth and protection of brain cells, which may enhance cognitive function and memory.

🤔🤔Enhanced Concentration: Fasting can help improve concentration by reducing distractions related to food consumption and digestion, allowing you to concentrate better on the task at hand.

Regarding fasting before a presentation, it is a personal choice and may depend on various factors such as your comfort level, overall health, and the duration of the fast. Some individuals find that fasting before a presentation helps them feel more focused and mentally sharp. However, it is important to consider your individual needs and consult with a nutrition professional before making any changes to your eating patterns, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

If you decide to fast before a presentation, it is crucial to ensure that you are adequately hydrated and nourished beforehand. Dehydration or lack of energy can negatively impact your performance. Additionally, if you are not accustomed to fasting, it is advisable to test it out before an important event to understand how your body responds and whether it enhances your focus or not.

Don’t have a great weekend…have the BEST weekend!

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What was my body doing?

During a fast, especially a prolonged one like a 36-hour fast, several physiological changes occur that affect fat utilization in the body:

1. Depletion of Glycogen: Initially, your body uses up its stored glycogen (carbohydrate) reserves for energy. Glycogen is stored in the liver and muscles and serves as a readily available energy source. As glycogen stores become depleted, the body shifts to alternative fuel sources, primarily fat.

2. Increased Lipolysis: Lipolysis is the process of breaking down stored fat into fatty acids and glycerol for energy. During fasting, the hormone insulin decreases, while hormones like glucagon and adrenaline increase. This hormonal shift stimulates lipolysis, leading to increased mobilization of fat stores for energy production.

3. Ketosis: As fat stores are broken down, fatty acids are converted into ketones by the liver in a process called ketogenesis. Ketones can be used by the brain and other tissues as an alternative fuel source to glucose. When ketone levels rise in the bloodstream, a state called ketosis is achieved. During prolonged fasting, ketosis becomes more prominent, and ketones become the primary energy source for many tissues, including the brain.

4. Preservation of Lean Mass: Despite increased fat utilization, the body also works to preserve lean muscle mass during fasting. Certain hormones, such as growth hormone, are released to help maintain muscle tissue. Additionally, the body may recycle amino acids from protein breakdown for gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) to meet the body's energy needs while sparing muscle tissue.

5. Adaptation: With repeated fasting periods, the body can become more efficient at utilizing fat for energy. This adaptation may lead to enhanced fat oxidation rates, improved metabolic flexibility, and increased ketone production over time.

Overall, during a fast, the body undergoes a metabolic shift to prioritize fat utilization for energy production. This process helps to sustain energy levels and support physiological functions during periods of limited food intake.

I am now going into my 5th week of fasting. Starting at 6p Sunday until 6a Tuesday will be my second 36 hour fast. Depending on how I am feeling I may go longer. I will weigh myself before and after and update throughout on TikTok and IG, so follow along.

Have a great weekend,

 Jamie and Ashley