Author - Amit Parekh Redefined: linkedin.com/in/abparekh
I’ve never attempted a 100-hour fast before. I regularly practice fasting: 12-hour fasts weekly, two 24-hour fasts each month, and a 48-hour fast once per quarter. I’ve even completed one 72-hour fast in the past. But 100 hours? That was uncharted territory.
What started as a personal challenge turned into one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Below, I share my journey day by day, the physical and emotional responses I observed, the powerful health benefits I experienced, and key takeaways you can use if you're considering a fast of this magnitude.
The Benefits of 100-Hour Fasting
Day 1 (0–24 hours) I began my fast on Monday at 8:30 PM. The first day was manageable due to my prior experience with shorter fasts. Hunger was present but expected. A light headache set in, and sleep was moderate.
Day 2 (24–48 hours) This was more challenging. My hunger hormone (ghrelin) surged. Cravings for carbs intensified. I drank black coffee to manage energy dips and dryness in my mouth, a sign of entering ketosis. Breathing and short naps helped me stay calm. I avoided exercise and saved energy for essential activities.
Day 3 (48–72 hours) Hunger subsided, but headaches increased. I felt moments of fatigue and just wanted to lie down, but I chose to stay mentally active and keep moving lightly. I love to nap, so i took naps when and wherever i could. This was a game changer. It worked. I noticed a deeper awareness emerging.
Day 4 (72–85 hours) This was the test of true willpower. I cooked food for my kids to intentionally challenge my patience and emotional regulation. Even with tempting aromas and hunger triggers, I didn’t give in. By hour 80, clarity set in. Aches vanished, sleep was sound, and conversations felt more present. I meditated, practiced breathwork, and drank black coffee once a day to stay alert. My body felt like it was in deep repair.
Final Stretch (85–100+ hours) The toughest hours came last. My wife and I stopped for her favorite South Indian dish (Dosa). The smell was almost unbearable, but I stayed true to my fast. The final 8 hours were the hardest. To avoid temptation, I went to bed early and prepared to break my fast gently in the morning.
On Saturday morning, after 105 hours, I broke my fast with warm ginger tea infused with cumin and lemon. I sipped it slowly to gently rekindle my digestive fire.
My first meal was Moong Dal Kanji, an Ayurvedic healing recipe made with yellow moong dal, ghee, cumin, and rock salt. It is gentle on the gut and provides plant-based protein for recovery. Later that day, I added low-sugar fruits (like avocado and strawberries), a scrambled eggs and a light mix of vegetables and rice.
Key Takeaways from a 100-Hour Fast
Do’s and Don’ts of 100-Hour Fasting
Do’s:
Don’ts:
Fasting isn’t for everyone. Consult a medical professional if you:
Fasting may help with insulin resistance, but should be done under supervision with regular monitoring of glucose and electrolytes. So, Should You Try Fasting?
If you’re curious, here’s my advice:
After 100 hours, I wasn’t just lighter physically. I felt emotionally lighter and spiritually clearer. I faced urges, boredom, cravings, and resistance. I faced myself.
And on the other side? Stillness. Strength. Clarity.
This wasn’t a diet. It was a mirror. And I’ll carry this experience with me forever.
And yes, i will be doing the 100-hour fast again, not just for the physical reset, but for the mental clarity, spiritual depth, and discipline it continues to build with me.
We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Amit Parekh who collaborates closely with Your Transformations to bring you expert insights and quality content.
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