20 Fasting Tips to Make Extended Fasting Easier
So, you’re thinking about fasting for 3, 5, or even 7 days? It’s tough — no doubt about it. But with the right approach, it becomes way more doable. This isn’t about gritting your teeth and suffering — it’s about using smart, science-backed strategies to stay focused, energized, and in control.
I’ve done multiple 7- and 9-day water fasts. Along the way, I’ve found what actually works — not just in theory, but in real life. Here are the 20 tips that make extended fasting a lot easier.
🧠 Before You Start: Set Yourself Up for Success
1. Eat at consistent times
Train your body to expect food at specific times. You’re teaching it to go longer without snacks.
2. Cut out sugar and refined carbs
Start at least a week before your fast. No sugar = no crazy cravings once fasting begins.
3. Pick the right time
Quiet week. Low stress. Warm weather. You’ll feel colder while fasting, so sunshine helps.
4. Plan low-effort activities
Make a list of chill tasks you can do while fasting: clean out a drawer, journal, organize files.
5. Inspire yourself
Watch videos on fasting benefits. Motivation matters — especially on Day 2 and 3. Check out my video on the top benefits of extended fasting: “Benefits of Extended Fasting — Why I Go Days Without Food”
6. Join a community
Forums, YouTube comments — being part of something bigger helps.
7. Keep it private (if needed)
You don’t have to explain yourself. Fewer questions = fewer temptations.
🥶 During the Fast: What Helps Me Get Through It
8. Stay away from food and the kitchen
Willpower is good. But out of sight = out of mind. Avoid social events too — trust me.
9. Stay busy — but not exhausted
Declutter, do light chores, play games. I always want to clean everything when I’m fasting — weird but true.
10. Move your body
Walk, stretch, do light mobility. It helps with cravings and clears your mind.
11. Drink warm water with minerals
Salt + water = fullness + electrolyte balance. Don’t skip this.
12. Use coffee and tea (no sweeteners!)
Black coffee and herbal teas help suppress hunger. Plus: mental clarity boost.
13. Hot showers or baths
Warming up calms your nervous system. Add a steam room? Even better.
14. Stay emotionally neutral
Emotional spikes = food cravings. Think airplane mode for your mood.
15. Be ready to rest
Fasting is internal work. Let your body heal. Nap if needed.
16. Know your timeline
Day 2–3? Brutal. After Day 3? Way easier. That’s when the switch to fat-burning really happens.
17. Train your mind
Watch David Goggins. Remind yourself: you’re tougher than hunger.
18. Focus on what you’re gaining
Less about what you can’t eat. More about autophagy, clarity, and metabolic healing.
19. Document your journey
Track glucose, ketones, weight, mood. You’ll be shocked how motivating it is. I have a full video showing the tools I use. If you're curious about what I usually track during my fasts, check out the video “7 Days of Just Water - What Actually Happened to My Body 😳”
20. Use fasting apps like Zero
Seeing the countdown shrink? Surprisingly powerful. I turn it on when I hit the halfway mark.
🧰 Tools I Use
KETO-MOJO GK+ Glucose & Ketone Testing Kit – https://amzn.to/4cD41Ez
KETO-MOJO Strips – https://amzn.to/42cabrH
Withings Body+ Scale – https://amzn.to/3Yv94RH
Sherpa Pink Himalayan Salt – https://amzn.to/44QiD1q
Ultima Electrolyte Mix – https://amzn.to/3GBichs
🛒 Full gear list → https://www.amazon.com/shop/practical.health
📺 Watch the Full Video
Want the full breakdown?
👉 Watch “Extended Fasting Is Tough — 20 Practical Tips to Make It Easier” on YouTube
✅ Final Takeaways
Fasting for days is challenging — but 100% manageable if you prepare well.
Plan ahead
Stay calm and hydrated
Move gently and track your progress
Use your mind to stay in control
Start with a 24-hour fast. Build up from there. You don’t need to suffer — you need a system.
Like this post? Check out the tools I used, subscribe for more health experiments, and stay tuned for what’s next on Practical Health.
Stay healthy, stay curious, stay hungry 😊