Our Longevity Diet

The first two weeks of this intermittent fasting routine were a bit difficult. We were not used to going without food for any longer than a good night’s sleep. Thirty years ago, when I was in college, I went three days without consuming anything but water — so I knew 24 hours wasn’t going to kill us, but it still came as something of a shock to our systems. My stomach was grumbling so loud on fasting nights that it nearly woke the neighbors.

But it wasn’t too difficult. Just strange, and slightly uncomfortable. We felt a bit lethargic on fasting mornings, and Isabel claims I was a bit grumpy (who me? …  I’m sure she was right). But with time we grew more accustomed to our strange 48 hour time cycles. Yes there was a slight tendency to eat more during our first meal after fasting, because we were ’so hungry’ — and another tendency to eat a bit more at our last meal before a fast (i.e. the next main meal) because we knew it would be our last for a while — but the uncomfortable feeling of being ’stuffed’ broke us of that bad habit within the first week.

Also, as time went on, it didn’t seem so long between meals when we were in a fast period. My stomach still grumbles a little, but not so alarmingly loud as before. A big glass of water will usually quiet both the grumbling and slight tinges of hunger. By the time my stomach realizes it has been tricked, I’m either asleep or it is time for our next meal.

There is also a psychological effect. We no longer feel like slaves to our appetites. Missing a meal or two is no longer a big deal, in fact it is an everyday occurrence. We walk to town and see people eating while they walk, and notice how fat they are. Those poor people! Don’t they know they can get along just fine without food for a few hours? How can you possibly enjoy that ice-cream cone while walking down a busy street, talking to friends and dodging obstacles (Mexican sidewalks are filled with obstacles, from candy vendors and telephone poles, to huge piles of construction material and crowds of people standing around chatting)?

That reminds me of another benefit from this fast — when we do eat, especially that first meal after our fast — food tastes so good! I have always enjoyed Isabel’s cooking, but now I seem more aware of the subtle spices and can savor the rich flavors with greater appreciation.

Life is short, so we need to live with joy while we can. I can not imagine suffering through a 40% caloric restriction diet for the rest of my life — I would be miserable. What is the point of living a long time if you can’t enjoy it? This intermittent fast is so easy it is enjoyable. I feel stronger and healthier, have fewer of the age related aches and pains I’ve grown to expect, and I’m more aware — more awake — I feel more alive! I certainly never expected it to be like this.