Why I Did a 7-Day Water-Only Fast
For me, a 7-day water-only fast seemed like something equal to running a 5k or a marathon. But what happens when you drink only water for seven days? For me, it was a mental, physical, and emotional reset. I took on this challenge to explore the benefits of autophagy, reduce inflammation in my joints, and gain clearer skin and sharper focus.
This blog post brings together my full experience—how I did it, what each day was like, and the TikTok vlog clips that captured it all.
How to Do a Water-Only Fast (Safely)
Disclaimer: Always check with your doctor before attempting extended fasting, especially if you have medical conditions or take medication.
1. Pre-Fast Prep (3 Days Out)
- Reduce sugar, caffeine, and processed food
- Increase water intake to 1 gallon daily
- Set intentions in a journal or meditation
2. During the Fast (7 Days)
- Water only: 1–1.5 gallons per day
- No gum, coffee, or supplements
- Light walking, stretching, and deep rest
- Track how your body feels each day
3. Breaking the Fast (Day 8 and Beyond)
- Start with warm vegetable broth
- Add steamed broccoli or cauliflower
- Later introduce probiotic-rich foods like plain full-fat yogurt
- Chew slowly and reintroduce foods gradually
What I Took In: Electrolytes, Coffee, and Herbal Support
While this was a “water-only” fast in principle, I did include some strategic non-caloric support to maintain energy, prevent dizziness, and help my body stay balanced. Here’s what I consumed:
Daily Electrolyte Intake (Non-Caloric)
Even when not eating, your body still loses electrolytes—especially sodium, magnesium, and potassium. To maintain balance, I consumed:
- Celtic Salt (imported from France) or Pink Himalayan Salt
Added a pinch to my water 2–3x per day to support sodium levels and avoid headaches or dizziness. - Magnesium (Low-Dose Glycinate or Spray)
Taken at night to support sleep and muscle relaxation. No sugars or fillers. - Potassium (Lite Salt or Trace Mineral Drops)
Used carefully (sparingly) in water if I felt heart palpitations or muscle cramps coming on.
Note: I did not use any pre-made electrolyte packets with sweeteners or calories (like LMNT or Liquid IV).
Coffee & Tea
While purists avoid all stimulants, I included a few strategic beverages:
- Black Coffee
Daily in the morning on Days 2–7. It gave me a small energy bump but sometimes increased hunger pangs. - Green Tea (Unsweetened, Organic)
Used sparingly for its antioxidants and mild thermogenic effect. Helped on lower-energy afternoons/evenings.
The “Concocxion” – My Herbal Assist Blend
Each day, I added what I call “The Concocxion” to support my liver and digestion. It consisted of:
- Fresh Ginger, Fresh Tumeric, Black Pepper, and Cayenne Pepper Herbal Infusion Tea
- A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- A squeeze of one half of a fresh lemon
- A squeeze of organic locally-sourced honey
While not strictly “zero-calorie,” the caloric load is negligible, and the detoxifying benefits felt meaningful to me. I limited this to the beginning of the fast and used it sparingly.
My Daily Recap: TikTok Video Vlog Series
Each day had its own unique challenges and takeaways. Here’s a written summary followed by an embedded TikTok from my handle, @DubbsWanders.
Day 1 – The Commitment Begins
Routine cravings hit hard. Energy was steady, but my mind kept reaching for food out of habit.
Day 2 – Detox Symptoms Arrive
Low energy, headache, and muscle aches kicked in. I rested a lot and focused on hydration.
Day 3 – Fog + Flickers of Clarity
Woke up groggy but felt an unexpected burst of mental clarity in the afternoon. Skin already improving.
Day 4 – The Wall
My hardest day. No energy, no motivation—but the reason I started kept me going.
Day 5 – Breakthrough Energy
Felt lighter, clearer, and more focused. Cravings were gone, replaced by peace.
Day 6 – Calm and Centered
Emotionally stable, very little hunger. I began thinking about how to reintroduce food carefully.
Day 7 – Finish Line & Reflection
I made it. Less inflammation, better skin, and a mindset shift that I’m taking with me.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a physical detox—it was a spiritual reset. Fasting pushed me beyond comfort, taught me to listen to my body, and reminded me that clarity often comes from stillness. If you’re considering this journey, do your research, prepare intentionally, and honor the process.
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