Why I Sometimes Fast

I don’t follow a strict intermittent fasting schedule. For me, it’s more like something I’ll do every so often — maybe one day every other month, sometimes just for 12 hours. Nothing extreme.

The main reason I do it is simple: it gives my digestive system a break. Most days our stomachs are working nonstop, processing meal after meal. When I take a step back from eating, I notice the bloat goes down and I feel lighter.

Another big piece is sleep. I’ve had trouble sleeping for years, and fasting seems to help. On days when I don’t eat much, everything slows down — not just my digestion, but also my mind and my energy. I feel calmer, and that usually translates into better rest at night.

It doesn’t always mean eating nothing. Sometimes I’ll just eat vegetables throughout the day, and it creates a similar effect. The point isn’t punishment — it’s just giving my system a little reset.

Afterward, I usually notice my stomach feels smaller. I can’t eat as much, and in a good way — it kind of resets my appetite. And interestingly, it even helps with my low back. With less bloat and less pressure in my midsection, my back feels more at ease.

I also like the small challenge of it. Fasting reminds me that I don’t have to give in to every craving or habit. A little bit of discipline here and there feels good.

It’s not something I’d ever prescribe or say everyone should do. But for me, fasting once in a while is a simple tool that makes me feel better — lighter, calmer, and more in control of my body.