I got stuck fasting once when I was stuck in traffic in the middle of the Mojave desert. Perfect example of what you don’t want to have happen…
There are a few things that I keep with me when I am fasting to make sure that, no matter what, I am not dropping the ball on my proper fasting protocol.
Let’s just jump right into it:
1) I Keep Either Meat Sticks or Protein Powder with me JUST IN CASE.
You never know when you’re going to be in a pinch. I always recommend breaking a fast with lean protein and then eating something with more volume 1-2 hours later. But I do not want to get stuck in a jam where I am on a plane or something with no options when it’s time to break my fast.
So, it’s simple, I keep protein powder measured out in a baggie in my laptop bag or I have 2-3 turkey sticks stashed away in my car.
It is just good practice.
2) Cinnamon – Or cinnamon Tea (Using Pique Tea’s Fasting Tea (5% Off with Code THOS)
Before breaking a fast, I like to have cinnamon (about 30 mins before) because it helps me handle the food I take in a bit better. Cinnamon has some potential affects to help insulin signaling, meaning you may get better glucose control after breaking your fast.
Generally, I cannot afford to bonk after breaking my fast, so some cinnamon tea mixed with water can really save the day for me when it comes to that.
You’ve probably heard me talk about Pique Tea Crystals before. I use their Cinnamon Tea (get it here) because I can have it got or cold, and it’s created in such a way where it is filtered for toxins, etc. Very high quality fasting tea that prepares me to break my fast.
Dr. Fung (huge fasting expert) had created these teas and I am just a strong supporter of much of his research. Because of that, here is a 5% Off Link to try out some of these Pique Teas (use code THOM) for yourself, but I do recommend grabbing some of the cinnamon herbal tea to keep with you (especially on the go).
3) Electrolytes (specifically magnesium for after the fast)
I am definitely a fan of having electrolytes when fasting, so that is a bit of a no brainer for me. They’re stashed everywhere, ha.
But I pay a lot of attention to magnesium after I break a fast. Reasoning is simple for me…
I tend to get anxious on days that I fast. And I notice that if I have adequate magnesium, I feel better and sleep better that night. Especially if it has been a longer fast.
I usually use one like a DiMagnesium Malate because it is more sustained release. So I usually have this along with the meal that I break a fast with.
BUT – Also, during a fast, you may find yourself a bit antsy sometimes. Normal because of the adrenaline response. I find that magnesium cools me down a bit and helps me feel a bit less antsy when I get like that. Usually 2-500mg does the trick.
4) MCT Oil In Case I want to Go Longer
Look, breaking a fast with MCT oil is not ideal for the stomach. It can be harsh and make you feel queasy or crampy.
BUT, if you get to 16-18 hours and you think, “hey, I’m a bit hungry, but I can go longer,” then some MCT oil softgels or little pouches may come in handy.
Keep in mind, you don’t have to carry it around with you all the time, but if you know you’re traveling and you’re up in the air over whether you want to extend a fast or not, just grab 10g of MCT oil just in case.
Basically, it will break your fast, but it will stimulate ketone formation so that you can go longer with relative ease, and it burns up so fast, you’ll be back in the fasted state in about an hour.
Try it for fun sometimes if you’re up for the challenge.
5) Spirulina, Greens Powder or Chlorella for After the Fast
Okay, I am not just trying to sell you spirulina or chlorella. I don’t live on the stuff, but I do know that a lot of times I am in a pinch to get good veggies in.
As an example, I’m on the road, driving… There’s a gas station and that’s it for miles.
Well, after I break my fast and I am ready to have a larger meal, I might be settling for a burger without a bun from some dive restaurant.
NOT IDEAL.
But, at least I can get some greens in this way.
It’s not to say that they are a replacement for the real thing. Nothing beats the actual fiber you get from veggies, period. Just not happening.
But at least with spirulina or chlorella or a good greens powder, I am getting something that is better than nothing.
I am a fan of spirulina because there are some solid performance benefits that go along with it too, so I tend to bring the little tablets that I can take with a meal.
There are always other things to add
But you don’t have time to read a 30 minute email. I wanted to get you some quick tips to help you out in terms of a checklist. Super easy, nothing crazy!
Hope that this helps give you some guidance, or at the very least, spearheads some new thought for you and your own checklists!
Don’t Forget to Try The Pique Tea Crystals as well! You can get 5% off here (code THOM)!
See you tomorrow!
