For most healthy individuals, fasting for 40 hours is completely safe and offers numerous benefits. However, certain groups should avoid fasting or consult a healthcare provider before starting.

• Who Should Avoid Fasting: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with eating disorders, and people with certain medical conditions like diabetes or hypoglycemia.

• When to Seek Advice: If you’re on medication or have chronic health conditions, talk to your doctor before attempting an extended fast.

Hunger is natural during fasting, but it often comes in waves rather than persisting continuously. Many fasters find that hunger diminishes after the first 24 hours as the body adapts.

• Why Hunger Happens: Your body is transitioning from using glycogen to burning fat for energy.

• How to Manage It: Stay hydrated, drink black coffee or herbal teas, and distract yourself with work or hobbies.

No, your body prioritizes fat stores for energy during a short-term fast. Muscle loss typically occurs only during prolonged fasting of several days.

• Why Muscle Is Safe: Fasting triggers the release of growth hormone, which helps preserve lean muscle mass.

• How to Support Muscle: Stay hydrated, and if you exercise, opt for low-intensity activities like walking or yoga.

Yes, light to moderate exercise can complement fasting, but intense workouts are best avoided during a 40-hour fast, especially for beginners.

• Best Exercises: Walking, stretching, yoga, or low-impact strength training.

• What to Avoid: High-intensity cardio or heavy weightlifting, as these activities may feel more difficult without fuel from food.

• Pro Tip: Do your workout on Friday morning as this will be the best time since you had eaten on Thurday evening.

The Friday 40 Hour Fasting protocol is designed to be practiced once a week, offering a consistent routine that fits into your lifestyle. However, flexibility is key. On the other 5 days of the week I would suggest a basic system of 16/8 or 14/10 intermittent fasting, meaning you eat during an 8 or 10 hour window during your day and fast the remaining 16-14 hours.

• For Beginners: Start with a shorter fasting window or do it biweekly to ease into the habit.

• For Regular Fasters: Once a week is ideal, but adjust based on your schedule and goals.