The Experiment That Changed Everything
The line between biohacking and self-torture can sometimes feel razor-thin. I learned this firsthand while experimenting with various fasting protocols over the past year. What started as a simple curiosity about the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) evolved into a deeper exploration of metabolic flexibility and fasting combinations. The question that kept nagging at me wasn't just whether to fast, but how to optimize these different fasting approaches for maximum benefit without turning my life into an endless series of hunger games.
And that's when I realized we all might be missing a trick here. We treat FMD and intermittent fasting like they're competing strategies when they could be the ultimate power couple.
Here's what I discovered: Instead of my usual approach of doing FMD for 5 days then going back to normal eating, I decided to layer in 16:8 intermittent fasting for the two weeks following my latest cycle. The logic? If FMD kicks my body into cellular cleanup mode, why not keep that momentum going with strategic eating windows?
Let's be honest here – the first few days were weird. My body was like "Wait, we just did the hard thing, why are we still being disciplined?" But by day four, something shifted.
What Actually Happened
The energy levels were the first thing I noticed. Usually after FMD, I get this post-fast euphoria for about three days, then it fades. This time? It stuck around. I'm talking sustained, clean energy without the afternoon crash (you know, that 3pm "maybe I'll just rest my eyes for a minute" feeling).
But here's where it gets interesting. My usual post-FMD weight rebound – where I'd gain back 2-3 pounds in the first week – just... didn't happen. The scale stayed steady, which honestly felt like breaking some law of physics.
The Science Behind My Madness
According to what Rhonda Patrick discussed, this synergy makes sense. FMD triggers autophagy and cellular regeneration. Intermittent fasting maintains metabolic flexibility. Together, they're like a one-two punch for longevity pathways.
(Don't worry, I'm not going to get all biochemistry professor on you here.)
The key seems to be giving your body these different types of metabolic challenges. FMD is like intensive therapy for your cells, while IF is more like daily maintenance. One deep cleans, the other keeps things tidy.
My Practical Protocol
Here's exactly what I do now:
- Days 1-5: Standard FMD (I use ProLon®, but DIY works too)
- Days 6-19: 16:8 intermittent fasting (eating window: noon to 8pm)
- Days 20-90: Regular eating with mindful choices
- Repeat every 3 months
The beautiful part? This doesn't feel restrictive. By the time I finish FMD, waiting until noon to eat feels... normal? Almost easy? (I know, I'm as shocked as you are.)
The Reality Check
Look, I'm not saying this is some magical fountain of youth. There were definitely moments where I questioned my choices (usually around 11:45am when my stomach was staging a revolt). And yes, social brunches became slightly awkward when I'm sipping black coffee while everyone else is destroying pancakes.
But the sustained energy, mental clarity, and stable weight made it worth the trade-offs. Plus, there's something empowering about knowing you're giving your cells the best possible environment to thrive.
What really sealed the deal for me was my recent blood work. My fasting glucose, which had been creeping up (hello, 40s), dropped back into optimal range. My doctor actually asked what I'd changed.
Your Turn to Experiment
The beauty of this approach is its flexibility. Maybe you start with 14:10 fasting post-FMD. Maybe you only do it for one week instead of two. The point is to experiment and find what works for your life.
I'm curious – has anyone else tried combining these approaches? What was your experience? Drop a comment below because I'm genuinely fascinated by how different bodies respond to this stuff.
Remember, we're all just running experiments on ourselves here. What works for me might not work for you, and that's totally fine. The goal is to find your own path to feeling awesome.
Disclaimer: This post contains my personal experiences and is not medical advice. I'm not a healthcare professional, just someone sharing what worked for me. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new diet or fasting protocol, especially if you have underlying health conditions. ProLon® is a registered trademark of L-Nutra. Not everyone should fast – please be smart and safe about your health journey.