Comment by sambeau

As (a non-religious) someone who tried fasting while holding down a similar job, my advice is simple: don't break your fast every night.

It only takes 24-48 hours for your body to adjust, your fat to start melting and your blood-sugar levels to stabilise. You also stop feeling hungry. I found that while I was generally a little 'light-headed' my powers of concentration were fine and I returned to full productivity.

At first I tried drinking only fruit juice but that gave me an upset stomach so I switched to water and the occasional tea. Once I'd got through the first day of 'starving' hunger I felt great: full of energy and positivity.

As long as you have fat on your body you should be fine, however I'm not sure it would be a good idea if you are all muscle: while shutting down your digestive system saves a load of energy, if you have no fat your body it will convert muscle.

Pros:

  * No blood sugar swings
  * No hunger
  * Fat loss
  * A real sense of achievement

Cons:

  * Greasy skin
  * Zits

Do:

  * Keep exercising to prevent muscle loss
  * Drink lots of liquid
  * Eat something light if the starving hunger returns
  * Be careful if you are already very skinny
  * Talk to a doctor

Don't:

  * Binge eat every night as you'll feel starving again the next day
  * Ignore a return to hunger
  * Drink lots of fruit juice
  * Binge at the end. Gradually introduce food back to your system.