After a few months as a stay at home dad I’m doing some spring cleaning this week.  Currently I’m on day 3 of a 7-day water fast.  This means only consuming water, not avoiding water.  So far this fast has been pleasant.

A seven-day water fast is a requirement for our Expedition Instructor (XI) certification.  In a real survival situation, we advocate that the survivor fast and await rescue.  In order to have any credibility advising this, you have to have done it.

Personally I’ve completed eight 7-day water fasts and one 11-day water fast.  While there are some potential problems for people with specific medical conditions (about which I don’t know very much), for the vast majority the population it’s not only doable, but likely beneficial.  (You can read more about some of the benefits at Mark’s Daily Apple).