Why I Now Fast Every Full Moon

When people hear that I fast every full moon, they often assume it’s driven by mysticism or extremism.

It isn’t.

What I do now reflects more than ten years of gradual progression, education, and self-observation—not belief alone, and certainly not impulse.

This is not a prescription for others.
It’s an explanation of how a long-term fasting practice evolved intentionally over time.

Where It All Started: Intermittent Fasting

My fasting journey began over a decade ago with:

• Intermittent fasting

• Time-restricted eating

• Occasional 24-hour fasts

The goals were simple:

• Improve metabolic flexibility

• Reduce constant grazing

• Learn hunger vs habit

• Build discipline around food

There was no urgency.
Consistency came first.

The Importance of Progression Over Time

Longer fasts are not inherently better.

What matters more:

• Years of consistent practice

• Understanding stress and recovery signals

• Stable nutrition and lifestyle habits

Duration without experience introduces risk—not resilience.

How My Fasting Progressed (Over a Decade)

Over more than ten years, my fasting practice evolved gradually:

• Intermittent fasting became effortless

• 24-hour fasts became predictable

• 48-hour water fasts were introduced cautiously

• 72-hour water fasts followed later, spaced far apart

• Water fasts lasting over a week were explored sparingly

• Much later, dry fasts up to 5 days were undertaken infrequently

Each step took years, not months.

Nothing was rushed.
Nothing was casual.

Why This Timeline Matters

Advanced fasting:

• Places real stress on the nervous system

• Requires deep awareness of hydration and recovery

• Demands careful refeeding

It is not a fat-loss shortcut.

This is why I do not recommend advanced fasting without years of preparation and education.

Why the Full Moon?

The full moon isn’t a mystical command—it’s a rhythmic anchor.

Using a consistent external marker:

• Prevents impulsive fasting

• Encourages planning and recovery

• Creates a predictable cadence

It functions as a scheduled pause—not a test of willpower.

Natural Cycles, Rhythm, and Why They Matter

Human physiology evolved in constant relationship with natural cycles.

The most obvious example is the solar cycle:

• Light and darkness regulate circadian rhythm

• Sleep, hormones, and metabolism respond to timing

The moon’s influence on Earth is also clear:

• Gravitational forces move oceans and tides

From this, long-standing theories suggest subtle interactions with:

• Bodily fluids

• Sleep patterns

• Nervous system tone

Whether these effects are direct or indirect, aligning behaviors with natural rhythms can:

• Reduce randomness

• Encourage restraint

• Build intentional pauses

For me, the value is not certainty—it’s structure.

The full moon provides a reliable cue to slow down, reduce intake, and reset—without constant decision-making.

A Critical Piece Most People Ignore: Breaking the Fast Well

The fast itself is only part of the practice.
How you break the fast often matters more.

After fasting, the body is:

• Highly insulin sensitive

• Primed for nutrient absorption

• More vulnerable to digestive stress

This makes the first meal especially important.

The Importance of an Intentional, Wholesome Breakfast After a Fast

Breaking a fast with intention:

• Supports metabolic stability

• Protects lean tissue

• Reduces rebound cravings

• Respects digestion

This is not the time for:

• Highly processed foods

• Large sugar loads

• Mindless overeating

The goal is nourishment, not indulgence.

Why Rushing the Refeed Backfires

Careless refeeding can:

• Disrupt digestion

• Create blood sugar swings

• Undermine the benefits of fasting

Discipline includes how you return to eating, not just how long you abstain.

Important Context on Dry Fasting

Dry fasting remains an advanced and controversial practice.

I do not recommend it.
Any exposure I’ve had came only after:

• More than a decade of experience

• Long gaps between attempts

• Careful recovery afterward

It is not for experimentation or trend-following.

What Fasting Is for Me Now

At this stage, fasting is:

• A structured reset

• A discipline check

• A pause from excess

It is not:

• A weight-loss strategy

• A frequent practice

• A replacement for nutrition

The foundation remains:

• Whole foods

• Adequate protein

• Strength training

• Sleep and recovery

Fasting sits on top of these habits—it does not replace them.

The Bigger Lesson

This isn’t really about fasting length or lunar cycles.

It’s about:

• Respecting progression

• Understanding stress vs adaptation

• Using rhythm instead of impulse

Longevity comes from patience—not extremes.

Key Takeaways

• My fasting practice evolved over more than 10 years

• Progression mattered more than duration

• Lunar timing provides structure, not magic

• Natural cycles support intentional behavior

• Breaking the fast well is essential

• Nutrition after fasting matters as much as fasting

Final Thought

Fasting didn’t become meaningful when it became harder.
It became meaningful when it became intentional, structured, and complete.

Progression matters.
Context matters.
And rhythm matters more than intensity.

Work With William Lomax

If you’re interested in metabolic health, fasting literacy, and long-term fitness without chasing extremes, work with William Lomax at WholeMax Performance.

Training options:

• In-person coaching at Exile Fitness or Ground Control Baltimore

• Online coaching from anywhere

Email: coachlomax@wholemaxperformance.com
Website: https://www.wholemaxperformance.com
Instagram: @wholemax

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