In Jason Fung’s book “The Obesity Code”, he outines two example methods of fasting; 24 hour & 36 hour fasts. Below are printable sample meal plans for those time periods. Each version has pre-progammed example meals + empty versions that allow you to program in your own meals.
Whilst what you eat between fasts is of course crucial, assuming that you make your diet relatively healthy, the core component to focus on is adherence to the fasting periods of the diet plan. These are where your blood glucose and insulin will decrease, allowing your body to burn its fat stores. Resulting in gradual weight loss.
Sample 7-Day Meal Plan – 24-hour Fasting Protocol – Click to open printable PDF
Sample 7-Day Meal Plan – 24-hour Fasting Protocol – with Blanks – Click to open printable PDF
Sample 7-Day Meal Plan – 36-hour Fasting Protocol – Click to open printable PDF
Sample 7-Day Meal Plan – 36-hour Fasting Protocol – with Blanks – Click to open printable PDF
What is the recommended carbs per meal
Jason doesn’t include any recommended/suggested guidelines for macro-nutrients or calories in the book.
I thought the 36h protocol would only include 1 meal every 36 hours. So Monday fasting, Tuesday Breakfast and then fasting until Lunch on Wednesday and fasting until dinner on Thursday, repeat. Does that work too?
Hi Kaytee.
Regarding 1 meal every 36 hours, I think that could be a bit extreme. With Jason’s approach you always have at least a full day of normal eating between fasts – and presumably he suggests this for a good reason.
Thanks! My doctor lent me the book but it had been 2 years since and I guess I remembered it wrong. My mom does it a lot and she said it’s still possible but to make sure I get enough salt. She said it was called a different name but there was such a thing. I actually did try it. It is pretty extreme, I’m not tempted to do it again any time soon. Losing weight was bonus, but I really wanted to help my body release toxins. I do drink bone broth and put cream in my coffee, otherwise… Read more »
Hi! I am just getting into this new way of eating and fasting. I noticed that on a Fast day you suggest 1 cup of broth. Is it ok to drink broth and water throughout the day? I’m really hungry and the broth helps some.
The broth should be very close to zero calories, so is ok. One idea behind it is to replace some of the sodium lost when fasting.
Thank you. I just need something. 1st day I fasted 13 hours and then ate 2 meals consisting of chicken thighs, onions, celery and mushrooms. Included broccoli for dinner. Day 2 I fasted for 24hrs then ate chicken and broccoli. Day 3 fasted 15 hours, had a plain salad with chicken at noon then at 5 a meal was delivered that I just couldn’t resist because by that time I was HANGRY. The eating frenzy continued on and off til 11:30. Is there an easier way to ease into this? It has been 12 hours since I have eaten now… Read more »
If you’re not already, try to build the fasting up slowly. Think of it like a muscle that needs exercising. You wouldn’t try and run a 1/2 marathon too early in your training.
So for example, get used to single day fasts, with multiple days in between of normal eating. Then build from there.
Thank you
Will half and half in my morning coffee break the IF timing? Also, I like to add collagen powder to my coffee in the morning. Will that break the IF time? I don’t have a problem skipping breakfast and eating in a window after noon but the coffee issue has made me wonder if I am stopping my IF time frame with the coffee additions. Thanks for clarifying this.
Hi Amy. It’s a good question. Roughly speaking, I’d guess you’re looking at around 40 calories for the half and half and 40 calories for the collagen. The half and half derives most it’s calories from fat, and the collagen is mostly protein. If that’s your “treat” that helps you get through the morning without eating, it’s probably a worthwhile trade-off. With regards to the half and half specifically, Jason has actually answered that question here – to which he said: “I use cream in coffee during fasts as well. For me, that little bit of cream does not stop… Read more »
Is it ok at to use stevia in coffee on fasting days?
Hi Patty. Apologies for the delayed reply – just working through a backlog of comments. Jason has answered this question here – and it seems like in his practice they “allow” half and half in coffee whilst fasting, but encourage people to not use sugar or sweetener. Quote: “While fasting is it okay to drink coffee with milk? I can’t do black coffee. I have a little milk with my coffee. Technically, the milk does not fall within the guidelines of a true fast, but the small amount of milk/ cream added to coffee improves compliance tremendously for some people.… Read more »
Thanks very much! I have this as an ebook but the formatting on the charts was unreadable, so these pdfs are just what I needed.
Hi if I do a 48 hour water fast do I eat the next or next 2 days and then fast the next 48 hours again
Hi Emma. Are you asking how long to leave between 48 hour water fasts? That would down to yourself and any medical advisors you’re working with to decide.
Hi! Yesterday my doctor talked to me about the Obesity Code book and found your plans here. I’ve gained 20 lbs in 2 months and I’m a fitness instructor. My insulin levels look high and unfortunately my doctor says I’m close to pre-diabetes. My question is.. since I teach high intensity cardio classes 5 times a week, do you think fasting is appropriate? I so, which plan should I choose? If no, what options do i have?
I think it’s fair to say that high intensity exercise whilst fasted is difficult. Both because you might come into it with low energy, and because after you’ll likely feel a lot more hungry than you would be otherwise.
In terms of options, you can reduce consumption of glucose containing foods, and eat within a shorter eating window. Both should lower your glucose level, which will in turn lower your insulin. Also worth thinking about whether your sleep quality and duration is optimal, and if it’s not, take steps to improve it.
John according to Dr Fung the comment you made you will have “low energy” is incorrect…..I continue to is IF and no issue with entry levels….
IF is typically 16/18/20 hour fasts – whereas Jason’s plan is 24 to 36 hour fasts. Quite a difference.
But if you can fast for 24 hours and still have plenty of energy for a high intensity workout – that’s great 🙂
Is it ok to eat Bran Buds & Pears?
Bran buds contain sugar as the second ingredient, so you’d ideally want to minimize consumption, or even better – replace with a sugar free option. Pears, as in the fruit? Fruit is ok in moderation – too much and you’re just consuming excess sugar.
Hi, I am 62 years old and have just reached 24 hours in my first fast cycle. I was wondering if I could use stevia in my coffee and tea?
Hey. Congrats on your first 24 hour fasting cycle.
Generally speaking pure stevia will be the “lesser of evils” compared to sugar or artificial sweeteners.
That said, it’s worth being aware of research showing sweeteners can increase insulin response (study link) and affect the gut biome (study link).
Hi, I’ve been intermittent fasting for 60 days on the 18/6. I am type 2 diabetic. I’m finding my glucose in morning very high. I only have coffee , no sugar and don’t eat till noon. My sugar returns ro normal after I eat lunch which is keto. I’ve been researching this and I’m aware of the dawn effect. I even stopped drinking coffee ro se if that wad it. I’ve lost 25lb in these 60 days and I’m 63 y/o female.
Hi Bernadette, congrats on the weight loss. How does your evening blood glucose level (2+ hours after your last meal) compare to your blood glucose level the next morning?
Ty for responding. My after dinner glad is between 110 to 130.
Hi Im new with fasting, if I start with 16/8 fasting it will be good start point? 16 hours fastin, 8 hours 2 to 3 meals.
Thanks.
Hi Ronald, yes, intermittent fasting is a good strategy for general health. It doesn’t even need to be as extreme as 16/8 to see benefits. For many people, even 14/10 would be an improvement.
What’s up, Doc?
I am 6’7 – 200 lb 32 yo male wanting to get back in shape. My goal is to lose 35 lb and I gain muscle mass by the second. My question is – Is a 36h fasting regime suitable for me to achieve this goal? How can I switch back to a normal regime once I hit my goal? Should I just keep going? Thanks for putting this info out there!
Hi, FYI I’m not a doctor. In regards to switching back to a normal regime, you could look at intermittent fasting – something in the region 16/8 or 14/10.
How often would you do the 24-36 hour fast?
I think it really comes down to experimentation for the individual. Based on your own biology, lifestyle and goals.
What works for me (relatively young, low bodyfat %, active lifestyle), may not work for someone else. We also all react very differently to fasting, so that should be taken into account too.
Hi John, curious how a pescetarian could follow this protocol? I eat dairy, eggs and fish but not fowl, pork or beef. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. TIA.
Hi Stefanie. Yeah, absolutely pescatarians could follow this plan. Substituting out the meat for fish or eggs shouldn’t be an issue.