Hard Light Productions Forums

Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Sasquatch on February 20, 2008, 11:04:26 am

Title: So I took this bet..
Post by: Sasquatch on February 20, 2008, 11:04:26 am
...that from this friday to the next, I'm not going to eat anything, just drink water.  I figure my body can handle it because of survivorman.  He eats very little and does strenuous stuff, and he seems to make it out ok.  The reason I tell you guys this is that you all seem pretty intelligent and I want to know a couple of things:

1) Will this have any lasting effects on my body.
2) Will this make me not be able to do homework as well.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Kazan on February 20, 2008, 11:23:57 am
that's retarded

when you end up in the hospital i'm going to laugh
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: jdjtcagle on February 20, 2008, 11:25:12 am
Not eating for a weeks length can be really dangerous, especially if you pack it away afterwards... you could kill yourself. 

You will be physically and mentally weak, expect headaches and stress... especially homework
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: redsniper on February 20, 2008, 11:25:48 am
Told you so.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Admiral_Stones on February 20, 2008, 11:43:40 am
Be sure to make a video diary of it :yes:

And YES, very important not to suddenly start eating when it's over. You have to slowly start eating again, or your metabolism won't hold it = death.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: achtung on February 20, 2008, 11:46:40 am
Well, looks like we might be adding someone to this year's Darwin Awards list.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Kazan on February 20, 2008, 11:51:23 am
Well, looks like we might be adding someone to this year's Darwin Awards list.

dunno if it would pass the originality requirement
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Sasquatch on February 20, 2008, 11:52:11 am
Be sure to make a video diary of it :yes:
I am actually going to do this, I am a RTVF major and I was planning on making a documentary about it.

Also, I have been reading on how to go about doing this fast, and I am preparing my body.  A lot of people say it is a detoxification process (kinda think its bull****) but there are many people doing it out there, and they say that a bigger person may not feel any affects at all (and I'm pretty big)
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: achtung on February 20, 2008, 11:54:02 am
Well, looks like we might be adding someone to this year's Darwin Awards list.

dunno if it would pass the originality requirement

Maybe he could limit himself to eating only his own salted flesh?  That sounds original.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Nuclear1 on February 20, 2008, 11:55:08 am
This really is one of those things that you have to think "If I was drunk, would this be a good idea?"

If you answer "no", it is a terrible idea that will probably get someone (read: yourself) hurt/dead. Don't do it, for your own sake.

Also ask whether FOX would make a reality show about it. If "yes", bad idea.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: NGTM-1R on February 20, 2008, 12:16:30 pm
Rule of threes got beaten into my head back with the Boy Scouts.

Three weeks without food.
Three days without water.
Three hours without warmth.
Three minutes without air.

So, honestly speaking, you should be fine from the not-eating part.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Janos on February 20, 2008, 12:35:40 pm
Rule of threes got beaten into my back with the Boy Scouts.

Three weeks without food.
Three days without water.
Three hours without warmth.
Three minutes minutes without air.

So, honestly speaking, you should be fine from the not-eating part.

You'll survive (unless you have diabetes or something) just well. You'll just feel quite weak.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Mika on February 20, 2008, 12:47:57 pm
Quote
2) Will this make me not be able to do homework as well.

I'm pretty sure you can't after two to three days. Thinking requires surprisingly lots of energy.

Why you wouldn't try something easier first, like total celibacy for 30 days? You will notice that your behavior starts to change after about two and a half weeks... The funny thing is that the other people will notice it also, even if you didn't tell anyone.

Mika
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: castor on February 20, 2008, 01:04:37 pm
I think going with just water is gonna get ugly, if you've not done it before.
Juices only would be a lot better, but I guess it's out of question due to the bet..
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Herra Tohtori on February 20, 2008, 01:32:41 pm
If you have enough fat on your body to power whatever you do (movement aside, you still need energy to produce body heat and maintain vitals like kidneys, brain, circulation, breathing...) there shouldn't be any lasting effects... If you don't have enough fat stored, your body will start providing energy by taking proteins from your muscles, and that could be considered a lasting effect in the sense that you'll need to restore the lost muscle mass afterwards.

Also, I'm not sure what a week long water diet would do to fluid-ion balance of the body. Kinda depends on your local water consistency, how much minerals and stuff is in it...


I wouldn't do it, at least not without medical counsel. :nervous:
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: jdjtcagle on February 20, 2008, 01:39:19 pm
I think going with just water is gonna get ugly, if you've not done it before.
Juices only would be a lot better, but I guess it's out of question due to the bet..

Don't juices have the "wrong" kinds of sugar and are actually unhealthy for you.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Kazan on February 20, 2008, 02:06:59 pm
people keep talking like being chubby is going to help with this.

it's not.

when you're starving your body burns muscle off first before it goes for the fact - because muscle requires energy to maintain so removing it first reduces your overall energy requirements
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Nuclear1 on February 20, 2008, 02:29:10 pm
I think going with just water is gonna get ugly, if you've not done it before.
Juices only would be a lot better, but I guess it's out of question due to the bet..

Don't juices have the "wrong" kinds of sugar and are actually unhealthy for you.

Artificial ones, yes.  Real fruit juices (i.e. orange, apple, grape) are actually quite good for you.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: jdjtcagle on February 20, 2008, 02:34:51 pm
Hmmm... I could of swore that real fruit juices - somewhere in the process of making it into a juice, leaves a "bad sugar" product.

Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Flipside on February 20, 2008, 02:38:35 pm
Fasting at that level is not something I'd recommend without serious preparation, it's possible to do, but you need to be sure that you are prepared to do it both physically and mentally, it can actually have profound mental effects as well as physical ones. And when you do start eating again, be careful, too much at once and you'll simply vomit it back up, you'll have to start with small meals and work your way up.

My own advice would be 'don't do it', especially not for a bet, whoever you made a bet with probably has no concept of the kind of punishment a body takes when you fast, but it's certainly not worth doing simply to prove a point.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Kazan on February 20, 2008, 02:42:06 pm
fruit sugar is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fructose
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: BlackDove on February 20, 2008, 02:48:38 pm
This is awesome.

I love being here... witnessing... this whole thing.

Remember, when it starts getting really bad, that's quitter thoughts. You need to win this bet, because now that you've taken advice from the internet, there's nothing that can stop you.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: redsniper on February 20, 2008, 03:04:19 pm
Also, I'm not sure what a week long water diet would do to fluid-ion balance of the body. Kinda depends on your local water consistency, how much minerals and stuff is in it...
This is actually a good point. Since you aren't eating any salt, but still drinking water, you might get water poisoning.

I say you change the conditions of the bet a little. Only allow yourself one slice of bread per day or something. I think that'd put things a little more in the realm of sanity.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: jdjtcagle on February 20, 2008, 03:12:20 pm
fruit sugar is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fructose

Thanks for clearing that one up :)
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Polpolion on February 20, 2008, 03:30:36 pm
Eat lot's of fats and protein before friday. If you eat enough of it, you would probably be okay with the energy requirement. You'll need the extra protein for maintenance around you're body (on the cellular level of course).
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Mika on February 20, 2008, 03:51:35 pm
And what does this thread remind me of?

Oh yeah, this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4E9IX7hqLQ

For winning a bet, I say don't. Try the 30 day celibacy thing first and see if you like testing your limits.

Mika
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Nuclear1 on February 20, 2008, 03:56:54 pm
Hmmm... I could of swore that real fruit juices - somewhere in the process of making it into a juice, leaves a "bad sugar" product.

If you just squeeze fruits or suck the juices out, they're just fine.

Any packaged fruit juices I would avoid.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: jdjtcagle on February 20, 2008, 04:04:17 pm
I was thinking of how your body converts fructose at a slower rate than if you eat a apple or something, so yeah didn't apply anyway :P
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Sasquatch on February 20, 2008, 04:07:49 pm
Hmm, as for celibacy, I'm a virgin (by choice) so, yeah, that won't be hard.  I have been reading up on it all day and I have been preparing my body for this by eating just fruits and vegetables.  I'm a stubborn guy and I am going to do this so if any of you are curious of how this will turn out, I will keep everything updated here.  Wish me luck  :D
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: BloodEagle on February 20, 2008, 05:06:04 pm
When you start eating again, your body will convert most of the nutrients into body fat.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Retsof on February 20, 2008, 05:42:48 pm
Correct, after you starve for a while your body will store everything because it now thinks you won't have another meal for a while.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Wobble73 on February 20, 2008, 06:01:42 pm
Consult your GP first I'd say, you don't know if you might have problems with your heart or anything. Also, this would be a good way to develop an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Inquisitor on February 20, 2008, 06:11:19 pm
Quote
So, honestly speaking, you should be fine from the not-eating part.

"Fine" is a matter of perspective...

This is one of the dumber things I have seen here...
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Bob-san on February 20, 2008, 06:16:20 pm
My best advice is sprinkle a bit of salt into half of the water you drink. Going low on sodium is a fast way to get yourself killed and cause some serious damage. Basically keep the salt intake up--you can deal with a bit more than required but you can't deal with none for a week. Other than that, I'd say eat a lot of fruits and veggies. Don't stress yourself out and don't push yourself. Be prepared for hunger cramps after the first 2-3 days. Once you start eating again, go with the BRAT diet for at least a day (bread, rice, apple sauce, toast) before you start on meats.

My personal advice would be don't do this unless you have a qualified medical professional (read: doctor or nurse) who can stop this at any time. If you hit a stressful spot or have something big (such as a large test) going on, don't try to fast through that.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: redsniper on February 20, 2008, 06:28:08 pm
Chris, you're stupid.

You know how when you read the newspaper and hear about dumbass kids dying because they didn't wear their seatbelts or helemets, or they were cleaning a loaded gun, or equally retarded stuff, and you say to yourself "Man, what an idiot. I'm glad I'm not that dumb."? Well, you are.

and before you go and say how you'll be fine and all, consider this: Out of every time I've ever given you advice on anything EVER, how many times have I been wrong? Exactly. Never, because I'm always right. :p
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: TrashMan on February 20, 2008, 06:46:39 pm
Why you wouldn't try something easier first, like total celibacy for 30 days? You will notice that your behavior starts to change after about two and a half weeks... The funny thing is that the other people will notice it also, even if you didn't tell anyone.

Mika

Easy as pie.
I haven't had sex in....uuuhhhh.....eeerrrmm.....heck, I lost count of long it has been. Nothing changed and nothing strange about my behaviour. :D
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Goober5000 on February 20, 2008, 06:58:14 pm
Heh.  You'll survive, but you'll have a pretty tough time of it.

Incidentally, when you start eating again, don't break out the pizza like nothing happened.  Eat thin soup at first, and gradually shift back into solid foods.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Nuclear1 on February 20, 2008, 07:17:16 pm
I'm staying with the camp that thinks this is the most retarded and one of the most dangerous things on Earth.

Not even the cool dangerous, like skydiving or rock climbing the Grand Canyon. This is stupid dangerous, the kinda stuff they hand out Darwin awards for. Fits the same bill as Chubby Bunny or holding your breath until you almost pass out.

Please, listen to redsniper (I assume you know him, since he used your first name) and everyone else here who's telling you not to.

To the other folks: shame on you for pushing this.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Flipside on February 20, 2008, 07:41:09 pm
As I said before, I would most certainly not recommend willingly putting your body through that kind of abuse, it can weaken the immune system, muck around with your metabolism and generally make a mess of you.

It is no coincidence that people who fast for a period of time have visions, you know.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: colecampbell666 on February 20, 2008, 08:08:24 pm
It is no coincidence that people who fast for a period of time have visions, you know.
:lol:
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Rictor on February 20, 2008, 10:06:08 pm
1. You have balls. I congratulate you, sir.
2. You'll be fine. A normal, healthy male can survive a week without food no problem (or so I've heard). But make sure to stay hydrated.
3. Keep us updated. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to know your mental/physical state at the end of the week.
4. Voltron is better than Transformers. Just saying.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Sasquatch on February 20, 2008, 10:15:37 pm
Damn...

Believe it or not, I hold what most of you say here in the highest regard because it is hard to find a good group of intelligent people anywhere else.  If the majority of you guys don't think it is a good idea, I wont do it.  This is a very hard thing for me to say and redsniper can attest to it.  I do a lot of dumb ****, mostly for a story and for me to back down from this makes me feel less of a man I think.  So, I think I need a little something I can redeem myself with.  Nuclear1 was talking about cool dangerous stuff, I think it would be cool if you guys could think of something stupidcool to do (its no fun if I think of it) and I will let you know how it goes.  Sound good?  :yes:
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Sasquatch on February 20, 2008, 10:16:34 pm
1. You have balls. I congratulate you, sir.
2. You'll be fine. A normal, healthy male can survive a week without food no problem (or so I've heard). But make sure to stay hydrated.
3. Keep us updated. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to know your mental/physical state at the end of the week.
4. Voltron is better than Transformers. Just saying.

Damn, this is the only encouragement I have heard


Kinda makes me want to do it again  :P
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Flipside on February 20, 2008, 10:48:43 pm
To be honest, doing dumb **** isn't so bad, we all do dumb ****, but we wouldn't be helping much if we weren't honest ;)

It is, at the end of the day, your choice, but I personally think the wisest course is to consider this from all aspects before you decide, sometimes proving a point isn't worth hurting yourself for.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Nuclear1 on February 20, 2008, 10:54:25 pm
Seriously, try sky-diving sometime. I've done it near seven times since I've been in California, and it's a thrill like you can't imagine.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: watsisname on February 20, 2008, 10:59:31 pm
Go on a beer diet.  ;7
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: redsniper on February 20, 2008, 11:02:14 pm
I still say modify the original bet. Eat just enough so that your life and health aren't in danger, but that you're still super-hungry.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: BloodEagle on February 20, 2008, 11:21:45 pm
Well, wrestling alligators makes you more of a man.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: WeatherOp on February 20, 2008, 11:28:38 pm
Is it just me or does this remind me of that Twilight Zone episode, where a rich guy bets alot of money if this guy can keep quiet for a month or so, then when the time comes he was only joking, but the guy had his voice box removed so he could get the money.

I'd make sure the bet was in writing and stuff before I'd even think about pulling off something this stupid. :p
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: chief1983 on February 20, 2008, 11:59:29 pm
I would have to say that the lack of electrolytes definitely sounds like a large concern, but drinking a sports drink might be a little more reasonable than just plain salt water.  Might even help you get through your homework too.  I knew a guy who was on a liquid diet for months though, not just juice and water, but I mean, everything he ate seemed to be some form of liquid.  The dude almost wasted away into nothing, he was like a walking skeleton.  But a healthy person should easily be able to go one week without food.  As far as a detoxification, I've heard that a lot too.  Not a whole week, but even just going one day on water, or a weekend, is a good way to flush your body out and let your internals catch up on any waste processing.  Kind of like changing your oil or something.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Kosh on February 21, 2008, 01:06:31 am
Quote
This is a very hard thing for me to say and redsniper can attest to it.  I do a lot of dumb ****, mostly for a story and for me to back down from this makes me feel less of a man I think.


Hate to say this but that kind of attitude will make you either go to the ER or to an early grave. "makes me feel like less of a man" is the song of the insecure.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Mefustae on February 21, 2008, 02:12:57 am
Just make sure if you do do this, keep us updated. If you die, HLP might get in the news! :D
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: G0atmaster on February 21, 2008, 02:17:44 am
Once you start eating again, go with the BRAT diet for at least a day (bread, rice, apple sauce, toast) before you start on meats.

That's Bananas, not Bread.  And make that toast DRY toast.  Dairy products, including butter, are somewhat difficult to digest, especially after a week-long fast.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: BloodEagle on February 21, 2008, 02:55:58 am
Just make sure if you do do this, keep us updated. If you die, HLP might get in the news! :D

And that would be a good thing... why?
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Wobble73 on February 21, 2008, 05:37:20 am
Ever see this show  (http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/S/superskinny_me/) here in the UK? It wasn't exactly a fast but such a crash diet that one of the (shall we call them victims) nearly developed an eating disorder.


As for the liquid/beer diet, I'd recommend Guinness, as I believe it is that rich in nutrients that some Irish men live off it, seriously, they don't eat they just get bevvied on Guinness.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: TrashMan on February 21, 2008, 08:31:41 am
Believe it or not, I hold what most of you say here in the highest regard because it is hard to find a good group of intelligent people anywhere else. 
:wtf: 
Erm.....  :nervous: ... what?
*cough*  :shaking:   on second thought...yeah...very intelligent...this forums isn't a open nuthouse in any way. never.


Quote
4. Voltron is better than Transformers. Just saying.f/quote]

In your dreams only. Voltron suckorz.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Fearless Leader on February 21, 2008, 10:46:36 am
One time I didn't eat for 7 days, and I didn't die, or go to the hospital or anything. The first couple days I actually felt more awake and alert, about the 4th day I started to sleep more and getting out of bed was hard (its usually hard anyways), but I wasn't to tired to focus or preform complex tasks.

If you dont try to use water as a meal replacement you shouldnt have to worry about a lack of electrolytes, just go about your day like normal and just drink water when you are thirsty. If you feel like you are to tired or to week then just have some orange juice. As long as you arent trying to go to the gym and pump weights or go running you will be fine, as far as mental effects, you should be able to do homework just fine.

Some of you may be asking "why did you not eat for 7 days" its just something i do every once in a while to cleanse my body, sorta like reseting you computer. I usually only do 2 or 3 days, but the food here (Iraq) was making me sick so I decided to go for 7.

Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: castor on February 21, 2008, 11:30:49 am
Don't juices have the "wrong" kinds of sugar and are actually unhealthy for you.
I wouldn't try to deny that. Personally I think that anything that tastes clearly "sugary" should be consumed only in small amounts.
But even so, its more unhealthy to live on just water :)
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Colonol Dekker on February 21, 2008, 12:07:37 pm
This is stupid. . Doable but stupid, you won't die but after a day if you've a healthy appetite you WILL get serious heartburn the second water hits the acids building up in your stomach, don't drink too much fruit juice. You'll crash once the sugars are used up and could pass out if have an active lifestyle. I'm all for pushing limits but afterwards you will feel weaker than a newborn kitten or paris hilton.  After start on light snacks like peanut butter sandwiches. I'll eat a bacon sarnie for ya :)     
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: JGZinv on February 21, 2008, 04:27:49 pm
As someone who's fasted for a complete 3 days.... I don't suggest it to anyone
unless you've got a very serious reason for doing so..
I had no food at all and only water.
I've also stayed awake for 7 days in a row too.

Either of them will leave you feeling dead.

You better have good prep and have someone around to watch you.
If you're counting on your brain to be working - forget it... sure you'll
be mostly fine thought process wise - but your body will react differently.
By the 3rd day you'll be counting the minutes till you can quit.

Don't go an shove a ton of stuff in your gut soon as you stop either... you'll either vomit, black out,
or likely collapse. Slow return to normal over time works best, like you are coming out of a hospital.
Jello... gatorade... build up till you tolerate solids. Sleep most of it that you can and occupy your time
with activities that don't require a great deal of physical effort. Stay away from food, particularly if you
love to cook.

I'm not a doctor... so go consult one before doing something like this. You can end up dead.

As for doing it on a dare - I believe this would be a major mistake and serve no intelligent purpose.
You need to consider training your mind, body, and soul seriously... not killing yourself over a very foolish bet.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: MP-Ryan on February 21, 2008, 05:17:53 pm
Medically, a week without food for a normal person of healthy body weight isn't smart but it won't kill you either.  A healthy body can survive on water alone.  It isn't pleasant, and the lasting side effects aren't a picnic either, but it's doable.  That said, probably not advisable if you don't HAVE to do it.

The biggest problem, as mentioned already, is electrolyte balance.  People who aren't eating tend to drink more; as you drink more, you dilute the electrolyte concentrations in your body.  That will affect mental clarity and physical strength.  You'll quickly begin to feel weak and will lose concentration easily.  After 5-6 days, you can probably expect hallucinations.

You will also get hunder pangs.  Gut-wrenching, vomit-inducing hunger pangs.  Your body is used to eating on a regular cycle, so for the first few days they will be intermittent, but they may eventually become constant.

As for burning fat; the first few days of starvation will eat into muscle mass first, but not really significantly.  Your body with then switch to fat-burning processes in combination with muscle degradation.  As fat stores burn lower, your body will again switch to primarily muscle as a source of energy, and ketosis will set in (you breath will start to smell like acetone, or nail polish remover).  That may or may not occur before 7 days, it really depends on the individual.

When you resume eating, your digestive system will be easily overwhelmed so you need to begin with small amounts of food regularly, and easily digestible foods - NO roughage (e.g. carrots, lettuce, etc).  Breads, cheeses, and very small amounts of fruit.

Your electrolytes will be out of whack for a couple weeks afterward, as will your eating schedule and digestive system.  You can probably expect diahrrea.

Not really a pleasant way to win a bet.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Bob-san on February 21, 2008, 05:21:14 pm
Once you start eating again, go with the BRAT diet for at least a day (bread, rice, apple sauce, toast) before you start on meats.

That's Bananas, not Bread.  And make that toast DRY toast.  Dairy products, including butter, are somewhat difficult to digest, especially after a week-long fast.
Bananas? I thought it was bread. I consider bread and toast different types of food--in no way interchangable. Most bread I eat is Italian bread--it's a water dough but it's still much better than toast/sliced bread.

Anyways--I was sick for about 2 days and on a "BA" diet for 3 days. Apple sauce and Italian bread. That, and a lot of water. I puked probably 12-14 times in one day and I spent the rest in bed or in a recliner over a heating pad, because my back and ribs were so sore.

I'd recommend you try skydiving or cliffdiving. ;)
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: redsniper on February 22, 2008, 12:50:07 am
He's not doing it.
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Admiral_Stones on February 22, 2008, 11:16:13 am
Ohhhh :(

I want him to!
Title: Re: So I took this bet..
Post by: Goober5000 on February 22, 2008, 07:06:12 pm
Heh.  Wimp.