[Day 26] Switch on Diet : A Difficult Fasting Day That Reminded Me How Far I’ve Come

My Switch on Diet Day26

Today’s fast was harder than usual—and I felt it from the moment I woke up.

My body felt unusually heavy. My mind was foggy. And even though I had planned this 24-hour fasting day carefully, I could feel the resistance building. I was tired, both physically and mentally. Fasting on a day like this was not going to be easy.

I had intended to drink only protein shakes, as I’ve been doing on fast days. But by early afternoon, I found myself reaching for a few cherry tomatoes and some Greek yogurt. It wasn’t part of the plan, but it helped ground me. The truth is, fasting isn’t always a smooth or linear process—it’s about learning how to adapt, without guilt.

A Turning Point in the Afternoon
Thankfully, my energy picked up a little later in the day. I was able to get some work done, write this blog post, and reflect on how far I’ve come. It made me think about the deeper changes that have taken place since I started this journey.

For instance, I used to suffer from acid reflux—also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). It was something I dealt with for years: bloating, burning in the chest, constant discomfort, and trouble sleeping at night. I would often wake up coughing or with a sore throat, and meals became something to fear.

I watched countless YouTube videos from Korean doctors and medical channels. I read articles, health magazines, and watched late-night health programs. I became almost obsessed with understanding the causes and treatments for reflux. That was before I even started focusing seriously on nutrition and fasting.

And now? I just realized it today: I no longer suffer from those symptoms.

Understanding Acid Reflux: Causes and Natural Relief

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation known as heartburn. Common causes include:

• Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal
• Eating trigger foods like spicy or fried foods, chocolate, or caffeine
• Obesity and abdominal pressure
• Poor gut motility and digestive imbalance
• Late-night eating habits

Medically, GERD can lead to esophageal inflammation, ulcers, or even precancerous changes if left untreated. That’s why long-term relief through lifestyle changes is not only preferable but essential. Clinical studies suggest that weight loss and dietary regulation are among the most effective interventions.

While medications like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are often prescribed, many doctors now emphasize lifestyle changes as the first line of treatment.

Here’s what helped me personally (and what’s supported by many experts):

✅ Eating smaller portions
✅ Avoiding meals late at night
✅ Cutting back on processed foods, caffeine, and carbonated drinks
✅ Incorporating gut-friendly, fermented foods like doenjang (fermented soybean paste) and kimchi
✅ Practicing intermittent fasting, which gives the digestive system time to rest and reset

Best of All – Peaceful Sleep!!

One of the most surprising (and wonderful) changes is how much better I sleep now. I used to prop myself up on pillows and worry about reflux all night. These days, I lie down peacefully and drift into uninterrupted sleep. That, alone, makes this journey worth it.

Fasting, Healing, and Self-Compassion during my Switch on Diet

Today was hard. I didn’t fast perfectly. But I’m learning that progress doesn’t mean perfection—it means being present, paying attention to my body, and adjusting without shame.

What matters most is the bigger picture: my body is healing in ways I never imagined. And that includes the small victories—like no longer worrying about reflux.

Let’s keep showing up, one gentle, mindful step at a time.