Skip & Fuel: The 36-Hour Fasting Protocol That Works

The exact protocol that helped me lose 20kg in 8 months. 36-hour fasting, then eat low carb, keto, or carnivore for the rest of the week.

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The Skip & Fuel Protocol

My exact 36-hour fasting approach

The 36-Hour Fast Cycle

Friday 8:00 PM - Last meal (can be dinner)

Saturday - Complete fast day (coffee + electrolytes allowed)

Sunday 8:00 AM - Break fast with first keto/carnivore meal

Sunday onwards - Eat low carb, keto, or carnivore throughout the week

Skip (36 Hours)

  • • Coffee with milk/cream (up to 500 calories)
  • • Electrolytes throughout the day
  • • Drink plenty of water
  • • Zero solid food

Fuel (Eating Window)

  • • Sunday onwards: eat low carb, keto, or carnivore
  • • Nutrient-dense whole foods
  • • Home-cooked meals

Proven Results

Started at 96kg, lost 20kg in 8 months. The cravings disappeared after week 3. No misery, just sustainable, practical strategies built from real experience.

This isn't theory. It's exact protocol I followed to transform my relationship with food and achieve sustainable weight loss.

Overview

This guide covers the complete protocol I used to lose 20kg in 8 months. You'll learn about 36-hour fasting, the keto diet, carnivore eating, and practical low-carb strategies that work together for sustainable weight loss and metabolic health.

Intermittent Fasting (IF)

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. It doesn't specify which foods to eat but rather when to eat them.

Common IF Methods

36-Hour Fast

Recommended

The Skip & Fuel protocol: Fri 8pm-Sun 8am

  • 36-hour fasting window
  • Break fast Sunday 8 AM with keto/carnivore meal
  • Continue eating low carb, keto, or carnivore throughout the week
  • Maximizes autophagy and metabolic flexibility
  • Weekend-friendly: Saturday fast, Sunday onwards fuel
  • Proven effective: 20kg weight loss in 8 months

16:8 Method

  • Fast for 16 hours, eat within an 8-hour window
  • Good for beginners or daily routine
  • Example: Eat from 12 PM to 8 PM, fast from 8 PM to 12 PM

Eat-Stop-Eat

  • 24-hour fasts once or twice per week
  • Example: Fast from dinner one day to dinner the next day

5:2 Method

  • Eat normally for 5 days, restrict calories to 500-600 for 2 days
  • Non-consecutive fasting days recommended

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

  • Weight Loss: Creates calorie deficit and may boost metabolism
  • Insulin Sensitivity: Improves blood sugar control
  • Cellular Repair: Triggers autophagy (cellular cleanup process)
  • Brain Health: May protect against neurodegenerative diseases
  • Longevity: Potential anti-aging effects
  • Inflammation Reduction: May reduce chronic inflammation

Key Terms and Concepts

Autophagy

Cellular process of removing damaged components

Insulin Sensitivity

How effectively cells respond to insulin

Metabolic Flexibility

Ability to switch between fuel sources

Ghrelin

Hunger hormone that decreases during fasting

Ketosis

Metabolic state where body burns fat for fuel

Low Carb Eating

What is Low Carb?

Low carb eating is about reducing carbohydrates in your diet and replacing them with protein and healthy fats. It's a flexible approach that can be adapted to different lifestyles and preferences.

Common Low Carb Approaches

Moderate Low Carb

Flexible

50-150g net carbs daily - Great for beginners

  • Reduced sugar and refined carbohydrates
  • Focus on whole foods: meat, fish, eggs, vegetables
  • Include some fruits, grains in moderation
  • Easier to maintain long-term
  • Good starting point before stricter approaches

Keto (Very Low Carb)

Under 50g net carbs daily

  • High fat (70-80%), moderate protein (15-25%), very low carb (5-10%)
  • Induces ketosis for fat burning
  • Most fruits and grains eliminated
  • Focus on healthy fats and quality proteins
  • Enhanced mental clarity and energy

Carnivore (Zero Carb)

Zero carbs - Animal products only

  • Meat, fish, eggs, and some dairy only
  • Eliminates all plant foods
  • Maximum nutrient density and bioavailability
  • Reduces inflammation and digestive issues
  • Simplifies meal planning completely

Benefits of Low Carb Eating

  • Weight Loss: Reduces insulin levels, increases fat burning
  • Stable Blood Sugar: Fewer spikes and crashes throughout the day
  • Reduced Cravings: Protein and fats keep you satiated longer
  • Better Energy: Consistent energy without the afternoon slump
  • Reduced Inflammation: Fewer processed foods and refined carbs
  • Mental Clarity: Stable blood sugar improves focus and concentration

Key Terms and Concepts

Net Carbs

Total carbohydrates minus fiber content

Insulin Response

How different foods affect blood sugar and insulin

Glycemic Index

How quickly foods raise blood sugar levels

Satiety

Feeling of fullness and satisfaction after eating

Whole Foods

Unprocessed foods in their natural state

Refined Carbs

Processed carbohydrates like sugar, white flour

Ketogenic Diet (Keto)

What is the Ketogenic Diet?

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body to burn fats instead of carbohydrates for energy.

Macronutrient Ratios

  • Fat: 70-80% of daily calories
  • Protein: 15-25% of daily calories
  • Carbohydrates: 5-10% of daily calories (typically 20-50g net carbs)

Foods to Eat

High-Fat Foods:
  • Avocados
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Olive oil, coconut oil, MCT oil
  • Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
  • Full-fat dairy
  • Eggs
  • Meat and poultry
Low-Carb Vegetables:
  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce)
  • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts)
  • Zucchini, cucumber, bell peppers
Proteins:
  • Grass-fed beef
  • Pasture-raised chicken
  • Wild-caught fish
  • Eggs

Foods to Avoid

  • Grains (wheat, rice, oats, corn)
  • Sugar and sweeteners
  • Most fruits (except berries in small amounts)
  • Starchy vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes)
  • Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
  • Processed foods

Benefits of Keto

  • Weight Loss: Rapid initial weight loss due to water loss and fat burning
  • Blood Sugar Control: May help manage diabetes
  • Mental Clarity: Many report improved focus and concentration
  • Reduced Inflammation: May help with inflammatory conditions
  • Epilepsy Management: Originally developed to treat epilepsy
  • Appetite Suppression: High fat and protein content increases satiety

Key Terms and Concepts

Ketosis

Metabolic state where body produces ketones from fat

Ketones

Alternative fuel source produced by the liver

MCT Oil

Medium-chain triglycerides that quickly convert to ketones

Net Carbs

Total carbohydrates minus fiber

Keto Flu

Temporary symptoms when transitioning to ketosis

Glycogen

Stored glucose in liver and muscles

Carnivore Diet

What is the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet is an elimination diet that consists entirely of animal products—meat, fish, eggs, and some dairy. It's the ultimate low-carb approach, eliminating all plant foods to reduce inflammation and simplify nutrition.

What You Eat

  • Meat: Beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey (grass-fed/pasture-raised preferred)
  • Fish: Salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines (wild-caught preferred)
  • Eggs: Whole eggs, preferably pasture-raised
  • Dairy: Butter, ghee, heavy cream (some people tolerate these)
  • Organ meats: Liver, heart, kidneys (nutrient-dense)
  • Animal fats: Tallow, lard, bone marrow

What You Avoid

  • All plant foods: vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Oils: olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable oils
  • Sugar and sweeteners
  • Processed foods (unless 100% animal-based)

Benefits of Carnivore

  • Reduced Inflammation: Eliminates many inflammatory plant compounds
  • Simplicity: No counting macros or complicated meal planning
  • Digestive Relief: Many report improved digestion and reduced bloating
  • High Satiety: Protein and fat keep you full longer
  • Nutrient Density: Animal foods are highly bioavailable
  • Mental Clarity: Stable blood sugar and reduced inflammation

How I Use Carnivore

I cycle between keto and carnivore during my eating window (Sunday onwards). Carnivore helps reduce inflammation and keep bloating at zero, while keto adds variety with vegetables and healthy fats. This flexibility keeps the approach sustainable long-term.

Key Terms and Concepts

Zero-Carb

Elimination of all carbohydrate sources

Nutrient Density

Animal foods contain highly bioavailable nutrients

Elimination Diet

Removes potential irritants to identify sensitivities

Nose-to-Tail

Eating all parts of the animal for complete nutrition

Plant Toxins

Anti-nutrients that some people prefer to avoid

Practical Hacks That Work

These are the exact strategies I used to make 36-hour fasting sustainable. No misery, just smart practicality.

Electrolytes Killed the Headaches

Sodium, potassium, and magnesium are non-negotiable. When you fast, you lose electrolytes faster than you realize. The headaches I got in week 1-2 vanished once I started supplementing properly.

I use electrolyte powder with water throughout Saturday. It makes all the difference.

Coffee with Milk/Cream

Yes, you can have coffee with milk/cream during your fast. I keep it under 500 calories and it doesn't break ketosis. It keeps me sane and makes the 36 hours actually doable.

2-3 cups on Saturday with milk or cream. That's it. Simple and sustainable.

What I Drink During the 36-Hour Fast

During the fast, I keep it simple. Coffee with milk/cream, tea, bone broth, sparkling water, and electrolytes. Important: watch out for sugar and artificial sweeteners in electrolytes—avoid those.

During the 36-hour fast: Coffee with milk/cream (under 500 calories), tea, bone broth, sparkling water, and electrolytes (no sugar/artificial sweeteners).

Home-Cooked Fuel

Restaurant food is loaded with hidden carbs and inflammatory oils. Cooking at home means you control every ingredient. My Sunday and Monday meals are all home-cooked, keto-friendly, and actually taste good.

Batch cook on Sunday. Grill some steaks, prep keto sides. Eat well all week.

The Results Speak for Themselves

After 3 weeks, the cravings ghosted me. I have more energy, mental clarity, and a relationship with food that actually works. These hacks aren't shortcuts—they're the difference between quitting and succeeding.

The Skip & Fuel Approach: 36-Hour Fasting + Keto/Carnivore Cycling

My Weekly Protocol

Saturday: Skip (36 Hours)

  • • Complete fast from solid food
  • • Coffee with milk/cream (under 500 calories)
  • • Electrolytes throughout the day
  • • Drink plenty of water
  • • Deep autophagy activation

Sunday Onwards: Fuel

  • • Break fast at 8 AM Sunday with keto/carnivore meal
  • • Continue eating low carb, keto, or carnivore
  • • Keto meals: low carb, high fat
  • • Carnivore meals: animal-based
  • • Home-cooked, nutrient-dense
  • • Cycle between approaches

Why This Combination Works

  • Maximum Autophagy: 36-hour fast triggers deep cellular cleanup
  • Maintained Ketosis: Long fasting window keeps you in fat-burning mode
  • Metabolic Flexibility: Cycling between keto and carnivore adapts your body to use multiple fuel sources
  • Reduced Inflammation: Both fasting and carnivore eliminate inflammatory triggers
  • Sustainable Routine: Weekend-focused schedule fits real life
  • Appetite Regulation: Extended fasting resets hunger hormones

Implementation Strategies

  1. Start with Keto First: Adapt to low-carb eating for 1-2 weeks before attempting 36-hour fasts
  2. Begin with 24-Hour Fasts: Build up to 36 hours gradually if needed
  3. Electrolytes Are Non-Negotiable: Sodium, potassium, magnesium supplementation is crucial
  4. Track Your First Week: Monitor how you feel and adjust your approach
  5. Prepare Sunday Meals: Batch cook in advance to avoid temptations
  6. Listen to Your Body: Adjust timing and food choices based on energy levels

Potential Challenges (and Solutions)

Headaches & Fatigue

Solution: Electrolytes. This is almost always electrolyte deficiency. Supplement properly and symptoms vanish.

Social Eating Conflicts

Solution: Saturday is your fasting day—plan social events for Sunday or Monday. Most people respect dietary choices when explained.

Initial Hunger Pangs

Solution: These peak at 16-18 hours then drop dramatically. Push through—coffee with milk/cream helps manage this transition.

Food monotony

Solution: Cycle between keto and carnivore. Variety in your eating window keeps things interesting and sustainable.

Proven Results: 20kg in 8 Months

This isn't theory. I started at 96kg and lost 20kg using this exact protocol. After 3 weeks, cravings disappeared. Energy improved. Mental clarity became the norm. The combination of 36-hour fasting with keto/carnivore cycling creates powerful metabolic effects that transform your relationship with food.

Safety Considerations

Who Should Avoid These Approaches

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • People with eating disorders
  • Individuals with certain medical conditions
  • Those taking specific medications
  • Children and adolescents (without medical supervision)

Important Notes

  • Consult Healthcare Provider: Especially if you have medical conditions
  • Monitor Blood Work: Regular check-ups recommended
  • Gradual Transition: Don't make drastic changes overnight
  • Stay Hydrated: Essential for both approaches
  • Listen to Your Body: Stop if experiencing adverse effects

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Intermittent Fasting Myths

  • “You'll lose muscle mass” - Proper protein intake prevents this
  • “It slows down metabolism” - May actually increase metabolic rate
  • “You must eat breakfast” - Meal timing is more important than specific meals

Keto Myths

  • “You can't eat vegetables” - Many low-carb vegetables are keto-friendly
  • “It's all about bacon and butter” - Focus should be on nutrient-dense foods
  • “You'll have no energy” - Many people report increased energy after adaptation

Getting Started with Skip & Fuel

Here's exactly how I transitioned into 36-hour fasting + keto/carnivore protocol. This approach worked for me, and it can work for you too.

Week 1-2

Foundation Phase

  • Adapt to low-carb eating: Cut carbs to under 50g daily, focus on whole foods
  • Stock keto-friendly foods: Meat, eggs, cheese, low-carb vegetables, healthy fats
  • Get electrolytes ready: Sodium, potassium, magnesium supplements
  • Practice 16:8 fasting: Try skipping breakfast, eat between 12-8 PM
  • Track how you feel: Energy levels, hunger, sleep quality
Week 3-4

First 36-Hour Fast

  • Choose your Saturday: Pick a weekend with no major social commitments
  • Fri 8 PM: Last meal: Eat a satisfying dinner, stop there
  • Saturday: Complete fast: Water, electrolytes, coffee with milk/cream (under 500 calories)
  • Sun 8 AM: Break the fast: Start with a keto/carnivore meal
  • Sunday onwards: Eat low carb, keto, or carnivore: Home-cooked preferred
  • Monitor your response: Track energy, cravings, how you feel

Expectations: Week 1 is hardest. Headaches (electrolytes!), hunger pangs (they peak at 16-18 hours then drop), fatigue. Push through—it gets dramatically easier after week 3.

Month 2

Routine Phase

  • Weekly protocol: Make Saturday fasts non-negotiable
  • Track your progress: Weigh yourself weekly (Friday morning before fast)
  • Cycle keto/carnivore: Alternate between approaches during fuel window
  • Batch cook on Sunday: Prep meals for the week ahead
  • Join the app waitlist: Get tools to track and optimize your protocol

Results: By end of month 2, cravings should disappear. Energy stabilizes. You'll notice weight loss and improved mental clarity.

Month 3-8+

Optimization Phase

  • Listen to your body: Adjust fasting window or fuel timing as needed
  • Experiment with timing: Some prefer different days or durations
  • Refine food choices: Learn which keto/carnivore foods work best for you
  • Add variety: Try new recipes, cooking methods, food combinations
  • Track long-term: Monitor weight, measurements, energy, overall health

My Results: Lost 20kg over 8 months following this exact protocol. Sustained weight loss, improved energy, transformed relationship with food.

Key Success Factors

  • Consistency over perfection: Miss a Saturday? Get back on track the next week.
  • Electrolytes are mandatory: They solve most fasting discomfort.
  • Coffee with milk/cream is allowed: Under 500 calories keeps you sane and ketosis intact.
  • Home-cooked meals matter: Restaurant food = hidden carbs and inflammation.
  • Give it 3 weeks: That's when cravings disappear and routine sets in.

Resources and Further Reading

Books

  • “The Complete Guide to Fasting” by Dr. Jason Fung
  • “The Keto Reset Diet” by Mark Sisson
  • “The Obesity Code” by Dr. Jason Fung
  • “The Carnivore Diet” by Dr. Shawn Baker
  • “The Carnivore Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Optimal Health by Returning to Our Ancestral Diet” by Dr. Paul Saladino
  • “Carnivore Cure: The Ultimate Elimination Diet to Attain Optimal Health” by Judy Cho
  • “The Carnivore Cookbook” by Maria and Craig Emmerich

Key Research Areas

  • Metabolic flexibility and insulin sensitivity
  • Autophagy and cellular repair mechanisms
  • Ketone bodies and brain health
  • Long-term sustainability and adherence

Conclusion

The Skip & Fuel protocol combines 36-hour fasting with low-carb eating for a sustainable approach to weight loss and metabolic health. Fast from Friday 8PM to Sunday 8AM, then break your fast with a keto or carnivore meal and continue eating low carb, keto, or carnivore for the rest of the week.

This isn't theory—it's the exact protocol that helped me lose 20kg in 8 months. With proper electrolyte supplementation, coffee with milk/cream during the fast, and home-cooked nutrient-dense meals, the cravings disappear after week 3. The result is improved energy, mental clarity, and a transformed relationship with food that you can maintain long-term.

As with any dietary change, consult with healthcare professionals especially if you have underlying health conditions. Start with the foundation phase, listen to your body, and give yourself 3 weeks to adapt.

Ready to start your transformation?

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