The Truth About Water Fasting: Darren Jones’ Experience

Honest Reflections on Hydration, Strength, and Discipline with OH Water

Water fasting is often surrounded by lofty promises and dramatic transformations. But what does it really feel like? Darren Jones, founder of OH Water, set out to complete a 72-hour water fast, prioritising truth over hype. His experience was raw, revealing, and deeply personal.

Firstly, before we get into the daily, Darren would just like to point out how he had mentally and physically prepared for a water fast:

Firstly, by hydrating purposefully and properly in the run up to any fast, ensure you are already hydrated – starting a water fast when dehydrated means you are playing catch-up from the start.

Secondly, whilst not a full fast, intermittent fasting in the run-up to any prolonged period of fasting is always recommended – Darren uses intermittent fasting; regularly doing a 16:8 fast – this is what he would propose as best practise before anything else. Not only does this prepare the body, it also prepares your brain for what is to come.

Lastly, mentally preparing is as much about timing as it is lifestyle – ensure you have cleared a window where you know you are going to be fasting with plenty of distractions that don’t include meeting friends or co-workers for business where eating and drinking is the norm – fasting should be “business as usual” just without the eating.

Day 1: Adjusting to Absence

The first hours feel normal - hydrating regularly with OH Water, regularly sipping whilst keeping busy with work. But as the day progressed beyond the typical intermittent fast period; hunger pangs emerged, more habitual than urgent. “Food isn't just about nourishment—it’s a routine, a comfort. Taking that away makes you aware of how much you rely on it.” Darren remained focused, drinking water steadily and keeping his mind engaged- luckily, OH Water was busy with preparing orders and deliveries.

Day 2: The Mental Challenge

Another day – it’s just another day, that’s all that was at the forefront of Darren’s mind. Despite Katy needing to do the weekly food shop. As he walked around the supermarket, he was not feeling hunger, not in the usual sense. Although smells seemed more heightened and tempting, having hydrated properly by consuming enough water throughout the day he could ignore the hunger pangs whilst playfully joking about the delicious smells.

The day seemed to pass slowly, but not in a bad way, not clock watching, just noticing just how much more could be done when not preparing and eating food. By taking the time to walk the dog and get out of the house for a bit, Darren was using the time differently. Instead of his normal routine planning and thinking about meals -Darren was thinking about other projects, planning actions and next steps for OH Water – including more phone calls!

Day 3: A Shift in Perspective

This was the turning point. Hunger faded into the background, replaced by a heightened awareness. Mental fog lifted, and focus felt sharper. Darren reflected on the experience: “Fasting isn’t just physical. It forces you to confront the way food controls mood, energy, even identity. Without it, you redefine your relationship with yourself.”

Towards the end of the official fast, Darren felt he could have easily gone to bed without a meal and extended the fast by another 12 hours, but he was recommended, rightly, to gently break his fast, so enjoyed a yoghurt and some fruit. The flavours and textures were unbelievable; it was like he was tasting these foods for the first time. It brought home the truth that you can have nice things, but if you have them too often, they just become routine – this wasn’t just a route to lose some weight, it was an awakening of the senses that had been dulled, all of them, not just taste and smell.

What Fasting Really Teaches Us

Completing a three-day fast provided undeniable insights—but also a strong reality check. Water fasting isn’t a magic fix; it is a tool for discipline and awareness. Nutritionally, balance is crucial, and hydration must be maintained. Psychologically, it unveils habits we often ignore. Spiritually, it clears space for deeper reflection.

If you’re considering a water fast, approach it with honesty, preparation, and hydration. Darren relied on the purity of OH Water to sustain his journey—keeping his body nourished while challenging his mind.

Want to support your own fasting experience with the best hydration? Explore OH Water today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before undertaking any fasting regimen.