Fasting isn’t just about skipping meals. It is a test of patience, discipline, and self-control.
While many Muslims observe it as part of their faith, some non-Muslims have also given it a shot, whether out of curiosity, for health benefits, or simply to challenge themselves.
That is exactly what Dr. Kevin Kong, a health expert, did.
He recently went viral on TikTok for documenting his first time experience fasting for a week.
What started as a tough adjustment soon became an eye-opening journey that changed his perspective on food, energy, and even motivation.
From survival mode to adaptation
For Dr. Kevin, the first few days were the hardest. Waking up early for sahur (pre dawn meal) at 6am, then going the entire day without food and water, felt like pushing his body to its limits.
Hunger and thirst were constant battles, and it took a toll on his energy levels.
But as the week progressed, something changed. His body started adjusting, and the exhaustion became more manageable.
I feel less tired waking up early, and I can sense changes in my body. Today is my rest day, so I have time to relax and reflect on my fasting journey,” he shared in his TikTok video.
By the seventh day, fasting no longer felt like survival mode. It became a routine. The initial struggle gave way to newfound discipline and self-awareness.
Speaking to WeirdKaya, Dr. Kevin revealed that his motivation for fasting stemmed from both curiosity and respect.
Having seen many of his Muslim friends and colleagues fast every year, he wanted to experience it himself, not just to support them but to understand the physical, mental, and even spiritual aspects beyond the surface.
He admitted there were moments when he thought about giving up, especially during the first few days when he had to juggle fasting with a full workday.
I had moments where I was like, ‘What am I doing?’ But then I reminded myself why I started. It was not about proving anything. It was about discipline, growth, and understanding.
“And honestly, seeing those positive comments from the video really motivated me to keep going.”
‘More of a mind game than a physical one’
Most people assume fasting is just about physical endurance, but Dr. Kevin discovered it is actually more of a mental challenge.
At first, he was constantly waiting for the moment he could eat again. But as time passed, he learned to shift his focus.
“It has been a week of fasting. My energy levels have changed, my mind feels clearer, and I have learned that discipline outweighs motivation,” he wrote in his post.
One surprising discovery Exercising after breaking fast was way easier than expected. Instead of feeling sluggish, he found himself more in control of his body and energy levels.
His biggest learning curve, however, was adjusting his focus levels at work. “At first, yeah, it was a bit of a shock to the system. I felt slower, a little foggy. But after a few days, something switched. I actually started to feel sharper, less distracted, more present. It is like your body adjusts and your mind starts to take over.”
More than just skipping meals
Besides managing hunger, sleep was another big challenge.
“Sleep definitely took a bit of a hit at first. Waking up for sahur at 5am is not what I am used to, I am more of a night owl. But weirdly, I adjusted quicker than I thought.
“I just had to be smarter with rest, for example, napping when I could, cutting out late night scrolling, and being more intentional about winding down. It made me realise how much I usually take sleep for granted,” he explained.
For those considering trying fasting for the first time, his advice is simple, just go for it.
You do not have to be perfect, just be open. Start with one day. It is not just a food challenge, it is a mindset shift. You learn a lot about patience, tolerance, discipline, and honestly, yourself.
“And if you are doing it out of respect or curiosity, that alone means something. It is a small act that can create huge understanding. And who knows, you might come out of it stronger, more focused, and a little more grounded.”
Watch the clip here:
