It is very difficult to control your desires, especially when you are addicted to it.
Avoiding something that can harm you is a good decision but it is too difficult also.
Del Hall turned the annual pre-Easter tradition on its head by pledging only to indulge in his favorite boozy treat – and shun all other food and drink.
The sales director – who works for a beer company – was inspired by the fasting rituals of 17th-century Bavarian monks.
And he hopes the beer-only diet will help him kick his addiction to fast food.
Del, of Cincinnati in Ohio, explained: “Fasting is a big part of being human and we don’t really do that anymore.
“I hope when this is done… when I’m hungry and there’s bad food available, I opt to not eat anything at all.”
Sheds More Than A Stone
The brewery boss is a week into his Lenten Fast which began on Ash Wednesday last week – and he’s already managed to shed 15.2lbs.
He told the Cincinnati Enquirer: “I feel amazing. I feel like this mental fog has been lifted.
“Day two and three were pretty rough.
“I wanted to bash some Taco Bell after a few beers because that’s what we do.”
Hall’s punishing schedule includes fasting completely until 1 pm when he necks his first beer of the day.
He’ll then treat himself to a few more pints after work – and only allows himself black coffee, unsweetened tea or water after.
Trying A Variety
Former army veteran Del is also using the opportunity to keep his taste-buds ticking over by trying a wide variety of ales.
One lunchtime this week involved a boozy 8.1 percent abv chocolate maple and toasted almond stout.
He said: “I’m a typical human, I want variety. I don’t eat the same thing every day. I don’t want to drink the same thing either.”
And the new routine is making him feel the effects of what he drinks far quicker.
Del added: “I haven’t been able to feel one beer since high school, but I can definitely feel it now.”
He even reckons his sense of smell has improved dramatically
Del is set on completing the 46-day fast on Easter Sunday – April 21 – but admits he may not be able to sustain himself on beer alone for the full duration.
Hall told Local12: “I’m an army veteran, I was number one in my class in the army, I’ve run a full marathon before, 26.2 miles, I’ve done big challenges but this seems very daunting.
“So I’m just curious if I’m up to the challenge, if I’m going to be able to do it or not.”