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I wonder how the author manages to get so much discipline and focus in the early morning without even having eaten. I notice that right after I eat I am way mor

I wonder how the author manages to get so much discipline and focus in the early morning without even having eaten. I notice that right after I eat I am way more focused and energetic, I think more clearly. Is this something genetic, or is it learned?

lawlorino 5y ago
I don't know how much of this is nature vs nurture but I think this is particular to the individual. I personally focus pretty well without needing breakfast but my partner is the opposite.
sokoloff 5y ago
I’m the opposite; while fasting (overnight/naturally, nothing outlandish), I have focus and any carb-heavy, time-heavy, or mass-heavy eating will destroy that. When left alone (typically if the family is traveling on a school break where I can’t), I will sometimes forget to eat entirely for a day if engrossed in a hobby, especially one that involves programming. I start with the default premise that such differences aren’t genetic, but rather environmental. In my case, I’m overweight as one contributing difference. I’ve noticed that people I’ve dated who were thinner have a much harder time going long periods (such as might happen when we were traveling together). I don’t recommend becoming overweight, of course, but it likely has a thin silver lining here, especially when combined with a ketogenic (even temporarily) diet.
QuibbleQuota 5y ago
It’s trained. Once the body is adapted to burning fat instead of carbs while fasted many people find focusing to be much easier since they’re running on a much more consistent fuel rather than a roller coaster of blood sugar spikes. Think of a slow burning furnace rather than a warehouse full of tinder. Atm you feel better after eating because your body is dependant on that hit. Research time-restricted eating, or as it’s called by most people, intermittent fasting.
- heurisko 5y ago
  Do you have any large studies demonstrating the effects of intermittent fasting on focus, versus eating three times a day?
agumonkey 5y ago
Restrictions often force your brain into proactive discipline.
galoisgirl 5y ago
In my case it's learned. I used to really look forward to breakfast, the thought distracted me. Then I got a medication I need to take first thing in the morning, and 30-60 minutes before my first meal. Since I kinda like being alive, I learned. I think it boils down to motivation: if you do this for yourself to find out if it's better for you, or if you already know it's better for you, it will work. If you do this just because some guy on the internet said it works for them, don't bother.
Levitz 5y ago
It's rare for me to be hungry at all until I've been awake for some 2-3 hours. I imagine it might be something similar.

lawlorino 5y ago

I don't know how much of this is nature vs nurture but I think this is particular to the individual. I personally focus pretty well without needing breakfast but my partner is the opposite.

sokoloff 5y ago

I’m the opposite; while fasting (overnight/naturally, nothing outlandish), I have focus and any carb-heavy, time-heavy, or mass-heavy eating will destroy that. When left alone (typically if the family is traveling on a school break where I can’t), I will sometimes forget to eat entirely for a day if engrossed in a hobby, especially one that involves programming. I start with the default premise that such differences aren’t genetic, but rather environmental. In my case, I’m overweight as one contributing difference. I’ve noticed that people I’ve dated who were thinner have a much harder time going long periods (such as might happen when we were traveling together). I don’t recommend becoming overweight, of course, but it likely has a thin silver lining here, especially when combined with a ketogenic (even temporarily) diet.

QuibbleQuota 5y ago

It’s trained. Once the body is adapted to burning fat instead of carbs while fasted many people find focusing to be much easier since they’re running on a much more consistent fuel rather than a roller coaster of blood sugar spikes. Think of a slow burning furnace rather than a warehouse full of tinder. Atm you feel better after eating because your body is dependant on that hit. Research time-restricted eating, or as it’s called by most people, intermittent fasting.

heurisko 5y ago
Do you have any large studies demonstrating the effects of intermittent fasting on focus, versus eating three times a day?

agumonkey 5y ago

Restrictions often force your brain into proactive discipline.

galoisgirl 5y ago

In my case it's learned. I used to really look forward to breakfast, the thought distracted me. Then I got a medication I need to take first thing in the morning, and 30-60 minutes before my first meal. Since I kinda like being alive, I learned. I think it boils down to motivation: if you do this for yourself to find out if it's better for you, or if you already know it's better for you, it will work. If you do this just because some guy on the internet said it works for them, don't bother.

Levitz 5y ago

It's rare for me to be hungry at all until I've been awake for some 2-3 hours. I imagine it might be something similar.