1 00:00:06,090 --> 00:00:12,346 (INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING) 2 00:00:19,228 --> 00:00:23,775 -DIRECTOR: Three, two, one. Action! -(SCREAMS) 3 00:00:23,983 --> 00:00:25,109 CHRIS: Since I was playing Thor... 4 00:00:25,276 --> 00:00:26,277 (GRUNTS) 5 00:00:26,527 --> 00:00:28,821 CHRIS: ...I've definitely ate a lot more food than I used to. 6 00:00:29,113 --> 00:00:30,156 (GRUNTS) 7 00:00:30,281 --> 00:00:31,532 Each meal is about 1000 calories. 8 00:00:31,741 --> 00:00:33,117 Ice cream. 9 00:00:34,452 --> 00:00:35,620 Big juicy steaks. 10 00:00:35,787 --> 00:00:37,163 Goes straight in there. 11 00:00:37,330 --> 00:00:40,958 Burgers, pad Thai, pasta, ribs. 12 00:00:41,334 --> 00:00:47,090 Sausage rolls, pizza, cake, donuts, hot dogs. 13 00:00:47,715 --> 00:00:50,384 When it comes to food, I'm like a starving hound. 14 00:00:53,262 --> 00:00:54,555 Only less picky. 15 00:00:56,099 --> 00:00:58,935 I mean, I do know that what I put into my body is important, 16 00:00:59,060 --> 00:01:02,146 but what I didn't know is that the best thing I can eat 17 00:01:02,313 --> 00:01:06,150 if I wanna live a long and healthy life is nothing. 18 00:01:06,984 --> 00:01:08,152 Absolutely nothing. 19 00:01:08,444 --> 00:01:12,907 (MID-TEMPO MUSIC PLAYING) 20 00:01:14,325 --> 00:01:16,536 CHRIS: Well, at least that's what this guy says. 21 00:01:17,662 --> 00:01:20,414 Longevity expert, Dr. Peter Attia. 22 00:01:22,458 --> 00:01:23,459 CHRIS: Thank you very much. 23 00:01:23,543 --> 00:01:25,503 -We'll make this our last supper. -CHRIS: Our last supper. 24 00:01:28,548 --> 00:01:32,051 CHRIS: For the next step in my quest to live longer and better, 25 00:01:32,468 --> 00:01:36,597 he wants me to go on a fast. It's basically water 26 00:01:36,681 --> 00:01:41,060 and zero calories for four days. 27 00:01:42,812 --> 00:01:45,231 Thank you... very much. 28 00:01:45,606 --> 00:01:46,858 PETER: Thank you. 29 00:01:47,650 --> 00:01:50,069 -(INDISTINCT CHATTER) -Right. (CLEARS THROAT) 30 00:01:52,905 --> 00:01:56,492 Yeah, good thing I got to kick it off with a hearty last supper. 31 00:01:56,742 --> 00:01:58,828 Six shreds of lettuce and a carrot. 32 00:02:00,663 --> 00:02:02,290 -Hmm. -Look, I'm gonna do it with you. 33 00:02:02,456 --> 00:02:03,541 -You are? -And... Yeah. 34 00:02:03,666 --> 00:02:05,835 It makes it a lot easier to go through this with somebody else. 35 00:02:05,960 --> 00:02:07,086 -So... -Okay, good. 36 00:02:07,170 --> 00:02:08,504 -Good, we'll suffer together. -Yeah. 37 00:02:08,671 --> 00:02:10,548 -(BOTH CHUCKLE) -We will. 38 00:02:11,048 --> 00:02:13,217 I've definitely gone a day without food before. 39 00:02:14,927 --> 00:02:18,472 I think I get pretty cranky when... (CHUCKLES) ...I've missed a meal. 40 00:02:20,474 --> 00:02:23,728 Certainly, detrimental to my happiness. (CHUCKLES) 41 00:02:24,020 --> 00:02:27,356 So, it's a pretty long time, why four days? Why not... 42 00:02:27,773 --> 00:02:29,483 -Why not longer? -(BOTH LAUGH) 43 00:02:29,609 --> 00:02:32,486 I mean, what is the benefit with four days? Why that number? 44 00:02:32,653 --> 00:02:37,533 Three to four days is probably that window at which we do enough 45 00:02:37,617 --> 00:02:41,787 to change how your body is interacting 46 00:02:41,871 --> 00:02:45,791 with the absence of nutrients to basically do kind of a reboot 47 00:02:45,917 --> 00:02:47,418 -on your system. -Oh, really? 48 00:02:47,835 --> 00:02:49,503 You think I'm gonna be able to hold it together? 49 00:02:49,587 --> 00:02:52,381 You reckon, in your experience, you see a lot of people, 50 00:02:52,590 --> 00:02:54,383 the first time they do it, succeed? 51 00:02:54,675 --> 00:02:56,886 In the next four days, there is no doubt in my mind, 52 00:02:57,011 --> 00:03:01,557 there will be a period of time in which you feel sluggish or... 53 00:03:01,724 --> 00:03:03,100 -Tears? -Yeah. (CHUCKLES) 54 00:03:03,309 --> 00:03:05,853 -Emotional. -Kinda grumpy, grouchy, whatever. 55 00:03:06,896 --> 00:03:08,731 But, you know, if you really stop to think about it, 56 00:03:08,856 --> 00:03:11,108 this idea that we kind of live today 57 00:03:11,192 --> 00:03:14,320 where we're sort of surrounded by unlimited access to food 58 00:03:14,403 --> 00:03:17,782 and we can eat three meals and snack in between them, 59 00:03:17,949 --> 00:03:21,619 that's a relatively recent addition to our species. 60 00:03:21,744 --> 00:03:24,705 -Right. -And our ancestors would've gone days 61 00:03:24,789 --> 00:03:26,290 without food all the time, 62 00:03:26,374 --> 00:03:29,543 and not only did they have to do that, they had the ability to, 63 00:03:29,752 --> 00:03:32,296 in a period of starvation, actually go out and hunt. 64 00:03:32,505 --> 00:03:34,924 -(INDISTINCT CHATTER) -(PETER CHUCKLING) 65 00:03:35,675 --> 00:03:40,388 Right. I'm done. I have nothing left, except for one tiny little carrot. 66 00:03:42,431 --> 00:03:44,433 You gonna finish that last piece left of lettuce? 67 00:03:44,558 --> 00:03:46,477 Though, what about dessert? We get dessert or not? 68 00:03:46,811 --> 00:03:48,145 -No. -(BOTH CHUCKLE) 69 00:03:49,146 --> 00:03:53,234 CHRIS: Starting to think, this could be the most difficult four days of my life. 70 00:03:53,484 --> 00:03:57,446 (DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING) 71 00:03:57,613 --> 00:04:00,491 In truth, I think Chris will find this hard. 72 00:04:01,325 --> 00:04:05,162 But I've been practicing periodic fasting for many years, and in doing so, 73 00:04:05,246 --> 00:04:07,748 I've realized that the key is staying busy. 74 00:04:08,708 --> 00:04:10,793 So I've thought of an entirely appropriate challenge 75 00:04:10,918 --> 00:04:15,881 to help distract Chris from his hunger. I want him to do what his ancestors did. 76 00:04:16,424 --> 00:04:18,009 I want him to hunt for his next meal. 77 00:04:19,302 --> 00:04:23,264 But not on land. Instead, in the ocean. 78 00:04:23,556 --> 00:04:26,726 (UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYING) 79 00:04:29,812 --> 00:04:32,898 So, the plan is, that after four days without food... 80 00:04:35,443 --> 00:04:37,403 we're gonna head for the Great Barrier Reef. 81 00:04:43,117 --> 00:04:45,036 I'm gonna be armed with a lungful of air... 82 00:04:51,917 --> 00:04:53,044 and a speargun... 83 00:04:54,128 --> 00:04:56,881 I'm gonna try and dive 30 feet to the ocean floor... 84 00:04:58,466 --> 00:04:59,467 in search of a fish. 85 00:05:01,761 --> 00:05:02,970 So, there's no pressure at all. 86 00:05:10,603 --> 00:05:11,687 Thanks a lot, Pete. 87 00:05:12,104 --> 00:05:16,067 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING) 88 00:05:21,697 --> 00:05:22,948 CHRIS: This is day one of the fast. 89 00:05:24,367 --> 00:05:27,787 I had a good sleep, I had probably seven... seven hours. 90 00:05:28,204 --> 00:05:29,288 I did dream about fasting, 91 00:05:29,372 --> 00:05:31,540 which was weird 'cause I wasn't in a fasted state. 92 00:05:31,999 --> 00:05:34,293 Fed the kids bacon and eggs this morning, that was a little tempting, 93 00:05:34,460 --> 00:05:39,131 but it's early days and I don't feel a huge threat 94 00:05:39,298 --> 00:05:42,093 at this point of breaking my four-day fast. 95 00:05:42,635 --> 00:05:44,637 I'm gonna get rid of the dog though, just in case he does... 96 00:05:44,720 --> 00:05:46,639 -(ALL CHUCKLING) -...eat it. 97 00:05:46,722 --> 00:05:48,974 The dog will start to look like a roast chicken or something, right? 98 00:05:49,058 --> 00:05:50,184 (LUKE CHUCKLING) 99 00:05:50,309 --> 00:05:53,771 Yeah, yeah. No, we wouldn't eat her, unless we really had to. 100 00:05:54,480 --> 00:05:58,025 At first, Chris will feel fine. He'll be working off the energy 101 00:05:58,109 --> 00:06:03,697 from his last meal. But once that's gone, he's gonna start to feel a lot worse. 102 00:06:04,240 --> 00:06:06,033 But I'm gonna want him to stick with this, 103 00:06:06,534 --> 00:06:10,162 because, of all the things that we can do to impact Chris's longevity, 104 00:06:10,579 --> 00:06:13,707 periodic fasting may be one of the more effective. 105 00:06:14,250 --> 00:06:18,629 (DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING) 106 00:06:18,712 --> 00:06:20,840 CHRIS: My food contains glucose. 107 00:06:22,967 --> 00:06:26,137 The fuel that feeds the trillions of healthy cells in my body. 108 00:06:29,140 --> 00:06:31,725 But that glucose also feeds something else... 109 00:06:33,519 --> 00:06:34,687 zombie cells. 110 00:06:35,354 --> 00:06:39,483 Old, damaged cells that have lingered beyond their useful life. 111 00:06:40,067 --> 00:06:46,365 By spewing toxic sludge, these zombies infect other healthy cells, 112 00:06:46,949 --> 00:06:49,034 speeding up the aging process. 113 00:06:51,454 --> 00:06:53,914 Everything from hair loss and wrinkles 114 00:06:54,165 --> 00:06:57,751 to the onset of arthritis, cancer, and dementia. 115 00:06:59,837 --> 00:07:03,924 But what scientists have realized is that when we fast and cut off 116 00:07:04,008 --> 00:07:05,342 the supply of glucose, 117 00:07:05,885 --> 00:07:10,681 that zombie army is starved of energy which saps them of their power. 118 00:07:13,225 --> 00:07:15,186 -(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING) -CHRIS: It's long-term gain 119 00:07:15,269 --> 00:07:16,520 for short-term pain. 120 00:07:17,646 --> 00:07:20,983 For a food lover like me, lots of pain. 121 00:07:26,739 --> 00:07:27,740 Yeah, I'm hungry. 122 00:07:29,074 --> 00:07:31,035 -We are not gonna make it. -(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) 123 00:07:31,660 --> 00:07:34,371 CHRIS: And by "we," I mean me and my best mates. 124 00:07:36,207 --> 00:07:40,294 If anybody can help me get through this, they can, so I'm very, very pleased 125 00:07:40,377 --> 00:07:42,880 and thankful that they've agreed to fast with me. 126 00:07:43,172 --> 00:07:45,299 We're buddies from high school... 127 00:07:45,549 --> 00:07:47,551 -Yeah. -...primary school to Chris. 128 00:07:47,760 --> 00:07:49,345 -I'm Aaron. This is Luke. -Yep. 129 00:07:49,512 --> 00:07:50,930 And now we work for Chris. 130 00:07:51,013 --> 00:07:53,974 -So we're paid friends, really. -Yes. With benefits. 131 00:07:54,058 --> 00:07:55,893 -With benefits, and, yeah... -We're a little family. 132 00:07:56,060 --> 00:07:57,436 We're a little family. 133 00:07:57,645 --> 00:07:59,313 CHRIS: Having a bit of moral support could be good. 134 00:08:00,189 --> 00:08:02,149 Are you doing it all the way? Aaron, you're doing four days. 135 00:08:02,233 --> 00:08:03,275 -Yeah. -Yeah. 136 00:08:03,400 --> 00:08:04,985 -(MOUTHS) No. -No, you're gonna try. 137 00:08:05,152 --> 00:08:06,278 Yeah, I'll try. 138 00:08:09,114 --> 00:08:11,075 -He loves his food. -The angriest he's ever got at me 139 00:08:11,158 --> 00:08:12,868 -was because I bought him too small... -(LAUGHS) 140 00:08:12,952 --> 00:08:14,537 ...a steak once, in London. 141 00:08:15,037 --> 00:08:18,249 He almost punched me out 'cause it was like that, and he was like, 142 00:08:18,332 --> 00:08:20,459 "Look at the size of me. Why would you buy me that steak?" 143 00:08:20,584 --> 00:08:22,169 I mean, he's not gonna do four days. 144 00:08:22,419 --> 00:08:25,214 (UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYING) 145 00:08:25,381 --> 00:08:26,924 CHRIS: (YAWNING) I'm cracking. 146 00:08:27,967 --> 00:08:29,885 We're days away from eating, not, like, hours. 147 00:08:30,052 --> 00:08:33,597 It's not like we can go home and smash a big bowl of spaghetti. 148 00:08:35,558 --> 00:08:41,897 Forget pasta, our next meal, with a bit of luck, is a big, juicy fish. 149 00:08:44,608 --> 00:08:46,902 -(BIRDS CHIRPING) -(WIND BLOWING) 150 00:08:47,027 --> 00:08:49,321 CHRIS: But if I'm gonna be the designated fish catcher... 151 00:08:50,322 --> 00:08:52,241 I'll need some serious dive training. 152 00:08:53,951 --> 00:08:57,496 So, Peter has hooked me up with someone with a remarkable set of skills. 153 00:08:57,788 --> 00:08:59,415 (TANYA BREATHING SHARPLY) 154 00:08:59,498 --> 00:09:03,586 I'll give you a brief demo. I'm gonna start with a really big exhale. 155 00:09:04,336 --> 00:09:06,922 -(EXHALES DEEPLY) -CHRIS: Wow. 156 00:09:08,215 --> 00:09:14,680 (INHALES DEEPLY) 157 00:09:19,727 --> 00:09:21,020 -Huge expansion there. -TANYA: Okay. 158 00:09:21,103 --> 00:09:22,396 That was incredible. 159 00:09:23,063 --> 00:09:25,107 (UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING) 160 00:09:25,274 --> 00:09:28,777 CHRIS: Tanya Streeter is a breath-holding phenomenon. 161 00:09:28,861 --> 00:09:30,154 (WHALE BELLOWING) 162 00:09:31,238 --> 00:09:33,616 CHRIS: She's a ten-time free diving world champion... 163 00:09:36,493 --> 00:09:39,413 and can hold her breath for an amazing six minutes. 164 00:09:43,083 --> 00:09:47,379 What we do as average human beings, is we breathe in the top part 165 00:09:47,671 --> 00:09:51,008 of our chest, but you're not getting a lot of oxygen into your blood like that. 166 00:09:51,175 --> 00:09:53,927 There's a greater capacity in the lower part of your lungs, 167 00:09:54,219 --> 00:09:58,223 and you can't access that unless you relax your abs. 168 00:09:58,724 --> 00:10:03,354 You basically learn to stick your stomach out as you breathe in. 169 00:10:03,520 --> 00:10:08,233 (BOTH INHALE DEEPLY) 170 00:10:10,778 --> 00:10:15,115 (BOTH EXHALE DEEPLY) 171 00:10:18,285 --> 00:10:21,246 -TANYA: All right, how're you feeling? -Ready to set some records. 172 00:10:21,497 --> 00:10:22,665 TANYA: Let's do it. 173 00:10:23,082 --> 00:10:29,588 (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) 174 00:10:31,298 --> 00:10:33,258 CHRIS: So, is that the goal, the orange thing there? 175 00:10:33,384 --> 00:10:35,135 TANYA: Sure, there and back, man. (CHUCKLING) 176 00:10:35,219 --> 00:10:36,637 CHRIS: And what's that, about 50 meters? 177 00:10:36,762 --> 00:10:39,056 -TANYA: No, that's about 100 meters. -Oh, is it? 178 00:10:39,473 --> 00:10:40,891 Be rather claustrophobic under there. 179 00:10:41,600 --> 00:10:44,269 TANYA: Yeah. We've linked up a guideline, 'cause it's pretty dark, 180 00:10:44,353 --> 00:10:46,355 but it gives me an opportunity to see what you're made of, 181 00:10:46,438 --> 00:10:49,608 -mentally as well as physically. -Okay, we'll see. (LAUGHS) 182 00:10:57,491 --> 00:10:59,034 TANYA: All right, whenever you're ready, Chris. 183 00:11:10,629 --> 00:11:15,926 It was really poor visibility and instantly, my lungs are burning. 184 00:11:27,563 --> 00:11:29,231 I hear in my head... 185 00:11:29,857 --> 00:11:31,859 that I should give up and I'm running out of air. 186 00:11:36,613 --> 00:11:39,032 And I'm trying to override that 'cause I know 187 00:11:39,116 --> 00:11:41,827 that there is a lot more oxygen in my lungs than you'd think. 188 00:11:44,329 --> 00:11:47,708 (MUSIC BUILDS DRAMATICALLY) 189 00:11:47,916 --> 00:11:50,002 And surely, I must be there by now. 190 00:11:52,337 --> 00:11:55,632 -(CHRIS GASPS) -(BOTH BREATH HEAVILY) 191 00:11:56,300 --> 00:11:58,385 -CHRIS: Almost halfway. -TANYA: I don't think so. 192 00:11:58,469 --> 00:11:59,928 (BOTH CHUCKLE) 193 00:12:00,012 --> 00:12:02,598 -TANYA: Not even close. Twenty meters. -CHRIS: How many meters was that? 194 00:12:03,474 --> 00:12:04,975 TANYA: I don't think you quite made it 20. 195 00:12:06,101 --> 00:12:08,729 CHRIS: Yeah, I'm a little disappointed. (CHUCKLES) 196 00:12:08,937 --> 00:12:13,275 Turns out, I was under for a whopping 27 seconds. 197 00:12:17,404 --> 00:12:20,324 I'm actually quite surprised how ineffective and useless 198 00:12:20,491 --> 00:12:21,867 my free diving skills are. 199 00:12:22,409 --> 00:12:26,079 I know I can hold my breath on land for a few minutes, but, in the water, 200 00:12:26,205 --> 00:12:28,791 when you're kicking and using up air and energy, 201 00:12:28,874 --> 00:12:31,418 it's... it's just a whole different story. 202 00:12:33,128 --> 00:12:36,089 Diving for my dinner is gonna be harder than I thought. 203 00:12:38,842 --> 00:12:40,052 Speaking of food... 204 00:12:41,887 --> 00:12:48,519 (MELLOW ACOUSTIC MUSIC PLAYING) 205 00:12:49,853 --> 00:12:51,271 CHRIS: ...I don't even like broccoli. 206 00:12:54,650 --> 00:12:59,446 (EXERCISE MACHINE WHIRRING) 207 00:12:59,738 --> 00:13:01,573 (PANTING) 208 00:13:04,201 --> 00:13:06,036 And even though I've got homework to do... 209 00:13:07,162 --> 00:13:12,709 without mealtimes to punctuate the day, time just seems to drag on. 210 00:13:12,960 --> 00:13:15,629 (SEAGULLS SQUAWKING) 211 00:13:18,924 --> 00:13:23,679 It's, uh, almost dinnertime, and this is the worst I've felt. 212 00:13:25,264 --> 00:13:32,229 Feel pretty light-headed... (GROANS) ...super weak and incredibly hungry. 213 00:13:35,732 --> 00:13:42,239 -(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING) -(TIDE CRASHING) 214 00:13:42,823 --> 00:13:45,534 -I feel tired. I didn't sleep very well. -(INDISTINCT CHATTER) 215 00:13:45,617 --> 00:13:47,494 I woke up a lot feeling really hungry 216 00:13:47,661 --> 00:13:48,704 and then, um... 217 00:13:50,205 --> 00:13:53,083 I... You know, feel empty, empty of food. 218 00:13:53,166 --> 00:13:56,962 Almost as if I'm empty of, like, energy. Feel very flat. 219 00:13:57,337 --> 00:14:00,716 Now, cooking this. I feel hungry. 220 00:14:02,718 --> 00:14:03,927 INDIA: Why can't you eat? 221 00:14:04,094 --> 00:14:05,345 'Cause I'm not supposed to eat. 222 00:14:05,888 --> 00:14:07,556 INDIA: For how long, Dad? 223 00:14:07,931 --> 00:14:08,974 Four days, bro. 224 00:14:09,600 --> 00:14:10,642 INDIA: Why? 225 00:14:10,726 --> 00:14:15,772 I'm not even remotely tempted by this delicious, crispy bacon and eggs. 226 00:14:19,568 --> 00:14:23,780 The second day of a water-only fast is an especially difficult day. 227 00:14:24,156 --> 00:14:28,285 And the reason for this is that the body's primary reserves of glucose, 228 00:14:28,493 --> 00:14:30,370 which are kept in the liver and in the muscles, 229 00:14:30,537 --> 00:14:34,124 are starting to get rapidly depleted. And as a result of this, 230 00:14:34,207 --> 00:14:36,376 Chris is feeling really tired and groggy. 231 00:14:37,127 --> 00:14:40,255 But it's important for him to understand that this is okay, 232 00:14:40,631 --> 00:14:42,883 because there are some people who routinely do this 233 00:14:43,008 --> 00:14:46,970 and not only do they not starve, but they actually manage to thrive. 234 00:14:47,387 --> 00:14:50,891 (WIND HOWLING) 235 00:14:51,183 --> 00:14:56,396 (ATMOSPHERIC MUSIC PLAYING) 236 00:15:00,734 --> 00:15:02,694 (IN HADZA) Hey... You missed... 237 00:15:05,864 --> 00:15:06,907 Listen son, 238 00:15:06,990 --> 00:15:09,952 if you can't hit the target, 239 00:15:10,035 --> 00:15:11,161 the village won't eat. 240 00:15:12,245 --> 00:15:13,288 Try again. 241 00:15:16,375 --> 00:15:17,709 I'll try my best Dad... 242 00:15:18,335 --> 00:15:19,920 Yeah, well done. 243 00:15:20,712 --> 00:15:23,340 CHRIS: (IN ENGLISH) Isafiri is a member of the Hadza tribe. 244 00:15:28,637 --> 00:15:29,846 He's a hunter. 245 00:15:30,430 --> 00:15:32,599 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 246 00:15:33,100 --> 00:15:34,851 (IN HADZA) We are hungry, 247 00:15:34,935 --> 00:15:36,812 and we have run out of food. 248 00:15:37,229 --> 00:15:39,106 ISAFIRI: Yeah, okay. 249 00:15:39,272 --> 00:15:41,024 I will hunt tomorrow. 250 00:15:41,316 --> 00:15:45,112 I will catch something big. 251 00:15:45,278 --> 00:15:46,571 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 252 00:15:48,323 --> 00:15:53,120 ISAFIRI: Being hungry is part of life here. 253 00:15:54,037 --> 00:15:55,122 Sometimes we don't eat for days. 254 00:15:56,456 --> 00:15:57,791 But we are not afraid. 255 00:15:58,583 --> 00:16:01,169 because I know we won't starve. 256 00:16:04,965 --> 00:16:06,591 ISAFIRI: Look, we should hunt there... 257 00:16:07,342 --> 00:16:09,636 Come around from the side. 258 00:16:09,845 --> 00:16:14,266 -(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING) -(INSECTS CHIRPING) 259 00:16:14,599 --> 00:16:15,851 ISAFIRI: Being hungry... 260 00:16:18,311 --> 00:16:19,646 makes me a better hunter. 261 00:16:22,399 --> 00:16:24,568 (SPEAKS HADZA) 262 00:16:24,735 --> 00:16:28,113 PETER: (IN ENGLISH) Even after days without food, people like the Hadza 263 00:16:28,196 --> 00:16:30,615 are still able to find the energy to hunt... 264 00:16:31,742 --> 00:16:33,827 (IN HADZA) Look, dik-dik antelop e has taken a poop. 265 00:16:34,327 --> 00:16:35,996 (IN ENGLISH) ...because when a person fasts, 266 00:16:36,747 --> 00:16:38,040 when you stop eating... 267 00:16:38,248 --> 00:16:41,460 ISAFIRI: (IN HADZA) I think he is close by. 268 00:16:42,127 --> 00:16:44,671 (IN ENGLISH) ...it reveals the body's superpower. 269 00:16:44,880 --> 00:16:46,131 (UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING) 270 00:16:46,214 --> 00:16:49,468 CHRIS: When food is plentiful, our body stores excess energy 271 00:16:49,551 --> 00:16:53,555 in the form of fat under the skin and around the internal organs. 272 00:16:55,015 --> 00:16:56,391 When food is scarce... 273 00:16:59,269 --> 00:17:01,021 that fat is sent to the liver... 274 00:17:05,692 --> 00:17:09,404 where it's turned into an alternative fuel source called a ketone. 275 00:17:09,821 --> 00:17:13,742 And it's these ketones which provide the emergency power source. 276 00:17:13,909 --> 00:17:18,038 Not only for our bodies, but also our brains. 277 00:17:20,707 --> 00:17:24,419 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING) 278 00:17:24,628 --> 00:17:26,296 Along with an energy boost, 279 00:17:26,463 --> 00:17:29,591 it seems ketones also sharpen mental focus. 280 00:17:32,135 --> 00:17:35,597 Heightening the ability to see, hear... 281 00:17:37,182 --> 00:17:39,226 and sense things in the environment... 282 00:17:42,312 --> 00:17:44,439 that we normally wouldn't be able to perceive. 283 00:17:46,942 --> 00:17:49,194 And ketone production ramps up... 284 00:17:51,863 --> 00:17:54,741 just when a hunter needs it most. 285 00:17:56,409 --> 00:17:57,828 (IN HADZA) The dik-dik is in there... 286 00:18:01,498 --> 00:18:03,166 ISAFIRI: When you're getting closer, 287 00:18:05,252 --> 00:18:08,713 your mind becomes alert to the wild. 288 00:18:10,465 --> 00:18:12,592 The animal is your only goal. 289 00:18:19,558 --> 00:18:22,310 (MUSIC SWELLS, FADES) 290 00:18:27,232 --> 00:18:28,441 (SHOUTS IN HADZA) 291 00:18:37,075 --> 00:18:38,577 Yes. it's a dik-dik. 292 00:18:39,244 --> 00:18:40,787 ALL: We got it, we got it! 293 00:18:42,205 --> 00:18:43,290 (SHOUTS IN HADZA) 294 00:18:43,456 --> 00:18:47,002 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 295 00:18:47,210 --> 00:18:49,754 (ISAFIRI SHOUTS IN HADZA) 296 00:18:51,840 --> 00:18:53,800 ISAFIRI: Everyone is happy. 297 00:18:55,135 --> 00:18:56,428 when I bring home meat. 298 00:18:56,845 --> 00:19:00,515 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 299 00:19:00,849 --> 00:19:02,350 ISAFIRI: Our children 300 00:19:04,144 --> 00:19:05,562 and our wives are happy. 301 00:19:05,812 --> 00:19:07,022 Everyone is happy. 302 00:19:07,355 --> 00:19:09,441 (SOFT MUSIC PLAYING) 303 00:19:09,649 --> 00:19:12,319 CHRIS: (IN ENGLISH) Ketones help the Hadza hunt when food is scarce. 304 00:19:14,738 --> 00:19:17,741 And I'm pretty sure I'm gonna need some ketones of my own 305 00:19:18,074 --> 00:19:20,452 if I'm gonna catch a fish in two days' time. 306 00:19:21,328 --> 00:19:22,954 (DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING) 307 00:19:23,580 --> 00:19:24,873 Little prick here. 308 00:19:26,374 --> 00:19:27,500 (GRUNTS) 309 00:19:32,339 --> 00:19:33,548 Didn't hurt that much. 310 00:19:35,091 --> 00:19:37,677 So, I'm checking ketones on two different meters. 311 00:19:37,761 --> 00:19:38,762 CHRIS: Mmm. 312 00:19:38,887 --> 00:19:41,139 PETER: They're in pretty good agreement at about one, 313 00:19:41,473 --> 00:19:43,183 and over time, this will go up. 314 00:19:43,475 --> 00:19:45,227 -There's more of them in my system now? -PETER: Yeah. 315 00:19:45,352 --> 00:19:46,478 Or I'm producing more? 316 00:19:46,603 --> 00:19:49,147 PETER: Exactly. Actually, around ten times more. 317 00:19:50,565 --> 00:19:52,317 -And that's pretty low. -Right. 318 00:19:52,692 --> 00:19:56,613 But hopefully today, tomorrow is when we'll start to see that transition 319 00:19:56,780 --> 00:19:58,114 -where once you get over... -Yeah. 320 00:19:58,198 --> 00:20:00,492 PETER: ...two and into three, that's when you start 321 00:20:00,575 --> 00:20:03,161 to kinda feel, like you're in the Matrix a little bit. You kinda seeing things 322 00:20:03,286 --> 00:20:04,537 -a little bit different. -CHRIS: Yeah. 323 00:20:04,955 --> 00:20:06,206 And what about the zombie cells? 324 00:20:06,289 --> 00:20:08,875 Do you think my body's getting rid of them at the moment? 325 00:20:09,042 --> 00:20:10,710 You're in the process of starting that, yeah. 326 00:20:10,794 --> 00:20:12,712 -I... I think that comes in hand... -Good to know. 327 00:20:12,796 --> 00:20:15,465 ...with this transition to, uh, ketones, 328 00:20:15,715 --> 00:20:19,344 and so, as the body starts sort of adapting to what's going on... 329 00:20:19,427 --> 00:20:21,054 -CHRIS: Hmm. -...it's gonna start to reprioritize 330 00:20:21,137 --> 00:20:23,640 and hopefully, it's knocking those guys out. 331 00:20:23,890 --> 00:20:24,933 Good. 332 00:20:25,225 --> 00:20:27,727 (CHILLED MUSIC PLAYING) 333 00:20:27,894 --> 00:20:29,729 CHRIS: So, the war on zombies has begun... 334 00:20:30,730 --> 00:20:32,524 but no ketone boost yet. 335 00:20:33,984 --> 00:20:38,196 Which is a little worrying 'cause I'm off for more dive training. 336 00:20:38,488 --> 00:20:40,615 Can't say I'm swimming in energy. (CHUCKLES) 337 00:20:40,865 --> 00:20:43,285 -I'm... My ability to speak is... -(AARON SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY, CHUCKLES) 338 00:20:43,451 --> 00:20:46,746 CHRIS: ...rapidly declining. How do you guys feel? 339 00:20:47,330 --> 00:20:50,041 Yeah, it's kinda peaks and troughs, isn't it? 340 00:20:50,125 --> 00:20:52,252 -It is a definite a roller coaster. -It's like... It's a real... 341 00:20:52,335 --> 00:20:54,170 It's a roller coaster of emotions. Uh-huh. 342 00:20:54,296 --> 00:20:55,964 At the moment, I'm up, but there will be 343 00:20:56,047 --> 00:20:57,799 -a time tonight when I'm down. -CHRIS: Hmm. 344 00:20:59,384 --> 00:21:01,261 (ANNOUNCER SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY OVER PA) 345 00:21:01,344 --> 00:21:04,139 (ALARM BEEPING) 346 00:21:06,433 --> 00:21:09,311 CHRIS: So, another Peter and Tanya training gig. 347 00:21:11,313 --> 00:21:13,565 This time, underwater hockey. 348 00:21:13,982 --> 00:21:20,363 (UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING) 349 00:21:22,032 --> 00:21:24,034 CHRIS: They say it's gonna help me catch a fish. 350 00:21:24,951 --> 00:21:26,745 -Hey, guys. -Hey, how's it going? 351 00:21:27,203 --> 00:21:30,332 CHRIS: They also think, maybe it'll help keep my mind off the fast. 352 00:21:33,335 --> 00:21:34,919 Well, it ain't working. 353 00:21:36,338 --> 00:21:39,215 What else would you wanna do when you're fasting, tired, and starving? 354 00:21:39,507 --> 00:21:40,967 Learn a new sport. 355 00:21:41,634 --> 00:21:45,722 And nothing against underwater hockey, it's cool, but right now, 356 00:21:46,014 --> 00:21:47,182 I just wanna eat. 357 00:21:49,267 --> 00:21:50,435 (CHUCKLES) 358 00:21:51,978 --> 00:21:55,231 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 359 00:21:56,191 --> 00:21:58,485 Now, it's rough down there, but it's actually really good 360 00:21:58,568 --> 00:22:00,945 for spearfishing. There's this sudden burst of energy, there's... 361 00:22:01,029 --> 00:22:02,364 -Yeah. -TANYA: You know, you don't know 362 00:22:02,447 --> 00:22:04,991 when you're gonna have to dive, so you have to be super, super efficient. 363 00:22:05,116 --> 00:22:06,159 -CHRIS: Oh, okay. -TANYA: Okay? 364 00:22:06,242 --> 00:22:07,577 CHRIS: Yeah. 365 00:22:07,744 --> 00:22:09,120 Peter's playing for the reds. 366 00:22:12,165 --> 00:22:14,292 Me for the blues. Number seven. 367 00:22:16,294 --> 00:22:19,381 And my co-fasting best buddies, cheerleaders. 368 00:22:19,714 --> 00:22:23,676 (INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING) 369 00:22:25,220 --> 00:22:28,223 I feel like I'm watching my son go off to battle or something. I'm nervous. 370 00:22:28,306 --> 00:22:29,974 -I'm real anxious. -I'm just worried about... 371 00:22:30,058 --> 00:22:31,559 I'm worried about that because without that... 372 00:22:31,643 --> 00:22:33,853 -We don't have a job. (CHUCKLES) -...we don't have a job, so... 373 00:22:33,937 --> 00:22:35,563 -We can't really... -Look after his face, please. 374 00:22:35,647 --> 00:22:36,773 Don't touch his face, please. 375 00:22:37,107 --> 00:22:38,316 (ALARM BEEPING) 376 00:22:38,441 --> 00:22:43,488 (UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING) 377 00:22:43,988 --> 00:22:45,407 CHRIS: Things don't start so well. 378 00:22:46,908 --> 00:22:50,245 Ooh! Oh, oh, oh, oh. He's taking a beating. 379 00:22:51,162 --> 00:22:52,831 Now, holding your breath is one thing... 380 00:22:53,206 --> 00:22:57,919 but doing it while being pushed and shoved, and thrown around, and so on, 381 00:22:58,002 --> 00:22:59,295 it's just a whole other thing. 382 00:23:00,046 --> 00:23:01,131 It's pretty intense. 383 00:23:06,970 --> 00:23:08,888 My need for air is overpowering. 384 00:23:11,808 --> 00:23:13,059 (CHRIS BREATHES DEEPLY) 385 00:23:16,896 --> 00:23:19,732 CHRIS: If that puck was a fish, I wouldn't get anywhere near it. 386 00:23:24,279 --> 00:23:26,281 -(CHEERING) -(ALARM BEEPING) 387 00:23:26,531 --> 00:23:27,782 ALL: Oh! 388 00:23:28,533 --> 00:23:30,577 -(CHUCKLES) -CHRIS: Well done, Peter. 389 00:23:31,202 --> 00:23:32,287 Good goal. 390 00:23:35,874 --> 00:23:39,043 CHRIS: Half time, and it couldn't have come quick enough. 391 00:23:41,754 --> 00:23:42,922 (GASPS) 392 00:23:43,465 --> 00:23:45,216 -TANYA: How are you doing? -It's exhausting. 393 00:23:45,383 --> 00:23:47,427 -I know. -Just trying to work out, 394 00:23:47,594 --> 00:23:50,305 you know, when to conserve your energy, and when to dive, and make sure 395 00:23:50,430 --> 00:23:52,599 you dive when the puck's coming as opposed to waiting under there 396 00:23:52,682 --> 00:23:54,642 -and then by the time it gets there... -Yeah. Yeah. No, no! 397 00:23:54,767 --> 00:23:56,811 -...you've got nothing left. It's like... -Yeah. No waiting. 398 00:23:57,103 --> 00:23:58,438 But you got all the oxygen you need, 399 00:23:58,563 --> 00:24:00,106 -so it's mental. Your stamina becomes... -Yeah. 400 00:24:00,190 --> 00:24:01,274 ...really mental at this point. 401 00:24:01,524 --> 00:24:02,817 -CHRIS: Sure. Yeah. -(ALARM BEEPS) 402 00:24:02,901 --> 00:24:05,695 TANYA: Okay? So, just try to take some long, slow, deep breaths. So... 403 00:24:05,862 --> 00:24:09,240 -(INHALES, EXHALES DEEPLY) -TANYA: Through your mouth. 404 00:24:10,283 --> 00:24:13,286 (BOTH INHALE, EXHALE DEEPLY) 405 00:24:13,745 --> 00:24:15,246 -Do you feel better? -I feel good. 406 00:24:15,538 --> 00:24:16,789 Okay, good. 407 00:24:18,917 --> 00:24:20,502 -(ALARM BEEPING) -TANYA: Okay. 408 00:24:23,588 --> 00:24:29,761 (PLAYFUL MUSIC PLAYING) 409 00:24:33,139 --> 00:24:34,891 CHRIS: I don't know if it's the half time coaching 410 00:24:35,016 --> 00:24:36,309 or something else... 411 00:24:37,977 --> 00:24:40,355 but I feel a little different. 412 00:24:46,027 --> 00:24:47,695 My need for air is less urgent. 413 00:24:51,324 --> 00:24:52,867 I feel more efficient in the water. 414 00:24:55,328 --> 00:24:57,622 More aware of the other players around me. 415 00:24:59,415 --> 00:25:01,042 And I'm focused on the puck. 416 00:25:06,506 --> 00:25:09,801 And I feel a slight surge of energy. 417 00:25:11,511 --> 00:25:12,720 Just enough... 418 00:25:15,181 --> 00:25:16,349 to score. 419 00:25:18,851 --> 00:25:21,980 -(ALARM BEEPING) -(ALL LAUGHING) 420 00:25:35,159 --> 00:25:37,453 -PETER: How do you feel? -CHRIS: I feel all right now. 421 00:25:37,537 --> 00:25:39,122 -PETER: Yeah. -I feel much better than I did 422 00:25:39,289 --> 00:25:40,498 -prior to playing. -PETER: Me, too. 423 00:25:40,623 --> 00:25:41,666 Yeah. Why is that? 424 00:25:42,041 --> 00:25:43,960 I think we're probably making more ketones at the moment, 425 00:25:44,043 --> 00:25:45,587 our bodies are trying to ramp up production. 426 00:25:45,670 --> 00:25:47,714 -It's basically saying... -It thinks... thinks we're hunting.. 427 00:25:47,797 --> 00:25:48,965 -PETER: Exactly, it's like... -Yeah. 428 00:25:49,090 --> 00:25:51,342 ..."Hey, they're... they're hunting. They're getting us food." Um... 429 00:25:51,426 --> 00:25:53,011 I wouldn't be surprised if in an hour or two, 430 00:25:53,136 --> 00:25:54,596 -we feel a little worse. -Yeah. 431 00:25:55,013 --> 00:25:56,848 PETER: 'Cause it'll realize, "We haven't got the food." 432 00:25:56,973 --> 00:25:58,516 -(CHRIS LAUGHING) -"We've been kinda let down," 433 00:25:58,600 --> 00:26:00,226 and... and then, sort of, that production level 434 00:26:00,310 --> 00:26:01,769 will come down a bit. 435 00:26:03,980 --> 00:26:06,316 (UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING) 436 00:26:07,108 --> 00:26:08,776 CHRIS: That doesn't help though, does it? 437 00:26:09,319 --> 00:26:10,862 Oh, for heaven's sakes. 438 00:26:12,280 --> 00:26:14,616 CHRIS: Just as I was beginning to feel a bit better... 439 00:26:14,782 --> 00:26:16,200 -PETER: Oh. -They're doing it on purpose. 440 00:26:16,284 --> 00:26:18,202 CHRIS: A familiar feeling returns. 441 00:26:18,828 --> 00:26:21,289 -CHRIS: See, now I'm hungry again. -(INDISTINCT CHATTER) 442 00:26:21,372 --> 00:26:23,374 CHRIS: Still, at least my best mates are fasting with me. 443 00:26:24,500 --> 00:26:25,752 And they never let me down. 444 00:26:39,974 --> 00:26:42,018 -Hey, Chris! (LAUGHS) -Hey! 445 00:26:43,311 --> 00:26:44,312 What the... 446 00:26:44,520 --> 00:26:47,357 Sorry, mate, we couldn't do it. This is so good. 447 00:26:47,774 --> 00:26:48,900 Are you (BLEEP) 448 00:26:49,776 --> 00:26:51,152 Come and have a slice, mate. 449 00:26:51,319 --> 00:26:54,155 Two minutes ago, I was like, "It really helps the guys 450 00:26:54,322 --> 00:26:56,449 "are doing it with me, you know, 'cause I'm like... 451 00:26:56,699 --> 00:26:58,701 "I'm like feeling sluggish." I'm like, "Oh, I feel bad." 452 00:26:58,785 --> 00:27:00,662 But then I'm like, "Oh, actually, they're laughing..." 453 00:27:00,745 --> 00:27:02,246 -(AARON CHUCKLES) -"...and I gotta keep it up." 454 00:27:02,330 --> 00:27:05,166 You know, "We're all in this tog... together." That was three minutes ago. 455 00:27:05,792 --> 00:27:07,293 And I'd love to tell you it's not that good, 456 00:27:07,377 --> 00:27:09,170 -but it's honestly the best thing ever. -LUKE: Mm-hmm. 457 00:27:10,004 --> 00:27:12,006 -What, I thought you were fasting? -That's what I said. 458 00:27:12,090 --> 00:27:14,592 Both of them were fasting. I said to them, like, I... like, I... like, I... 459 00:27:14,801 --> 00:27:15,968 AARON: Just have a smell of that. 460 00:27:16,678 --> 00:27:19,013 -CHRIS: Cool. -I gotta say, I really thought 461 00:27:19,097 --> 00:27:20,181 you were gonna hang tough. 462 00:27:20,264 --> 00:27:23,476 AARON: I was gonna, but then this is the best milkshake I've ever had. 463 00:27:23,685 --> 00:27:25,603 -CHRIS: Good luck finding... -AARON: Oh, my God. 464 00:27:26,479 --> 00:27:28,815 I can smell the pizza. I'll just go away. I can smell it. 465 00:27:29,065 --> 00:27:31,567 (TIDE CRASHING) 466 00:27:38,491 --> 00:27:42,370 CHRIS: Great, my best buddies have bailed, and just as Peter predicted, 467 00:27:42,453 --> 00:27:47,250 the ketone pick-me-up has gone, and I feel terrible. 468 00:27:47,500 --> 00:27:50,712 Okay, so this is, uh, day three. 469 00:27:51,170 --> 00:27:54,215 Feeling pretty weak. Didn't sleep very much last night. 470 00:27:54,298 --> 00:27:55,967 I feel like my sleep's getting worse and worse. 471 00:27:56,050 --> 00:27:58,761 You know, last night was really hard, giving the kids dinner. 472 00:27:58,845 --> 00:28:05,393 They had, um, delicious, like, roast lamb, and vegetables, and... and fruit, and... 473 00:28:06,227 --> 00:28:08,354 and I saw a chocolate brownie in there somewhere. 474 00:28:09,147 --> 00:28:13,860 Multiple occasions, I... I... I... I thought about just ripping that food 475 00:28:13,943 --> 00:28:16,696 straight out of their hands. Feel pretty weak trying to walk up 476 00:28:16,863 --> 00:28:21,075 the stairs, trying to walk down the hall, I feel like it's tough to catch my breath. 477 00:28:21,159 --> 00:28:25,413 Uh, but, you know, day three, and, um... 478 00:28:26,873 --> 00:28:28,666 I guess we're almost there. It's only... 479 00:28:30,084 --> 00:28:36,299 12, 48, I don't know, I can't even think. Like, I... Don't know. 480 00:28:38,760 --> 00:28:40,344 I'm losing it. 481 00:28:40,928 --> 00:28:43,931 (MID-TEMPO MUSIC PLAYING) 482 00:28:44,015 --> 00:28:47,101 (BREATHES HEAVILY) 483 00:28:47,518 --> 00:28:50,104 (EXHALES, GRUNTS) 484 00:28:54,942 --> 00:28:59,322 I'm trying to get my ketones going again by working out, but I'm feeling nothing. 485 00:29:09,123 --> 00:29:13,211 Oh, and did I mention that I'm feeling really, really hungry? Hmm? 486 00:29:13,461 --> 00:29:15,963 (PANTING) 487 00:29:16,130 --> 00:29:17,298 (WEIGHT CLATTERS) 488 00:29:18,090 --> 00:29:21,594 I don't think Chris has found this to be a pleasant experience at all. 489 00:29:22,303 --> 00:29:23,846 -But a big part of fasting... -(BLOWS AIR) 490 00:29:23,930 --> 00:29:25,973 PETER: ...is understanding why you're doing it. 491 00:29:26,516 --> 00:29:28,851 And that's the key to tolerating this thing. 492 00:29:29,143 --> 00:29:32,730 It's being able to focus on the motivation behind the fast. 493 00:29:33,940 --> 00:29:36,484 PETER: One of the benefits is, you have a family. 494 00:29:36,567 --> 00:29:38,319 -CHRIS: Yeah. -PETER: And you can sort of see 495 00:29:38,444 --> 00:29:42,448 how much you enjoy that, and that's kind of the anchor, 496 00:29:42,615 --> 00:29:43,991 -I think, um... -Yeah. 497 00:29:44,367 --> 00:29:48,204 PETER: You can actually look into the eyes of the people for whom it matters 498 00:29:48,287 --> 00:29:49,413 the most to you. 499 00:29:49,622 --> 00:29:52,500 Yeah, sure. I like that motivation, you know? 500 00:29:52,667 --> 00:29:54,210 Anything that stops me thinking about food 501 00:29:54,293 --> 00:29:57,588 is sort of a... a good thing at this point, so... (CHUCKLES) 502 00:29:59,382 --> 00:30:06,097 Asking Chris for his very first fast to go as long as four days is a big ask. 503 00:30:13,604 --> 00:30:15,857 But I really need him to continue now. 504 00:30:16,482 --> 00:30:17,650 (INDISTINCT CHATTER, CHUCKLING) 505 00:30:18,067 --> 00:30:21,195 Because once a human goes three days without food, 506 00:30:21,737 --> 00:30:26,242 we think some remarkable biochemical changes take place 507 00:30:26,868 --> 00:30:29,453 that have significant longevity benefits. 508 00:30:29,829 --> 00:30:33,374 (DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING) 509 00:30:33,541 --> 00:30:36,627 CHRIS: Remember those toxic zombie cells aging my body? 510 00:30:37,044 --> 00:30:39,797 Well, they're not the only things getting dealt with. 511 00:30:40,423 --> 00:30:43,718 Even inside my healthy cells, there's wear and tear. 512 00:30:44,552 --> 00:30:47,346 But scientists think that without food to process, 513 00:30:47,597 --> 00:30:50,308 those cells can switch into repair mode, 514 00:30:50,892 --> 00:30:55,646 fixing damage, cleaning up garbage, nipping any problems in the bud. 515 00:30:58,649 --> 00:31:01,944 With the zombies in check and the rest of me in tip-top condition... 516 00:31:03,070 --> 00:31:07,033 the future looks healthier and also longer. 517 00:31:08,159 --> 00:31:10,870 Science is only just beginning to understand 518 00:31:10,953 --> 00:31:13,080 the longevity benefits of fasting. 519 00:31:14,290 --> 00:31:17,501 In fact, we're just catching up with the cultures and religions 520 00:31:17,585 --> 00:31:21,672 that have placed fasting at the center of their practice for millennia. 521 00:31:21,923 --> 00:31:27,678 (GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING) 522 00:31:29,639 --> 00:31:31,682 TODESSO: (IN AMHARIC) Today is a beautiful day. 523 00:31:34,810 --> 00:31:37,438 CHRIS (IN ENGLISH): Retired teacher Todesso and his family 524 00:31:37,563 --> 00:31:40,316 are celebrating Easter with a walk to church. 525 00:31:42,735 --> 00:31:45,780 HELEN: (IN AMHARIC) Papa, are we nearly there yet? 526 00:31:47,073 --> 00:31:48,407 TODESSO: No, not yet. 527 00:31:49,283 --> 00:31:51,911 CHRIS: (IN ENGLISH) But the church is three days away 528 00:31:52,787 --> 00:31:54,455 in the holy city of Gondar. 529 00:31:56,666 --> 00:31:57,959 TODESSO: (IN AMHARIC) Are you tired? 530 00:31:58,042 --> 00:31:59,377 HELEN: Yes I'm tired. 531 00:31:59,460 --> 00:32:02,254 TODESSO: (CHUCKLES) Don't be tired, be strong. 532 00:32:03,965 --> 00:32:05,758 CHRIS: (IN ENGLISH) During their grueling pilgrimage, 533 00:32:05,883 --> 00:32:08,135 the family eat absolutely nothing. 534 00:32:09,762 --> 00:32:13,224 TODESSO: (IN AMHARIC) Fasting is very important to us, 535 00:32:13,724 --> 00:32:16,978 it is a tradition handed down by our ancestors. 536 00:32:17,561 --> 00:32:18,854 We fast to be closer to God. 537 00:32:20,272 --> 00:32:21,315 Come on you two. 538 00:32:21,399 --> 00:32:23,067 I'll be so happy when we get there. 539 00:32:24,694 --> 00:32:26,487 (IN ENGLISH) I got you. (GRUNTS) 540 00:32:27,697 --> 00:32:30,866 CHRIS: And joining her parents for the first time is daughter Helen. 541 00:32:31,450 --> 00:32:35,371 (IN AMHARIC) The first day was the hardest. 542 00:32:36,372 --> 00:32:38,249 I felt so weak. 543 00:32:38,624 --> 00:32:42,169 (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) 544 00:32:43,671 --> 00:32:47,508 HELEN: My brain was telling me, "You can do this." 545 00:32:48,092 --> 00:32:51,595 But my stomach was saying, "Bring me food!" (LAUGHS) 546 00:32:52,888 --> 00:32:55,683 CHRIS: (IN ENGLISH) But fasting isn't just bringing them closer to God... 547 00:32:56,767 --> 00:32:59,186 they believe it's bringing them health benefits. 548 00:33:00,855 --> 00:33:04,442 (IN AMHARIC) Although my father is 75 years old, he is very strong. 549 00:33:05,234 --> 00:33:07,153 I have never seen him sick. 550 00:33:08,237 --> 00:33:11,741 He swears fasting is why. 551 00:33:12,950 --> 00:33:14,368 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 552 00:33:16,162 --> 00:33:19,165 TODESSO: I started fasting when I was seven. 553 00:33:19,999 --> 00:33:22,126 And I've been doing it for 68 years. 554 00:33:24,086 --> 00:33:27,048 It keeps me feeling healthy. 555 00:33:27,757 --> 00:33:31,385 -(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING) -(INSECTS CHIRPING) 556 00:33:31,635 --> 00:33:37,641 I have never been affected by a common cold, 557 00:33:38,434 --> 00:33:41,896 or any other disease. 558 00:33:43,397 --> 00:33:45,483 TODESSO: Look, Gondar is just over the mountain. 559 00:33:45,649 --> 00:33:46,859 HELEN I can see it... 560 00:33:46,942 --> 00:33:48,110 TODESSO: Come on. 561 00:33:52,239 --> 00:33:53,282 I can smell incense. 562 00:33:54,867 --> 00:33:59,455 (MYSTICAL MUSIC PLAYING) 563 00:33:59,789 --> 00:34:01,290 CHRIS: (IN ENGLISH) Easter isn't the only time 564 00:34:01,373 --> 00:34:03,417 Ethiopian Orthodox Christians fast. 565 00:34:04,752 --> 00:34:09,715 In fact, they observe up to 250 fasting days a year, 566 00:34:10,049 --> 00:34:13,636 during which they vary their practice, sometimes eating nothing, 567 00:34:13,928 --> 00:34:17,264 and others, restricting how much or when they eat. 568 00:34:18,557 --> 00:34:20,935 (IN AMHARIC) All these smells So much food. 569 00:34:22,144 --> 00:34:24,105 HELEN: Gondar is an amazing place. 570 00:34:24,188 --> 00:34:25,272 (TODESSO SPEAKS AMHARIC) 571 00:34:25,856 --> 00:34:26,899 (BELL TOLLS) 572 00:34:26,982 --> 00:34:29,235 PETER: (IN ENGLISH) There are many ways to go about fasting. 573 00:34:29,652 --> 00:34:31,320 There are countless protocols. 574 00:34:31,821 --> 00:34:34,698 But remember, they all have one thing in common. 575 00:34:35,074 --> 00:34:38,035 They reduce the number of calories we consume. 576 00:34:38,536 --> 00:34:42,289 And in a world where so many of us are over-nourished, 577 00:34:42,706 --> 00:34:47,169 this is an essential part of how we can go about living a longer, 578 00:34:47,461 --> 00:34:49,839 -healthier life. -(BELL TOLLS) 579 00:34:50,005 --> 00:34:53,676 (MUSIC SWELLS) 580 00:34:53,801 --> 00:34:58,722 (IN AMHARIC) I am very proud of myself for doing the fast. 581 00:34:59,348 --> 00:35:00,641 (BELL TOLLS) 582 00:35:00,933 --> 00:35:02,768 I will do it every year. 583 00:35:04,395 --> 00:35:07,773 I will only stop fasting on the day I die. 584 00:35:15,281 --> 00:35:17,908 (INDISTINCT SINGING IN AMHARIC) 585 00:35:17,992 --> 00:35:20,369 CHRIS: (IN ENGLISH) Two hundred and fifty fasting days a year. 586 00:35:21,453 --> 00:35:22,955 (MELLOW ACOUSTIC MUSIC PLAYING) 587 00:35:23,122 --> 00:35:25,958 CHRIS: Makes me think, "Surely, I can go another 24 hours... 588 00:35:27,710 --> 00:35:29,211 "can't I?" 589 00:35:30,337 --> 00:35:33,132 Struggling, struggling I'm struggling 590 00:35:33,215 --> 00:35:35,426 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 591 00:35:36,468 --> 00:35:39,305 CHRIS: I'm on the ferry to our dive base in the Great Barrier Reef... 592 00:35:41,891 --> 00:35:43,225 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 593 00:35:43,309 --> 00:35:45,811 CHRIS: ...and I could really do with a ketone pick-me-up. 594 00:35:49,815 --> 00:35:53,611 -I had a little, like... -(INDISTINCT CHATTER) 595 00:35:53,694 --> 00:35:55,321 ...like an hour ago, a little burst of energy. 596 00:35:55,404 --> 00:35:58,699 I thought, "Oh, this is good." Now... 597 00:35:58,782 --> 00:36:00,659 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 598 00:36:09,919 --> 00:36:11,795 -(SEAGULLS CALLING) -(MOTOR RUMBLING) 599 00:36:11,921 --> 00:36:16,800 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING) 600 00:36:21,138 --> 00:36:22,306 CHRIS: So, this is it. 601 00:36:22,765 --> 00:36:26,602 The last day of the fast, and the day I'm supposed to catch dinner 602 00:36:26,685 --> 00:36:30,314 for me and Peter. What could possibly go wrong? 603 00:36:31,023 --> 00:36:32,650 PETER: So, how are you feeling this morning? 604 00:36:32,775 --> 00:36:35,361 Uh, pretty weak. Pretty... Pretty low energy. 605 00:36:35,486 --> 00:36:37,238 I feel like I've just rolled out of bed. 606 00:36:37,363 --> 00:36:41,116 You know, even though you don't feel it, at the microscopic level, 607 00:36:41,200 --> 00:36:43,369 inside your body, there's a war going on. 608 00:36:43,535 --> 00:36:45,663 And that war is being won by the good guys. 609 00:36:45,871 --> 00:36:46,914 CHRIS: Hmm. 610 00:36:46,997 --> 00:36:49,208 PETER: And that's the real reason we're doing this. 611 00:36:49,375 --> 00:36:52,336 -Yeah. -All right, let's see what we got here. 612 00:36:54,588 --> 00:36:58,092 CHRIS: So, I could live longer, but right now, 613 00:36:58,300 --> 00:37:00,052 I'm not sure I'm gonna make it through the day. 614 00:37:04,014 --> 00:37:06,725 So, remind me, where were my ketone levels yesterday? 615 00:37:06,934 --> 00:37:09,520 PETER: So, yesterday, you were at about one. 616 00:37:12,940 --> 00:37:14,483 -Now, you're almost at two. -CHRIS: Yeah. 617 00:37:14,650 --> 00:37:17,611 -When the ketones get closer to three... -Yeah. 618 00:37:17,736 --> 00:37:19,405 PETER: ...is really when that switch is flipped. 619 00:37:19,530 --> 00:37:21,073 -But once you get in the water... -CHRIS: Mmm. 620 00:37:21,156 --> 00:37:22,324 ...I think it's gonna shoot up. 621 00:37:23,117 --> 00:37:26,203 I don't wanna put any pressure on you, but I'm hungry, man. 622 00:37:26,662 --> 00:37:29,665 And seeing as I can't catch a fish with a spear and you can... 623 00:37:31,292 --> 00:37:33,961 I kinda need you to come through on this. The stakes are high... 624 00:37:34,086 --> 00:37:35,296 -CHRIS: Yeah. -...for the both of us. 625 00:37:35,421 --> 00:37:38,757 -All I heard was "steaks." Edible kind. -(LAUGHS) Yeah. 626 00:37:40,092 --> 00:37:42,594 (EXCITING MUSIC PLAYING) 627 00:37:42,678 --> 00:37:45,014 CHRIS: The stakes are high, and not just for today. 628 00:37:45,848 --> 00:37:48,100 By fasting, Peter says I'm fighting 629 00:37:48,183 --> 00:37:50,728 those zombie cells and repairing healthy ones. 630 00:37:51,687 --> 00:37:54,231 And that could mean a longer, healthier life. 631 00:37:56,191 --> 00:37:59,403 But first, I've gotta go hunt down that fish. 632 00:37:59,778 --> 00:38:01,780 (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) 633 00:38:02,323 --> 00:38:04,366 -CREW MEMBER: Welcome aboard. -Thank you so much. 634 00:38:04,533 --> 00:38:05,409 (GRUNTS) 635 00:38:06,285 --> 00:38:07,661 CHRIS: If only I can find the energy. 636 00:38:10,497 --> 00:38:11,999 I'd love some ketones right now. 637 00:38:13,834 --> 00:38:15,878 (MUSIC BUILDS) 638 00:38:15,961 --> 00:38:19,590 PETER: Chris's ketone levels have risen, which is what we wanna see. 639 00:38:20,341 --> 00:38:24,011 I know he isn't feeling it yet, but just as in the underwater hockey, 640 00:38:24,428 --> 00:38:28,349 the effort of hunting is going to ramp up these evolutionary adaptations 641 00:38:28,432 --> 00:38:31,393 in his body, giving him the edge he needs. 642 00:38:36,482 --> 00:38:38,067 -CHRIS: Ooh. -TANYA: Stretch your legs. 643 00:38:38,442 --> 00:38:39,860 -I know. -Just made me really light-headed. 644 00:38:43,989 --> 00:38:45,491 (EXHALES DEEPLY) 645 00:38:46,825 --> 00:38:48,452 CHRIS: I'm feeling really vague... 646 00:38:50,746 --> 00:38:52,790 and kinda absent from everything. 647 00:38:54,917 --> 00:38:58,629 I was expecting this big flood of energy that he keeps talking about. 648 00:39:02,674 --> 00:39:04,176 It's not kicking in though. 649 00:39:06,970 --> 00:39:08,180 Don't overdo it. 650 00:39:08,722 --> 00:39:11,683 Blackout, or what we refer to as a loss of motor control, is... 651 00:39:11,809 --> 00:39:12,893 is very real. 652 00:39:14,103 --> 00:39:16,563 Yeah. So what are the symptoms 653 00:39:16,647 --> 00:39:20,109 that I'll feel if I need to wave the flag 654 00:39:20,192 --> 00:39:21,568 -of retreat? -(CHUCKLES) 655 00:39:21,777 --> 00:39:27,408 Um... There's a fine line between feeling completely empty and done, 656 00:39:27,574 --> 00:39:31,286 and really feeling almost like your head is shaking 657 00:39:31,453 --> 00:39:33,539 -and your hands are shaking a little bit. -Hmm. 658 00:39:33,747 --> 00:39:36,458 TANYA: I mean, if it's a blackout, you're not gonna feel anything at all 659 00:39:36,542 --> 00:39:38,043 and you're not gonna remember anything at all. 660 00:39:38,419 --> 00:39:41,296 So if I take one look at you and your face tells me that you're done, 661 00:39:41,630 --> 00:39:44,258 doesn't matter how driven you are, you're done and we're gonna get out. 662 00:39:44,341 --> 00:39:45,592 Sure. 663 00:39:47,177 --> 00:39:49,346 Let me know how you're feeling and just don't push it too hard. 664 00:39:49,972 --> 00:39:51,098 -I'm hungry. -TANYA: I know. 665 00:39:51,181 --> 00:39:52,391 (BOTH CHUCKLE) 666 00:39:54,852 --> 00:39:59,273 (DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING) 667 00:40:10,117 --> 00:40:11,160 CHRIS: I'm exhausted already. 668 00:40:13,036 --> 00:40:14,204 TANYA: All right, it's go time. 669 00:40:15,956 --> 00:40:17,541 (INHALES DEEPLY) 670 00:40:23,672 --> 00:40:25,090 CHRIS: Right, I'm in. 671 00:40:46,820 --> 00:40:48,697 CHRIS: I know I have enough oxygen in my body... 672 00:40:51,033 --> 00:40:55,537 but I look up and the boat seems so, so far away. 673 00:40:57,706 --> 00:40:59,583 I feel like I'm losing all focus... 674 00:41:00,876 --> 00:41:03,629 and suddenly the urge to breathe is overwhelming. 675 00:41:06,131 --> 00:41:07,799 (CHRIS GASPS) 676 00:41:09,927 --> 00:41:11,011 TANYA: How do you feel? 677 00:41:12,346 --> 00:41:13,972 CHRIS: Yeah, I just went down there and then went, 678 00:41:14,056 --> 00:41:15,766 "Oh, I need to breathe soon," 679 00:41:15,849 --> 00:41:17,267 and then I felt really weak, and I thought, 680 00:41:17,434 --> 00:41:19,269 -"There's no way I can do this, ever." -TANYA: Yeah. 681 00:41:21,146 --> 00:41:25,651 I'm feeling so tired. And the energy boost that Peter promised me... 682 00:41:26,735 --> 00:41:27,819 nothing. 683 00:41:31,573 --> 00:41:34,243 So after a brief moment, I go again. 684 00:41:39,122 --> 00:41:44,586 (EERIE MUSIC PLAYING) 685 00:41:48,757 --> 00:41:51,635 CHRIS: But this time, I start to feel a little different. 686 00:41:54,137 --> 00:41:56,890 As I'm going down, it's like I'm tuning into the ocean. 687 00:41:59,309 --> 00:42:00,519 I can hear every sound. 688 00:42:03,605 --> 00:42:05,232 Time seems to slow down. 689 00:42:10,696 --> 00:42:12,656 And I start to feel a surge of energy. 690 00:42:17,286 --> 00:42:19,997 And then, I see a fish. 691 00:42:20,622 --> 00:42:27,379 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING) 692 00:42:33,760 --> 00:42:34,970 (SPEARGUN FIRES) 693 00:42:35,887 --> 00:42:38,432 (WHIMSICAL MUSIC PLAYING) 694 00:42:40,267 --> 00:42:43,437 -TANYA: Nice work. You did it. -CHRIS: Got one. Peter... 695 00:42:43,812 --> 00:42:45,814 -(TANYA CHUCKLING) -...your dinner. 696 00:42:45,981 --> 00:42:48,317 -PETER: Hey, nice one. -(APPLAUSE) 697 00:42:49,860 --> 00:42:52,487 -PETER: Awesome job, man. -(CHRIS EXHALES DEEPLY) 698 00:42:52,696 --> 00:42:53,947 TANYA: He looked great. 699 00:42:55,115 --> 00:42:56,283 You looked great. 700 00:42:58,660 --> 00:43:00,871 -(PETER LAUGHING) -CHRIS: Whoo! 701 00:43:02,623 --> 00:43:05,626 CHRIS: We did another test after the hunt, and the surge of energy, 702 00:43:05,959 --> 00:43:08,920 turns out my ketones had shot up to nearly three. 703 00:43:09,671 --> 00:43:12,716 So it worked. The science came good. 704 00:43:12,924 --> 00:43:17,179 (SEAGULLS SQUAWKING) 705 00:43:17,763 --> 00:43:23,644 (UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYING) 706 00:43:24,394 --> 00:43:25,812 -Not a bad catch, huh? -(GRILL SIZZLING) 707 00:43:26,021 --> 00:43:27,230 It's an amazing catch, man. 708 00:43:28,023 --> 00:43:29,441 It smells good, looks good. 709 00:43:29,775 --> 00:43:32,527 But, you know, I'd have been happy eating vegetables right now 710 00:43:32,611 --> 00:43:34,279 -if that's all we had. -CHRIS: I know. 711 00:43:35,447 --> 00:43:36,448 Boom! 712 00:43:36,531 --> 00:43:40,035 There's all this anticipation and buildup, it almost felt guilty 713 00:43:40,160 --> 00:43:43,330 or like I was doing something wrong if I was gonna take that first bite. 714 00:43:46,750 --> 00:43:49,670 This will be the nicest "break-fast" I've ever had, I think. 715 00:43:52,589 --> 00:43:54,925 -So who eats first? -PETER: The man who caught the fish. 716 00:43:55,008 --> 00:43:56,051 (LAUGHS) 717 00:43:56,218 --> 00:43:58,804 We didn't dive into it like we'd expected. 718 00:44:00,263 --> 00:44:01,264 CHRIS: It's unreal. 719 00:44:05,102 --> 00:44:07,396 Ceremonial and... 720 00:44:08,438 --> 00:44:09,606 and important and special. 721 00:44:09,856 --> 00:44:10,941 CHRIS: Mmm. 722 00:44:11,066 --> 00:44:13,402 (SEAGULLS SQUAWKING) 723 00:44:15,070 --> 00:44:16,571 (CUTLERY CLATTERING) 724 00:44:20,784 --> 00:44:22,411 (CHUCKLES) 725 00:44:24,204 --> 00:44:26,498 Don't know whether to laugh or cry. (LAUGHS) 726 00:44:27,290 --> 00:44:30,544 That was the best meal I've ever had, I think. (CHUCKLES) 727 00:44:33,004 --> 00:44:35,549 Sometimes when I'm eating that first meal after a fast, 728 00:44:35,632 --> 00:44:38,802 I have this tiny, tiny piece of regret. 729 00:44:39,052 --> 00:44:41,471 And I think, "Should I have gone another day?" 730 00:44:41,680 --> 00:44:42,806 Do you feel any of that? 731 00:44:44,141 --> 00:44:47,728 -Not a teeny, tiny piece. -Not that much of it? 732 00:44:47,894 --> 00:44:48,895 -Nothing. No. -No. 733 00:44:49,020 --> 00:44:51,481 (LAUGHS) Absolutely not. 734 00:44:51,648 --> 00:44:52,691 (LAUGHS) 735 00:44:53,483 --> 00:44:56,653 No, right now, mate, I'm in the middle of heaven. 736 00:44:57,028 --> 00:44:58,280 (PETER CHUCKLING) 737 00:45:01,742 --> 00:45:03,368 -CHRIS: Oh! It's amazing. -Mmm. 738 00:45:06,538 --> 00:45:08,957 CHRIS: Mmm. Well, I'd like to make a toast... 739 00:45:10,459 --> 00:45:12,919 to the ocean, for feeding us this fish... 740 00:45:13,795 --> 00:45:17,215 and you, for making me suffer through four days of fasting 741 00:45:17,299 --> 00:45:18,759 to really, really appreciate it. 742 00:45:19,342 --> 00:45:23,054 I'll make a toast to your 90-year-old self and those great-grandchildren 743 00:45:23,138 --> 00:45:25,390 -you're gonna be playing with. -Cheers. 744 00:45:25,474 --> 00:45:28,977 (RELAXED MUSIC PLAYING) 745 00:45:33,899 --> 00:45:39,404 So, that's it, four days, no food. Didn't crack. Would I do it again? 746 00:45:39,821 --> 00:45:43,116 (CLICKS TONGUE) Uh... Can't believe I'm saying this, but yes. 747 00:45:43,784 --> 00:45:46,495 From now on, I do want fasting to be a part of my life. 748 00:45:46,703 --> 00:45:50,373 AARON: Oh, oh. Look at us going at it. Yeah! 749 00:45:50,791 --> 00:45:53,919 That's not to say I'm never gonna go out with a bunch of friends. 750 00:45:54,044 --> 00:45:56,505 -(AARON LAUGHING) -CHRIS: It's so hot. 751 00:45:56,713 --> 00:46:01,760 Basically eat everything on the menu, like a starving hound. 752 00:46:02,594 --> 00:46:04,346 -(AARON LAUGHING) -CHRIS: It's so hot! 753 00:46:04,513 --> 00:46:05,847 I'll definitely do that. 754 00:46:06,890 --> 00:46:11,937 (UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING) 755 00:46:52,769 --> 00:46:55,522 I'm just looking at it. I'm just looking. I'm not eating anything. 756 00:47:18,587 --> 00:47:19,754 (UPBEAT MUSIC CONCLUDES)