I Ate Nothing But Sardines For 3 Days – Here’s How My Skin Changed

I open a tin, place the contents in a small bowl and heat them up. I’ve seen some people eat them cold, but since I am not an actual cat, that’s a step too far for me.

It’s breakfast time, but I love fish in the morning and often eat mackerel or kippers first thing. They’re a great source of protein and rich in omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA, which nutritionist Dr Federica Amati tells me act like the body’s natural anti-inflammatories. “They support heart health, help balance cholesterol and play an important role in brain function, mood and the appearance of our skin,” she explains. “Add to that high-quality protein, vitamin D, B vitamins, calcium (especially when you eat the soft bones), selenium and other trace minerals. They’re a remarkable complete package.”

They also taste good, and keep me satiated until at least midday, when I begin to ponder my next meal. Spoiler alert: it’s more fish.

I’m already starting to feel a little hard done by. Where are the vegetables? And I’d really like some carbs. Instead, I eat my sardines and stay super hydrated with ginger tea and water laced with electrolytes (I am not good at fasting).

Come evening, I’m cranky, low on energy and ravenous. I treat myself to sardines in tomato sauce – a nice departure from olive oil – sprinkle some salt on top (a TikTok “hack”), and soldier on. It’s hard to eat sardines while your husband is enjoying a delicious pho, but rules are rules.

Do I notice better skin or energy? No. I just feel tired.

Day 2 of my sardine fast

Another day, another tin of sardines. I begin as I did yesterday, while reminding myself that sardines are good for me. Lower cardiovascular risk, steadier metabolic health and reduced inflammation are all realistic benefits of eating oily fish regularly, says Dr Amati. “There is so much goodness in this little tin. I just need to remember it,” I write in my gratitude list, thoroughly unconvinced.

To get through the day, I chase my sardines with miso soup to boost satiety. By dinner, I’m low on energy and slightly grouchy. Nothing another tin won’t fix!

I have a bath and go to bed, hoping the omegas are doing good things to my skin, which is actually looking quite good, if I do say so myself.

Day 3 of my sardine fast

As my recycling bin fills with tins, my optimism rises, too. Day three! I can do this!