Footy great Jimmy Bartel explains why he went on a diet so extreme he is not eating any food for THREE DAYS

  • Jimmy Bartel explained why he follows a water diet
  • The Great Geelong only drinks water for three days
  • He says he is doing this for health reasons.

Jimmy Bartel does a 72-hour water fast, and he explains why he follows such an extreme diet.

Water fasting is the practice of not eating and drinking only water for a certain period of time, usually 24 to 72 hours.

Experts say water fasting may provide several health benefits, including promoting autophagy—the process of cell destruction—lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

“So you have water for 72 hours,” Barthel explained on 3AW Melbourne.

“It’s about getting into ketosis and things like that. Cleans out all your cells and things like that.

Barthel spoke on 3AW Melbourne.

He ends his water fast tomorrow at 7am.

Jimmy Bartel explains why he does a 72-hour water fast

Geelong great says he’s on an extreme diet for various health benefits

“It was for health reasons.”

Geelong hero Barthel breaks his fast at 7am on Thursday and the football legend is tempted to break his fast with a sausage roll, cheese or steak sandwich.

Before starting a water diet, it is recommended to consult a doctor, given the health risks associated with extreme diets.

Earlier this year, Barthel became a father for the third time after welcoming his first baby girl into the world with girlfriend Amelia Shepperd.

The 39-year-old AFL star, who has two sons with ex-wife Nadia Barthel, announced the birth of daughter Paloma Lucy in April.

In a touching Instagram post, the footballer shared a black and white photo of his new bundle of joy clutching his hand.