Weight: 210.2
I had a lot of stress yesterday and skipped lunch. I drank a juice, but with the stress, I don't remember all that was in it. I had a lot of water--more than 75oz.
I didn't workout, but I did sit in the sauna for 25/15/10. (25 sauna, 15 cooldown, 10 sauna)
Keeping this post short today.
Have been researching fasting even more and have hit several suggestions for eating a meal with a lot of fat in it before starting the fast, to kick the body into action burning fat. Thinking about avacado and some grilled veggies in coconut oil.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
8 Health Benefits of Strawberries
8 Health Benefits of Strawberries
http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/8-health-benefits-of-strawberries.html
Everyone knows that strawberries are delicious. However, did you know just what a nutritional powerhouse they are? Here are eight reasons to include strawberries in your diet.
Diet
One cup of strawberries contains over 13% of the RDA of dietary fiber, yet only 43 calories. The dietary fiber in strawberries helps to keep digestion regular, as well as lowers blood pressure and curbs overeating.
Antioxidants
Strawberries contain a chemical compound called phenols. Anthocyanin, a particular phenol abundantly found in strawberries, lends the rich red color to the fruit. Though anthocyanin is known to have antioxidant properties within the fruit, it is debated as to whether the antioxidant agents in anthocyanin-rich foods can be absorbed into the body once digested. Fortunately, however, it is known that when anthocyanin-rich foods are consumed, the body's uric acid levels increase, which serves as an antioxidant agent.
Anti-InflammatoryThe phenols in strawberries also fight against many inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis, asthma and atherosclerosis, by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the same way that the drugs aspirin and ibuprofen do. Strawberries, however, do not carry unwanted side effects like stomach and intestinal bleeding.
Anti-CancerThe combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents found in strawberries is well-known to fight against the onset of many different forms of cancer. Thanks to the vitamin C, folate, and the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol that they also contain, strawberries are a delicious defense against potentially cancerous cells.
Healthy Eyes
The Archives of Opthalmology recently published a study in which three or more servings of strawberries (and other fruits) per day can decrease the possibility of contracting age-related macular degeneration by over one-third.
The Vigorous Vitamin C
One cup of strawberries contains an incredible 136% of the RDA of vitamin C, an effective antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure, ensure a healthy immune system, and ward off the development of age-related ocular diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Magnificent Manganese
One cup of strawberries contains 21% of manganese, an essential nutrient that acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. By increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the enzyme responsible for protecting mitochonrdria exposed to oxygen, manganese not only helps to fight the battle against free radicals and oxidative stress, but also lessens cellular inflammation -- another cause of numerous cardiovascular diseases.
Bone Health
Manganese is also great for the bones, helping in bone building and maintaining proper bone structure. The potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium in strawberries are also important for bone health
http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/8-health-benefits-of-strawberries.html
Everyone knows that strawberries are delicious. However, did you know just what a nutritional powerhouse they are? Here are eight reasons to include strawberries in your diet.
Diet
One cup of strawberries contains over 13% of the RDA of dietary fiber, yet only 43 calories. The dietary fiber in strawberries helps to keep digestion regular, as well as lowers blood pressure and curbs overeating.
Antioxidants
Strawberries contain a chemical compound called phenols. Anthocyanin, a particular phenol abundantly found in strawberries, lends the rich red color to the fruit. Though anthocyanin is known to have antioxidant properties within the fruit, it is debated as to whether the antioxidant agents in anthocyanin-rich foods can be absorbed into the body once digested. Fortunately, however, it is known that when anthocyanin-rich foods are consumed, the body's uric acid levels increase, which serves as an antioxidant agent.
Anti-InflammatoryThe phenols in strawberries also fight against many inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis, asthma and atherosclerosis, by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the same way that the drugs aspirin and ibuprofen do. Strawberries, however, do not carry unwanted side effects like stomach and intestinal bleeding.
Anti-CancerThe combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents found in strawberries is well-known to fight against the onset of many different forms of cancer. Thanks to the vitamin C, folate, and the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol that they also contain, strawberries are a delicious defense against potentially cancerous cells.
Healthy Eyes
The Archives of Opthalmology recently published a study in which three or more servings of strawberries (and other fruits) per day can decrease the possibility of contracting age-related macular degeneration by over one-third.
The Vigorous Vitamin C
One cup of strawberries contains an incredible 136% of the RDA of vitamin C, an effective antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure, ensure a healthy immune system, and ward off the development of age-related ocular diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Magnificent Manganese
One cup of strawberries contains 21% of manganese, an essential nutrient that acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. By increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the enzyme responsible for protecting mitochonrdria exposed to oxygen, manganese not only helps to fight the battle against free radicals and oxidative stress, but also lessens cellular inflammation -- another cause of numerous cardiovascular diseases.
Bone Health
Manganese is also great for the bones, helping in bone building and maintaining proper bone structure. The potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium in strawberries are also important for bone health
10 Health Benefits of Blackberries
10 Health Benefits of Blackberries
http://www.ingredientsinc.net/2011/07/10-health-benefits-of-blackberries/
by Alison Lewis
While at their peak season, indulge in blackberries for a nutritious snack or dessert. One cup of fresh blackberries has 62 calories, 1 gram of fat, 15 carbohydrates, 8 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein and only 1 mg of sodium. Here are the top 10 health benefits of eating blackberries:
1. Blackberries are one of the top ten foods containing antioxidants.
2. Blackberries are packed with polyphenols helping to prevent cancer and heart disease.
3. Blackberries are filled with anthocyanins (antioxidants which give blackberries their deep purple color) which help in memory retention and the risk of hypertension.
4. Blackberries are said to strengthen blood vessels, help fight heart disease and help improve eyesight.
5. The high tannin content of blackberries help tighten tissue, relieve intestinal inflammation, and help reduce hemorrhoids and stomach disorders.
6. Ohio State University found that blackberries may protect against esophageal cancer, a cancer caused by gastric reflux disease.
7. Blackberries have shown to protect against other types of cancers. They contain phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), a compound believed to play a vital role in preventing breast and cervical cancer.
8. Blackberries are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Manganese and fiber.
9. The high fiber content of blackberries help reduce risk of intestinal disease and the risk of developing diabetes.
10. Blackberries are a healthy food choice that kids and adults love. They are a great way to refuel after a hard workout and help aid in fighting obesity.
http://www.ingredientsinc.net/2011/07/10-health-benefits-of-blackberries/
by Alison Lewis
While at their peak season, indulge in blackberries for a nutritious snack or dessert. One cup of fresh blackberries has 62 calories, 1 gram of fat, 15 carbohydrates, 8 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein and only 1 mg of sodium. Here are the top 10 health benefits of eating blackberries:
1. Blackberries are one of the top ten foods containing antioxidants.
2. Blackberries are packed with polyphenols helping to prevent cancer and heart disease.
3. Blackberries are filled with anthocyanins (antioxidants which give blackberries their deep purple color) which help in memory retention and the risk of hypertension.
4. Blackberries are said to strengthen blood vessels, help fight heart disease and help improve eyesight.
5. The high tannin content of blackberries help tighten tissue, relieve intestinal inflammation, and help reduce hemorrhoids and stomach disorders.
6. Ohio State University found that blackberries may protect against esophageal cancer, a cancer caused by gastric reflux disease.
7. Blackberries have shown to protect against other types of cancers. They contain phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), a compound believed to play a vital role in preventing breast and cervical cancer.
8. Blackberries are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Manganese and fiber.
9. The high fiber content of blackberries help reduce risk of intestinal disease and the risk of developing diabetes.
10. Blackberries are a healthy food choice that kids and adults love. They are a great way to refuel after a hard workout and help aid in fighting obesity.
Blueberries
Note: My wife used blueberries during her pregnancies in lieu of aspirin and pain medication during critical times when she couldn't take any for fear of impacting the baby. I use them because they're tasty and yummy, but they also have strong anti-oxidant properties and are full of vitamins. I thought I'd share some of this info with you. :)
The Buzz about Blueberries
http://health.msn.com/healthy-living/on-call-the-buzz-about-blueberries
Native to North America, blueberries have been popular here ever since our earliest days. Their flavor and color justify this popularity, but as people have become interested in the health benefits of "functional foods," blueberries have become as prized for their chemicals as their taste — and production has soared to over 200 million pounds a year.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidant power, but the benefits of blueberries are far more than just the plant chemicals you hear about so often. Blueberries fight disease on multiple levels, and are an underused tool of naturally good health.
Probably you have heard about cranberry juice as a tool for fighting bacterial infection of the urinary tract. Millions of cystitis sufferers are told to drink unsweetened cranberry juice to get rid of the E. coli and Proteus infestations that cause painful urination, abdominal cramps, and even bleeding.
Cranberry juice, as long as it isn’t doused with sugar, really works against common urinary tract infections. The problem is that it sometimes works a little too well. Aspirin-like compounds in cranberry juice trigger allergic reactions in the aspirin-sensitive, and cranberry extracts really aren’t safe in children under three. In fact, infants and toddlers have had to be hospitalized after treatment with cranberry juice extract.
Fortunately, blueberry juice and fresh blueberries also fight urinary tract infections, and they are safe for young children and for people who are sensitive to aspirin. One of the major benefits of blueberries is that they are tasty all by themselves, no sugar added because no sugar is needed, and they also fight the build of sticky biofilms left by infectious microorganisms in the urinary tract.
Blueberries are also beneficial for your brain. On a test tube level, blueberry antioxidants activate two brain-protective enzymes, catalase and superoxide dismutase. These are the enzymes that keep neurons from being “deactivated” after they are attacked by free radicals. Scientists at the Montreal Diabetes Research Center and the University of Montreal in Canada even believe that blueberry juice will be the source of treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and age-related memory problems, and that eating blueberries confers similar benefits now.
There is no downside to eating blueberries, except that if you eat enough to make a black bear jealous, your digestive tract is going to slow down to handle all the pectin. Up to a quarter cup of delicious blueberries every day for kids and up to a whole cup of blueberries every day for adults offers all the benefits of blueberries in a delicious summer package–and you can enjoy all-fruit blueberry conserves and blueberry juice every day of the year.
— Robert Rister
Chemist, commentator, and formulator of natural products, cited as an authority on herbal medicine in publications such as the Journal of the American Medical Association and Natural Health, Robert Rister is the author or co-author of over twenty books on natural health, including the forthcoming Coconut Grove Diet
The Buzz about Blueberries
http://health.msn.com/healthy-living/on-call-the-buzz-about-blueberries
Native to North America, blueberries have been popular here ever since our earliest days. Their flavor and color justify this popularity, but as people have become interested in the health benefits of "functional foods," blueberries have become as prized for their chemicals as their taste — and production has soared to over 200 million pounds a year.
Like other deeply colored fruits, blueberries are rich in
anthocyanins and other natural pigments in the flavonoid family. The buzz about
blueberries stems from the fact that these flavonoids are powerful antioxidants.
According to one widely used testing method, blueberries pack three times more
antioxidant power than spinach or oranges. And while antioxidants may be driving
the blueberry craze, the fruit also scores well in terms of its traditional
nutrients. A 100-gram (3½-ounce) portion of fresh blueberries is low in calories
(56), fat (0.4 grams), and sodium (6 milligrams), but high in vitamin C (13 mg),
vitamin A (100 international units), and fiber (2.7 grams).
Scientists can tell us a lot about the chemical composition of
blueberries, but they can't say if these phytochemicals actually contribute to
better health. And even if eating blueberries does prove beneficial, we're a
long way from knowing what "dose" would be best.
For now, it's fair to say that blueberries look great on
paper, and if they taste great on your cereal, don't rock the family breakfast
boat. Above all, no one in your family should rely on a handful of blueberries
to counteract unwise dietary choices. Instead, make blueberries and other
deep-colored fruits and vegetables part of a balanced dietary pattern. For
starters, you might look under your blueberries to be sure your breakfast cereal
is high in fiber and potassium but low in sugar, sodium, and calories.
— Harvey B. Simon, M.D.
Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Benefits of Blueberries
Probably you have heard about cranberry juice as a tool for fighting bacterial infection of the urinary tract. Millions of cystitis sufferers are told to drink unsweetened cranberry juice to get rid of the E. coli and Proteus infestations that cause painful urination, abdominal cramps, and even bleeding.
Cranberry juice, as long as it isn’t doused with sugar, really works against common urinary tract infections. The problem is that it sometimes works a little too well. Aspirin-like compounds in cranberry juice trigger allergic reactions in the aspirin-sensitive, and cranberry extracts really aren’t safe in children under three. In fact, infants and toddlers have had to be hospitalized after treatment with cranberry juice extract.
Fortunately, blueberry juice and fresh blueberries also fight urinary tract infections, and they are safe for young children and for people who are sensitive to aspirin. One of the major benefits of blueberries is that they are tasty all by themselves, no sugar added because no sugar is needed, and they also fight the build of sticky biofilms left by infectious microorganisms in the urinary tract.
Blueberries are also beneficial for your brain. On a test tube level, blueberry antioxidants activate two brain-protective enzymes, catalase and superoxide dismutase. These are the enzymes that keep neurons from being “deactivated” after they are attacked by free radicals. Scientists at the Montreal Diabetes Research Center and the University of Montreal in Canada even believe that blueberry juice will be the source of treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and age-related memory problems, and that eating blueberries confers similar benefits now.
There is no downside to eating blueberries, except that if you eat enough to make a black bear jealous, your digestive tract is going to slow down to handle all the pectin. Up to a quarter cup of delicious blueberries every day for kids and up to a whole cup of blueberries every day for adults offers all the benefits of blueberries in a delicious summer package–and you can enjoy all-fruit blueberry conserves and blueberry juice every day of the year.
— Robert Rister
Chemist, commentator, and formulator of natural products, cited as an authority on herbal medicine in publications such as the Journal of the American Medical Association and Natural Health, Robert Rister is the author or co-author of over twenty books on natural health, including the forthcoming Coconut Grove Diet
Fast 4, Day 5/40 Friday
Weight: 212.6
Yesterday:
Lunch: One can (11.8oz) Spicy V8
RecPlex Activity:
Treadmill: 1 mile at 3.7mph
Walking track: 5 laps
Suana: 25 mins / 10 mins cooldown / 15 mins
Dinner:
3 Granny Smith apples
1 Red Delicious apple
1 pear
2 bunches of green grapes (+stems)
2 bunches of globe grapes (+stems, +seeds)
1 cup cabbage
1 cup romaine lettuce
4 tiny grape tomatoes (all we had left)
2 cups strawberries
1/2 cup blackberries
1/2 cup blueberries
2 lemons
1 palm-sized ginger root
Juice made was about 50oz. I drank all of it.
Water:
50oz at work
40oz lemon water while working out and at home
I have a pedometer for an activity at the office, now. I walked 5949 steps yesterday. I've heard that 2000 is a mile, so nearly 3 miles of walking (including the treadmill) yesterday.
I don't take the elevators anymore at all. I walk the stairs. It's amazing that one flight of stairs is no different to me now than walking at on level ground. Two flights starts to impact me, still--not breathless or winded, just that I can feel it working my muscles.
All my work so far has been on my legs, which really aren't in need of work. I need to work my abdomen and my upper body. My legs are powerful and muscular. (Hefting all my bulk around for so long...) Still, the 3.7mph walking definitely has an impact. My calves and thighs are sore. My shins are tight.
I've been researching various activities to do and it seems that the "natural movements" are really where I need to focus. As I become more comfortable with each of them, I can add weight to impact the workout more--dumb-bells and kettle-bells seem to be most appropriate. Some of the exercises look a little dorky (*sigh*) but I need to push past my self-conscious nature and just do them.
I didn't have a big drop today, but I wonder if that's water retention and high fruit content in my juice (not to mention just a higher content of juice). I've also noticed that sometimes the fruits and combinations that I make sometimes makes me retain more water and after a few days that comes off.
The sauna is still making me sweat profusely. I drink plenty of liquid while I'm in there and after I get out.
Walking on the treadmill nudged my heartrate up to 148bpm. When I left the sauna the first time for my cooldown, I was at 156bpm. Usually I don't top 140 in the sauna, so the walking definitely impacted my heart. I believe it impacted my heart in a *good* way, though. :)
Yesterday:
Lunch: One can (11.8oz) Spicy V8
RecPlex Activity:
Treadmill: 1 mile at 3.7mph
Walking track: 5 laps
Suana: 25 mins / 10 mins cooldown / 15 mins
Dinner:
3 Granny Smith apples
1 Red Delicious apple
1 pear
2 bunches of green grapes (+stems)
2 bunches of globe grapes (+stems, +seeds)
1 cup cabbage
1 cup romaine lettuce
4 tiny grape tomatoes (all we had left)
2 cups strawberries
1/2 cup blackberries
1/2 cup blueberries
2 lemons
1 palm-sized ginger root
Juice made was about 50oz. I drank all of it.
Water:
50oz at work
40oz lemon water while working out and at home
I have a pedometer for an activity at the office, now. I walked 5949 steps yesterday. I've heard that 2000 is a mile, so nearly 3 miles of walking (including the treadmill) yesterday.
I don't take the elevators anymore at all. I walk the stairs. It's amazing that one flight of stairs is no different to me now than walking at on level ground. Two flights starts to impact me, still--not breathless or winded, just that I can feel it working my muscles.
All my work so far has been on my legs, which really aren't in need of work. I need to work my abdomen and my upper body. My legs are powerful and muscular. (Hefting all my bulk around for so long...) Still, the 3.7mph walking definitely has an impact. My calves and thighs are sore. My shins are tight.
I've been researching various activities to do and it seems that the "natural movements" are really where I need to focus. As I become more comfortable with each of them, I can add weight to impact the workout more--dumb-bells and kettle-bells seem to be most appropriate. Some of the exercises look a little dorky (*sigh*) but I need to push past my self-conscious nature and just do them.
I didn't have a big drop today, but I wonder if that's water retention and high fruit content in my juice (not to mention just a higher content of juice). I've also noticed that sometimes the fruits and combinations that I make sometimes makes me retain more water and after a few days that comes off.
The sauna is still making me sweat profusely. I drink plenty of liquid while I'm in there and after I get out.
Walking on the treadmill nudged my heartrate up to 148bpm. When I left the sauna the first time for my cooldown, I was at 156bpm. Usually I don't top 140 in the sauna, so the walking definitely impacted my heart. I believe it impacted my heart in a *good* way, though. :)
Thursday, March 29, 2012
It's the Mental Game...
Tonight I want to eat. I'm not hungry. I just want to eat. I want to cook something creative and watch it come together in the pan and on my plate, then enjoy the fruits of my labor and creativity.
It's a mental game to say that I'm more interested in losing weight and getting healthy than giving in to my desires. *sigh*
UPDATE: I drank some lemon water and the desire passed. I'm also facing liquid poo tonight. (Don't trust a fart in this condition.) ;)
It's a mental game to say that I'm more interested in losing weight and getting healthy than giving in to my desires. *sigh*
UPDATE: I drank some lemon water and the desire passed. I'm also facing liquid poo tonight. (Don't trust a fart in this condition.) ;)
Minerals That I'm Taking
This is from the label. No advertising, just regurgitating the label and link in case anyone is interested in researching it further:
Low Sodium ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops by Liquimins
The most powerful, all-natural pH balancing trace minerals in the world. Soluble. Ionic. Certified Vegan. Gluten Free. Dietary Supplement. Net 8 FL oz. (237 mL)
Magnesium 250 mg 63% Daily Value
Chloride 690 Mg 20%
Sodium 5 mg <1%
Potassium 3 mg <1%
Sulfate 37 mg
Lithium 395 mcg
Boron 370 mcg
Ingredients: Ionic sea minerals from the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
This product contains over 72 ionic trace minerals in varying trace amouts as found in seawater, including those listed above as well as the following: Calcium, Silicon, Selenium, Phosphorus, Iodine, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Molybdenum, zinc, vanadium. Visit www.traceminerals.com for a more complete list.
40 drops equals the mineral content of 1/2 cup sea water with 99% sodium removed.
Low Sodium ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops by Liquimins
The most powerful, all-natural pH balancing trace minerals in the world. Soluble. Ionic. Certified Vegan. Gluten Free. Dietary Supplement. Net 8 FL oz. (237 mL)
Magnesium 250 mg 63% Daily Value
Chloride 690 Mg 20%
Sodium 5 mg <1%
Potassium 3 mg <1%
Sulfate 37 mg
Lithium 395 mcg
Boron 370 mcg
Ingredients: Ionic sea minerals from the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
This product contains over 72 ionic trace minerals in varying trace amouts as found in seawater, including those listed above as well as the following: Calcium, Silicon, Selenium, Phosphorus, Iodine, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Molybdenum, zinc, vanadium. Visit www.traceminerals.com for a more complete list.
40 drops equals the mineral content of 1/2 cup sea water with 99% sodium removed.
Day 4/40 Lunch
I had my usual lunch of a can of Spicy V8. I wasn't really "hungry" when I drank it, but I was "desiring something tasty" in my mouth. After I imbibed, I had a desire for more than the single can. I considered drinking one more. But, something came up and I wasn't able to get to it right away.
And when I could get to it (right now), I find that I'm quite full and have no desire to drink another can.
It was all of 5 minutes that I waited between drinking the can and putting off the desire and then finding that I am completely full and have no desire to drink anymore.
And when I could get to it (right now), I find that I'm quite full and have no desire to drink another can.
It was all of 5 minutes that I waited between drinking the can and putting off the desire and then finding that I am completely full and have no desire to drink anymore.
Fast 4, Day 4/40 No Hunger At All?
Weight: 212.8
Yesterday was interesting.
Lunch: 1 can (11.8oz) Spicy V8
Rec Plex:
5 mins elliptical jogging machine
1 mile treadmill at 3.5mph
3 times around the track
25 mins sauna
20 mins cooldown
20 mins sauna
Dinner: 2 cans (11.8oz) Spicy V8
Total caloric intake for the day: less than 250 (each can of V8 is 70 calories, I had 32oz of lemon-water, which could not have been more than 40 calories).
Got home from the Rec Plex and wasn't hungry at all. Just wanted to sleep. Drank the two cans of Spicy V8 and then off to bed. Was in bed by 9:45 and asleep by 9:50. Woke up at 4:20. Dozed for a couple hours. Fell back asleep around 7ish and slept for another hour. Was a little late to work today. :(
I experienced no hunger at all yesterday. I really wasn't hungry for the V8 last night. I drank it because I was concerned that I needed to keep up with the regimen this week in preparation for my water-only fast starting on Sunday.
Water:
40oz of water at work during the day
32oz of more water during the workout and evening
I had a bowel movement this morning--totally didn't expect that. No solid food in 3 days and I'm still pushing out what I'd eaten previously.
I'm on some minerals and herbs, too. I'll have a list of those posted as soon as I have an opportunity to read the labels and get the information up.
Yesterday was interesting.
Lunch: 1 can (11.8oz) Spicy V8
Rec Plex:
5 mins elliptical jogging machine
1 mile treadmill at 3.5mph
3 times around the track
25 mins sauna
20 mins cooldown
20 mins sauna
Dinner: 2 cans (11.8oz) Spicy V8
Total caloric intake for the day: less than 250 (each can of V8 is 70 calories, I had 32oz of lemon-water, which could not have been more than 40 calories).
Got home from the Rec Plex and wasn't hungry at all. Just wanted to sleep. Drank the two cans of Spicy V8 and then off to bed. Was in bed by 9:45 and asleep by 9:50. Woke up at 4:20. Dozed for a couple hours. Fell back asleep around 7ish and slept for another hour. Was a little late to work today. :(
I experienced no hunger at all yesterday. I really wasn't hungry for the V8 last night. I drank it because I was concerned that I needed to keep up with the regimen this week in preparation for my water-only fast starting on Sunday.
Water:
40oz of water at work during the day
32oz of more water during the workout and evening
I had a bowel movement this morning--totally didn't expect that. No solid food in 3 days and I'm still pushing out what I'd eaten previously.
I'm on some minerals and herbs, too. I'll have a list of those posted as soon as I have an opportunity to read the labels and get the information up.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Fast 4, Day 3/40 Do I Have To Eat?
Weight: 214.0
Yesterday:
Lunch: 1 can (11.8oz) Spicy V8
Water: 32oz at work, 20oz in the evening (with lemon)
Sauna:
25 mins sauna
10 mins cooldown
20 mins sauna
Dinner Juice (8:30pm):
2 cups kale
3 carrots (about a cup)
1/2 large cucumber
1 medium tomato
1 lemon
3 granny smith apples
2 large (larger than two thumbs) ginger root (drink was *spicy!*)
2 bunches (about 2 cups) globe grapes (+seeds, +stems)
1 large green (belle) pepper
1/4 small canteloupe (including the rind)
Made about 50oz of juice. I drank half my 32oz bottle and was ready to stop for the evening. Actually, I should say that I didn't want to drink anything. I wasn't hungry. I was past the point of feeling hunger and thought it was too late to take in nutrients. I ended up finishing the bottle and drinking about 2oz of another the second bottle--then I gave the rest to my daughter, who seemed to really enjoy the juice. :)
I'm not feeling hungry. Not feeling a demand for food. In fact, I'm actually to the point that I'm *looking forward to* the empty feeling of having no food in my system at all.
My wife has put me on trace minerals. I put a 1/4 teaspoon into my juice last night. This morning with my herbal supplements, she gave me a cap-full (about an ouce) of something that tasted remarkably like liquified chalk. There's only a little left in the bottle and when it's gone, it's gone.
I'm very alert today. I slept from about 11:30 to 7:30 this morning. I woke up at 6:30 to pee. I woke up again at 7:00 and decided to go back for another 30 minutes.
Yes, I'm still using my alarm. I know this is anti-paleo, but I sleep quite well and have a slightly different opinion about light at night, though I haven't read the book "Lights Out" yet, so I may change that in the future. Bottom line: I have a job that requires me to be alert and active and *on time*. I don't have the luxury of being able to just let myself awaken whenever I feel like it--or it would be 10:30am. (I'm a night owl, not a morning glory.)
Two bowel movements yesterday--one in the morning, one later in the day. I didn't have an urge later in the day, I just needed to pee, but I sat down because I wanted to check some texts and after a few minutes thought, I wonder if there's something in there to remove? Yep, there was.
I'm being wishy-washy on what I want to do for this water-only fast coming up. Part of me says to do it "cold turkey". Another part says to add some supplements (herbs, minerals, coconut oil). Still another part of me says to only do it for a few days and then give my body a little protein and essential oils--but keep my intake low enough to sustain ketosis.
It's an experiment. It's a trial run. I don't want to commit to anything. I've made no oaths or promises about this fast--though one might argue that by stating what I want, I've given my word. Anyway, before it starts, I can be compeltely wishy-washy. Once it begins, however, it will take something serious to change my course.
Yesterday:
Lunch: 1 can (11.8oz) Spicy V8
Water: 32oz at work, 20oz in the evening (with lemon)
Sauna:
25 mins sauna
10 mins cooldown
20 mins sauna
Dinner Juice (8:30pm):
2 cups kale
3 carrots (about a cup)
1/2 large cucumber
1 medium tomato
1 lemon
3 granny smith apples
2 large (larger than two thumbs) ginger root (drink was *spicy!*)
2 bunches (about 2 cups) globe grapes (+seeds, +stems)
1 large green (belle) pepper
1/4 small canteloupe (including the rind)
Made about 50oz of juice. I drank half my 32oz bottle and was ready to stop for the evening. Actually, I should say that I didn't want to drink anything. I wasn't hungry. I was past the point of feeling hunger and thought it was too late to take in nutrients. I ended up finishing the bottle and drinking about 2oz of another the second bottle--then I gave the rest to my daughter, who seemed to really enjoy the juice. :)
I'm not feeling hungry. Not feeling a demand for food. In fact, I'm actually to the point that I'm *looking forward to* the empty feeling of having no food in my system at all.
My wife has put me on trace minerals. I put a 1/4 teaspoon into my juice last night. This morning with my herbal supplements, she gave me a cap-full (about an ouce) of something that tasted remarkably like liquified chalk. There's only a little left in the bottle and when it's gone, it's gone.
I'm very alert today. I slept from about 11:30 to 7:30 this morning. I woke up at 6:30 to pee. I woke up again at 7:00 and decided to go back for another 30 minutes.
Yes, I'm still using my alarm. I know this is anti-paleo, but I sleep quite well and have a slightly different opinion about light at night, though I haven't read the book "Lights Out" yet, so I may change that in the future. Bottom line: I have a job that requires me to be alert and active and *on time*. I don't have the luxury of being able to just let myself awaken whenever I feel like it--or it would be 10:30am. (I'm a night owl, not a morning glory.)
Two bowel movements yesterday--one in the morning, one later in the day. I didn't have an urge later in the day, I just needed to pee, but I sat down because I wanted to check some texts and after a few minutes thought, I wonder if there's something in there to remove? Yep, there was.
I'm being wishy-washy on what I want to do for this water-only fast coming up. Part of me says to do it "cold turkey". Another part says to add some supplements (herbs, minerals, coconut oil). Still another part of me says to only do it for a few days and then give my body a little protein and essential oils--but keep my intake low enough to sustain ketosis.
It's an experiment. It's a trial run. I don't want to commit to anything. I've made no oaths or promises about this fast--though one might argue that by stating what I want, I've given my word. Anyway, before it starts, I can be compeltely wishy-washy. Once it begins, however, it will take something serious to change my course.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Fast 4, Day 2/40 -- Back on Track
Weight: 215.8
Lunch yesterday:
1 can (11.8oz) Spicy V8
Sauna:
27 mins sauna
10 mins cooldown
10 mins hot-tub
10 mins cooldown
15 mins sauna
I got a little dizzy and light headed in my first set. I didn't have my bottle of lemon-water with me like I normally do. Heart rate pushed past 140 bpm. It didn't get down below 100 until after my first full 10 minutes of cool down. It was up at 140 bpm again from the hot-tub and then back to about 100 before I went back into the sauna. I was *worn out* by the end of it. Taking a couple weeks off had more effect on me than I realized.
1 bottle (20oz) of lemon-water while driving with my daughter, between sauna and making juice for dinner.
Dinner Juice: (32oz)
2 cups kale
1 cup broccoli stems
1 cups baby carrots
1 large green (belle) pepper
1/2 cup green beans
1 stalk celery
1/2 large cucumber
1 medium tomato
1 largish ginger root segment (bigger than two thumbs)
1 large grapefruit
1 red delicious apple
Dessert juice: (32oz)
1 cup strawberries
1 red delicious apple
2 granny smith apples
1/4 cup (if that--kids got into them) blueberries
1 pear
1 largisth ginger root segment (bigger than one thumb)
1 cup baby carrots
1 large bunch black grapes (+ stems)
1 large bunch globe grapes (+ seeds, + stems)
1 nectarine
2 plums
I was actually quite full after drinking only about half of my dinner juice. It was very "veggie" tasting and with the grapefruit in it, was also bitter. I was hungry-ish when I started. However, the bottle of lemon-water had slaked my thirst and relieved any hunger pangs I had been feeling, so I wasn't really all that hungry. I drank the rest of it and then enjoyed my "dessert" fruit juice.
I had a large bowel movement this morning. I peed a lot last night and when I woke up this morning. The 2lbs of weight is all water and processed food leaving my system. I anticipate no actual fat loss (or very minimal).
How do I feel? I've been analyzing myself over this journey and have come to some interesting conclusions...
Firstly, I feel much better when I'm eating less. When I have less volume in my system, I feel amazing. My appetite craves things, but my body actually doesn't like being "full" all the time. I prefer going long periods of time between meals because I feel so much better. I've come to appreciate the "empty" feeling when there's nothing in my system at all. I feel lithe, fit, trim (all the things my mind tells me that I'm *not*--but I *feel* like I am!).
Secondly, I'm much more alert when I'm not eating as much. I really think there is something to the reports that the energy required to digest food takes energy away from the other systems of the body. I'm more aware of my surroundings, more cognizant of what's happening around me and what people are saying. I recall memories better and faster.
Thirdly, skin conditions are clearing up. I've mentioned before that I had a "rash" of sorts on my nose, at the "crack" on the side of the nose where the nostril flairs open and up the side of the nose almost to the bridge. For months this has been a problem. My skin would dry and crack, flaking off. I'd pull it off and underneath would be angry, red, irritated skin. I tried lotions to no avail. It wasn't dry skin, it was something else. Almost as soon as I went on my first fast, I noticed it getting better. However, it wasn't until I'd been off my juice for nearly a month that I noticed that it was starting to come back. After only one day of juicing, however, it's already gone again. More anecdotal evidence that the juicing is providing the body the vitamins and minerals it needs to heal without taking away the energy to digest the food.
Additionally, I am sleeping *so* much better! When I was on "death food" (the normal American diet) I slept very poorly. Waking up many times in the night, sleep apnea, snoring loudly, waking to pee frequently. Then I went on the juice and discovered what sleep is really supposed to be like! Even coming off the juice and eating paleo for over a month (with a juice fast in the middle) I can tell a significant difference between juicing and paleo eating. I strongly encourage the paleo diet--but I'm also discovering the signficant differences in sleep quality when juice-fasting. I sleep much better on juice than I do on paleo. And I sleep much better on paleo than I do on "death food".
I brought my boxes of Splenda that I'd purchased months ago to the office. I can't stomach the idea of throwing it away--and although I face an ethical dilemma of providing it to others, I realize that *not* providing it to them will not stop them from using it. And I hate wasting things... *sigh*
Today is Day 2 of 40 days. On Sunday, I begin a subset--Day 1 of 30 days of water-only fasting.
Oh, one other thing to mention. I have a tight muscle situation. It is exacerbated by how I rest my arm when I drive. It tightens the muscle from my sternum, across my upper left chest, around my shoulder and to my backbone, right between the shoulder-blade and the backbone. It aches. It hurts. It sends shooting pains sometimes. For a long time, I was concerned it was indicative of a heart condition--pain in the upper left chest and all that.
Juicing seems to alleviate the pain. The muscles relax and heal. Going on food again has brought the pain back.
It's hard for me to believe that it's food related. Is it how deeply and relaxing the sleep is that I'm getting that allows the muscles to relax better? I don't know. But, I find it odd that within a couple days of being back on food, I was aching and hurting again, and after only one day back on juice, the pain is nearly gone and fading quickly.
Lunch yesterday:
1 can (11.8oz) Spicy V8
Sauna:
27 mins sauna
10 mins cooldown
10 mins hot-tub
10 mins cooldown
15 mins sauna
I got a little dizzy and light headed in my first set. I didn't have my bottle of lemon-water with me like I normally do. Heart rate pushed past 140 bpm. It didn't get down below 100 until after my first full 10 minutes of cool down. It was up at 140 bpm again from the hot-tub and then back to about 100 before I went back into the sauna. I was *worn out* by the end of it. Taking a couple weeks off had more effect on me than I realized.
1 bottle (20oz) of lemon-water while driving with my daughter, between sauna and making juice for dinner.
Dinner Juice: (32oz)
2 cups kale
1 cup broccoli stems
1 cups baby carrots
1 large green (belle) pepper
1/2 cup green beans
1 stalk celery
1/2 large cucumber
1 medium tomato
1 largish ginger root segment (bigger than two thumbs)
1 large grapefruit
1 red delicious apple
Dessert juice: (32oz)
1 cup strawberries
1 red delicious apple
2 granny smith apples
1/4 cup (if that--kids got into them) blueberries
1 pear
1 largisth ginger root segment (bigger than one thumb)
1 cup baby carrots
1 large bunch black grapes (+ stems)
1 large bunch globe grapes (+ seeds, + stems)
1 nectarine
2 plums
I was actually quite full after drinking only about half of my dinner juice. It was very "veggie" tasting and with the grapefruit in it, was also bitter. I was hungry-ish when I started. However, the bottle of lemon-water had slaked my thirst and relieved any hunger pangs I had been feeling, so I wasn't really all that hungry. I drank the rest of it and then enjoyed my "dessert" fruit juice.
I had a large bowel movement this morning. I peed a lot last night and when I woke up this morning. The 2lbs of weight is all water and processed food leaving my system. I anticipate no actual fat loss (or very minimal).
How do I feel? I've been analyzing myself over this journey and have come to some interesting conclusions...
Firstly, I feel much better when I'm eating less. When I have less volume in my system, I feel amazing. My appetite craves things, but my body actually doesn't like being "full" all the time. I prefer going long periods of time between meals because I feel so much better. I've come to appreciate the "empty" feeling when there's nothing in my system at all. I feel lithe, fit, trim (all the things my mind tells me that I'm *not*--but I *feel* like I am!).
Secondly, I'm much more alert when I'm not eating as much. I really think there is something to the reports that the energy required to digest food takes energy away from the other systems of the body. I'm more aware of my surroundings, more cognizant of what's happening around me and what people are saying. I recall memories better and faster.
Thirdly, skin conditions are clearing up. I've mentioned before that I had a "rash" of sorts on my nose, at the "crack" on the side of the nose where the nostril flairs open and up the side of the nose almost to the bridge. For months this has been a problem. My skin would dry and crack, flaking off. I'd pull it off and underneath would be angry, red, irritated skin. I tried lotions to no avail. It wasn't dry skin, it was something else. Almost as soon as I went on my first fast, I noticed it getting better. However, it wasn't until I'd been off my juice for nearly a month that I noticed that it was starting to come back. After only one day of juicing, however, it's already gone again. More anecdotal evidence that the juicing is providing the body the vitamins and minerals it needs to heal without taking away the energy to digest the food.
Additionally, I am sleeping *so* much better! When I was on "death food" (the normal American diet) I slept very poorly. Waking up many times in the night, sleep apnea, snoring loudly, waking to pee frequently. Then I went on the juice and discovered what sleep is really supposed to be like! Even coming off the juice and eating paleo for over a month (with a juice fast in the middle) I can tell a significant difference between juicing and paleo eating. I strongly encourage the paleo diet--but I'm also discovering the signficant differences in sleep quality when juice-fasting. I sleep much better on juice than I do on paleo. And I sleep much better on paleo than I do on "death food".
I brought my boxes of Splenda that I'd purchased months ago to the office. I can't stomach the idea of throwing it away--and although I face an ethical dilemma of providing it to others, I realize that *not* providing it to them will not stop them from using it. And I hate wasting things... *sigh*
Today is Day 2 of 40 days. On Sunday, I begin a subset--Day 1 of 30 days of water-only fasting.
Oh, one other thing to mention. I have a tight muscle situation. It is exacerbated by how I rest my arm when I drive. It tightens the muscle from my sternum, across my upper left chest, around my shoulder and to my backbone, right between the shoulder-blade and the backbone. It aches. It hurts. It sends shooting pains sometimes. For a long time, I was concerned it was indicative of a heart condition--pain in the upper left chest and all that.
Juicing seems to alleviate the pain. The muscles relax and heal. Going on food again has brought the pain back.
It's hard for me to believe that it's food related. Is it how deeply and relaxing the sleep is that I'm getting that allows the muscles to relax better? I don't know. But, I find it odd that within a couple days of being back on food, I was aching and hurting again, and after only one day back on juice, the pain is nearly gone and fading quickly.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Long, Busy Weekend
Weight: 217.8
I had a very busy weekend, out of town. I left on Friday and didn't get home until late last night. My meals were pretty decent for the trip. I did have some "beef sticks" that had a little sugar and some flour in them. I ate at a Mongolian BBQ. I also cooked farm-fresh-eggs on a skillet with jalepeno, onions and tomatoes. I also ate some skillet chicken breasts. For mid-day meals, I had some cashew butter and fruit (bananas, raspberries, blackberries and grapes).
Except for the Mongolian, I was a little light on veggies all weekend.
I've started my juice fast. I drank one can of Spicy V8 for lunch today. I'll juice tonight. I'm also looking forward to hitting the sauna again.
My expectation is that 10lbs will come of pretty quickly as the food leaves my system and the water weight slides off. Lack of salt and no food in my system coupled with the saunas should make swift work of that.
Then I anticipate the 1 lbs every 1-2 day loss from there. When I hit the water-only fast (starting on Sunday) I expect that the weight will initially drop, then plateau, then start a steady drop.
I haven't done a water-only fast beyond 20 days before. I also haven't done one that long in nearly 20 years. Everything my research has turned up about it is extremely positive. I'm looking forward to seeing what the results actually are.
(And, for the nay-sayers out there: I am prepared to break my fast with some chicken or eggs and avacado if I find that my energy levels are greatly reduced--I'm not planning to injure myself or my health. My intent is the opposite--to reboot myself to a stronger and healthier body.)
I had a very busy weekend, out of town. I left on Friday and didn't get home until late last night. My meals were pretty decent for the trip. I did have some "beef sticks" that had a little sugar and some flour in them. I ate at a Mongolian BBQ. I also cooked farm-fresh-eggs on a skillet with jalepeno, onions and tomatoes. I also ate some skillet chicken breasts. For mid-day meals, I had some cashew butter and fruit (bananas, raspberries, blackberries and grapes).
Except for the Mongolian, I was a little light on veggies all weekend.
I've started my juice fast. I drank one can of Spicy V8 for lunch today. I'll juice tonight. I'm also looking forward to hitting the sauna again.
My expectation is that 10lbs will come of pretty quickly as the food leaves my system and the water weight slides off. Lack of salt and no food in my system coupled with the saunas should make swift work of that.
Then I anticipate the 1 lbs every 1-2 day loss from there. When I hit the water-only fast (starting on Sunday) I expect that the weight will initially drop, then plateau, then start a steady drop.
I haven't done a water-only fast beyond 20 days before. I also haven't done one that long in nearly 20 years. Everything my research has turned up about it is extremely positive. I'm looking forward to seeing what the results actually are.
(And, for the nay-sayers out there: I am prepared to break my fast with some chicken or eggs and avacado if I find that my energy levels are greatly reduced--I'm not planning to injure myself or my health. My intent is the opposite--to reboot myself to a stronger and healthier body.)
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Taking Its Toll
Weight: 218.2
Uptick is, I believe, related to water retention and food in my system. My wife gave me a new element of my colon cleanse yesterday--Dandelion Tea. I used to refer to this as "dirt tea" because the flavor reminded me of getting a mouth full of dirt. However, now that my tastebuds have changed, its not as bad as I remember. (Hard to admit that...) It's not like I want to sip it every day, but it's a lot easier to swallow it now that my tastebuds have changed and I haven't had any sugar, aspartame, sucralose or sacchrin in over 75 days.
I'm still on the colon cleanse--and it's working. I'll spare you the details.
Yesterday for lunch I ate at HuHot. I was lethargic through the afternoon. As soon as I got home, I made a juice. I was thinking that my schedule would prevent me from eating any dinner last night. Nearly the moment the juice hit my system, my energy levels skyrocketed. And--very interestingly--I started burping and processing the HuHot that was still sitting in my gullet. I only drank about 6oz of mostly veggie juice (4 cups kale, 2 cups spinach, big chunk of ginger-root, some globe grapes (stems and seeds included) and an apple. I made another juice that was mostly fruit with only a little veggie in it as a "dessert". Then I drove to my friend's house to get some work done--and buy some farm-raised eggs.
I came home about 9ish with 6 dozen fair-fresh eggs and some jalepenos. I made a late-dinner with 5 eggs, 1/4 onion and 1 jalepeno with a boneless/skinless chicken breast. I gave about 1/3 of it to my oldest daughter. After I was finished, I ate a bunch (and I do mean a *bunch*) of blackberries and raspberries. I've always enjoyed berries, but lately its as though I'm craving them. Even raspberries, which have been pretty much a "take it or leave it" item for me has become something I really enjoy.
I'm including some pictures of the meal I cooked last night.
Today I'm having lunch at the Indian buffet (Taj Palace) with co-workers.
The raw chicken, starting to cook with the spices sprinkled on the top of it.
I used 5, farm-fresh eggs. Notice the bluish color of the shells? I picked them based not on the color, but the size of the eggs. I'm seriously thinking about getting these kinds of hens for my own chicken coop...
Eggs scrambled, diced chidken added, diced jalepeno and onion ready to be added.
These are the six dozen farm-fresh (high Omega-3) eggs that I brought home last night.
Uptick is, I believe, related to water retention and food in my system. My wife gave me a new element of my colon cleanse yesterday--Dandelion Tea. I used to refer to this as "dirt tea" because the flavor reminded me of getting a mouth full of dirt. However, now that my tastebuds have changed, its not as bad as I remember. (Hard to admit that...) It's not like I want to sip it every day, but it's a lot easier to swallow it now that my tastebuds have changed and I haven't had any sugar, aspartame, sucralose or sacchrin in over 75 days.
I'm still on the colon cleanse--and it's working. I'll spare you the details.
Yesterday for lunch I ate at HuHot. I was lethargic through the afternoon. As soon as I got home, I made a juice. I was thinking that my schedule would prevent me from eating any dinner last night. Nearly the moment the juice hit my system, my energy levels skyrocketed. And--very interestingly--I started burping and processing the HuHot that was still sitting in my gullet. I only drank about 6oz of mostly veggie juice (4 cups kale, 2 cups spinach, big chunk of ginger-root, some globe grapes (stems and seeds included) and an apple. I made another juice that was mostly fruit with only a little veggie in it as a "dessert". Then I drove to my friend's house to get some work done--and buy some farm-raised eggs.
I came home about 9ish with 6 dozen fair-fresh eggs and some jalepenos. I made a late-dinner with 5 eggs, 1/4 onion and 1 jalepeno with a boneless/skinless chicken breast. I gave about 1/3 of it to my oldest daughter. After I was finished, I ate a bunch (and I do mean a *bunch*) of blackberries and raspberries. I've always enjoyed berries, but lately its as though I'm craving them. Even raspberries, which have been pretty much a "take it or leave it" item for me has become something I really enjoy.
I'm including some pictures of the meal I cooked last night.
Today I'm having lunch at the Indian buffet (Taj Palace) with co-workers.
This image shows the chicken breast in the pan, mostly cooked and the spices and coconut oil that I used. Garlic salt, savory, ginger powder, cumin, chili powder and the LouAna coconut oil. 
These are the six dozen farm-fresh (high Omega-3) eggs that I brought home last night.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Week of Eating Out (Redux)
Weight: 216.6
Yesterday for lunch I ate at the Brick House with my co-workers. I had the atlantic salmon with steamed broccoli. (It's an outstanding meal. If you go to the Brick House, I highly recommend it.) The meal comes with two bready cakes that I avoided. (I asked if they could swap them out for more broccoli and they couldn't--or wouldn't.) There is a creamy, buttery, tangy sauce that the salmon and broccoli are served over that is heavenly. :)
And last night for dinner, my second oldest daughter (who turned 14 yesterday) asked to go to the Maccaroni Grill. I also took her to see a movie--she picked John Carter of Mars, which I've now seen three times. We ate the "two appetizers, two entrees for $25" deal. I upcharged my meal for the "brick fired chicken and asparagus". I told the waiter I couldn't eat the fried potatoes that were with the meal and he offered (*offered*) to give me a double helping of asparagus intead. I took it. :) I also had an appetizer of "spicy meatballs".
Okay, here is another place where you can eat quite a nice little paleo-friendly meal. my chicken and asparagus were grilled. There was a little sauce for flavoring and a grilled lemon (which I squeezed over my whole plate and then squeezed the remainder into my water). The dipping sauce was spicy, but not hot-spicy. And the spiced meatballs were not hot-spicy at all, they just had a rich flavor. I also ordered a very non-paleo fried mozzerella to go, which I enjoyed while in the theatre.
I also ate a peach and an apple in the theatre as the movie started.
When I got home, I had a late snack that included some cashew butter (straight off the spoon, baby!)--needed a little water with that. And my oldest daughter was kind enough to make me 4 scrambled eggs, with diced onions and 4 strips of turkey bacon.
I was expecting my weight to tick up, considering I ate my "snacky meal" at midnight and went to bed at 1:30. Also, I didn't get nearly enough sleep. (I did nap for a few minutes during the movie, though -- hey! I've seen it three times in two weeks, I read all the books over and over and over again as a kid, I think a small 10 minute nap isn't that big of a deal!) ;)
Today I'm eating at HuHot with a co-worker and tomorrow I'm eating at the Indian buffet with my co-workers. This weekend I'm taking an electric skillet with me to the hotel room and planning a paleo-chicken/egg feast. And I'll probably also have some Mongolian BBQ.
Monday, March 26, I go back to juice only. (And I'm really looking forward to it!)
Yesterday for lunch I ate at the Brick House with my co-workers. I had the atlantic salmon with steamed broccoli. (It's an outstanding meal. If you go to the Brick House, I highly recommend it.) The meal comes with two bready cakes that I avoided. (I asked if they could swap them out for more broccoli and they couldn't--or wouldn't.) There is a creamy, buttery, tangy sauce that the salmon and broccoli are served over that is heavenly. :)
And last night for dinner, my second oldest daughter (who turned 14 yesterday) asked to go to the Maccaroni Grill. I also took her to see a movie--she picked John Carter of Mars, which I've now seen three times. We ate the "two appetizers, two entrees for $25" deal. I upcharged my meal for the "brick fired chicken and asparagus". I told the waiter I couldn't eat the fried potatoes that were with the meal and he offered (*offered*) to give me a double helping of asparagus intead. I took it. :) I also had an appetizer of "spicy meatballs".
Okay, here is another place where you can eat quite a nice little paleo-friendly meal. my chicken and asparagus were grilled. There was a little sauce for flavoring and a grilled lemon (which I squeezed over my whole plate and then squeezed the remainder into my water). The dipping sauce was spicy, but not hot-spicy. And the spiced meatballs were not hot-spicy at all, they just had a rich flavor. I also ordered a very non-paleo fried mozzerella to go, which I enjoyed while in the theatre.
I also ate a peach and an apple in the theatre as the movie started.
When I got home, I had a late snack that included some cashew butter (straight off the spoon, baby!)--needed a little water with that. And my oldest daughter was kind enough to make me 4 scrambled eggs, with diced onions and 4 strips of turkey bacon.
I was expecting my weight to tick up, considering I ate my "snacky meal" at midnight and went to bed at 1:30. Also, I didn't get nearly enough sleep. (I did nap for a few minutes during the movie, though -- hey! I've seen it three times in two weeks, I read all the books over and over and over again as a kid, I think a small 10 minute nap isn't that big of a deal!) ;)
Today I'm eating at HuHot with a co-worker and tomorrow I'm eating at the Indian buffet with my co-workers. This weekend I'm taking an electric skillet with me to the hotel room and planning a paleo-chicken/egg feast. And I'll probably also have some Mongolian BBQ.
Monday, March 26, I go back to juice only. (And I'm really looking forward to it!)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Week of Eating Out
Weight: 216.6
This is the week of eating out. I spent the weekend eating out while out of town. I took my daughter to a movie I'd promised her last night--we ate out at HuHot. I'm taking my 2nd oldest daughter to a movie tonight and also taking her to dinner--Maccaroni Grill (I'll avoid the pasta, don't worry). ;)
Tomorrow I have a lunch witha co-worker. I think there is an office-wide lunch event to an Indian buffet on Thursday.
Friday I'll be out of town again for the weekend and I know I'll be eating Mongolian.
Then I start the "great adventure" of my fasting effort.
For lunch yesterday I drank a V8. Dinner was at about 5:30. I drank a water with lemon during the movie (I had forgotten to pick up water before I arrived at the theatre--I don't want to discuss what that water bottle cost me...)
This is the week of eating out. I spent the weekend eating out while out of town. I took my daughter to a movie I'd promised her last night--we ate out at HuHot. I'm taking my 2nd oldest daughter to a movie tonight and also taking her to dinner--Maccaroni Grill (I'll avoid the pasta, don't worry). ;)
Tomorrow I have a lunch witha co-worker. I think there is an office-wide lunch event to an Indian buffet on Thursday.
Friday I'll be out of town again for the weekend and I know I'll be eating Mongolian.
Then I start the "great adventure" of my fasting effort.
For lunch yesterday I drank a V8. Dinner was at about 5:30. I drank a water with lemon during the movie (I had forgotten to pick up water before I arrived at the theatre--I don't want to discuss what that water bottle cost me...)
Monday, March 19, 2012
Busy St. Patrick's Day Weekend
Weight: 216.2 (Friday: 217.6)
I have to be compeletely honest--I'm amazed at what my weight is showing based on how I ate this weekend. I ate out at HuHot on Friday night. I ate some fruit and cashew butter on Friday night. Saturday I "grazed" on fruit and cashew butter (with some celery) all day. Saturday night I went to Cracker Barrel (and I need to talk about that in a bit) and then went out for the evening. I took a bag of fruit with me: peaches, grapes, raspberries, blackberries. While out, I also had an "unwich" at Jimmy Johns (a subway shop). Instead of bread, they wrap the meat and veggies in lettuce and you eat it like a "wrap". I had some mayo on my unwich.
Saturday night I also had a double shot of vodka. I didn't intend to. I don't often drink. However, it was socially awkward to reject the offer of the shot. I made a friend and strengthened a relationship by sharing the shot--and I would have distanced the friend and damaged the relationship by rejecting it. Apparently I snored quite a bit on Friday night, so I'm wondering if it was the effect of the alcohol on me.
Sunday I had more cashew butter and celery and fruit--I also had some meat-sticks which have some flour and sugar in them. I really figured that would push my weight up. For dinner, I had a steak and steamed veggies. Before bed I had some more cashew butter.
I was honestly expecting to be in the 220s. I'm very happy to see that not only am I not that high, but I've actually dropped weight.
Some observations I have to share: Walking is much easier. I had to walk a lot this weekend, stand a lot (on concrete floors) and actually found that sitting was more painful than standing and walking. And I do mean "painful". My butt *hurts* when I sit for any length of time, now. I have to shift my position often and I need to get up and walk around a lot more.
Cracker Barrel. Did you know they have a "low carb" portion on their menu? Did you know that it's very paleo friendly? Oh, sure, they bring you a big basket of cornbread and dinner rolls with honey-flavored margerine--but why would you even look twice at it? I had the "grilled chicken tenderloin" dinner with three sides (2 of green beans, 1 salad--ranch on the side, which I dipped my fork-tines into before a bite). I also asked them to scramble 4 eggs and add some tomatoes, onions and green peppers (they didn't have any jalepenos).
HuHot also has salmon cubes on the bar. They had a couple other fish types, but I trust that I enjoy salmon, so that's what I had. I also had a little beef, chicken and even some spicy sausage. In addition, I had a bowl of egg-drop soup and a salad with a vinegrette dressing on the side that I only lightly dipped a bit of flavor onto the veggies.
My steak dinner was a 12oz sirloin with steamed broccoli, cauliflower and carrots with a "light butter touch" -- afterwards, I wondered if it was "touched with light-butter" or if it was "lightly touched with butter".
My drinks all weekend have been lemon water. (Aside from my doubleshot of vodka Saturday night.)
This week I continue to partake of paleo-style eating. Starting a week from today, I'm back to juice-fasting. And 5 days into my juice-fast, I'm on a water-only fast ... for 30 days.
I really miss the sauna. I haven't been in over a week.
I'm still parking at the top of the parking lot, taking the stairs up and down at the office. I'm going to check out the cardio room at the RecPlex this week. And I'm going to swing by Wal-Mart to get a decent MP3 player so I can get some audio-books and make my time working out and in the sauna worthwhile and not just a waste of time.
I have to be compeletely honest--I'm amazed at what my weight is showing based on how I ate this weekend. I ate out at HuHot on Friday night. I ate some fruit and cashew butter on Friday night. Saturday I "grazed" on fruit and cashew butter (with some celery) all day. Saturday night I went to Cracker Barrel (and I need to talk about that in a bit) and then went out for the evening. I took a bag of fruit with me: peaches, grapes, raspberries, blackberries. While out, I also had an "unwich" at Jimmy Johns (a subway shop). Instead of bread, they wrap the meat and veggies in lettuce and you eat it like a "wrap". I had some mayo on my unwich.
Saturday night I also had a double shot of vodka. I didn't intend to. I don't often drink. However, it was socially awkward to reject the offer of the shot. I made a friend and strengthened a relationship by sharing the shot--and I would have distanced the friend and damaged the relationship by rejecting it. Apparently I snored quite a bit on Friday night, so I'm wondering if it was the effect of the alcohol on me.
Sunday I had more cashew butter and celery and fruit--I also had some meat-sticks which have some flour and sugar in them. I really figured that would push my weight up. For dinner, I had a steak and steamed veggies. Before bed I had some more cashew butter.
I was honestly expecting to be in the 220s. I'm very happy to see that not only am I not that high, but I've actually dropped weight.
Some observations I have to share: Walking is much easier. I had to walk a lot this weekend, stand a lot (on concrete floors) and actually found that sitting was more painful than standing and walking. And I do mean "painful". My butt *hurts* when I sit for any length of time, now. I have to shift my position often and I need to get up and walk around a lot more.
Cracker Barrel. Did you know they have a "low carb" portion on their menu? Did you know that it's very paleo friendly? Oh, sure, they bring you a big basket of cornbread and dinner rolls with honey-flavored margerine--but why would you even look twice at it? I had the "grilled chicken tenderloin" dinner with three sides (2 of green beans, 1 salad--ranch on the side, which I dipped my fork-tines into before a bite). I also asked them to scramble 4 eggs and add some tomatoes, onions and green peppers (they didn't have any jalepenos).
HuHot also has salmon cubes on the bar. They had a couple other fish types, but I trust that I enjoy salmon, so that's what I had. I also had a little beef, chicken and even some spicy sausage. In addition, I had a bowl of egg-drop soup and a salad with a vinegrette dressing on the side that I only lightly dipped a bit of flavor onto the veggies.
My steak dinner was a 12oz sirloin with steamed broccoli, cauliflower and carrots with a "light butter touch" -- afterwards, I wondered if it was "touched with light-butter" or if it was "lightly touched with butter".
My drinks all weekend have been lemon water. (Aside from my doubleshot of vodka Saturday night.)
This week I continue to partake of paleo-style eating. Starting a week from today, I'm back to juice-fasting. And 5 days into my juice-fast, I'm on a water-only fast ... for 30 days.
I really miss the sauna. I haven't been in over a week.
I'm still parking at the top of the parking lot, taking the stairs up and down at the office. I'm going to check out the cardio room at the RecPlex this week. And I'm going to swing by Wal-Mart to get a decent MP3 player so I can get some audio-books and make my time working out and in the sauna worthwhile and not just a waste of time.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Fruit Feast
Weight: 216.4
Yesterday for lunch, I was hungry. I'd had my V8 and I was still hungry. I decided to go to the local grocery store and buy some lunch items. I broke several of my rules yesterday, not the least of which is "never shop when you're hungry".
However, here's what I ate...
1 can of spicy V8
1 banana
8 oz blueberries
6 oz raspberries
4 oz blackberries
10 oz strawberries
1 orange
6 oz salmon
8 oz almond butter
12 oz pickled okra
It was a *big* lunch!
For my evening meal, I ate...
4 eggs (I actually cooked 6, but only ate about 2/3 of what I cooked) (salted / spiced)
1 1/2 chicken breasts (salted / spiced)
1/2 can of Rotel tomatoes
4 oz shredded mozzerella cheese
1/3 onion
3 cloves garlic
1 orange
12 oz raspberries
1 cup globe grapes (seeds in, chewed the seeds)
1 plum
1 peach
All that food... and I lost .2 lbs. O_o
I didn't sleep all that well last night. At least, not by my new standards. I also went to sleep way early, but I was extremely tired. I'd been up late the night before. Bedtime was 9:30, wakeup was 6:30. Interestingly, I woke up 2 minutes before my alarm went off. That's been happening a lot lately. I peed and went back to bed for another 30 minutes. This time I dozed and awoke with the alarm.
Twice in the night I was up to pee. Unusual. Possibly the high carb content in the fruit feast that I ate. Possibly just my body shedding extra water-weight. However, I didn't sleep as well last night and that may be part of it. I went to bed with a full stomach and that's something I really don't like to do. I'm burping last night's dinner this morning.
I'm drinking lemon-water today. It seems that when I include lemon-water in my diet, it causes my digestion to keep rolling, not to mention being a much more satisfying drink than plain water.
I have a lot of fruit leftover from yesterday's run to the store, which will probably be my lunch today. Right now I can't think about food. I feel full and I'm still processing eggs and chicken from the night before.
Yesterday for lunch, I was hungry. I'd had my V8 and I was still hungry. I decided to go to the local grocery store and buy some lunch items. I broke several of my rules yesterday, not the least of which is "never shop when you're hungry".
However, here's what I ate...
1 can of spicy V8
1 banana
8 oz blueberries
6 oz raspberries
4 oz blackberries
10 oz strawberries
1 orange
6 oz salmon
8 oz almond butter
12 oz pickled okra
It was a *big* lunch!
For my evening meal, I ate...
4 eggs (I actually cooked 6, but only ate about 2/3 of what I cooked) (salted / spiced)
1 1/2 chicken breasts (salted / spiced)
1/2 can of Rotel tomatoes
4 oz shredded mozzerella cheese
1/3 onion
3 cloves garlic
1 orange
12 oz raspberries
1 cup globe grapes (seeds in, chewed the seeds)
1 plum
1 peach
All that food... and I lost .2 lbs. O_o
I didn't sleep all that well last night. At least, not by my new standards. I also went to sleep way early, but I was extremely tired. I'd been up late the night before. Bedtime was 9:30, wakeup was 6:30. Interestingly, I woke up 2 minutes before my alarm went off. That's been happening a lot lately. I peed and went back to bed for another 30 minutes. This time I dozed and awoke with the alarm.
Twice in the night I was up to pee. Unusual. Possibly the high carb content in the fruit feast that I ate. Possibly just my body shedding extra water-weight. However, I didn't sleep as well last night and that may be part of it. I went to bed with a full stomach and that's something I really don't like to do. I'm burping last night's dinner this morning.
I'm drinking lemon-water today. It seems that when I include lemon-water in my diet, it causes my digestion to keep rolling, not to mention being a much more satisfying drink than plain water.
I have a lot of fruit leftover from yesterday's run to the store, which will probably be my lunch today. Right now I can't think about food. I feel full and I'm still processing eggs and chicken from the night before.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Movie Night
Weight: 216.6
I went to the movies last night. Saw "John Carter of Mars". Loved it. (Read the books as a kid, John Carter was my hero growing up.) I figured I would skip dinner and have a juice before bed. However, traffic was lighter than expected, the theatre was nearly deserted, there was time to eat.
Near the theatre is one of my favorite chinese restaurants--a huge buffet with a Mongolian grill. I loaded up on veggies and ... steak ... with a little chicken and had it grilled Mongolian style. I had some sauteed green beans and salmon from the "Beijing" side of the buffet, too. (The restaurant serves multiple types of asian cuisine on different parts of the buffet.)
I had a big plateful of meat and veggies. I didn't feel stuffed, but I felt full. I had a marvelous amount of energy all evening.
After the movie, I came home and made a "fun juice" -- apples, oranges, peaches, plums, grapes. About 48oz.
Several interesting things happened... I started processing the juice almost immediately--but I still had beef and veggies in my system. Processing the juice seemed to kick processing of the other foods into gear.
I woke up today, expecting to have gained a little -- and I've lost .4lbs. Not a huge loss and certainly all water or processed food. Still, it feels good to have had a big meal (most of it still rumbling about in my system) and have lost weight. :)
Today I started a colon cleanse program. It needs to be done with food, so this is an ideal time to do it. I'll be on solids for a couple weeks, then I'm hitting the 40 day fast. I'm seriously considering 5 days of juice then 30 days of water-only and then 5 days of juice. I'm still debating the specifics within myself.
I went to the movies last night. Saw "John Carter of Mars". Loved it. (Read the books as a kid, John Carter was my hero growing up.) I figured I would skip dinner and have a juice before bed. However, traffic was lighter than expected, the theatre was nearly deserted, there was time to eat.
Near the theatre is one of my favorite chinese restaurants--a huge buffet with a Mongolian grill. I loaded up on veggies and ... steak ... with a little chicken and had it grilled Mongolian style. I had some sauteed green beans and salmon from the "Beijing" side of the buffet, too. (The restaurant serves multiple types of asian cuisine on different parts of the buffet.)
I had a big plateful of meat and veggies. I didn't feel stuffed, but I felt full. I had a marvelous amount of energy all evening.
After the movie, I came home and made a "fun juice" -- apples, oranges, peaches, plums, grapes. About 48oz.
Several interesting things happened... I started processing the juice almost immediately--but I still had beef and veggies in my system. Processing the juice seemed to kick processing of the other foods into gear.
I woke up today, expecting to have gained a little -- and I've lost .4lbs. Not a huge loss and certainly all water or processed food. Still, it feels good to have had a big meal (most of it still rumbling about in my system) and have lost weight. :)
Today I started a colon cleanse program. It needs to be done with food, so this is an ideal time to do it. I'll be on solids for a couple weeks, then I'm hitting the 40 day fast. I'm seriously considering 5 days of juice then 30 days of water-only and then 5 days of juice. I'm still debating the specifics within myself.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Preparing for My 40 Days of Fasting
I have had conflicting information. I have had sycophants on all sides spouting their opinions. I have found another opinion.
Here is what I am gleaning from all this information...
I need to fast. I need to do it for as long as I can. I have already planned a 40 day fast and I'm intending to follow through with it.
My personal experience with fasting has shown me that it is effective for me, it works for me and it is something I can handle. Fasting has been utilized for millenia by multiple cultures all over the world as an effective tool in healing.
I found this link very helpful: http://www.falconblanco.com/health/fasting.htm
What is Fasting?
Fasting is a period of abstinence from all food or specific items. Fluids are consumed in sufficient quantity to satisfy thirst and physiologic requirements. During the absence of food, the body will systematically cleanse itself of everything except vital tissue. Starvation will occur only when the body is forced to use vital tissue to survive. Although protein is being used by the body during the fast, a person fasting even 40 days on water will not suffer a deficiency of protein, vitamins, minerals or fatty acids. In the breakdown of unhealthy cells, all essential substances are used and conserved in a most extraordinary manner. There is an unwarranted fear of fasting that strength diminishes from the catabolism of proteins from muscle fibers. Even during long fasts, the number of muscle fibers remains the same. Although the healthy cells may be reduced in size and strength for a time, they remain perfectly sound.
A. J. Carlson, Professor of Physiology, University of Chicago, states that a healthy, well-nourished man can live from 50 to 75 days without food, provided he is not exposed to harsh elements or emotional stress. Human fat is valued at 3,500 calories per pound. Each extra pound of fat will supply enough calories for one day of hard physical labor. Ten pounds of fat are equal to 35,000 calories! Most of us have sufficient reserves, capable of sustaining us for many weeks.
Rest is understood to be a big factor in enhancing recovery, as it is when the body is at rest that it is able to direct the most energy towards the various chemical and mechanical processes of detoxification. When fasting, a person experiences recovery at a rate that is swifter than normal. He is ridding his body of toxins and excesses; allowing the body to use its own wisdom to healthfully reorganize itself from the atomic level. As the toxic load is reduced, the functioning of every cell is enhanced. In the same way that vital nerve energy is accumulated during a night's sleep, the faster builds nerve energy through rest, sleep, and detoxification.
The human body has many ordinary modes of achieving elimination: the liver, lungs, kidneys, colon, etc. When these are overloaded, the body will resort to "extra ordinary" methods of elimination: boils, mucous and other discharges, sweats, vomiting, diarrhea, and many others. Should elimination be impossible or uneconomical of body energy, the toxic overload will go into storage forms in the joints, vessels, muscles, organs; almost any tissue in the body. While fasting, the body is highly conservative of its energy and resources. During this deep and profound rest, toxin intake and production are reduced to a minimum while autolysins and elimination proceed unchecked. Anabolic processes such as tissue and bone healing also proceed at a maximal rate during the fast.
In the body, the first stage of cleansing removes large quantities of waste matter and digestive residues. The first few days of a fast can be rough due to the quantity of waste passing into the blood stream. The tongue becomes coated and the breath foul as the body excretes waste through every opening. After the third day of the fast, there is little desire for food. The second stage is the cleansing of mucous, fat, diseased and dying cells, and the more easily removed toxins. As the fast continues, the cleansing process becomes more thorough. The last stage is the cleansing of toxins that have been accumulating in your cellular tissue from birth, and the microscopic tubes that carry vital elements to the brain. Cleansing of the last layer is only possible through a combination of juice fasting, water fasting, and a healthy diet high in raw foods. To overcome a severe disease like cancer, it is important to continue through a series of fasts, to the point where the full scouring action of catabolism removes the disease from the tissue.
During extended fasts the body removes: dead, dying and diseased cells; unwanted fatty tissue, trans-fatty acids, hardened coating of mucus on the intestinal wall; toxic waste matter in the lymphatic system and bloodstream; toxins in the spleen, liver and kidney; mucus from the lungs and sinuses, imbedded toxins in the cellular fibers and deeper organ tissues; deposits in the microscopic tubes responsible for nourishing brain cells and excess cholesterol.
Nearly everyone who fasts, discovers the same thing, that when they fast they actually have no hunger and more energy than they normally have. It is indeed liberating to find out that if we let go and trust that we will be taken care of. Fasting is the simplest, easiest and most effective way to find out that we do indeed have the power and freedom to heal and take control of our bodies.
Why Fast?
Probably the most important reason is that the body uses quite a bit of energy to digest food, and when fasting this energy becomes available for other uses. In the fasting state, the body will scour for dead cells, damaged tissues, fatty deposits, tumors, abscesses, all of which are burned for fuel or expelled as waste. The elimination of these obstructions restores the immune system functionality and metabolic process to an optimum state. Fasting restores good digestion and elimination, and peristaltic action is quickened. Fasting allows a deep, physiological rest of the digestive organs, and the energy saved goes into self-healing and self-repairing. By eliminating obstructions, by cleansing, detoxification, and purifying the intestines, the blood, and the cells, we can overcome many of our physical ills or handicaps as well as getting a boost in energy. Fasting not only removes obstructions and helps the body to heal itself, it is also rejuvenating and life-extending. These resulting benefits can have lasting affects in your mental and emotional health.
The other very important aspect is that your self-awareness will be elevated. If you are sick and depressed, then this might be the most important thing you can try in your healing program, because it gives you immediately an energy boost and increased awareness which might allow that you see things more clearly, allowing you the first step out of your sickness and onto the path of recovery. While fasting you become more aware of your body process, your life and with everything you are doing. It becomes a period where you can evaluate all that you're doing more objectively, and you naturally have more time for contemplation because you aren't using time amassing, preparing, eating, eliminating and cleaning up all which is used to prepare food. You become more aware of what your body likes and doesn't like when you start to eat again. You gain self-confidence in your ability to control your life process, to set a goal and carry out an intention.
Fasting enhances mental acuity
Perhaps the most instructive testimony as to the acuteness of mental powers during fasting comes from Dr. Herbert Shelton who supervised the fasting of more than 40,000 people over a period of fifty years. His message is that the freer the body is of toxic materials flowing through the blood and lymphatic system, the clearer is the ability to think.
These facts are due to physiological causes. Large amounts of blood and nervous energies have to be sent to the digestive organs to digest a meal. If these energies are not required there, they may be used by the brain for better thinking. This increase in mental acuity doesn’t usually happen until after the first few days of a fast, because the body is busy cleaning out excess toxins and substances and so the first few days can be a period of depression, with headaches and various pains as this process is underway. This makes the first stage of fasting difficult but after the body has thrown off it’s load of toxins, then the brain is fed by a cleaner bloodstream and the mental powers and clarity of thought are extraordinarily increased and the other senses also become more acute.
One’s mind becomes clearer and one’s ability to think and solve intricate problems is enhanced. One is simply more alert, and one’s mind seems to open up into new fields. The mental and physical senses are heightened, and often there can be a feeling of euphoria, especially during longer fasts. Some, for the first time, will experience emotional stability. The reasons for this are multifold - the elimination of the emotional dependence on food, exclusion of stimulating foods like caffeine, processed sugars, recreational drugs, tobacco and trans-fatty acids, all of which can have a devastating effect on delicate emotions.
Dr. Ehret stated an amazing fact at the turn of the 20th century. He said that, for a water fast to awaken the higher mind functions, it had to be longer than 21 days. Fasting has a history of awakening intuitive senses, creativity, and deeper spiritual questions in those with enough determination to get past the 21 day mark.
Healing
During a fast, a metamorphosis occurs. The body undergoes a tearing down and rebuilding of damaged materials. For this reason, fasting is famous for its ability to rejuvenate and give the body a more youthful tone. Why does fasting have such a powerful effect in healing the body? Fasting dissolves diseased cells in a systematic manner, leaving healthy tissue. The result is a thorough cleansing of the tube, membrane and cellular structures. There is a remarkable redistribution of nutrients in the fasting body. It hangs on to precious minerals and vitamins while catabolizing on old tissue, toxins and inferior materials.
Each cell of your body is a complete living entity with its own metabolism. It needs a constant supply of oxygen and sufficient nourishment. When due to nutritional deficiencies, sluggish metabolism, sedentary life, overeating and consequent poor digestion and assimilation of food, lack of fresh air and sufficient exercise and rest, our cells are deprived... they start to degenerate... the normal process of cell replacement and rebuilding slows down and your body starts to grow old, its resistance to disease will diminish and you become ‘sick’.
Animals will naturally fast when they are sick or injured, and when we are ill, our hunger diminishes. If we get out of the way and allow nature to take its course, we will find that we can heal from any problem. Since the dawn of recorded time, in fact since before the word "doctor" came into existence, priests provided sanctuaries where people could go to fast. Whereas modern medical practitioners admit that they have no cures, only drugs that mask the symptoms while causing yet other symptoms to appear.
“I had a medical practice for 20 years in NYC, supervised hundreds of long fasts, and I found that the physical healing or weight loss was but a pleasant side effect. What really happened is that the person got in touch with their higher self, their true self, and came to the experience that healing can take place at every level, simply by letting go and allowing Mother Nature to do her work.” – Dr. Rai Casey
Fasting has been beneficial for these conditions:
Although fasting is not recommended in every situation, (cancer of the liver is one instance where fasting is contraindicated), in many situations fasting is the only known solution. Fasting has been beneficial for arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, lupus, chronic fatigue, colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, spastic colon, irritable bowel, cases of paralysis, neuritis, neuralgia, neuroses, and mental illness as well as many others. Fasting will also break down tumors and for this reason, many have overcome cancer with fasting.
Fasting decreases dependency on authorities
How many of us believe that when we get sick, that a doctor is going to save us from pain and death? We just assume that the technology is going to be able to repair us when we break down, by giving us a pill, a treatment or a surgery. We are so alienated from our bodies that we think that a doctor knows more about us than we do. The reality is that doctor’s don’t have the cures that we need, what is offered by the traditional system of healers is only the possibility to treat our symptoms never being able to cure us or root out the cause. When we take these kinds of treatments to suppress our symptoms then that cause, which is the underlying reason we are sick, goes unattended, then in fact our illness continues to grow. We will never be healthy until we take responsibility for our own health . We need to stop blaming the outside for making us sick, whether it is corporations, a person, our immediate environment or a government, and to recognize instead that our sickness is a symptom telling us something is inside needs to be addressed. For sure there are outside influences that we can’t control, but there is much that we can control by taking responsibility for ourselves and working to change our habits.
Benefits of Fasting
Mental clarity is improved and brain fog is lifted.
Rapid, safe weight loss is achieved without flabbiness
The nervous system is balanced
Energy level and sensory perception is increased. The longer the fast, the bigger increase in energy and vitality. You normally need less sleep.
Organs are revitalized
Cellular biochemistry is harmonized
The skin becomes silky, soft, and sensitive
There is greater ease of movement
Breathing becomes fuller, freer and deeper
The digestive system is rejuvenated and becomes more effective; the peristaltic action of the intestines (the cause of a natural bowel movement) is stronger after fasting.
Fasting retrains your tasting sense back to more healthy food as acute sensitivity is restored.
Fasting can increase confidence in our ability to have control over our lives and our appetite, and that our body is self-regulating and a self-healing organism capable or establishing balance when given the possibility to do so.
Normal metabolic and cell oxygenation are restored.
Detoxification - as soon as the body realizes that it's fasting it will begin to eliminate those things that cause disease, such as fat cells, arterial cholesterol plaques, mucus, tumors, stored up worries and emotions.
One Day Fast
One way to start is to fast one day, working towards fasting regularly, one day per week or for longer periods of time. You can fast from all food, or only from solid food. You can choose a one day fast with only:
You can fast from 1 to 40 days. Try to drink 2 liters of water or more per day.
The ten day water fast has become a recommended number of days. Ten days on water will cause the same weight loss as 30 days on juice. But water fasting is far more difficult, especially if you have a fast metabolism. Water fasting cleanses the body aggressively removing toxins rapidly. Water fasting can be more beneficial than juice fasting in combating more persistent forms of cancer, cleansing the tissues more aggressively. Water fasting demands mental preparation, the less pressure and responsibility you have during a water fast the better. Think of it a holiday away form the normal patterns of living. Some recommend that the week before your fast, you drink fresh juices and eat mostly raw fruits and vegetables to cleanse the body so that the detoxification during water fasting will be less aggressive. Water fasting should always include two of three days of juice fasting before and after the water fast. This alternating between juice and water fasting is the most effective method of achieving a full cleansing through fasting.
Water Fasting Tips
Avoid water straight from the faucet. Distilled water is the best for cleansing because of its inherent, magnetic properties and ability to absorb and suspend large quantities of toxins, flushing them from the body. The perceived value of mineral water is misleading because the inorganic minerals are like huge boulders to the cellular membranes, making them impossible to assimilate. Plants are able to break down the minerals from the soils, allowing them to be completely absorbable to the cells of the body. The best water is distilled, secondly, spring or filtered.
There are no calories or nutritional value in water. On a water fast you have given your body no options but to turn to itself for fuel. This can create a problem when you have spent years depositing counterfeit fuel. Living exclusively on dirty fuel during a fast takes tremendous courage & strength. To ease into water fasting some recommend juice fasting with periods of water fasting. For example 3 days on juice, 2 days on water, 5 days on juice, then 3 days on water. You can juice when you have to work and water fast on the weekend when you can rest.
Water Fasting Concerns
It is not advisable to water fast under the conditions of hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, schizophrenia or a chronic heart condition. If you have existing conditions it is best if you consult with a fasting expert and/or be monitored throughout your fast.
Be careful of dizziness and black outs. The heart is resting as much as it can during water fasting. Before you stand up, take one or two deep breaths to get the heart pumping. If you start to black out, sit down or crouch down on one knee. This will immediately stop the dizziness.
Master Cleanse Fast
The Master Cleanse or Lemon Cleanse is between a water fast and a juice fast. Basically it consists of drinking a mixture of freshly squeezed lemons, water and maple syrup for a period of 8 to 40 days. It is easier to do than a water fast because you are still getting nutrients and energy from the lemons and the maple syrup. This fast can be done while still maintaining your normal work, yet is less calories than what you would get from a juice fast. It is normal to lose weight on this fast and it is excellent for cleansing the colon. For full details on how to do this fast see the following link: Stanley Boroughs Master Cleanse
Juice Fast
Juice fasting is safe and can allow the body to clean itself of toxins while greatly improving conditions for health. A benefit is that your energy level is high because you are receiving sufficient nutrients from the juices, so you can carry out normal activities. A juice fast takes some burden off the digestive system and frees up some energy for accelerated healing though a water fast does much better in that regard. Also, juices can make available extra quantities of nutrients that a person might lack. Juices are easy to assimilate and take hardly any digestive energy from the body, allowing the body to put more energy into healing and rejuvenation. Packed with vitamins, minerals, living enzymes, antioxidants, phytochemicals, yet low enough in calories to force the body to cannibalize on its filthy waste, propelling you to vigorous physical health and clarity of mind.
For your first fast and for the purpose of healing disease most experts recommend a juice fast over a water fast. Fasting on water has become a near impossible exercise for a body that has been nurtured on poisons. The juice of fruits and vegetables are filled with healing and cleansing properties that allow the body to gently and safely detoxify. Juice fasting has become an effective stepping-stone to water fasting. Through juice fasting, thousands of individuals have been freed from serious diseases such as cancer, leukemia, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disorders, skin infections, liver disorders, alcoholism and smoking.
The thirty-day juice fast is a standard. This length of fast feels about right because after 30 days it seems like you have been fasting forever. Less then 30 days and you can miss the best experiences of the fast. If you are juice fasting, a few days on water occasionally will intensify the fast and assist with weight-loss if you have a slow metabolism.
Most people can juice fast safely for up to 30 days. The exceptions are those with hypoglycemia, diabetes, hypo thyroid, and Wilson's Syndrome. For these conditions, eat slices of avocado and banana every few hours, add high quality vegetable source protein powder to your juices, and add psyllium or another good bulking agent to your juices twice a day to regulate blood sugar levels. Do not juice fast if you have impaired kidney function.
The amount of juice you drink will determine the intensity of cleansing. Drinking small amounts of juice supplies fewer calories, thereby increasing detoxification. The more intense the cleansing, the greater the discomfort. Juice fasting allows you to have control over the process of elimination. However, when the body enters a cleansing crisis due to toxins in the blood, no amount of juice will eliminate the discomfort. You must wait it out.
Drink all-vegetable or all-fruit juices, never combine fruits & vegetables to create juice. Make your juice from fresh vegetables or fruits. You can also include herbal teas with honey, vegetable broth, Barley Green, wheat grass juice and supplements helpful for your specific condition. Drink juice whenever hunger develops until pleasantly full as opposed to stuffed full. It is best if you filter or strain the juices, removing any excess fiber or pulp so that you continue to give the digestive system a rest. Also if it looks like you are not losing weight on your fast, you can dilute the juices with water.
You may consider modifying the fast by including quarter slices of avocado or banana to slow the cleansing process. Modified juice fasting is good for those with health restrictions such as diabetes or hypoglycemia. Bananas and avocados are slow to digest and maintain a stable blood sugar level. Their high calorie content slows the intensity of the fast and, because they are easy to digest, the body still devotes energy to cleansing.
Preparation for Your Fast
Inform yourself about fasting: by doing your own investigation, reading all you can about the fasting process, the various kinds of fasts and what you can expect as side affects. If you have a pre-existing health condition then you should find out if there are contrary indications with fasting and your condition.
Determine your cleanse duration and time period: Try to arrange that your fast is in a time period where you have low activity or lobsters. Avoid heavy kinds of work if at all possible. When it comes to long fasts and inability of somebody to handle a long fast, you just do the best you can. When detoxification increases as it does during fasting, the liver, kidneys, lungs and immune system work extra hard to handle the load. If these systems were already compromised before the fast, one must proceed carefully. You go as long as you can tolerate it, whether physiologically or emotionally, and then come back to eating again. Once you have some energy and are a few steps further toward health, you can consider doing another fast. Several short fasts can definitely do wonders if one long fast cannot be undertaken. Long fasts are preferable to short ones because once the body is in the fasting state it cleanses systematically into the harder to get at body tissues. For this reason, most of the recoveries from illness have taken place in the latter parts of long juice or water fasts. Long fasts give the body the uninterrupted time to do the work of healing. The first few days of fasting gets rid of the gross waste products of digestion, but only after this can the body pull out its tools to get to work on healing.
Frequency of Fasting
Of course, the best is that people stay on a good daily health regime and then when the need comes to fast to go ahead and do it for a week to 10 days or longer if indicated. At least long enough to move completely into the fasting physiology and accelerated detoxification. Ideally people should fast once or twice a year just as a tune-up to deal with the environmental toxins and junk in our foods as well as the emotional build up. Traditionally people have fasted in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild.
Activity Level
It is good to at least have mild exercise and movements with short walks to keep the lymphatic fluid moving and to the keep the vascular system working. The amount of exercise you can do is very much dependent on your existing condition and how you are feeling that day and what kind of fast you are doing. Basically one needs to be alert and listen to one’s body and not to overdo. Fasting is resting, not a marathon! You may feel weak during a water fast and may need to rest more often. While juice fasting, you may experience an abundance of energy that makes exercise easy. If you experience energy loss, limit yourself to stretching exercises, light walking or deep breathing.
Proteins & Fasting
It was theorized that protein loss during fasting was harmful and that a fast should be supplemented with protein. Fasting with protein became known as the Opti-fast. Fasters took nothing but water and a protein drink. Sadly, several people died. Protein digestion during the fasting state created an overload of urea and the blood become acidic. In this condition, the organs become more damaged instead of healing. To the body, fasting is a natural process. During water or juice fasting, the protein levels of the blood remain constant. Although protein is being utilized, a person fasting 40 days on water will not suffer a deficiency of either protein, vitamins, minerals or fatty acids. In the breakdown of dying and diseased cells, all essential substances are available while fasting for reuse within the body. These dead cells are utilized in a systematic manner.
Protein deficiency is non existent in North America. You never hear of anyone being diagnosed with protein deficiency. Fruit and vegetable juices have water-soluble highly absorbable proteins. The body has a store of protein, and it uses it selectively. Dying cells are the first to be used and healthy and vital tissues are the very last and will only be used as a last resort. Only during starvation is protein being stripped from healthy tissue to be used to survive. This may take 30 to 80 days of fasting on water to reach this point.
The systematic searching of cells to be metabolized is crucial in the healing of cancer. A cancer cell represents protein and calories. Some cancers are so persistent that you have to force the body to choose between healthy cells and cancer cells. This requires a long fast on small portions of juice combined with days of water fasting.
Aiding Elimination of Toxins
Enemas: If you are not having natural bowel movements then an enema is advised to move out the toxic material that is being scoured by your body. You will feel much better after taking an enema. An enema can be taken daily in the beginning days of a fast, then bi-daily for the remainder using just plain water.
Mucus: . It is common, during fasting, for the nose and throat to pass sticky mucus, clogging the sinuses. White strands of mucus may be found in the stool. You may find that you are more comfortable if you use a Neti Pot to clear the sinus cavities, to prevent getting a cold with the clogged sinuses. You can also drink lemon juice with water to help clear the mucus.
Showers/Bathing: Plan to shower or bath daily to aid in cleaning the pores and assist the removal of toxins. The skin is a large organ and many toxins are removed through the pores causing a gummy deposit on the surface of the skin. It may help to brush the skin removing the sludge that is deposited there.
Reactions from Fasting
The 'healing' reactions you get from fasting are dependent on your existing health and the toxic load present in your body when you start. The first three days can be the most difficult until one's appetite for food goes away, which it normally does after the third day. Many people experience headaches, joint pain and other discomforts in the first few days. Your tongue will become coated and your breath foul, and you may notice increased body odor. These are all normal detox reactions as the toxins move out of your body. With extended fasting you will notice some days are symptom free, then as you move into deeper layers of detoxification you will experience episodes of symptoms as your body cleanses these other systems. In the later stages you remove the mucous from your system and this can increase your likelihood to catch a flu or a cold. At times you may feel weak or tired, so you should listen to your body and rest. Periods of high-energy and mental clarity will be experienced and can be variable, alternating between periods of healing reactions and symptom free days. With extended fasts it is normal to also have strong emotional reactions that have been suppressed, as the body brings these to the surface also for healing... This can be a difficult period, but can be dealt with more easily with meditation or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). The cleansing response that happens is dependent on experience with fasting, current health and level of toxins and sickness in your body. If you have an existing health condition, it is possible that you get a strong healing reaction or healing crisis. A link to a page describing this reaction in detail is given below.
If cleansing responses arise (headache, stomach upset, mental fog, lethargy,.etc) exercise great patience and take rest until symptoms pass. It's all part of the process. Always go to your capacity but never over-do. If unreasonably strong physical or emotional symptoms occur, it may be wise to discontinue. The following are common reactions and what can be done to ease the symptom while you are fasting.
Spiritual
As the system detoxifies, many of these spiritual aspects of ourselves that have been waiting to come through for a long time are finally able to, and that person, hopefully fasting in an environment that is calm and serene and peaceful and loving, will be able to express and deal with these spiritual phenomena such that it can have a very beneficial and positive effect. Meditation, EFT and other tools can be used to help relate to spiritual and emotional phenomena.
Weight Loss
Weight loss can initially be as high as three to four pounds per day, but as the fast continues, the average loss will be one pound per day. If you are juice fasting and not losing weight, the juice is supplying all the calories you need. You may have to cut down on the juices or alternate between water fasting and juice fasting if losing weight is part of your goal. The slower your metabolism the slower the weight loss. If you are thin or average weight and you fast for 30 days on juice or 10 days on water, you will become thin. Ribs will show, the face will become gaunt, and friends and family will display concern. But the body will quickly normalize its weight in 5 to 10 days after the fast. If you are thin to start with, fasting may allow you to gain additional weight after the fast. Metabolism is normalized due to the cleansing process. It is very important not to try to gain weight too quickly. The body can rebuild only at a set rate. Overeating will burden the body and undermine the rebuilding process.
Dizziness
You may experience dizziness, if you do get down on one knee and the dizziness will stop immediately.
Backache
Back pain may increase due to toxins in the lower intestine. The blood vessels that draw nutrients from the colon are very close to the nerves of the spine. Back pain often decreases after elimination of the toxins. Back exercises also can relieve some pain. A cold pack also will help. An enema may be in order...
Bad Breath
Waste passes through the lungs which are an eliminative organ. Brushing the tongue with a tooth brush, using dental floss and rinsing with mouthwash will reduce bad breath.
Canker Sores
These may develop from a toxic buildup in the mouth. Unhealthy bacteria increases between the teeth. The tongue becomes coated with waste. To stop cankers, gargle with sea salt mixed with water several times daily. Dabbing the sore with tea tree oil or vitamin E quickens the healing process.
Cold Virus
Mucoid is the perfect food for viruses. Toxins weaken the immune system. When large quantities of toxins and mucus are in the blood due to a fast, they can cause a susceptibility to colds. To fight a cold, continue fasting to eliminate the mucus. Reduce the liquid intake and drink lemon juice.
Blackouts
During fasting the body conserves energy. The heart pumps slower and blood pressure lowers. Standing or moving quickly from a resting position will cause the blood to flow to the legs. For a few seconds, the brain may not get enough oxygen, causing blackouts and dizziness. To stop a blackout get down on one knee or sit. Lowering your center of gravity will instantly stop a blackout. Blackouts are more frequent during water fasting.
Diarrhea
Fruit juices have a laxative effect that is more pronounced after water fasting. It can be stopped by using the enema. Using psyllium husk during diarrhea will help regulate the system.
Strong Emotions
Try to journal, EFT, meditate, talk a walk, or rest.
Headaches
Toxins can cause muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders. This can result in tension headaches. Massaging the neck and shoulders will help relieve the tension. The herb Fever Few, which is available in health food stores, is well worth trying.
Mucus
Drink lemon juice with water, combine with Neti Pot.
Muscle Tightness
The muscles may become tight and sore due to toxin irritation. The legs can be the worst affected as toxins accumulate in the legs. A self massage, hot baths, stretching and exercising will help to release the toxins.
Nausea
When waste is released too quickly by the lymph glands, some of the toxic overload is taken by the liver and secreted with bile into the stomach. This causes nausea. Drinking water or carrot juice will dilute the bile and toxin mixture helping to flush it from the system.
Nervousness
The elimination of toxins can irritate damaged nerves. Exercise will relieve tension. Use quarter slices of avocado to slow the fast or drink fruit juice if on a water fast. However, you should note that any food intake may cause one's hunger to return and make it more difficult to stay on the fast, just do the best that you can.
Skin disturbances
The skin may become oily as rancid oils are purged from the body. People with problem free skin may have a few days of pimples or boils. A pallid complexion is also a sign of waste in the blood. When cleansed of mucus and toxins, the skin will be healthy, soft and unblemished.
Tiredness
Tiredness is normal during water or restricted juice fasting. If the tiredness is too much, increase the quantity of sweet juices like melon and carrot juice.
Pre-existing Conditions
Heart Disease
Include bananas and avocados when juice fasting to balance the blood sugar level. Toxins in the blood and reduced blood sugar levels may cause a weak heart to labor. Like any other organ, the heart needs nutrients, a toxin free environment, and time to heal. Also if one has the disorder of POTS it is advisable to take salt so that the blood pressure does not get too low.
Hypoglycemia
Do not juice fast unless you use bananas and avocados to balance the blood sugar level.
Kidney problems
Fasting can irritate damaged kidneys due to the amount of toxins they filter. Try short juice fasts of 3 to 5 days before progressing to longer fasts.
Liver Disease
The liver can become toxic due to abuse. If the liver is badly degenerated, cleansing must be done in stages. Start with short juice fasts and lead to fasts over five days. Avoid heavy proteins, refined flours and fatty foods. Eat meals of fruits or vegetables between the fasts.
Age
Nobody is too old to fast - it is exactly what the body needs to feel young again. Shorter fasts are recommended to start. Assess your physical state as you proceed. If juice fasting becomes too intense, bananas and avocados will lessen the intensity by slowing the cleansing.
Ulcers
Fasting will help significantly. Choose the juices that do not irritate the condition.
Healing Crisis
(The cleansing reaction, the detox reaction, or the Herxheimer reaction.)
During your fast you may enter into a healing crisis, which indicates that a deeply seated sickness is being healed, but also this means that you are going in reverse through the reactions that you went through as your sickness progressed. This is normally a good thing, because it shows that there is a major healing happening, but the downside is that it is not easy to go through because of the uncomfortable reactions that cause pain, etc. If you are feeling quite ill then you should read through the healing reaction article to try to determine if this is what is going on with you or not. It may be advisable to check with your medical professional at this point, to try to determine if you want to continue the fast or not.
Going Off Your Fast
"It’s a fact that eating causes a cycle of hunger. It’s only when we stop eating that we lose hunger! Think about it. All fasting experts agree that hunger sensations are usually lost on or shortly after the third day of fasting, and sometimes don’t return for weeks, but when they do return, usually very strongly, it’s the time to break the fast."
But all fasting experts point out that it is important to resume eating very lightly, and very gradually, in exact relationship to the duration of the fast. Therefore, if breaking a 40-day fast, you may want to start with only small quantities of fruit juice for several days up to a week, before actually resuming with solid food like regular fruit.
Important:
Keep the first solid meal light and simple even though the mental temptation to dive into heavier favorites will probably be high. Be gentle with your digestive system and your digestive system will not only thank you but the overall benefits of the cleanse will last much longer. If you were on a water fast, then your first day can be juices, if your were on a juice fast, then your first day should be raw vegetables or fruits. The next meal may include heavier items such as potato, avocado or corn, but in any case you will notice that your body is very sensitive to what you eat and you should use this period of transition to learn more about what your body likes and doesn't like you to put into it.
When waking up a slumbering digestive system, the desire to eat will be intense. The flavors and textures of food will be enhanced by super clean nasal passages. Eating will be a brand new experience. This is the time to flex your new-found muscles of discipline and self-control. As the body screams, I want more, wisdom whispers, you have had enough.
Eating small amounts of raw fruits and vegetables for the first five or six days will allow the body to gently wake up the digestive system. The body will continue to detoxify and cleanse during this period. Any toxins that have accumulated will begin to move due to the sweeping action of the soft fibers of fruits and vegetables.
For six days gradually increase the amount of raw fruits and vegetables in your diet. To break a fast and gorge on meat, bread or junk food will be disaster. Jarring the system this intensely when the digestive system is in a sensitive state can cause stomach cramps, nausea and weakness, negating much of the benefits of the fast.
Eat slowly and chew your food well. Saliva has enzymes that assist in digestion. Up to 80 percent of the starch, 30 percent of the protein and 10 percent of the fat can be digested by the enzymes in saliva.
Do not overeat! Discover the amount of food that your body needs to live a vibrant, healthy life. Discern the difference between cravings and hunger. Never feed your emotions.
When breaking a fast over ten days, the break-in period should be extended one day for every 4 days of fasting.
Greater Sensitivity - Restored Senses
An interesting phenomenon occurs after a fast. The years of conditioning your body to tolerate unhealthy foods is reversed. The body is as clean as a newborn baby. Try feeding a newborn baby Grandma's apple pie.
When the body is full of toxins, its defense systems are not able to operate effectively. After a fast the natural defenses are restored and sensitivity to unhealthy food is increased. You will feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food and sluggish and tired when overeating. Rich foods, full of fat, salt, and processed sugars will cause nausea, headaches and weakness. A handful of fruit will be thoroughly satisfying. Because the digestive system has to work less, there will be boundless energy to spare.
Why? After a fast your body is clean, and has far less tolerance to the poisonous foods that you were used to eating previous to the fast. Understand, feeling sick when eating poison is a sign that your body is functioning normally. Fasting restores the body's ability to violently react to harmful, health damaging, food. If you really desire, you can desensitize your body by slowly introducing harmful foods back into your diet, but why you should? You better select your food carefully, even though it is not possible to avoid toxins as these are every where. So fasting as a regular cleaning is important and will keep you healthy.
Additional Reading:
Herbert Shelton, founder of the Natural Hygiene Society, supervised more cases of fasting (at his sanitarium in Texas) than almost any other fasting doctor, and has written extensively on this subject with many case studies of people who healed near-incurable diseases with fasts ranging from a couple of weeks up to 90 days. Shelton authored the following books, and more: Fasting Can Save Your Life; Fasting For Renewal of Life; Food Combining Made Easy; Getting Well; Superior Nutrition; Facts About Fasting; Health For All; Health For the Millions; Living Life to Live it Longer; Rubies in the Sand; Natural Hygiene: The Pristine Way of Life; The Science and Fine Art of Fasting; The Science and Fine Art of Natural Hygiene; Human Life: Its Philosophy and Laws; and also: Human Beauty: Its Culture and Hygiene.
Here is what I am gleaning from all this information...
I need to fast. I need to do it for as long as I can. I have already planned a 40 day fast and I'm intending to follow through with it.
My personal experience with fasting has shown me that it is effective for me, it works for me and it is something I can handle. Fasting has been utilized for millenia by multiple cultures all over the world as an effective tool in healing.
I found this link very helpful: http://www.falconblanco.com/health/fasting.htm
What is Fasting?
Fasting is a period of abstinence from all food or specific items. Fluids are consumed in sufficient quantity to satisfy thirst and physiologic requirements. During the absence of food, the body will systematically cleanse itself of everything except vital tissue. Starvation will occur only when the body is forced to use vital tissue to survive. Although protein is being used by the body during the fast, a person fasting even 40 days on water will not suffer a deficiency of protein, vitamins, minerals or fatty acids. In the breakdown of unhealthy cells, all essential substances are used and conserved in a most extraordinary manner. There is an unwarranted fear of fasting that strength diminishes from the catabolism of proteins from muscle fibers. Even during long fasts, the number of muscle fibers remains the same. Although the healthy cells may be reduced in size and strength for a time, they remain perfectly sound.
A. J. Carlson, Professor of Physiology, University of Chicago, states that a healthy, well-nourished man can live from 50 to 75 days without food, provided he is not exposed to harsh elements or emotional stress. Human fat is valued at 3,500 calories per pound. Each extra pound of fat will supply enough calories for one day of hard physical labor. Ten pounds of fat are equal to 35,000 calories! Most of us have sufficient reserves, capable of sustaining us for many weeks.
Rest is understood to be a big factor in enhancing recovery, as it is when the body is at rest that it is able to direct the most energy towards the various chemical and mechanical processes of detoxification. When fasting, a person experiences recovery at a rate that is swifter than normal. He is ridding his body of toxins and excesses; allowing the body to use its own wisdom to healthfully reorganize itself from the atomic level. As the toxic load is reduced, the functioning of every cell is enhanced. In the same way that vital nerve energy is accumulated during a night's sleep, the faster builds nerve energy through rest, sleep, and detoxification.
The human body has many ordinary modes of achieving elimination: the liver, lungs, kidneys, colon, etc. When these are overloaded, the body will resort to "extra ordinary" methods of elimination: boils, mucous and other discharges, sweats, vomiting, diarrhea, and many others. Should elimination be impossible or uneconomical of body energy, the toxic overload will go into storage forms in the joints, vessels, muscles, organs; almost any tissue in the body. While fasting, the body is highly conservative of its energy and resources. During this deep and profound rest, toxin intake and production are reduced to a minimum while autolysins and elimination proceed unchecked. Anabolic processes such as tissue and bone healing also proceed at a maximal rate during the fast.
In the body, the first stage of cleansing removes large quantities of waste matter and digestive residues. The first few days of a fast can be rough due to the quantity of waste passing into the blood stream. The tongue becomes coated and the breath foul as the body excretes waste through every opening. After the third day of the fast, there is little desire for food. The second stage is the cleansing of mucous, fat, diseased and dying cells, and the more easily removed toxins. As the fast continues, the cleansing process becomes more thorough. The last stage is the cleansing of toxins that have been accumulating in your cellular tissue from birth, and the microscopic tubes that carry vital elements to the brain. Cleansing of the last layer is only possible through a combination of juice fasting, water fasting, and a healthy diet high in raw foods. To overcome a severe disease like cancer, it is important to continue through a series of fasts, to the point where the full scouring action of catabolism removes the disease from the tissue.
During extended fasts the body removes: dead, dying and diseased cells; unwanted fatty tissue, trans-fatty acids, hardened coating of mucus on the intestinal wall; toxic waste matter in the lymphatic system and bloodstream; toxins in the spleen, liver and kidney; mucus from the lungs and sinuses, imbedded toxins in the cellular fibers and deeper organ tissues; deposits in the microscopic tubes responsible for nourishing brain cells and excess cholesterol.
Nearly everyone who fasts, discovers the same thing, that when they fast they actually have no hunger and more energy than they normally have. It is indeed liberating to find out that if we let go and trust that we will be taken care of. Fasting is the simplest, easiest and most effective way to find out that we do indeed have the power and freedom to heal and take control of our bodies.
Why Fast?
Probably the most important reason is that the body uses quite a bit of energy to digest food, and when fasting this energy becomes available for other uses. In the fasting state, the body will scour for dead cells, damaged tissues, fatty deposits, tumors, abscesses, all of which are burned for fuel or expelled as waste. The elimination of these obstructions restores the immune system functionality and metabolic process to an optimum state. Fasting restores good digestion and elimination, and peristaltic action is quickened. Fasting allows a deep, physiological rest of the digestive organs, and the energy saved goes into self-healing and self-repairing. By eliminating obstructions, by cleansing, detoxification, and purifying the intestines, the blood, and the cells, we can overcome many of our physical ills or handicaps as well as getting a boost in energy. Fasting not only removes obstructions and helps the body to heal itself, it is also rejuvenating and life-extending. These resulting benefits can have lasting affects in your mental and emotional health.
The other very important aspect is that your self-awareness will be elevated. If you are sick and depressed, then this might be the most important thing you can try in your healing program, because it gives you immediately an energy boost and increased awareness which might allow that you see things more clearly, allowing you the first step out of your sickness and onto the path of recovery. While fasting you become more aware of your body process, your life and with everything you are doing. It becomes a period where you can evaluate all that you're doing more objectively, and you naturally have more time for contemplation because you aren't using time amassing, preparing, eating, eliminating and cleaning up all which is used to prepare food. You become more aware of what your body likes and doesn't like when you start to eat again. You gain self-confidence in your ability to control your life process, to set a goal and carry out an intention.
Fasting enhances mental acuity
Perhaps the most instructive testimony as to the acuteness of mental powers during fasting comes from Dr. Herbert Shelton who supervised the fasting of more than 40,000 people over a period of fifty years. His message is that the freer the body is of toxic materials flowing through the blood and lymphatic system, the clearer is the ability to think.
These facts are due to physiological causes. Large amounts of blood and nervous energies have to be sent to the digestive organs to digest a meal. If these energies are not required there, they may be used by the brain for better thinking. This increase in mental acuity doesn’t usually happen until after the first few days of a fast, because the body is busy cleaning out excess toxins and substances and so the first few days can be a period of depression, with headaches and various pains as this process is underway. This makes the first stage of fasting difficult but after the body has thrown off it’s load of toxins, then the brain is fed by a cleaner bloodstream and the mental powers and clarity of thought are extraordinarily increased and the other senses also become more acute.
One’s mind becomes clearer and one’s ability to think and solve intricate problems is enhanced. One is simply more alert, and one’s mind seems to open up into new fields. The mental and physical senses are heightened, and often there can be a feeling of euphoria, especially during longer fasts. Some, for the first time, will experience emotional stability. The reasons for this are multifold - the elimination of the emotional dependence on food, exclusion of stimulating foods like caffeine, processed sugars, recreational drugs, tobacco and trans-fatty acids, all of which can have a devastating effect on delicate emotions.
Dr. Ehret stated an amazing fact at the turn of the 20th century. He said that, for a water fast to awaken the higher mind functions, it had to be longer than 21 days. Fasting has a history of awakening intuitive senses, creativity, and deeper spiritual questions in those with enough determination to get past the 21 day mark.
Healing
During a fast, a metamorphosis occurs. The body undergoes a tearing down and rebuilding of damaged materials. For this reason, fasting is famous for its ability to rejuvenate and give the body a more youthful tone. Why does fasting have such a powerful effect in healing the body? Fasting dissolves diseased cells in a systematic manner, leaving healthy tissue. The result is a thorough cleansing of the tube, membrane and cellular structures. There is a remarkable redistribution of nutrients in the fasting body. It hangs on to precious minerals and vitamins while catabolizing on old tissue, toxins and inferior materials.
Each cell of your body is a complete living entity with its own metabolism. It needs a constant supply of oxygen and sufficient nourishment. When due to nutritional deficiencies, sluggish metabolism, sedentary life, overeating and consequent poor digestion and assimilation of food, lack of fresh air and sufficient exercise and rest, our cells are deprived... they start to degenerate... the normal process of cell replacement and rebuilding slows down and your body starts to grow old, its resistance to disease will diminish and you become ‘sick’.
Animals will naturally fast when they are sick or injured, and when we are ill, our hunger diminishes. If we get out of the way and allow nature to take its course, we will find that we can heal from any problem. Since the dawn of recorded time, in fact since before the word "doctor" came into existence, priests provided sanctuaries where people could go to fast. Whereas modern medical practitioners admit that they have no cures, only drugs that mask the symptoms while causing yet other symptoms to appear.
“I had a medical practice for 20 years in NYC, supervised hundreds of long fasts, and I found that the physical healing or weight loss was but a pleasant side effect. What really happened is that the person got in touch with their higher self, their true self, and came to the experience that healing can take place at every level, simply by letting go and allowing Mother Nature to do her work.” – Dr. Rai Casey
Fasting has been beneficial for these conditions:
Although fasting is not recommended in every situation, (cancer of the liver is one instance where fasting is contraindicated), in many situations fasting is the only known solution. Fasting has been beneficial for arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, lupus, chronic fatigue, colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, spastic colon, irritable bowel, cases of paralysis, neuritis, neuralgia, neuroses, and mental illness as well as many others. Fasting will also break down tumors and for this reason, many have overcome cancer with fasting.
Fasting decreases dependency on authorities
How many of us believe that when we get sick, that a doctor is going to save us from pain and death? We just assume that the technology is going to be able to repair us when we break down, by giving us a pill, a treatment or a surgery. We are so alienated from our bodies that we think that a doctor knows more about us than we do. The reality is that doctor’s don’t have the cures that we need, what is offered by the traditional system of healers is only the possibility to treat our symptoms never being able to cure us or root out the cause. When we take these kinds of treatments to suppress our symptoms then that cause, which is the underlying reason we are sick, goes unattended, then in fact our illness continues to grow. We will never be healthy until we take responsibility for our own health . We need to stop blaming the outside for making us sick, whether it is corporations, a person, our immediate environment or a government, and to recognize instead that our sickness is a symptom telling us something is inside needs to be addressed. For sure there are outside influences that we can’t control, but there is much that we can control by taking responsibility for ourselves and working to change our habits.
Benefits of Fasting
Mental clarity is improved and brain fog is lifted.
Rapid, safe weight loss is achieved without flabbiness
The nervous system is balanced
Energy level and sensory perception is increased. The longer the fast, the bigger increase in energy and vitality. You normally need less sleep.
Organs are revitalized
Cellular biochemistry is harmonized
The skin becomes silky, soft, and sensitive
There is greater ease of movement
Breathing becomes fuller, freer and deeper
The digestive system is rejuvenated and becomes more effective; the peristaltic action of the intestines (the cause of a natural bowel movement) is stronger after fasting.
Fasting retrains your tasting sense back to more healthy food as acute sensitivity is restored.
Fasting can increase confidence in our ability to have control over our lives and our appetite, and that our body is self-regulating and a self-healing organism capable or establishing balance when given the possibility to do so.
Normal metabolic and cell oxygenation are restored.
Detoxification - as soon as the body realizes that it's fasting it will begin to eliminate those things that cause disease, such as fat cells, arterial cholesterol plaques, mucus, tumors, stored up worries and emotions.
One Day Fast
One way to start is to fast one day, working towards fasting regularly, one day per week or for longer periods of time. You can fast from all food, or only from solid food. You can choose a one day fast with only:
Water Fast
water fresh fruit juice fresh vegetable juice raw fruit raw vegetables
Avoiding during the fast:
cooked vegetables, cooked whole grains, whole grain flour products, bread, pasta, etc. vegetable protein, soy products, etc.
dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter, eggs, meats, fast food, junk food, prepared foods, etc., chemicals: sugar, caffeine, artificial flavoring, sweeteners, etc.
Not to consume any drugs, nicotine and alcohol during fast should be clear.
You can fast from 1 to 40 days. Try to drink 2 liters of water or more per day.
The ten day water fast has become a recommended number of days. Ten days on water will cause the same weight loss as 30 days on juice. But water fasting is far more difficult, especially if you have a fast metabolism. Water fasting cleanses the body aggressively removing toxins rapidly. Water fasting can be more beneficial than juice fasting in combating more persistent forms of cancer, cleansing the tissues more aggressively. Water fasting demands mental preparation, the less pressure and responsibility you have during a water fast the better. Think of it a holiday away form the normal patterns of living. Some recommend that the week before your fast, you drink fresh juices and eat mostly raw fruits and vegetables to cleanse the body so that the detoxification during water fasting will be less aggressive. Water fasting should always include two of three days of juice fasting before and after the water fast. This alternating between juice and water fasting is the most effective method of achieving a full cleansing through fasting.
Water Fasting Tips
Avoid water straight from the faucet. Distilled water is the best for cleansing because of its inherent, magnetic properties and ability to absorb and suspend large quantities of toxins, flushing them from the body. The perceived value of mineral water is misleading because the inorganic minerals are like huge boulders to the cellular membranes, making them impossible to assimilate. Plants are able to break down the minerals from the soils, allowing them to be completely absorbable to the cells of the body. The best water is distilled, secondly, spring or filtered.
There are no calories or nutritional value in water. On a water fast you have given your body no options but to turn to itself for fuel. This can create a problem when you have spent years depositing counterfeit fuel. Living exclusively on dirty fuel during a fast takes tremendous courage & strength. To ease into water fasting some recommend juice fasting with periods of water fasting. For example 3 days on juice, 2 days on water, 5 days on juice, then 3 days on water. You can juice when you have to work and water fast on the weekend when you can rest.
Water Fasting Concerns
It is not advisable to water fast under the conditions of hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, schizophrenia or a chronic heart condition. If you have existing conditions it is best if you consult with a fasting expert and/or be monitored throughout your fast.
Be careful of dizziness and black outs. The heart is resting as much as it can during water fasting. Before you stand up, take one or two deep breaths to get the heart pumping. If you start to black out, sit down or crouch down on one knee. This will immediately stop the dizziness.
Master Cleanse Fast
The Master Cleanse or Lemon Cleanse is between a water fast and a juice fast. Basically it consists of drinking a mixture of freshly squeezed lemons, water and maple syrup for a period of 8 to 40 days. It is easier to do than a water fast because you are still getting nutrients and energy from the lemons and the maple syrup. This fast can be done while still maintaining your normal work, yet is less calories than what you would get from a juice fast. It is normal to lose weight on this fast and it is excellent for cleansing the colon. For full details on how to do this fast see the following link: Stanley Boroughs Master Cleanse
Juice Fast
Juice fasting is safe and can allow the body to clean itself of toxins while greatly improving conditions for health. A benefit is that your energy level is high because you are receiving sufficient nutrients from the juices, so you can carry out normal activities. A juice fast takes some burden off the digestive system and frees up some energy for accelerated healing though a water fast does much better in that regard. Also, juices can make available extra quantities of nutrients that a person might lack. Juices are easy to assimilate and take hardly any digestive energy from the body, allowing the body to put more energy into healing and rejuvenation. Packed with vitamins, minerals, living enzymes, antioxidants, phytochemicals, yet low enough in calories to force the body to cannibalize on its filthy waste, propelling you to vigorous physical health and clarity of mind.
For your first fast and for the purpose of healing disease most experts recommend a juice fast over a water fast. Fasting on water has become a near impossible exercise for a body that has been nurtured on poisons. The juice of fruits and vegetables are filled with healing and cleansing properties that allow the body to gently and safely detoxify. Juice fasting has become an effective stepping-stone to water fasting. Through juice fasting, thousands of individuals have been freed from serious diseases such as cancer, leukemia, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disorders, skin infections, liver disorders, alcoholism and smoking.
The thirty-day juice fast is a standard. This length of fast feels about right because after 30 days it seems like you have been fasting forever. Less then 30 days and you can miss the best experiences of the fast. If you are juice fasting, a few days on water occasionally will intensify the fast and assist with weight-loss if you have a slow metabolism.
Most people can juice fast safely for up to 30 days. The exceptions are those with hypoglycemia, diabetes, hypo thyroid, and Wilson's Syndrome. For these conditions, eat slices of avocado and banana every few hours, add high quality vegetable source protein powder to your juices, and add psyllium or another good bulking agent to your juices twice a day to regulate blood sugar levels. Do not juice fast if you have impaired kidney function.
The amount of juice you drink will determine the intensity of cleansing. Drinking small amounts of juice supplies fewer calories, thereby increasing detoxification. The more intense the cleansing, the greater the discomfort. Juice fasting allows you to have control over the process of elimination. However, when the body enters a cleansing crisis due to toxins in the blood, no amount of juice will eliminate the discomfort. You must wait it out.
Drink all-vegetable or all-fruit juices, never combine fruits & vegetables to create juice. Make your juice from fresh vegetables or fruits. You can also include herbal teas with honey, vegetable broth, Barley Green, wheat grass juice and supplements helpful for your specific condition. Drink juice whenever hunger develops until pleasantly full as opposed to stuffed full. It is best if you filter or strain the juices, removing any excess fiber or pulp so that you continue to give the digestive system a rest. Also if it looks like you are not losing weight on your fast, you can dilute the juices with water.
You may consider modifying the fast by including quarter slices of avocado or banana to slow the cleansing process. Modified juice fasting is good for those with health restrictions such as diabetes or hypoglycemia. Bananas and avocados are slow to digest and maintain a stable blood sugar level. Their high calorie content slows the intensity of the fast and, because they are easy to digest, the body still devotes energy to cleansing.
Preparation for Your Fast
Inform yourself about fasting: by doing your own investigation, reading all you can about the fasting process, the various kinds of fasts and what you can expect as side affects. If you have a pre-existing health condition then you should find out if there are contrary indications with fasting and your condition.
Determine your cleanse duration and time period: Try to arrange that your fast is in a time period where you have low activity or lobsters. Avoid heavy kinds of work if at all possible. When it comes to long fasts and inability of somebody to handle a long fast, you just do the best you can. When detoxification increases as it does during fasting, the liver, kidneys, lungs and immune system work extra hard to handle the load. If these systems were already compromised before the fast, one must proceed carefully. You go as long as you can tolerate it, whether physiologically or emotionally, and then come back to eating again. Once you have some energy and are a few steps further toward health, you can consider doing another fast. Several short fasts can definitely do wonders if one long fast cannot be undertaken. Long fasts are preferable to short ones because once the body is in the fasting state it cleanses systematically into the harder to get at body tissues. For this reason, most of the recoveries from illness have taken place in the latter parts of long juice or water fasts. Long fasts give the body the uninterrupted time to do the work of healing. The first few days of fasting gets rid of the gross waste products of digestion, but only after this can the body pull out its tools to get to work on healing.
Frequency of Fasting
Of course, the best is that people stay on a good daily health regime and then when the need comes to fast to go ahead and do it for a week to 10 days or longer if indicated. At least long enough to move completely into the fasting physiology and accelerated detoxification. Ideally people should fast once or twice a year just as a tune-up to deal with the environmental toxins and junk in our foods as well as the emotional build up. Traditionally people have fasted in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild.
Activity Level
It is good to at least have mild exercise and movements with short walks to keep the lymphatic fluid moving and to the keep the vascular system working. The amount of exercise you can do is very much dependent on your existing condition and how you are feeling that day and what kind of fast you are doing. Basically one needs to be alert and listen to one’s body and not to overdo. Fasting is resting, not a marathon! You may feel weak during a water fast and may need to rest more often. While juice fasting, you may experience an abundance of energy that makes exercise easy. If you experience energy loss, limit yourself to stretching exercises, light walking or deep breathing.
Proteins & Fasting
It was theorized that protein loss during fasting was harmful and that a fast should be supplemented with protein. Fasting with protein became known as the Opti-fast. Fasters took nothing but water and a protein drink. Sadly, several people died. Protein digestion during the fasting state created an overload of urea and the blood become acidic. In this condition, the organs become more damaged instead of healing. To the body, fasting is a natural process. During water or juice fasting, the protein levels of the blood remain constant. Although protein is being utilized, a person fasting 40 days on water will not suffer a deficiency of either protein, vitamins, minerals or fatty acids. In the breakdown of dying and diseased cells, all essential substances are available while fasting for reuse within the body. These dead cells are utilized in a systematic manner.
Protein deficiency is non existent in North America. You never hear of anyone being diagnosed with protein deficiency. Fruit and vegetable juices have water-soluble highly absorbable proteins. The body has a store of protein, and it uses it selectively. Dying cells are the first to be used and healthy and vital tissues are the very last and will only be used as a last resort. Only during starvation is protein being stripped from healthy tissue to be used to survive. This may take 30 to 80 days of fasting on water to reach this point.
The systematic searching of cells to be metabolized is crucial in the healing of cancer. A cancer cell represents protein and calories. Some cancers are so persistent that you have to force the body to choose between healthy cells and cancer cells. This requires a long fast on small portions of juice combined with days of water fasting.
Aiding Elimination of Toxins
Enemas: If you are not having natural bowel movements then an enema is advised to move out the toxic material that is being scoured by your body. You will feel much better after taking an enema. An enema can be taken daily in the beginning days of a fast, then bi-daily for the remainder using just plain water.
Mucus: . It is common, during fasting, for the nose and throat to pass sticky mucus, clogging the sinuses. White strands of mucus may be found in the stool. You may find that you are more comfortable if you use a Neti Pot to clear the sinus cavities, to prevent getting a cold with the clogged sinuses. You can also drink lemon juice with water to help clear the mucus.
Showers/Bathing: Plan to shower or bath daily to aid in cleaning the pores and assist the removal of toxins. The skin is a large organ and many toxins are removed through the pores causing a gummy deposit on the surface of the skin. It may help to brush the skin removing the sludge that is deposited there.
Reactions from Fasting
The 'healing' reactions you get from fasting are dependent on your existing health and the toxic load present in your body when you start. The first three days can be the most difficult until one's appetite for food goes away, which it normally does after the third day. Many people experience headaches, joint pain and other discomforts in the first few days. Your tongue will become coated and your breath foul, and you may notice increased body odor. These are all normal detox reactions as the toxins move out of your body. With extended fasting you will notice some days are symptom free, then as you move into deeper layers of detoxification you will experience episodes of symptoms as your body cleanses these other systems. In the later stages you remove the mucous from your system and this can increase your likelihood to catch a flu or a cold. At times you may feel weak or tired, so you should listen to your body and rest. Periods of high-energy and mental clarity will be experienced and can be variable, alternating between periods of healing reactions and symptom free days. With extended fasts it is normal to also have strong emotional reactions that have been suppressed, as the body brings these to the surface also for healing... This can be a difficult period, but can be dealt with more easily with meditation or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). The cleansing response that happens is dependent on experience with fasting, current health and level of toxins and sickness in your body. If you have an existing health condition, it is possible that you get a strong healing reaction or healing crisis. A link to a page describing this reaction in detail is given below.
If cleansing responses arise (headache, stomach upset, mental fog, lethargy,.etc) exercise great patience and take rest until symptoms pass. It's all part of the process. Always go to your capacity but never over-do. If unreasonably strong physical or emotional symptoms occur, it may be wise to discontinue. The following are common reactions and what can be done to ease the symptom while you are fasting.
Spiritual
As the system detoxifies, many of these spiritual aspects of ourselves that have been waiting to come through for a long time are finally able to, and that person, hopefully fasting in an environment that is calm and serene and peaceful and loving, will be able to express and deal with these spiritual phenomena such that it can have a very beneficial and positive effect. Meditation, EFT and other tools can be used to help relate to spiritual and emotional phenomena.
Weight Loss
Weight loss can initially be as high as three to four pounds per day, but as the fast continues, the average loss will be one pound per day. If you are juice fasting and not losing weight, the juice is supplying all the calories you need. You may have to cut down on the juices or alternate between water fasting and juice fasting if losing weight is part of your goal. The slower your metabolism the slower the weight loss. If you are thin or average weight and you fast for 30 days on juice or 10 days on water, you will become thin. Ribs will show, the face will become gaunt, and friends and family will display concern. But the body will quickly normalize its weight in 5 to 10 days after the fast. If you are thin to start with, fasting may allow you to gain additional weight after the fast. Metabolism is normalized due to the cleansing process. It is very important not to try to gain weight too quickly. The body can rebuild only at a set rate. Overeating will burden the body and undermine the rebuilding process.
Dizziness
You may experience dizziness, if you do get down on one knee and the dizziness will stop immediately.
Backache
Back pain may increase due to toxins in the lower intestine. The blood vessels that draw nutrients from the colon are very close to the nerves of the spine. Back pain often decreases after elimination of the toxins. Back exercises also can relieve some pain. A cold pack also will help. An enema may be in order...
Bad Breath
Waste passes through the lungs which are an eliminative organ. Brushing the tongue with a tooth brush, using dental floss and rinsing with mouthwash will reduce bad breath.
Canker Sores
These may develop from a toxic buildup in the mouth. Unhealthy bacteria increases between the teeth. The tongue becomes coated with waste. To stop cankers, gargle with sea salt mixed with water several times daily. Dabbing the sore with tea tree oil or vitamin E quickens the healing process.
Cold Virus
Mucoid is the perfect food for viruses. Toxins weaken the immune system. When large quantities of toxins and mucus are in the blood due to a fast, they can cause a susceptibility to colds. To fight a cold, continue fasting to eliminate the mucus. Reduce the liquid intake and drink lemon juice.
Blackouts
During fasting the body conserves energy. The heart pumps slower and blood pressure lowers. Standing or moving quickly from a resting position will cause the blood to flow to the legs. For a few seconds, the brain may not get enough oxygen, causing blackouts and dizziness. To stop a blackout get down on one knee or sit. Lowering your center of gravity will instantly stop a blackout. Blackouts are more frequent during water fasting.
Diarrhea
Fruit juices have a laxative effect that is more pronounced after water fasting. It can be stopped by using the enema. Using psyllium husk during diarrhea will help regulate the system.
Strong Emotions
Try to journal, EFT, meditate, talk a walk, or rest.
Headaches
Toxins can cause muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders. This can result in tension headaches. Massaging the neck and shoulders will help relieve the tension. The herb Fever Few, which is available in health food stores, is well worth trying.
Mucus
Drink lemon juice with water, combine with Neti Pot.
Muscle Tightness
The muscles may become tight and sore due to toxin irritation. The legs can be the worst affected as toxins accumulate in the legs. A self massage, hot baths, stretching and exercising will help to release the toxins.
Nausea
When waste is released too quickly by the lymph glands, some of the toxic overload is taken by the liver and secreted with bile into the stomach. This causes nausea. Drinking water or carrot juice will dilute the bile and toxin mixture helping to flush it from the system.
Nervousness
The elimination of toxins can irritate damaged nerves. Exercise will relieve tension. Use quarter slices of avocado to slow the fast or drink fruit juice if on a water fast. However, you should note that any food intake may cause one's hunger to return and make it more difficult to stay on the fast, just do the best that you can.
Skin disturbances
The skin may become oily as rancid oils are purged from the body. People with problem free skin may have a few days of pimples or boils. A pallid complexion is also a sign of waste in the blood. When cleansed of mucus and toxins, the skin will be healthy, soft and unblemished.
Tiredness
Tiredness is normal during water or restricted juice fasting. If the tiredness is too much, increase the quantity of sweet juices like melon and carrot juice.
Pre-existing Conditions
Heart Disease
Include bananas and avocados when juice fasting to balance the blood sugar level. Toxins in the blood and reduced blood sugar levels may cause a weak heart to labor. Like any other organ, the heart needs nutrients, a toxin free environment, and time to heal. Also if one has the disorder of POTS it is advisable to take salt so that the blood pressure does not get too low.
Hypoglycemia
Do not juice fast unless you use bananas and avocados to balance the blood sugar level.
Kidney problems
Fasting can irritate damaged kidneys due to the amount of toxins they filter. Try short juice fasts of 3 to 5 days before progressing to longer fasts.
Liver Disease
The liver can become toxic due to abuse. If the liver is badly degenerated, cleansing must be done in stages. Start with short juice fasts and lead to fasts over five days. Avoid heavy proteins, refined flours and fatty foods. Eat meals of fruits or vegetables between the fasts.
Age
Nobody is too old to fast - it is exactly what the body needs to feel young again. Shorter fasts are recommended to start. Assess your physical state as you proceed. If juice fasting becomes too intense, bananas and avocados will lessen the intensity by slowing the cleansing.
Ulcers
Fasting will help significantly. Choose the juices that do not irritate the condition.
Healing Crisis
(The cleansing reaction, the detox reaction, or the Herxheimer reaction.)
During your fast you may enter into a healing crisis, which indicates that a deeply seated sickness is being healed, but also this means that you are going in reverse through the reactions that you went through as your sickness progressed. This is normally a good thing, because it shows that there is a major healing happening, but the downside is that it is not easy to go through because of the uncomfortable reactions that cause pain, etc. If you are feeling quite ill then you should read through the healing reaction article to try to determine if this is what is going on with you or not. It may be advisable to check with your medical professional at this point, to try to determine if you want to continue the fast or not.
Going Off Your Fast
"It’s a fact that eating causes a cycle of hunger. It’s only when we stop eating that we lose hunger! Think about it. All fasting experts agree that hunger sensations are usually lost on or shortly after the third day of fasting, and sometimes don’t return for weeks, but when they do return, usually very strongly, it’s the time to break the fast."
But all fasting experts point out that it is important to resume eating very lightly, and very gradually, in exact relationship to the duration of the fast. Therefore, if breaking a 40-day fast, you may want to start with only small quantities of fruit juice for several days up to a week, before actually resuming with solid food like regular fruit.
Important:
Keep the first solid meal light and simple even though the mental temptation to dive into heavier favorites will probably be high. Be gentle with your digestive system and your digestive system will not only thank you but the overall benefits of the cleanse will last much longer. If you were on a water fast, then your first day can be juices, if your were on a juice fast, then your first day should be raw vegetables or fruits. The next meal may include heavier items such as potato, avocado or corn, but in any case you will notice that your body is very sensitive to what you eat and you should use this period of transition to learn more about what your body likes and doesn't like you to put into it.
When waking up a slumbering digestive system, the desire to eat will be intense. The flavors and textures of food will be enhanced by super clean nasal passages. Eating will be a brand new experience. This is the time to flex your new-found muscles of discipline and self-control. As the body screams, I want more, wisdom whispers, you have had enough.
Eating small amounts of raw fruits and vegetables for the first five or six days will allow the body to gently wake up the digestive system. The body will continue to detoxify and cleanse during this period. Any toxins that have accumulated will begin to move due to the sweeping action of the soft fibers of fruits and vegetables.
For six days gradually increase the amount of raw fruits and vegetables in your diet. To break a fast and gorge on meat, bread or junk food will be disaster. Jarring the system this intensely when the digestive system is in a sensitive state can cause stomach cramps, nausea and weakness, negating much of the benefits of the fast.
Eat slowly and chew your food well. Saliva has enzymes that assist in digestion. Up to 80 percent of the starch, 30 percent of the protein and 10 percent of the fat can be digested by the enzymes in saliva.
Do not overeat! Discover the amount of food that your body needs to live a vibrant, healthy life. Discern the difference between cravings and hunger. Never feed your emotions.
When breaking a fast over ten days, the break-in period should be extended one day for every 4 days of fasting.
Greater Sensitivity - Restored Senses
An interesting phenomenon occurs after a fast. The years of conditioning your body to tolerate unhealthy foods is reversed. The body is as clean as a newborn baby. Try feeding a newborn baby Grandma's apple pie.
When the body is full of toxins, its defense systems are not able to operate effectively. After a fast the natural defenses are restored and sensitivity to unhealthy food is increased. You will feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food and sluggish and tired when overeating. Rich foods, full of fat, salt, and processed sugars will cause nausea, headaches and weakness. A handful of fruit will be thoroughly satisfying. Because the digestive system has to work less, there will be boundless energy to spare.
Why? After a fast your body is clean, and has far less tolerance to the poisonous foods that you were used to eating previous to the fast. Understand, feeling sick when eating poison is a sign that your body is functioning normally. Fasting restores the body's ability to violently react to harmful, health damaging, food. If you really desire, you can desensitize your body by slowly introducing harmful foods back into your diet, but why you should? You better select your food carefully, even though it is not possible to avoid toxins as these are every where. So fasting as a regular cleaning is important and will keep you healthy.
Additional Reading:
Herbert Shelton, founder of the Natural Hygiene Society, supervised more cases of fasting (at his sanitarium in Texas) than almost any other fasting doctor, and has written extensively on this subject with many case studies of people who healed near-incurable diseases with fasts ranging from a couple of weeks up to 90 days. Shelton authored the following books, and more: Fasting Can Save Your Life; Fasting For Renewal of Life; Food Combining Made Easy; Getting Well; Superior Nutrition; Facts About Fasting; Health For All; Health For the Millions; Living Life to Live it Longer; Rubies in the Sand; Natural Hygiene: The Pristine Way of Life; The Science and Fine Art of Fasting; The Science and Fine Art of Natural Hygiene; Human Life: Its Philosophy and Laws; and also: Human Beauty: Its Culture and Hygiene.
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