Who's ready for a change? How about a fast?
I have had several forced fasts in my life. Experiencing the effects of Crohn's disease beginning in my 20's caused multiple days of not being able to eat, or eat any solid foods. When that happened, I was very tired, grumpy, hungry, and feeling poorly. Two months ago, I decided to try a liquid fast to prepare for the usual holiday splurges. I ended up going three days with very little nourishment other than coffee, water, and vitamins. I was surprised to find that I was not very hungry and had good energy. I did a water hydration challenge with my friend, Cassie, the week prior to my fast which I think helped. Since then I have been skipping the first meal of the day, which is a big deal for me. I had believed breakfast was the most important meal of the day and is to be eaten right when you wake. Live and learn. Learn and grow. I hope the information I've gathered for my own knowledge can help you feel comfortable starting intermittent fasting or doing a liquid fast for a day or two. You'll be surprised by the outcome.
What is Intermittent Fasting?
According to Wikipedia, "intermittent fasting, also known as intermittent energy restriction, is an umbrella term for various meal timing schedules that cycle between voluntary fasting and non-fasting over a given period."
Intermittent fasting is more like an eating schedule than a diet. It does not dictate WHAT you eat, only WHEN. It's not a starvation diet either. Starvation is the involuntary absence of food, like being unable to eat due to illness like I was or lack of resources.
Is fasting a fad?
Fasting is not a fad at all. It has been researched for many decades. The New England Journal of Medicine found that simple fasting improves metabolism, lowers blood sugar, lessens inflammation, which improves a range of health issues from arthritic pain to asthma, and even helps clear out toxins and damaged cells, which lowers risk for cancer and enhances brain function.
In fact, everyone of importance in the Bible fasted: Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Anna, Paul, Jesus, and others. When Jesus taught on fasting, He would say “When you fast” not “If you fast”. He assumed we would fast. We were created to fast during sleep. That’s why the first meal is called breakfast – it's when you break your fast.
Fasting is the Biblical way to humble ourselves (Psalm 35:13; 69:10). Esther fasted when faced with danger (Esther 4:16). Ezra fasted for protection (Ezra 8:21-28).
Many people use fasting as time out of their day to pray. Instead of taking time to prep and eat, focus on the one who made you.
Is fasting just for losing weight?
People are using fasting to lose weight, but also to improve their health and simplify their lifestyles. Hippocrates had written, "To eat when you are sick, is to feed your illness." Socrates and Plato were also believers and participants of fasting. It can be observed in nature when an animal is sick. I know when my dogs don't feel well, they will go 24-36 hours without eating. It's an instinct that has been pushed aside or ignored. Let's open our eyes to and remind ourselves of God's obvious tool to simplify our response to illness.
WHAT NEXT?
My next blog goes into more detail about how to start intermittent fasting, what to expect, and who shouldn't fast.
If you are super excited to get started and want all the information in one place, you can take advantage of my Guided Intermittent Fasting Course. Get more info here.
If you'd like to get some smoothie or juicing recipes, pop over to the Units in my Dancing Through Eden group on Facebook where I'll be sharing several of those, along with a Water Challenge in the Units. Get a reset and good kick in the pants!
Beside you on this journey,
Christy
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