I’m reading a book called, “Wisdom from the Monastery.” In this book I’ve just started, there is an introduction to the history, definition, process and results of fasting.
This book has already taught me sooo much about fasting and it’s impact on the human body, and: It’s all good!
Fasting occurs, per the book, in all religions and is referenced back to the beginning of recorded time. Many early Christians stated that without the healing and spiritual powers of fasting that the new religion would die, that’s how serious they were about the power of fasting.
One quote I like, “Many More Americans will die from overeating than by starvation, by a landslide.” I have known for a long time the gluttony and overeating is the root cause of 90% of all modern day diseases and lack of good health.
When most of us think of fasting we think of starvation and pain. Quite the opposite is true. The book, “EatStopEat” states that the physiological changes that occur in the human body while fasting for just one day are almost exactly the same as occurs when one exercises! Fat is burned, Growth Hormone goes up, cells metabolize efficiently, wastes products are expelled from the body and more.
So, as usual, I jumped on the bandwagon and after my morning protein drink with 12 vegetables and 20 supplements and a cup of Joe, I decided to fast for the day. Monday is a great day to fast as Alex and I always tend to overeat on the weekends and try to go Paleolithic after the weekend is over to make up for it.
So I felt satiated and ready to start fasting after my smoothy. I went to work, ignored Jasmin’s awesome muffins, the candies, the chocolates, peanut butter et al et al surrounding me. It wasn’t easy! By 330pm I had fasted for seven hours and my head started to get a bit light.
At 4pm I had to give in, so I figured I’d eat fruit only for the day, so I had an Apple. This was a win for me as the above temptations had gotten the better of me too often lately. After the Apple I had, ‘Just a few nuts’, Almonds, Walnuts, and Pecans, not many, maybe 5 each. I also downed about 4 green teas.
I grabbed a banana and orange on the way to the gym at 630. I felt kinda strong at the gym, which surprised me as I was still very hungry. After my workout I had another Veggie/Protein drink at home. Then I had a turkey and spinach salad. That was it. SO, heavy breakfast and big dinner but small lunch and ALL Paleolithic all day.
The Epilogue: At the end of it I was happy with the ‘Fast’. It wasn’t pure and I didn’t last all day until the next morning, but I did watch my quality of intake and kept my calories down. the seven hour true fast worked its magic in my opinion. I felt alert, strong and happy all day, except for around 330pm when I had the fruit. I thin with practice I will feel stronger to push the fast further.
Today I started with my smoothie again, Cup of coffee with Coconut Milk and it’ is 140pm and I’ve had here is another coffee, a tea, and a banana. So, let’s see how this one goes.
Ultimately I would like to fast for one day per week to give my body a rest and let it clean itself out. I’ll be in touch to let you know how it goes.
Cheers and Good Health!
Richard Uzelac
