Thank you! Your advice is right on. I am totally concentrating on the future and not the here and now.
I will start to work on it today.
Also, I found that thinking just on the steps to complete dinner for the kids has also helped a lot.
Thanks again!
May 09, 2008 Rating
Go For It ! by: Robert J - FTF Editor
I think your goal of 100 days of juice fasting is doable. It sounds to me, however, that you are already programming yourself to break the fast because you think it is just unsurmountable.
I certainly understand it. The number 100 can be quite intimidating. Whether you decide to continue or not, I want to strongly recommend to you to focus strictly on the present and not on the 100 or whatever days you have remaining.
When fasting, the mind has a tendency to start obsessing with TIME. When are we going to eat? Is it time to eat? How much longer? These are all questions you will find your mind asking over and over.
If you allow yourself to start focusing on the future, the hunger pains will become stronger and your chances of reaching the goal will diminish.
What helps me a lot is to focus on the absolute present. This moment, this pencil, this piece of paper ... whatever.
Focus explicitly on what you are doing and become a meticulous observer of what is happening around you RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.
I found that when I was able to do this consistently, the hunger pains diminished and I was no longer so obsessed with "how much longer?" questions.
You may need to return to the present over, and over and over - because the mind will always want to go back to the future. "Oh, my gosh! There is such a looooooong time to go!"
Come back to the present. Drink some seltzer water to settle your stomach. Squeeze a little lime in it.
I suggest you go to the "Fasting Journal" on the tab to the left and follow the day-by-day entries from my 30 day water and fruit fast. It talks more about what we are discussing here.
That section is not totally completed but you will get a lot from what is already there. YOU CAN DO IT!
Robert D Johnston Fitness Through Fasting Editor
May 09, 2008 Rating
Thanks For The Support! by: Anonymous
I have done 2 fasts prior to this one of three and four days.
My goal of 100 days is lofty, I know. I don't think I'm going to make it that long, but if I can prove to myself that I can do a long (20+ days), I feel it will give me the strength to do it again.
I don't know if that makes sense. Also, I have a lot of weight to lose. I'm at Day 16 today.
My husband was doing the fast with me, but he broke his fast tonight. So hopefully, I will be able to stick to it awhile longer.
Thanks for the support. It is nice to hear from someone whose been there done that!
May 09, 2008 Rating
Focus & Meditation by: Anonymous
Hello Jacque:
This is a very difficult spot you are in, but you can make it through.
I was in a similar position when I was fasting at a retreat in the mountains while at the same time being in charge of the kitchen and cooking meals.
What helped me the most was to shut down my emotions and thoughts and simply focus on the manual aspect of what I was doing, WITHOUT allowing my mind to focus on the food itself and how much I wanted to eat it.
Basically, it was about having a blank focus on my mind - settling into a type of "meditation" that transformed me from one reacting to everything going on around me, to a person simply "observing."
So I am standing there preparing chicken or pasta, or whatever, and I just focus on what I am doing rather than becoming emotionally involved with what I am doing.
This actually is a good thing because it will force you to practice intense self-discipline.
But once you get over it, you will realize that, in the future, when the wrong types of food start to beckon, you DO have what it takes to say no and keep yourself on the right path.
The toughest part of your situation is by far the "smell" of food while you are cooking.
Well, I am not going to tell you to put a clothes pin in your nose.
Focus, focus, focus on the "blank" mindset and state of "meditation" as your key to overcoming the aroma.
Fasting is tough my friend, but you are on your way. And if you stumble, remember to keep trying.
Best Regards,
Robert D Johnston Fitness Through Fasting Editor
May 06, 2008 Rating
Keep Going! by: Liz, England
Hi, just read your post in reference to your fast. You have done so well to get so far, I have only gone 5 days before now.
You don't say if this is your first fast: Why 100 days? That is a lot of pressure to put yourself under and subsequent guilt if you break your fast and eat prior to the golden 100-day target.
I am about to commence a 10 day fast as I feel my body still has a lot of cleaning to do. One other thing... are you filtering the pulp from your juices?
I have read that if you are taking the pulp as well, then you are keeping you digestive system going (including the hunger).
Maybe using a metal sieve may help and getting someone else to make the kids tea if it's possible! Good luck to you !
