I'm not sure where my first posting went, but here it is again.
I totally agree that fasting while maintaining a traditional lifestyle is hard.
I stopped exercising (or very little), didn't associate with people much, my body was more sedated and I didn't want to move around too much... etc.
Once I finish fasting, however, I really start to crave sweets quite a bit. I am much better than I was, but still...
Anyways, what I am trying to say is that I do not know how to make these appetites go away.
I'm just grateful I have fasting to curb them once in a while.
Thanks!
Kathy
Jun 11, 2008 Rating
Water Fasting by: Anonymous
Hey Jill:
I definitely think water fasting is best. It's like a juice fast times 10! (to me at least)
I get too hungry on juice fasts.
I know what you mean about the 3rd day. If you can get thru that then it is well worth it. I would rather do 7 days on water than 14 days on juice.
Plus I have read so much about the benefits of a plain water fast vs. juice fasting and it seems like a better route long term.
As for dinners and lunches... it depends on the function. Sit down dinners with several clients I can't do.
I just cancel. For less formal events, I sometimes make up excuses like I'm not hungry- ate a big breakfast or my tummy is upset or something.. and sip my water.
It definitely is not worth breaking my fast for one meal. I want to do a 30 day water fast, but not sure if I can put my clients off that long.
So, I do one week 4 times a year. Are you fasting right now? Nice to talk with you! I know I need all the encouragement I can get right now. ;)
Jun 11, 2008 Rating
Fasting Support by: Jill
Nikole -
Great advice (about not telling people you're fasting). Seems like this topic makes alot of people uneasy...(except the people who are fasting).
You're so brave to continue the fast while attending client lunches, dinner parties. I don't have that courage, I usually find an excuse not to go so I don't need to explain and don't need to tempt myself.
But this makes fasting a very boring endeavour since there is no food distraction, no dishes to wash, groceries to buy, and I can hardly go out and socialize since most social gatherings centre around food and drinking...
I think this is one of the hardest part of fasting while living a normal life, at least for me...
Were you happy with your 7-day water fast? Do you think it gives you much better results than a juice fast, even if the juice fast is a longer one like 10 days or so?
Last time I did the water fast I felt very good the 1st and 2nd day but starting the 3rd day I was tired and listless all the time, all through the 7th day. Which seems to be quite opposite of what many people experience.
Jill
Jun 10, 2008 Rating
Fasting Encouragement by: Nikole
Hi there, I just wanted to say that I know how you feel when you are in "real life" and fasting. You will notice how obsessed everyone is about food. There are signs, commercials and advertisements everywhere.
I never noticed how every social event I attended was typically surrounded by food. Even meeting my clients over lunch would be difficult. While I did my last 7 day water fast, I tried to stay at home as much as possible.
Although, with my work I was not able to cancel one specific dinner party. I reluctantly went, refused food, and ended up having an argument with one of my clients because I let them know that I was fasting.
Everyone thought I was being anorexic or just unhealthy or something. Completely to the contrary! I'm caring enough about my body to stop the toxins from coming in, restart my cravings for healthy food, and living longer in the process.
I don't recommend telling everyone about your fast because it may cause some discouragement. There are a lot of ignorant people out there. I think it is good to come to blogs such as this for support because we all understand the health benefits.
It is extremely important to have support during a fast. You were fortunate to be able to afford the retreat where everyone is of like mind. I would love to be able to attend one that didn't cost more than my rent!
So in the meantime, I try and create my own personal retreat. I play soothing music, take nature walks, write in my journal about my progress, research the internet for more ways fasting has proven to be life saving.
I like to read books on fasting while I am fasting so I can be encouraged to go another day.
Ok, enough of my babbling!
Good luck to you!
Jun 08, 2008 Rating
Fasting Support by: Anonymous
Day 1:
The retreat I went to is www.dharmahealing.com, in Koh Samui, which is started by an American woman who is very much into alternative health.
Interestingly the 7 days was not pure water fasting since we had were allowed to drink the juice of 2 coconuts every day, broth at night, as well as unlmited tea and lime water.
I'm not sure if it counts as a real fast as some people may define it, but after 7 days I lost 10 pounds and looked very different.
Back to my fast "in the city". It was easy to fast til about 3pm, when I have a dip of energy. I'm thinking it is so easy to break it and delay the fast to tomorrow, but it is a trick that I've played many times before so I wanted to overcome that urge.
It is the first time I've blogged about it, which helps, since it seems like I have others as witness not just myself.
Jun 07, 2008 Rating
Real Life by: Anonymous
I know what you mean, fasting while keeping up with your regular routine and family is quite difficult, but can be done. I've never had the opportunity to go to a retreat, I'd love for the chance, but my reality is being a wife, and mother first.
