Things are going great. I have TONS of energy back! I've also been in an unbelievably good mood all week. I really feel terrific. I'm still eating mostly raw fruit and veggies. I've had some rice and some freshly ground peanut butter, too. While I had a little success this morning in the *ahem* bathroom, I basically have three days-worth of food still making its way through my system, and I can tell.
I've been trying to be as active as possible this week. It's getting harder with the days getting shorter. I'm going to go for my first run tonight when I get home. I'll keep it short- only a mile or two. I'm curious to see if running feels a lot different with 20 pounds gone. I'll let you know. I have put a couple of pounds back on since Monday, but I'm not surprised at all- with all this food still in my body...
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Breaking the Fast- Day 3
I deviated from my plan a little last night. After a nice long walk in the cemetery with Rob, he offered to buy me some dinner from JP Seafood. How could I resist?! Don't get me wrong- I don't even eat fish these days. I ordered a couple of vegetable maki rolls (spinach, root veggies and avo-kyu) with brown rice instead of white. I was careful to chew everything really thoroughly, and I waited as long as I could between pieces. I certainly didn't finish it all. I have a whole of left-overs waiting for me tonight. It sure was good to eat something a little more substantial.
I have not yet had a mighty #2 (sorry). I'm looking forward to having that part of my bodily function back. Hopefully the increased volume of food will help speed that along quickly.
I have not yet had a mighty #2 (sorry). I'm looking forward to having that part of my bodily function back. Hopefully the increased volume of food will help speed that along quickly.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Breaking the Fast- Day 2
So it's still slow going. Yesterday I had a kiwi and an orange at work and nothing else the rest of the day. I wasn't hungry at all last night. I'm still physically weak- kinda. The walk to work was draining like it has been.
Have I ever talked about my "swimmer's ear?" It has happened every day when I walked to work. I get what feels like swimmer's ear in my left ear. It goes away in an hour or so, but it's really obnoxious. I can barely talk right because my voice booms within my own head. I'm not sure why it has only occured on the left side, but I imagine it has to do with my sinuses and the mucus that is expelling stuff from my body. I will be happy when this particular side effect goes away.
Anyway, it's been a kiwi and some watermelon so far today. I have plans for an orange before I leave work. Maybe... just maybe... there will also be some kind of fruit on the menu tonight, too.
169.2->168.4
Have I ever talked about my "swimmer's ear?" It has happened every day when I walked to work. I get what feels like swimmer's ear in my left ear. It goes away in an hour or so, but it's really obnoxious. I can barely talk right because my voice booms within my own head. I'm not sure why it has only occured on the left side, but I imagine it has to do with my sinuses and the mucus that is expelling stuff from my body. I will be happy when this particular side effect goes away.
Anyway, it's been a kiwi and some watermelon so far today. I have plans for an orange before I leave work. Maybe... just maybe... there will also be some kind of fruit on the menu tonight, too.
169.2->168.4
Monday, October 19, 2009
Breaking the Fast- Day 1
KIWI!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I enjoyed a kiwi this morning. I've been looking forward to it for over a week! The first bite was one of the most wonderful tastes and textures ever. I actually shed a tear I was so happy. I have a valencia orange and some watermelon for later. I will try to space these out as much as possible. I really don't want to make myself sick with too much food too early. WAAAHOOO!!!
169.6->169.2
3:00pm
So I had my kiwi around 10:30am this morning, and I got HUNGRY around 1pm. I haven't been hungry in over a week! It's so weird how the body works. I'm now having my orange- it's not the best orange in the world, but I sure am enjoying it.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Fasting Blog- Day 12
F-it. I'm going to break the fast tomorrow. Psychologically, I'm done. There's going to be close to a week of working food back into my routine so I know there's more work to do. I'm really glad that I've done this fast. I feel very proud of what I've accomplished. Like I said before, I'll continue to blog about my experience of breaking the fast through the week so stay tuned!
169.8->169.6
169.8->169.6
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Fasting Blog- Day 11
Today is Saturday, and I didn't have much to do. I was a slug most of the day until 6pm or so when I decided to clean the whole house. As I was cleaning (while listening to opera), I felt like there was something poetic to the combination of cleaning my body and cleaning the house. I've been putting off the cleaning since I started the fast thinking I didn't have enough energy to work hard. I had a sit and rest occasionally, but I did fine. I'm glad I got it done.
Speaking of being done, I'm so ready to be done with this fast. I feel fine- not a bit of hunger. It's quite liberating to know you can go so long without food and not feel hungry. It's so very against what we're all trained to think. I will never again complain about my blood sugar being low because I haven't eaten in many hours. However, I miss food. I miss cooking. I am really looking forward to getting back into the old routine. Let's all be honest here. Food is awesome. I have been enjoying the best meals of my life since I became vegan, and I can't wait to get cooking and experimenting again. I'm going to hold out until Tuesday- just so I can say I met my little goal. Only a few more days.
171.6->169.8
Speaking of being done, I'm so ready to be done with this fast. I feel fine- not a bit of hunger. It's quite liberating to know you can go so long without food and not feel hungry. It's so very against what we're all trained to think. I will never again complain about my blood sugar being low because I haven't eaten in many hours. However, I miss food. I miss cooking. I am really looking forward to getting back into the old routine. Let's all be honest here. Food is awesome. I have been enjoying the best meals of my life since I became vegan, and I can't wait to get cooking and experimenting again. I'm going to hold out until Tuesday- just so I can say I met my little goal. Only a few more days.
171.6->169.8
Friday, October 16, 2009
Fasting Blog- Day 10
12:15pm
So apparently my Dad is reading this blog. He e-mailed me this morning and said he was concerned. While very sweet and daddy-like, I wish people wouldn't worry about me or give me those looks when they find out what I'm doing. Fasting is definitely a departure from the "norm". Not eating for an extended amount of time does sound extremely unheathly- and it is if it's not done properly! To all of the critics and skeptics out there: this is something that I chose to do for my health after doing quite a bit of research and thinking. People have been fasting safely for thousands of years for health, spiritual and religious reasons. I don't expect you to read this blog and jump right into your own fast- do more research than just reading Accidentally Awesome! There's a huge amount of material out there- in print and on the internet. In my research, I have discovered that there are a lot of differing opinions on certain aspects of fasting- so be critical when you do your own reading. Not everything out there on the internet is good information of course.
I thankfully also have many many friends who have fasted in the past, and they've been a great resource and watchdog for me. I plan on continuing this blog through the process of breaking the fast, so you can all see how I recover and handle food again. While the fast has not been the easiest thing I've ever done, it hasn't been all that hard either. It's amazing how after the first few days you lose your hunger! I feel so empowered by this experience, too. I know now that I have control over myself I didn't know I had. It's a cool feeling to know that I am powerful!!
172.8->171.6
So apparently my Dad is reading this blog. He e-mailed me this morning and said he was concerned. While very sweet and daddy-like, I wish people wouldn't worry about me or give me those looks when they find out what I'm doing. Fasting is definitely a departure from the "norm". Not eating for an extended amount of time does sound extremely unheathly- and it is if it's not done properly! To all of the critics and skeptics out there: this is something that I chose to do for my health after doing quite a bit of research and thinking. People have been fasting safely for thousands of years for health, spiritual and religious reasons. I don't expect you to read this blog and jump right into your own fast- do more research than just reading Accidentally Awesome! There's a huge amount of material out there- in print and on the internet. In my research, I have discovered that there are a lot of differing opinions on certain aspects of fasting- so be critical when you do your own reading. Not everything out there on the internet is good information of course.
I thankfully also have many many friends who have fasted in the past, and they've been a great resource and watchdog for me. I plan on continuing this blog through the process of breaking the fast, so you can all see how I recover and handle food again. While the fast has not been the easiest thing I've ever done, it hasn't been all that hard either. It's amazing how after the first few days you lose your hunger! I feel so empowered by this experience, too. I know now that I have control over myself I didn't know I had. It's a cool feeling to know that I am powerful!!
172.8->171.6
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Fasting Blog- Day 9
12:35pm
Yuck... it's confimed: I have bad breath. My gal pal at work said she was reading my blog last night and read the part about my icky mouth. She told me that she noticed some pretty funky breath yesterday. I think I can feel it being nasty right now. Gosh, I need to get those on-the-go toothbrushes. This afternoon, I promise!
I had another tiring walk to work this morning. I think it's getting harder every day. It's really the stairs that get me. I'm one of those people who can't stand the slugs who "ride" the escalator instead of walking up them. How lazy can someone be??? I have found myself longing for the easy way up the stairs this week- I get so winded by the time I get to the top of a single flight. Go figure- both escalators at BOTH T stations I go to every day are under repair!! Sigh.
Well, at least I'm nearing the homestretch here. My original goal was to make it through Monday, and then break the fast on Tuesday morning. Unless I get ill over the weekend, I'll try to stick to that goal. That will end up being 13 days total: 3 days of juice fasting at the beginning to ease into the process then 10 days of water fasting. The weather forecast for the weekend looks crummy so I'm not sure what I'm going to do to fill my time. Last weekend went smoothly because I had stuff to do. We'll see how things shake out.
173.4->172.8
10:05pm
Loooonnnnngggg day. My dogs are tired. I ended walking quite a bit today. I got those "Wisp" on-the-go toothbrushes finally, and y'know- they didn't really kill my monster breath nor did they even taste good. AND they cost $9 for a 16-pack. Not so thrilled there. I went to a talk at Harvard, and my friend dropped me off by the Harvard T station. I was already to cross the street to go down to the subway, but I turned around and there it was: The Harvard Coop. Ahhhh!!!!! I got sucked in, and I bought another vegan cookbook. Haha. 1000 Vegan Recipes. Mmm... it was really the page on lasagna that sold me. :) BED.
Yuck... it's confimed: I have bad breath. My gal pal at work said she was reading my blog last night and read the part about my icky mouth. She told me that she noticed some pretty funky breath yesterday. I think I can feel it being nasty right now. Gosh, I need to get those on-the-go toothbrushes. This afternoon, I promise!
I had another tiring walk to work this morning. I think it's getting harder every day. It's really the stairs that get me. I'm one of those people who can't stand the slugs who "ride" the escalator instead of walking up them. How lazy can someone be??? I have found myself longing for the easy way up the stairs this week- I get so winded by the time I get to the top of a single flight. Go figure- both escalators at BOTH T stations I go to every day are under repair!! Sigh.
Well, at least I'm nearing the homestretch here. My original goal was to make it through Monday, and then break the fast on Tuesday morning. Unless I get ill over the weekend, I'll try to stick to that goal. That will end up being 13 days total: 3 days of juice fasting at the beginning to ease into the process then 10 days of water fasting. The weather forecast for the weekend looks crummy so I'm not sure what I'm going to do to fill my time. Last weekend went smoothly because I had stuff to do. We'll see how things shake out.
173.4->172.8
10:05pm
Loooonnnnngggg day. My dogs are tired. I ended walking quite a bit today. I got those "Wisp" on-the-go toothbrushes finally, and y'know- they didn't really kill my monster breath nor did they even taste good. AND they cost $9 for a 16-pack. Not so thrilled there. I went to a talk at Harvard, and my friend dropped me off by the Harvard T station. I was already to cross the street to go down to the subway, but I turned around and there it was: The Harvard Coop. Ahhhh!!!!! I got sucked in, and I bought another vegan cookbook. Haha. 1000 Vegan Recipes. Mmm... it was really the page on lasagna that sold me. :) BED.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Fasting Blog- Day 8
11:15am
I feel pretty great this morning. I slept a lot again last night, and I didn't want to get get out of bed this morning because I was so comfy (plus it's effin cold this morning outside). My boss said I look radiant today. I feel kinda radiant! I'll tell you what's NOT radiant: my mouth. My mouth is icky icky icky. There's been some sort of chemistry shift in my mouth, and I don't like it. I don't think I have bad breath- it just has a funny consistency/texture. I've never brushed my teeth so many times a day in my life. I should go get those new on-the-go toothbrushes that don't require any water.
I've been thinking a lot about how I'm going to break the fast. I think I'm coming up with a good plan. It basically involves a very lengthy process (a week or longer) of phasing foods back into my diet. I plan on continuing my blog to talk about that process. The first food I plan to eat: 1 kiwi... with a spoon. :)
175.4->173.4
5:10pm
Let's Talk About My Pee-Pee!
I will try not to be gross. Firstly, I was surprised to discover that the color of my pee-pee remains a rather deep yellow despite the amount of water I'm drinking. Today, I got to work in the morning, and I probably drank around 2 liters of water over the course of the day. I was a little surprised (this happened yesterday, too) that I didn't have an urge to go to the bathroom until 4pm or so. When I did go, though, Katy wuz racehorse. I usually have to pee-pee every 20 minutes when I drink so much water in a day. I'm not sure why this has happened the last couple of days. I will ponder it. Also, I noticed in my racehorse-like alleviation today that there was also little tiny bits of stuff in my pee-pee. I can only imagine that this has to be crap my body is flushing out. It's kinda of interesting to see this stuff happen!
I feel pretty great this morning. I slept a lot again last night, and I didn't want to get get out of bed this morning because I was so comfy (plus it's effin cold this morning outside). My boss said I look radiant today. I feel kinda radiant! I'll tell you what's NOT radiant: my mouth. My mouth is icky icky icky. There's been some sort of chemistry shift in my mouth, and I don't like it. I don't think I have bad breath- it just has a funny consistency/texture. I've never brushed my teeth so many times a day in my life. I should go get those new on-the-go toothbrushes that don't require any water.
I've been thinking a lot about how I'm going to break the fast. I think I'm coming up with a good plan. It basically involves a very lengthy process (a week or longer) of phasing foods back into my diet. I plan on continuing my blog to talk about that process. The first food I plan to eat: 1 kiwi... with a spoon. :)
175.4->173.4
5:10pm
Let's Talk About My Pee-Pee!
I will try not to be gross. Firstly, I was surprised to discover that the color of my pee-pee remains a rather deep yellow despite the amount of water I'm drinking. Today, I got to work in the morning, and I probably drank around 2 liters of water over the course of the day. I was a little surprised (this happened yesterday, too) that I didn't have an urge to go to the bathroom until 4pm or so. When I did go, though, Katy wuz racehorse. I usually have to pee-pee every 20 minutes when I drink so much water in a day. I'm not sure why this has happened the last couple of days. I will ponder it. Also, I noticed in my racehorse-like alleviation today that there was also little tiny bits of stuff in my pee-pee. I can only imagine that this has to be crap my body is flushing out. It's kinda of interesting to see this stuff happen!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Fasting Blog- Day 7
10:40am
I slept like a baby last night. I keep getting these compliments about my skin. People are saying that I look really tanned or bright. I did go to Hawaii earlier this year and got the best tan of my life, but I think the fast is actually making my skin look nicer.
The walk from the T stop to work today was a bit of a challenge. The last thing I have to do before getting to my office is to go up a flight of stairs. I was really winded by the time I got to my office- more so than at any point yesterday. My muscles are still pretty achy. I'm going to ask my neighbor (massage therapist) if she can help me out with some body work today or tomorrow. I read something about people having muscle tightness, and it's because of the build-up of toxins in muscle tissue- especially in the lower legs. That seems to make sense.
I'm back at work today, and I'm glad to be busy. We'll see how the day goes.
176.0->175.4
6:55pm
I did really well at work today. My tummy has been feeling a little oogey late this afternoon. It's not a hungry feeling... just an oogey feeling. I did another saline wash when I got home, and it was the most productive one yet. I think I'm going to sleep well again tonight. I'm beat.
I slept like a baby last night. I keep getting these compliments about my skin. People are saying that I look really tanned or bright. I did go to Hawaii earlier this year and got the best tan of my life, but I think the fast is actually making my skin look nicer.
The walk from the T stop to work today was a bit of a challenge. The last thing I have to do before getting to my office is to go up a flight of stairs. I was really winded by the time I got to my office- more so than at any point yesterday. My muscles are still pretty achy. I'm going to ask my neighbor (massage therapist) if she can help me out with some body work today or tomorrow. I read something about people having muscle tightness, and it's because of the build-up of toxins in muscle tissue- especially in the lower legs. That seems to make sense.
I'm back at work today, and I'm glad to be busy. We'll see how the day goes.
176.0->175.4
6:55pm
I did really well at work today. My tummy has been feeling a little oogey late this afternoon. It's not a hungry feeling... just an oogey feeling. I did another saline wash when I got home, and it was the most productive one yet. I think I'm going to sleep well again tonight. I'm beat.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Fasting Blog- Day 6
11:20am
I had vivid dreams again last night. I dreamed that I was eating melon and orange slices to break my fast, but it was only Day 5, and I hadn't intended on breaking the fast so early. I was a little distraught that I had given up so early without really intending to. The orange slices tasted sooooo good. :)
Two physical changes to mention... My mouth feels icky. There is definitely a change in my mouth chemistry- I might have really bad breath, but I can't smell it. It seems drier than usual. Brushing my teeth and tongue works, but only for a while. Also, I keep finding little red bumps on my torso that last for a day or so. I can only imagine that these are formed by the toxins leaving my body.
I felt a tiny bit hungry last night, but I feel great this morning. I'm going on a Boston adventure today. I'm heading to Downtown Crossing to do a little bit of shopping. I've got the day off, and I really don't want to watch TV all day.
Officially ten pounds down since the start and two more since yesterday! 178.2->176.0
3:15pm
I spent the afternoon tooling around Boston, and I found myself getting super tired by the end. I literally shopped til I dropped. haha. I found myself in Borders looking at vegan and raw cookbooks, and they didn't really make me hungry. I'm headed out for another walk in the cemetery with friends now. I probably don't have the energy for it right now, but it's a gorgeous day, and I want to spend the time with my friends.
I did another saline wash when I got home. Boy does it feel weird. You can really feel the saline working its way up your system. Interesting sensation. I recommend it. :)
I had vivid dreams again last night. I dreamed that I was eating melon and orange slices to break my fast, but it was only Day 5, and I hadn't intended on breaking the fast so early. I was a little distraught that I had given up so early without really intending to. The orange slices tasted sooooo good. :)
Two physical changes to mention... My mouth feels icky. There is definitely a change in my mouth chemistry- I might have really bad breath, but I can't smell it. It seems drier than usual. Brushing my teeth and tongue works, but only for a while. Also, I keep finding little red bumps on my torso that last for a day or so. I can only imagine that these are formed by the toxins leaving my body.
I felt a tiny bit hungry last night, but I feel great this morning. I'm going on a Boston adventure today. I'm heading to Downtown Crossing to do a little bit of shopping. I've got the day off, and I really don't want to watch TV all day.
Officially ten pounds down since the start and two more since yesterday! 178.2->176.0
3:15pm
I spent the afternoon tooling around Boston, and I found myself getting super tired by the end. I literally shopped til I dropped. haha. I found myself in Borders looking at vegan and raw cookbooks, and they didn't really make me hungry. I'm headed out for another walk in the cemetery with friends now. I probably don't have the energy for it right now, but it's a gorgeous day, and I want to spend the time with my friends.
I did another saline wash when I got home. Boy does it feel weird. You can really feel the saline working its way up your system. Interesting sensation. I recommend it. :)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Fasting Blog- Day 5
2:30pm
My body felt a lot better this morning, and I slept well last night- despite a couple of bad dreams. I also didn't have light-headedness and nausea like yesterday... AND It's a gorgeous day in Boston! I walked to CVS on Centre Street (taking the longer, scenic route) to grab a couple of things. I probably walked a total of 2+ miles, and I definitely felt beat afterwards. I've been having the most discomfort in my calves and lower back- tightness in my calves and achiness in my lower back. I'm not sure what to do to help that- maybe some stretching. I'll try that later. I'm still drinking lots of water and fasting tea. I think the tea helps me to feel human through this. I'm used to drinking a lot of water, but when it's really the only thing I'm consuming, it's nice to have that flavor and warm in my mouth a few times a day.
So I took the plunge (haha) and did a saline wash today. I have to say- it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was really easy to administer (even by myself), and it was pretty effective. I won't gross you out with much more detail than that. I heard that you really need to do this if you want to get the most out of a fast. The stuff that is stuck in there is full of toxins, and you can take a huge load off your system by cleaning it out. My friend said that he was feeling pretty ill while fasting, but after he did a couple of saline washes, he felt much much better. I got the dual-pack so I'll do it again tomorrow.
180.8->178.2 This is the first time I've been below 180 since I can remember! My big goal will be to keep all this off once I start eating again.
My body felt a lot better this morning, and I slept well last night- despite a couple of bad dreams. I also didn't have light-headedness and nausea like yesterday... AND It's a gorgeous day in Boston! I walked to CVS on Centre Street (taking the longer, scenic route) to grab a couple of things. I probably walked a total of 2+ miles, and I definitely felt beat afterwards. I've been having the most discomfort in my calves and lower back- tightness in my calves and achiness in my lower back. I'm not sure what to do to help that- maybe some stretching. I'll try that later. I'm still drinking lots of water and fasting tea. I think the tea helps me to feel human through this. I'm used to drinking a lot of water, but when it's really the only thing I'm consuming, it's nice to have that flavor and warm in my mouth a few times a day.
So I took the plunge (haha) and did a saline wash today. I have to say- it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was really easy to administer (even by myself), and it was pretty effective. I won't gross you out with much more detail than that. I heard that you really need to do this if you want to get the most out of a fast. The stuff that is stuck in there is full of toxins, and you can take a huge load off your system by cleaning it out. My friend said that he was feeling pretty ill while fasting, but after he did a couple of saline washes, he felt much much better. I got the dual-pack so I'll do it again tomorrow.
180.8->178.2 This is the first time I've been below 180 since I can remember! My big goal will be to keep all this off once I start eating again.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Fasting Blog- Day 4
11:45am
Whoa... woke up this morning and was really light-headed. I became a little nauseous while putting on my make-up. I've had some water, and I'm making some tea. I'm feeling a little better, but I hope to be more recovered in the next half hour before I have to go out for the afternoon (Tosca Live in HD... rock!!). Breathing deeply seems to help a lot.
181.8->180.8 this morning
6:35pm
Thankfully, I recovered from my illness this morning pretty quickly. I felt fine by the time Chris arrived to go with me to the opera, and I continue to feel good now. My friend Chris also recently did a fast, so it was great to talk to him about his experiences. He has recommended daily enemas. We'll see if I do that. ;) I also thought that maybe I would spend the money I'm saving on food this week on going to a spa for a professional high-colonic. I'll think about it.
I'm still not feeling hungry. I do have a strong reaction when I smell food, though. Food smells totally awesome everywhere. While I don't feel sick like I did this morning, I definitely feel weird. I think it's a little like an out-of-body experience.
Chris and I went for a walk in the cemetery when we got back from the opera, and I was surprised to find myself feeling a little winded, and I had very tight calf muscles. I'm the girl who can walk 4 miles without breaking a sweat. It was strange to have such a light walk be so taxing. I also have some muscle pain in my back.
I'm planning on a trip into Boston to see my school's wind ensemble play tonight. I figure I should stay active while not being too physical. Another concert sounds like a great idea.
11:50pm
Exhausted. I did a lot for a gal on a fast. My muscles are very sore as I'm getting into bed tonight. Still no hunger. I hope the muscle pain won't keep me from sleeping well tonight.
Whoa... woke up this morning and was really light-headed. I became a little nauseous while putting on my make-up. I've had some water, and I'm making some tea. I'm feeling a little better, but I hope to be more recovered in the next half hour before I have to go out for the afternoon (Tosca Live in HD... rock!!). Breathing deeply seems to help a lot.
181.8->180.8 this morning
6:35pm
Thankfully, I recovered from my illness this morning pretty quickly. I felt fine by the time Chris arrived to go with me to the opera, and I continue to feel good now. My friend Chris also recently did a fast, so it was great to talk to him about his experiences. He has recommended daily enemas. We'll see if I do that. ;) I also thought that maybe I would spend the money I'm saving on food this week on going to a spa for a professional high-colonic. I'll think about it.
I'm still not feeling hungry. I do have a strong reaction when I smell food, though. Food smells totally awesome everywhere. While I don't feel sick like I did this morning, I definitely feel weird. I think it's a little like an out-of-body experience.
Chris and I went for a walk in the cemetery when we got back from the opera, and I was surprised to find myself feeling a little winded, and I had very tight calf muscles. I'm the girl who can walk 4 miles without breaking a sweat. It was strange to have such a light walk be so taxing. I also have some muscle pain in my back.
I'm planning on a trip into Boston to see my school's wind ensemble play tonight. I figure I should stay active while not being too physical. Another concert sounds like a great idea.
11:50pm
Exhausted. I did a lot for a gal on a fast. My muscles are very sore as I'm getting into bed tonight. Still no hunger. I hope the muscle pain won't keep me from sleeping well tonight.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Fasting Blog- Day 3
10:45am
So I got home last night after walking home (4 miles) and was pretty darn exhausted. I got into bed with the cat and watched a movie. I fully intended to go upstairs to my neighbor's place to watch the Red Sox playoff game, but I fell asleep by 9pm. It turns out that I didn't want to watch that game anyway- our Sox were shut out 5-0. Grrr...I woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Twas not clear piss- even though I drank sooooooo much water yesterday. I betcha that is a lot of bodily junk being expelled. :)
I woke up this morning a little groggy- probably because I had slept so long and erratically. I've had a few little hunger pangs this morning, but nothing that doesn't go away in a couple of moments once I turn my attention away from it. Today is still supposed to be a juice/orange day. I'm waiting to see how work goes- whether I'll actually need it today. Time will tell.
I lost another 2+ pounds since yesterday: 184.4->181.8
3:45pm
I'm almost at the end of my work day before a three-day weekend. I think I'm ready to not have any more juice (not that I've been drinking much of it anyway- only one 6oz cup earlier). I was just thinking to myself how fasting would be easier at home where I can relax, veg-out and not be responsible for much. However, just last night I was thinking how much easier it would be to be at work where I have stuff to keep myself occupied! I dunno. I'll just have to find ways to keep mentally busy this weekend while taking it easy physically. Maybe I'll work on some more paintings this weekend.
Karl, my awesome boss, asked me what I was doing for lunch today, and I reluctantly told him I was fasting (reluctantly because I've gotten such negative reactions from people so far). Karl, however, seemed pleasantly surprised! He has done them in the past. He even produced a bag of Yogi Fasting tea from his office, and I showed him that I already had lots of it! It was nice to finally come in contact with someone else who understands the experience.
6:15pm
I had considered walking home again today, but as I was packing up for the day, my knees still ached from running last week and my lower back was sore (no apparent reason). I decided to listen to my body and take the train home instead. Watching Walk the Line in bed.
6:15pm
I had considered walking home again today, but as I was packing up for the day, my knees still ached from running last week and my lower back was sore (no apparent reason). I decided to listen to my body and take the train home instead. Watching Walk the Line in bed.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Fasting Blog- Day 2
11:50am
Everything is going pretty well. I got a box of Healthy Fasting tea (Yogi Tea) and a bottle of low-sodium vegetable juice from Whole Foods on the way home. Last night I had a cup of the Get Regular Yogi tea thinking it might be good to flush out whatever is in my system, but even after having some cramps in the late evening, nothing ever happened. I suppose there is nothing in there to flush out. I've got one more bag of that tea which I'll drink tonight. I also had a mug of the vegetable juice. It was pretty hearty... for juice. I think it helped me get through the evening.
When I woke up this morning, I didn't feel hungry at all. The Subway sure smelled good as I walked by, but I guess is always smells good in the morning! I've had one glass of juice this morning and some of the fasting tea. I started feeling a little funny in the last hour- dizzy and tingly. I should probably get up an walk around the building. Oh, and the scale read 3 fewer pounds this morning. (187.4 -> 184.4)
1:00pm
I'm already looking at what I will break my fast with. Is that bad? It's not like I'm planning on a cheeseburger and fries- I am a vegan after all! I guess I'm curious if there are still kinds of vegan food that should be avoided. I'm looking at eating mostly raw for at least the first day: tomato & basil salad, my homemade guacamole with some kind of healthy cracker, Bananas, valencia oranges, etc. I'm going for the more alkaline foods. I really don't want to gain back the weight I'll lose. I'm going to try to jump right back on the horse with my runs... maybe I'll wait until the second day of breaking the fast.
I do feel pretty good, and I'm planning on walking home today (~4 miles). I'm still on juice so I figured that such a long walk will still go okay. If I end up not feeling good, I can always jump on the train.
2:35pm
I'm feeling anxious about getting started on the water-only phase. I shouldn't think of the small amounts of juice as "cheating". I need to see it more as "preparing" for the rest of this experience. It will probably make the rest of it easier! I should embrace this. I'm also on my third cup of fasting tea today. It helps to squash the oral fixation... so much more effective than water. The box says you can drink like 10 cups of this stuff a day if you want. I'm reusing tea bags anyway.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Fasting Blog- Day 1
2:45pm
I decided to try a fast. I had read about their benefits in the past but had never actually tried one. I have decided to start off with a juice fast for 3 days (through Friday), and then I will switch to a solely water fast this weekend. I still have some good organic valencia oranges that I don't want to waste, so the plan is to eat one orange today, tomorrow and Friday and drink the juice to ease myself into this. I have a couple of bottles of organic anti-oxidant-rich juice from whole foods for work. I think I will stop there again on the way home and pick up a bottle of juice for the house plus some herbal tea. It seems to me that satisfying a food craving might be alleviated by the making and drinking of tea. I've been feeling hungry, and I've been trying not to think about it too much. I'm drinking water hoping it helps. I have also been a little sensitive to food smells today- I feel like I'm smelling everything. I'm a little worried about when I get home- about being bored and wanting to cook.
3:45pm
I just went to Whole Foods with Ashley- she wanted a snack. I saw all sorts of foods I'd like to eat right now, but I had a thought: I will eventually be able to indulge in bread, fruit, cupcakes, whatever again! Just not right now. It's not that I won't eat anything ever again! That made me feel better. Fasting Blog- Introduction
When I decided to go vegan earlier this year, I had read several books that mentioned the benefits of fasting. The idea is that your body uses a huge amount of energy on the digestive process. If you take away that task, then the body goes to work cleaning out all the crap! The most compelling argument/explanation of the benefits compares fasting to sleeping:
I found that very interesting. Also, think of the work "breakfast". In the morning, you break your nightly fast with food in the morning! I've also been eating extremely healthily lately and exercising a lot, but the weight loss has stopped- I really don't think it should have! I'm hoping that fasting will kick my body into gear.
So here it is... a brief description of what I'm doing. Here is my fasting goal:
Wednesday October 7-Friday October 9: Juice Fast (3 Days)
Saturday October 10-Monday October 19: Water Fast (10 Days)
Tuesday October 20: Break the fast with juice, fruit, raw foods
Wednesday October 21: More regular food, first day of rigorous exercise
The following posts will chronicle my successes or failures. Wish me luck!
If you're interesting in more information on the benefits, facts & myths about fasting, please check out these websites:
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