Let me share what I have discovered (now a month after the cleanse). I lost 10.5 pounds in those six days. However, I went into full eating after. I came off the fast on a Friday night and my birthday was Sat and Sun was Mother's day. Needless to say....I splurged. Glutton....really. So of course, I put weight back on.
It crept on slowly. But steady. I gained 5 lbs back. But have lost a solid 5 lbs (even on the days I eat terribly) and sometimes down 7 lbs if I watch and behave. Even on Memorial Day weekend when we camped and I ate 2 s'mores every night, drank wine, didn't deprive myself of a meal or chocolate donuts AFTER breakfast. Yep...I overindulged. I was up when I came home, but after just two days of healthier eating, I was back down the full 7 lbs. The weight comes off SO much easier now...it is truly amazing...because I've had to really, really work to maintain my whole life.
My skin is clearer. My metabolism is better. After two c-sections, my tummy always had this 'pocket' of fat ABOVE my belly button. I felt like I looked pregnant all the time. Its gone. When the weight came back on...it was more like it used to be, a 'tire' around my waste as opposed to this high pocket of fat. I have NO idea why my body did that post pregnancies....but I have never been able to change it, till now.
I've worked out with trainers, I've logged calories, I've worked out on my own, I've gone vegetarian. NOTHING has worked like this water fast. It is AMAZING.
Of course, you get a taste of something, and you want more. Right?
So starting this Monday, I am going to fast again. Only thing I'll add this time is 'oil pulling' every day. Where you take a small amount of coconut oil and swish it around your mouth every day for 10-20 minutes. It helps pull the toxins out of your mouth, clear your skin, lessen allergies, etc, etc.
I'll also juice off the fast this time. Juice for a day, raw fruit/veggies for a day or two, then food. Give my metabolism the chance to 'wake up' before loading my body down with food.
Last, I will fast till I'm 5 lbs lighter than I want to be. Last time I fasted to my goal weight, which is unreasonable. You eat...you'll have food in your system....you'll put weight on. So this time I'll leave room to spare.
FYI - I have never done any type of fast before. Not for this length of time...not this intense. I did all fruits/veggies for 3 days about a year ago. But I was still eating as much as I wanted, when I wanted....just raw, vegan food. This is totally different. But doable! If I (who has no will power) was able to do this....you most certainly can too! The first 3 days are the hardest. Drink lots and lots of lemon water. Truly, between that and the salt....you will be fine. I wasn't hungry...I just missed the habit of food. And it was hard not to lick my fingers, nibble, cheat when preparing my kids/husband food that week....but I did it! If you try this...plan it out. Get your head in the game. You'll LOVE it.
The reason you need the salt...your tears are salty, your sweat is salty. We are salt water...not just water. So when you cleanse....use the salt. It HAS to be Celtic Sea Salt. I found mine by the vitamins at a health food store. It helps replenish the 52 essential minerals your body needs. And, you won't be running to pee every 20 minutes....bonus.
I've learned so much through this process too....reading, researching, and through my awesome friend, Wendi, who is on a water fast kick with me. Apparently your body releases toxins 3 ways....sweat, urination/bowel, and through your tongue/mouth. So when you get to day 4 of the cleanse and your body kicks into ketosis....your tongue will turn white and you'll have TERRIBLE breath. Its all the yuck coming out....oil pull!!
The other fascinating fact I came across is that when you go into ketosis and your body starts burning fat cells to get energy...it attacks the unhealthy cells first. So fasting is a great way to hit 'reset' on your body and give it a break from all the junk we tend to put into it. I actually had so much energy that it was waking me up at night! Odd....for someone who hadn't had a morsel of food for 4 days.
Biblically, fasting is a must. The scriptures read...'when' you fast. Not 'if' you fast. Jesus fasted in the dessert for 40 days! I most certainly can fast a few days in the comfort of my home. There are countless examples where stories share that fasting was done before big spiritual favors or miracles were performed. Without the distraction of food, you have a strong, sound mind....you're in a place of peace and it allows you to be closer to God. I loved the extra prayer time, study time and peace I felt while fasting. Although my main goal right now of fasting is for health/weight purposes...I will definitely do this for spiritual tuning too. In fact...I feel like I've neglected the whole "my body is a temple' fact that is mentioned several times in the Bible. For years, I've neglected. So even tho my drive is more physical health right now, it is also tied into spiritual. As once I'm free from my addiction to food...I am free to be closer to God! Its taken me almost 40 years...but I'm getting there!!! Can I get an amen? : )
Almost forgot...you must work out while fasting. When you're dropping weight that fast (I dropped about 2 lbs a day), you will want your muscles to stay strong. So even if you don't do cardio, do strength training. Something. Anything.
Last, I'm doing a Bible study on my own right now...since I'm cleaning house physically, may as well mentally too. Its called "The Seven Experiment". It walks you through 'fasting' in seven areas in your life. Although I'm still on the first chapter...food (how appropriate), I'm excited for what's to come....clothes, stress, waste, etc, etc. I'm in the mood to purge....simpler life. More quality, not quantity. Step by step...day by day.
I only share all of this in hopes that it encourages and inspires YOU! For more info...google 'Water Fast Benefits' and check it out yourself! ; )
After I reach a 'goal' range for my weight, I plan to fast every Monday or so to maintain. I splurge every weekend, so Monday seems like the perfect time to flush my system. I find it odd that we do maintenance on everything else in our lives....cars, houses, yards....yet we don't take the time to do it for ourselves. I promise this is worth it. : ) And best yet...water is free!
xx
Laura
Here are images of me before the fast - Easter.
Me after the fast....day 6 morning (post work out....sorry)
Me now...5 to 7 lbs lighter (and clearer skin), feeling better than ever!
One last thing. I've also started using olive oil in place of lotion. Just a few drops goes a long way and I promise you're not greasy. I have a little container for it in my bathroom drawer that I refill when necessary....it allows the oil to come out a drop at a time. Just use a little bit, rub it in well, you'll love it...your skin will too! I also use Argan oil on my eyes/face. I found that online through Jose Maran brand. My friend, Ylenia (who has AMAZING skin), gave me that great tip. I have really tried to cut back on products that have so many chemicals going into my body....oil has been an awesome change. That...and my switch to Dr. Bronners castile soap in place of shower gel. I also picked up some Tom's antiperspirant this week....time to ditch the 'secret'!
Why am I so motivated to make these changes....LIFE. I love my life. I want to do everything I can to watch my kids grow, enjoy my family....be the best me God created me to be! Seems every time I turn around....there is another story of a friend/relative battling life-threatening illnesses or life-altering experiences. Just this week my friend shared she has stage 2 breast cancer...3 years younger than me, young daughter. I've grown to see how each day is truly a gift. I pray I am blessed with many, many, many more. I know my future is out of my hands...but these small changes I CAN do and will hopefully make a difference.
I share all of this as I love when people share helpful tips with me. If it weren't for my friends, I would be lost! Wendi told me about the water fast and coached me through it. Ylenia turned me on to oils and castile soap. Where would be without our girlfriends?! Hoping you find something helpful here you can take away, too. xx
No comments:
Post a Comment