posted April 24, 2008 02:01 PM         

I like to get mine from red wine but that's a whole other story!

The fact that you also have some calorific intake increases your metabolism and enables you to slough off all the junk quicker , plus you will not feel so spacey as your blood sugar wont be all over the show.

Not so good when you are doing exams!

"Mmm...my name?....somehow escapes me...it's on the tip of my tongue....anyone help me here?....anyone....

posted April 24, 2008 02:39 PM         

I thought I read last night that any kind of fiber would make you feel hungry but I am eating part of this red pumello (which is best described as an enormous grapefruit) right now even though I am not hungry for it and have taken 2 bites (very tasty) and I'm thinking if I just eat the juicy part and not all of the "skin" of each slice, then I won't have too much fiber... but a little to help clean my colon etc? I don't know.

If I could figure out the blood sugar, I would just keep on. I had planned to make cabbage soup this week too. I changed the gatorade to Silk (soymilk) to see if that helped with my focus. I don't know... I can't focus.

"The fact that you also have some calorific intake increases your metabolism and enables you to slough off all the junk quicker , plus you will not feel so spacey as your blood sugar wont be all over the show."

That is really helpful, I did read that last night but must have "lost" the full context of it.

Yes, "name" is about where I am on my homework and I have no desire to go any further. eeek

posted April 24, 2008 03:24 PM         

The first two days I was irritable and sleepy, but could still concentrate on work. I think your body might need fuel; everything I've read on fasts have suggested rest and relaxtion and meditation.

posted April 25, 2008 10:41 AM         

A nice de-tox would be preferable.

Really, I think women do not fast easy. We have too many hormones running rampant in our bodies at different times of the life and any wrench thrown into homeostasis will send your hormones into a whirl!

Sufis and yogis, who have nothing else better to do than sit high in the mountains and fast, do good with it.

We as modern-day women need food, to burn calories for energy in our demanding, stressful lives.

Whenever I feel like I need a detox, I lay off the carbs. Maintain a diet high in fiber, good fiber like leafy greens, dense grains, etc. No sugars in the form of simple sugars found in whites, ie: pasta, breads, etc. and very minimal fruits. Berries are better than the very densely sweet fruits like peaches. And lots of pure water, never force yourself to take in water, just listen to your body.

Blessings

posted April 25, 2008 11:06 AM         

LOLOLOL

ahhhhhhh

whew
:^D

ok bunnies, now I forgot the name of the first person who posted to me, ohhhhh ahhhhh,
that felt good.

ellebelle! What a pretty name. Yes, I did read the thread about the master cleanse a while ago, which gave me the idea and inspiration for a fast. I just avoid things that require a certain "recipe" to follow because if I get lazy for day then I end up giving up on the whole process. Today I am on Day 3, but it is really more of a modified fast/liquid diet type of thing because on Day 2 I had about about 3/4 of a coffee mug filled with soy milk that I sipped throughout the day for blood sugar reasons and because it has protein and I worry about losing the muscle I have worked for previously... and I have apples and grapes as bunnies suggested, and had about a handful of grapes (chewed extremely well) over the course of the day. I had an apple in the bowl too but I never wanted it. I only want the grapes or juice or soy milk when my blood sugar drops every couple hours. And just a gulp or grape seems to do the trick. I'm not hungry at all and I feel like I could do this forever. I will use this to build better eating habits.

I might go get some lemon juice. I had apple cider the first day and now I have this fabulous prune juice that is grape juice/prune juice mix. Tastes yummy, unlike Prune Juice which is hard to drink after a while for me.

I'm having organic chai tea this morning. (TAZO) I usually don't like such a strong flavor, but it is interesting today.

posted April 25, 2008 01:07 PM         

Of course, like I said, mine is not a real water fast or even a juice fast... because I am very slowly increasing my intake (grape by grape and sip of soy milk by sip of soy milk), I had a couple bites of apple this morning, and I am also having juice (later) and green tea (now). I read that your body has plenty of nutrients to last quite a long time and that once your digestive tract is clean you absorb nutrients much better and your body gets plenty of nutrients from the juices etc. If I was going to do a month long fast, I would probably need to research the nutrients better, but for now it's just as if I am on a very low calorie "diet".
And my body has plenty of fuel to burn. I just want to make sure it is burning the fat stores and not the muscle or organs... I think that because I have the carbs/sugars in the juices and fruits, I will be fine, but any additional information is always welcome.

posted April 26, 2008 12:09 PM         

Have you tried Gotu Kola??

Gotu Kola

It has been used for: wound healing, better circulation, memory enhancement, cancer, vitality, general tonic, respiratory ailments, detoxifying the body, treatment of skin disorders (such as psoriasis and eczema), revitalizing connective tissue, burn and scar treatment, clearing up skin infections, slimming and edema, arthritis, rheumatism, treatment of liver and kidneys, periodontal disease, strengthening of veins (varicose veins), blood purifier, high blood pressure, sedative, anti-stress, anti-anxiety, an aphrodisiac, immune booster, anabolic and adaptogen etc.

None of these above claims have been evaluated by the FDA, but research has been done by various institutes and universities, which concluded that more research is called for on this ancient herb.

Although somebody once said "if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is" - I am not sure that this applies to this herb, as the qualities exhibited by it, have been used for centuries and are still in use today - for that reason, I do believe that there must be truth in the anecdotal claims made on behalf of this herb. (This herb is in the same class as apple cider vinegar.)

It contains a variety of ingredients, but the active ingredients are asiaticoside (a triterpene glycoside) (triterpenoid), brahmoside and brahminoside (both saponin glycosides), madecassoside (a glycoside with strong anti-inflammatory properties), madecassic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin K, asparate, glutamate, serine, threonine, alanine, lysine, histidine, magnesium, calcium and sodium.

It contains no caffeine (it is sometimes confused with kola nut, which contains high caffeine content) yet; it is used extensively to increase energy and vitality. The reason for this might be because it is said to assist with increasing the blood sugar level, which in turn would prevent hypoglycemia, mental fatigue, depression, confusion as well as schizophrenic tendencies - or it could be because of the high concentration of thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) which assist to convert carbohydrates into glucose as well as normal nervous system functioning.

In animal testing it was also shown that centella (together with capsicum and Siberian ginseng) can assist in overcoming the negative effects of fatigue and stress.

In traditional African health it has been used for the treatment of leprosy (the asiaticoside content dissolves the waxy coating of the leprosy bacteria - allowing the immune system to destroy the bacteria), bronchitis, asthma, syphilis and wound healing; in India it has for the last 3,000 years of Ayurvedic medicine been used for wound healing, a mild diuretic, increasing concentration, alertness, as well as anti-anxiety and anti-stress; in the Far East it is used for treatment of depression, longevity, (in China it is called the "Fountain of Youth")

In our modern day pharmaceutical world (a fact acknowledged by a major multi-national pharmaceutical manufacturer, since they make a centella extract as well) it is often used as an active ingredient in tonics, oral slimming formulas, body-beautiful preparations, body firming products, wound healing, anti-aging skin care products (independent studies have shown the topical effectiveness between centella and treating stretch marks).

Great stock is also put by using this herb for bedridden and post-operative patients for a few reasons - wound healing, preventing bedsores, epithelial ulcers, as well as helping prevent muscular atrophy.

Its beneficial effects on the venous system is of great help to people suffering from diverse problems such as varicose veins, gastric ulcers, phlebitis, hemorrhoids, etc. In this action the centella helps in strengthening the capillaries and veins and in so doing assists with better blood circulation.

With its effect on connective tissue great value is achieved with the synthesis of collagen, thickening of the skin (a great anti-aging property - as we age our skins become thinner), increasing the tensile strength of the flesh, wound healing, repair of damaged tissue as well as promoting hair and nail growth.

In a French study done in 1966 it was found that it had a significant healing effect when used after episiotomy - a surgical cut of the vulva to prevent tearing during childbirth. The cut healed more rapidly than with standard treatment.

Other anti-aging properties that this herb is said to promote is an increase in hemoglobin, and a decrease of urea and acid phosphate levels in the blood.

Although Yogis have use this herb to increase their meditation abilities through better concentration, focus and alertness, this herb has also shown great promise in improving mental retardation and increasing IQ.

It has been used for centuries in the treatment of liver and kidney problems, and has once again become popular as an alternative treatment for people suffering from hepatitis as well as alcoholic liver disease.

When detoxifying the body it is also helpful to look for help from centella, as it assists with destroying toxic accumulation in the brain as well as the nerves, while it helps to clear the body from heavy metals as well as drugs - including recreational drugs.

posted April 27, 2008 06:11 PM         

So, I don't know what day I am on... hmmm.. OH, I am on day 5 not day 3 or 4. I'm losing track. Well, I have had a cup of cabbage soup around lunchish and ate an apple yesterday, a few grapes. So, I'm not really on it anymore, but still on a very low calorie, mostly liquid diet (I chew extremely slowly and thoroughly) and I ate about 1/3 of a soy "chicken" pattie wrapped in a tiny part of a whole wheat tortilla and a couple tiny bites of potato (what I made for my daughter for supper) and I could immediately tell the difference in my energy. Instead of feeling ten years younger and bounding around the house I started to remember what it felt like to think, "Oh, I wish I didn't have to get up... I'm so tired."
This morning I thought I might start using some of the slim-fast products I have in my cupboards as an alternative to the cabbage soup, juice and soy milk so I didn't get bored and decide to quit but I don't like how I feel using the snack bars. I opened one and have eaten it in the tiniest bites, chewed to liquid throughout the course of the day with water and tea and I don't feel as well. I'm going back to juice. If I feel better, I'm thinking of having some "fresh" green beans cooked soft and chewed well tonight. We will see . It's actually fun and powerful to be able to experience what different foods do to my body and mind.

posted April 28, 2008 12:03 AM         

When you start eating again be sure to drink plenty of water and take a vegetable based fiber supplement if you can. A flax seed based one would be good too; either or. You need a way to get the toxins you have loosened up out of you or you will feel pretty crappy. Try incorporating more raw foods - fruits are best from what hear as opposed to vegetables, into your diet and you will notice huge changes in your overall state of mind, not to mention physique.

I'm going to see if I can find an article I posted awhile back that just came to mind. It was on the benefits of eating less.

Why did you decide to do this fast? For cleansing purpouses, weight-loss? I actually agree with alot of what hippichick had to say and I dont think fasting is as important to us as some of the health gurus out there would have us believe it is. And listening to our bodies is important. Oftentimes people's stomaches rumble because they we are actually dehydrated, not hungry. Still though, i think it is beneficial to do a couple of short ones a few times per year. I'm not sure if it might even be better to just simply eat less. It's nice to give the poor colon and digestive system a break for awhle though, for sure. This can be done by going on a raw fruit "fast" as well.

Anyway, that's my few cents. I'm going to try to find that thread .....and there are a few other things that you might find to be interesting food for thought that i will try to find over the next few days.

posted April 28, 2008 01:02 PM         

It has really reminded me to focus again on chewing slowly and enjoying the taste of my food, whatever it is, rather than quickly and mindlessly stuffing something in because I am too busy or overworked to relax. Additional bonus is that eating less saves on dishes and cooking time so I use the energy for other things. It is a complete blessing as most things often are...

I'm pretty sure the hidden repeated message here is "let's not go the way of anorexia there, Melz, you aren't on a mountaintop" so I want to reassure my beautiful hearted female friends that I'm just trying to make the transition here from eating an overabundance of breads/noodles to choosing more fruits and vegetables. For example, I will buy one bag of celery a month, and it will begin to become limp and lonely by the time I actually cut it up and eat it, but I DO eat it. Now I will buy two bags and eat both. And instead of eating some yogurt with a little frozen fruit, I am eating frozen fruit with a little yogurt mixed in with the fruit. I have made small changes all of my life and all of them stick with me after a little time. It just takes a moment of enlightenment to create the initial realization and the beginning of the change.

I picked/won a little green tea pot during the family Christmas exchange game and that has increased my green tea use, although I have been interested in teas and herb infusions for over 10 years. That little tea pot that I can fill which keeps my tea hot so I can pour cup after cup (as I sit here at the computer or sit on the couch reading, relaxing, watching movies) works like my own personal waiter or waitress.
It seems the ideas percolate in your mind and then small events set them into action.

posted April 28, 2008 01:21 PM         

quote:

---

Try incorporating more raw foods - fruits are best from what hear as opposed to vegetables

---

posted June 15, 2008 05:11 PM         

I'm doing the fast again. I am going to do liquids (juice and Silk) for as long as I can and then begin adding well chewed apples and grapes and other fruits and then eventually progress to veggies too. I have an old model juicer and I plan to try it out this week, although much of my liquids will be store bought juices, water, green tea, and Silk. I know that isn't ideal... but my personal chef isn't available this month!

I like that idea about fruits being the cleansers and veggies being the builders, Z and T. That's the plan.

Share any and all knowledge that you are moved to share... you have a willing student here. And if anyone is interested in joining me... let's do this!

Love,
Melody

posted June 16, 2008 11:03 AM         

take no food at all during the fast... not even fruits.

posted June 17, 2008 11:28 PM         

there is one called vasitap very famous among jains. vasi = yearly and tapi = penance. for a year, u only eat on alternate days! think this way... u only eat for 6 months out of 12!

in the 8day jain festival of paryusan, many observe a 1 to 8 day fast. some even go to the extent of fasting for like upto 30days! imagine, 30 days without food and only on boiled water! some make it even tough by observing maunvrat (silence oath). they simply dont utter a word throught the fasting period.

the rest of the jains (not me though) atleast avoid green vegetables at all cost during the 8 day fast. only cereals and pulses.

the main objective of a fast is to detox ur self completely and to achieve the meditative high some achieve during their fasts. gandhi, whos mother was a jain, was inspired by the jain fasts.

before going through any major fasts most jains take permission of the monks of theri respective sects on jainism. this is to ensure that a person not capable of fasting doesnot enter a fast or else he would harm his own body and harm of any life form is a stirct no no in jainism.

but then u do get to occasionally see people who fast just to get clean of their sins wihtout taking permission of the monks. inturn the loose weight during the fast and after its over they gain twice as much. the agenda behind the fast becomes sin washing rather than detxication.

Acharya Rajnis or OSHO (as he is known in the west) alwas ridiculed jain fasts because of this very reason. he was a jain himself.

posted June 17, 2008 11:37 PM         

in this fast the person fasts him/her self to death without even taking water and also obersving a silence oath and also restricting him/her self to a limited space of a room. large number of jains and non jains come to see such a person. after the person dies it is conssidered that he/she has attained moksha. th dead body is made to sit in a meditative posture and people are allowed to worship it for a few days. as the body is completely free from any intake of food before death the body has little or no toxic discharge. finally when taking it to the crematorium it is not made to lie but to sit and people instead of crying celebrate with colors the moksha the person achieved.

posted June 19, 2008 11:31 PM         

Almost everything you are saying is interesting!

"for a year, u only eat on alternate days! think this way... u only eat for 6 months out of 12!"-Ace

WOW!

And Gandhi's mother was a jainist? How interesting!

The santhara... oooo how fascinating!

Hmm... full fast with only pure water one day every week... I could do that. Does that mess with your metabolism and cause you to gain extra weight? I don't want to do that to myself! I do love the energy I get from the fasts though. LOVE the energy!!