My 40 day water fast

[greentara]

i feel really great tonight. ketosis has really kicked in and i almost feel normal in my legs.

i recommend a spa/sauna if you have access. had a great yoga class today, very strong. and i did a lot of walking. it was a very active day all in all - the spa massage was fantastic for the circulation pep up.

the eat, eat, eat society has really been in my face the past two days -- i guess that's why i felt a bit weak at the prospect and got thoughts of breaking - i never was going to, but man did the dialogue begin. everywhere you go in a city there are people shoving food in their mouth. few paying much mind to what they are doing, eating etc. today while i was killing time waiting for my doctors appointment, i went into the massive asian supermarket near the surgery - i love that place, the north asian diet i what i will be eventually eating when i have finished. so i went in and eyed off the different types of dried seaweed and miso for ages. my head was all, well it's raw so... but fortunately the other voices said NO, and I left and went to see my doctor. That's what this blog is for, the highs and lows.

i have a very early yoga class tomorrow so i am off to bed now.

thanks again to concreate above - that post really helped me reinforce stuff i already know, but lost sight of for a wee while. go team!

[duvet trick]

I have spent today googling fasts. Do you recommend doing smaller ones before starting on the 40 day fast?

I am very interested to read your experiences and shall keep an eye on this thread.

[Samuel Poon]

ginkgo, why do you continue to post here while she, and obviously other people following this thread, don't want you to? Consider her feelings and others and leave your comments to your own webpage and your own thread. If people want to hear about your opinions they'll visit your page themselves, you don't have to "advertise" it in a rudely manner.

Everyone has thier own opinion and doesn't need someone to continue to complain so that they follow their opinion. Yet for some reason I know you're just going to continue to complain more and more instead of reasonably saying sorry. Funny you're in a website that's called "Personal Development for Smart People"

Anyways, Good luck greentara. I'll be following your thread. Keep it up!

[ginkgo]

Originally Posted by Samuel Poon

ginkgo, why do you continue to post here while she, and obviously other people following this thread, don't want you to? Consider her feelings and others and leave your comments to your own webpage and your own thread. If people want to hear about your opinions they'll visit your page themselves, you don't have to "advertise" it in a rudely manner.

Everyone has thier own opinion and doesn't need someone to continue to complain so that they follow their opinion. Yet for some reason I know you're just going to continue to complain more and more instead of reasonably saying sorry. Funny you're in a website that's called "Personal Development for Smart People"

If it were Greentara's forum, then she could delete my posts. That is called censorship. This forum likes the law of the U.S.A. (don't know where you are from)-- freedom of speech. So you are saying that "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." There is nothing wrong with me. I am not fat and stupid. That is a saying in America.

I am not complaining. I am not a crybaby. I am not miserable. I am happy. I am having fun. I encourage others to be happy instead of being miserable and complaining. If that makes me unpopular, so be it. I don't think that I will be put on the cross for it like Jesus Christ was. Yes the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Also people are hearing some bad advice on fasting. I provided a link to Joel Fuhrman's (MD) book on fasting. Then I also tell them what he suggests and he has fasted thousands of people over decades. Greentara has already said that she disagrees with a lot of that stuff. So I am telling people the advice of a professional faster who is not on drugs like weed and does not smoke cigarettes. Then the people have a choice. They can choose for themselves who to listen to. So I provide a difference of opinion so people have a choice. Americans chose Obama as president. Are you against people having a choice? Do you believe in an absolute dictatorship? Are you from Cuba? No! Probably more like North Korea!

[cocreator]

Originally Posted by ginkgo

If it were Greentara's forum, then she could delete my posts. That is called censorship. This forum likes the law of the U.S.A. (don't know where you are from)-- freedom of speech. So you are saying that "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." There is nothing wrong with me. I am not fat and stupid. That is a saying in America.

I am not complaining. I am not a crybaby. I am not miserable. I am happy. I am having fun. I encourage others to be happy instead of being miserable and complaining. If that makes me unpopular, so be it. I don't think that I will be put on the cross for it like Jesus Christ was. Yes the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Also people are hearing some bad advice on fasting. I provided a link to Joel Fuhrman's (MD) book on fasting. Then I also tell them what he suggests and he has fasted thousands of people over decades. Greentara has already said that she disagrees with a lot of that stuff. So I am telling people the advice of a professional faster who is not on drugs like weed and does not smoke cigarettes. Then the people have a choice. They can choose for themselves who to listen to. So I provide a difference of opinion so people have a choice. Americans chose Obama as president. Are you against people having a choice? Do you believe in an absolute dictatorship? Are you from Cuba? No! Probably more like North Korea!

haha i havent bothered to read what is going on between yall two but ill say this, you have a right to post whatever, wherever, and whenever you want. but alittle common courtesy should be exercised too. i dont know if she asked you to stop posting or what but if you want to exercise your freedom of speech, maybe you should respect greentara's thread and do it elsewhere. HEY start your own thread called "joel fuhrmans vs greentara: facts on fasting". do whatever you want but have some respect man. i think at this point youve lost your humility and taken it to the level of a grudge with her. infact i know so you make it clear in your dialogue. you post where noone wants you to so....

but dont take this personal i have nothing against you. i dont know either of you. im just pointing out "un"common sense.

good luck to the both of you!

[greentara]

Originally Posted by duvet trick

I have spent today googling fasts. Do you recommend doing smaller ones before starting on the 40 day fast?

I am very interested to read your experiences and shall keep an eye on this thread.

Yes, start off with a 5 day fast at the most - but NOT before you have done through research. Also, have all your blood tests done before you do it.

BUT before you consider ANY of this, do your research. Alternative Medicine Forums, Blogs & FAQs on CureZone.com is a fantastic resource. This is not something to just jump into mate. Take your time, read your stuff and prepare well.

Sincere warm wishes.

[greentara]

DAY 10.

Today was a breeze. My head is in the right space now. And cocreator's words have helped so much, moved my head in the direction of the NOW. I mean, 40 days is nothing to turn my whole 33 years in the direction I want it to be. I am concentrating on the now. Detaching myself from the past which is where we fail - allowing negative past experiences to dictate the result of new challenges.

Did some light resistance training, sauna and spa. The sauna and spa is now my daily treat.

Saw the doctor who said my blood says I am in perfect health.
All except my cholesterol - at first that confused me utterly, because not only do i eat a fish diet with nothing at all in it that raises cholesterol, as well, i always having perfect readings on it. then i found out that experiencing less insulin with a very low carbohydrate intake, body ketone levels measure higher than normal at the beginning of the low carb diet ( or no carb diet in my case!). Absorbing bad cholesterol fats, ketones reduce the lipids in the bloodstream and arteries. phew.

Had acupuncture too and enjoyed a movie. Also had some great news which may result in a quick trip to se asia at day 37! I'll know by the end of the week I think. This is great news. Beach, sunbathing and massage - relaxing on the beach for the remainder of the fast - perfect really.

I'm feeling at the moment that I may be able to last more than 40 days. We'll see, we'll see. Each day at a time.

weight 179.50

hope all of you reading this are well and smiling - thanks again for your support. xxxx

[greentara]

PS. FYI.

I have not smoked weed in over 12 months. For a period on and off for about a year, I'd have a very weak joint of an evening in my rolling tobacco. Other than that, about 6 years ago, when I finally broke free of a very abusive relationship, I discovered from my then housemate (a chronic weed smoker and childhood mate) who was tired of my tears that it was a very useful tool for blocking out my emotions. It actually stopped my from crying 24/7. And before that I barely touched the stuff. I wasn't like your average adolescent, who smoked weed growing up - it didn't interest me until the above situation at almost 28. My intimacy issues (and then depression) that I mentioned in a previous post, why I started seeing a psychologist, stem from this bad relationship experience that I had been trapped in for the majority of my 20's and my desire to move on and not allow this past to obstruct my positive destiny and happy 'now'. Emotional toxins have been shed and I have had some profound and inspiring healing as a result of various holistic pursuits and attitude; yoga, Buddhist study and fasting to name a few over the past 4 years particularly. I am a much clearer, happier person (not to mention wiser and compassionate) and am becoming more ready each day to be open to the love an intimate relationship may provide. And relaying all this is now even more encouragement and reassurance on my journey and how far I have come over the past years.

I have not had any illness (not even flu) in over 3 years (not including sunstroke in asia).

I took the 21 day challenge after a few smaller fasts because I was very excited about the prospect of ridding myself of the toxins that previous drug use (legal or otherwise) may have left in my body - both emotional and physical. And I really have noticed profound effects.

I have not smoked cigarettes (rolling tobacco) in 6 months. And had given up previous to that several times. I believe My 21 day fast assisted me to kick the habit for good.

Which reminds me to express about that experience - I think you will all find it amazing - all who I have shared it within person have. It really was a truly remarkable experience and as a result, I know I will never smoke again. I am trying to transfer the experience over to food, and I think it is starting to sink into my attitude now we are past the icky and tricky first week. There are huge differences but I am starting to see how beneficial the two short fasts I attempted between the 21 day and this.

It's late now though, I really need some rest. If I do not post about it - remind me. There is much about my first fast and the comparisons that I feel I should express - to help me and those of you reading and interested. So if you want to know, post me a note.

[greentara]

Originally Posted by Samuel Poon

Anyways, Good luck greentara. I'll be following your thread. Keep it up!

THANK YOU! It means a lot. xxx

[harmonysr]

Hi Greentara, I just started reading your account of your fast. Thanks for taking the time to post as often as you do; I myself and many others, I'm sure, appreciate the insight and experience you share.

If it is your intention to heal yourself through fasting, then that is what will happen. You seem very determined and positive and have the ability to make this a very worthwhile experience with lasting benefits. I wish you all the best in your fasting journey.

[greentara]

Originally Posted by harmonysr

Hi Greentara, I just started reading your account of your fast. Thanks for taking the time to post as often as you do; I myself and many others, I'm sure, appreciate the insight and experience you share.

If it is your intention to heal yourself through fasting, then that is what will happen. You seem very determined and positive and have the ability to make this a very worthwhile experience with lasting benefits. I wish you all the best in your fasting journey.

What a lovely bunch of words. Thank you.

Day 11.

Weight 178.20

Really tired today because I didn't have much sleep - I got up early to make the sauna and spa - I think I have found my new vice.

Spent the rest of the day with life's bureaucracy - admin, work etc.
then crashed out in the evening. Body and mind so tired! was supposed to go to salsa classes but just couldn't get up - next week.

I keep getting advised of so much wonderful news on various angles of my day to day life - it's amazing what positive mind power can do! I feel like I am channelling so much positive energy and it's just recycling itself. Awesome.

Big day tomorrow - I hope all reading this are well and smiling. Good night! xxxx

[greentara]

This is the best summary I have found on how to not regain after you fast. There is more to it that this, but the summary is clear and concise. This website, though not aesthetically pleasing, is, in my opinion the best fasting forum resource on the net. There are others I like, but this one seems to have the most experienced fasters on there who are very willing to share and offer advice when 'asked'.

Re: Fasting, metabolism, and preventing weight gain after the fast at Fasting: Water Fast Support Forum

[Excellent Lodestar]

Originally Posted by greentara

This is the best summary I have found on how to not regain after you fast. There is more to it that this, but the summary is clear and concise. This website, though not aesthetically pleasing, is, in my opinion the best fasting forum resource on the net. There are others I like, but this one seems to have the most experienced fasters on there who are very willing to share and offer advice when 'asked'.

Re: Fasting, metabolism, and preventing weight gain after the fast at Fasting: Water Fast Support Forum

I think breaking the Fast and one's mental state is critical. It's not always easy to see the weight come back ,especially if weight loss was the reason for the fast(Imo, weight loss is the worst reason to fast) I remember panicking when My weight started to come back---of course, I now know the reason it came back for me so quickly is that I was following the low fat, "healthy" carb regimine that was so popular in the day--a metabolic disaster.
Because I was so determined to stop the weight from coming back, I did things that were unhealthy-- diet-wise and physically. If I knew then what I know now; How EASY it is to maintain weight and feel great, I would have spared my body lots of abuse, and fasted for the right reason---Giving the body a deep rest . Eating Paleo for me, feels like cheating, frankly. I'm @ 11% body fat when I'm out of shape, and when I want to reward my body these days, I'll give it a weeks fast as a "thank You"

Good luck In all your endeavors, Greentara.

[Tim Brownson]

Tara, I am reading this with interest although I have to say I'm tending to stick to your posts and hear your thoughts.

I may have missed something and if so I apologize, but I just saw you mention you were in therapy. Do you mind me asking, what for? No worries if you'd rather not answer and again sorry if you have gone into this in previous posts.

What you are doing made me think of Bobby Sands the IRA terrorist that died on hunger strike in the early 80's in the UK. I believe he went some crazy length of time approaching 70 days on only water (I think). So even though I'm unsure about 40 from a laymans perspective, it makes me think 40 is doable.

Having said that, what do you get extra by going the additional 10 days that seems to be the norm for people really pushing it?

[ginkgo]

Originally Posted by cocreator

haha i havent bothered to read what is going on between yall two but ill say this, you have a right to post whatever, wherever, and whenever you want. but alittle common courtesy should be exercised too. i dont know if she asked you to stop posting or what but if you want to exercise your freedom of speech, maybe you should respect greentara's thread and do it elsewhere. HEY start your own thread called "joel fuhrmans vs greentara: facts on fasting". do whatever you want but have some respect man. i think at this point youve lost your humility and taken it to the level of a grudge with her. infact i know so you make it clear in your dialogue. you post where noone wants you to so....

but dont take this personal i have nothing against you. i dont know either of you. im just pointing out "un"common sense.

good luck to the both of you!

I do have my own thread on my 31 day fast but it is over now. I have a webpage on Fasting. It has quotes from 19 different sources like Fuhrman's book, Dr Shelton's book, Dr Cott's 2 books and Upton Sinclair's book all on fasting.

Plus I have read some newsletters by the professional fasters around the country. Here is a short video of Fuhrman with Dr Oz, who is Oprah's doctor who is on her show weekly.

You said that you have not read about what is going on. I only disagree with something that I see wrong with advice about fasting and comment on that. That is all. A water fast means nothing else. Also I do not want people to follow bad advice on fasting, suffer and then complain about to thousands.

So if Greentara says that all fasters should set bums on fire and I disagree is that a lack of courtesy on my part? That is what you are concerned about. So I do not care if that is what you think. I care about the bums being set on fire.

My site tells about the lemonade diet but tells people not to do the SWF that is suggested. This Single White Female has permanently damaged some people so I tell people not to do it. Actually it stands for Salt Water Flush. Since I have not seen any bad advice on these last posts I have not said anything.

Also when I disagree with something I give sources of where that information came from while as Greentara makes up stuff herself. Now it her right to do what she wants with her body. I do not want others to be hurt from following bad advice.

For example I read that a woman sent a tweet to Demi Moore about her trying to kill herself. Demi tweeted all her followers about it and the police stopped this woman making Demi a hero. But, even though this is the law, that woman wanted to die since she was unhappy.

Nothing has been done about that and they prevented the woman from doing what she wants. So Demi is not a hero for doing that. No one can say that it is better being alive than dead since no one knows. Everyone will die anyway no matter what is done. I feel that finding happiness is the more important issue.

I did this same thing (I do not know where you were) with the guy who recently did the 30 day fast and did not drink water for 18 hours and then would force himself to drink over a gallon a day. Look around. My last 2 posts were from people who did not approve of me trying to help people.

The people did not like Jesus doing this and they crucified him. It sounds like you feel that if he practiced common courtesy then He would not have been crucified. But He was doing something much more important than common courtesy. Also I do not go around saying F*** like the last American VP. I did not vote for him, did you? I also did not shoot a friend in the face like he did.

[greentara]

I have decided that I will no longer be posting here. I made a mistake choosing this forum. Overall, it's too negative and draining an experience and one I just don't have the inclination or energy to commit to.

If anyone feels like keeping in touch, for whatever reason, send me a private message and when i next log in (which won't be anytime soon, just so you are aware), we can exchange details.

Warm wishes.

[Tim Brownson]

This forum is just a forum. It's no more negative than any other forum imo.

When you set off to do something so incredibly difficult you are always going to get people tell you you can't do it. It's no big deal if you are committed.

For every one person that has been negative toward you 5 others are reading with interest.

Having said that, it's your choice of course.

[andrew112]

I would like to go on a 40 day water-only fast, but right now I do not think I am heavy enough to do that. I need to put on some weight first, mainly muscle mass, and then go on a 40 day water fast.

[ginkgo]

Originally Posted by greentara

I have decided that I will no longer be posting here. I made a mistake choosing this forum. Overall, it's too negative and draining an experience and one I just don't have the inclination or energy to commit to.

If anyone feels like keeping in touch, for whatever reason, send me a private message and when i next log in (which won't be anytime soon, just so you are aware), we can exchange details.

Warm wishes.

For people reading this, it is much better to not start something than it is to start something and not finish it. If you do not start it then no harm is done. If you start something and then do not finish it, it is an incomplete cycle of action.

It teaches and tells your subconscious mind, that you cannot finish what you start. I know a woman that did this a few times in a row and then became severely depressed. In fact the above has nothing to do with fasting.

It was the modis operandi of the original poster. She first said many, many, many times that she was doing, not a fast, but a water fast. I guess she was trying to convince herself. Then she quickly started taking salt and tea.

Many think that smoking pot has no negative effects on people. Well the above is evidence that it does. I just read that cigarettes have in them 4,000 chemicals including arsenic, rat poison, DDT, wood varnish and nail polish remover, so that is not any better.

I was talking today to a guy about my fast that I finished. He said that he read on a website that a doctor says that it is not good to fast. Then I told him that my website on fasting has quotes by 19 medical doctors that fasting is good for you. He was thinking about that and was impressed with that.

One M.D. says that fasting is profoundly simple and simply profound. Note that 3 of these MDs are psychiatrists and one of them promotes an all raw diet.

[Barcs]

Originally Posted by greentara

I have decided that I will no longer be posting here. I made a mistake choosing this forum. Overall, it's too negative and draining an experience and one I just don't have the inclination or energy to commit to.

If anyone feels like keeping in touch, for whatever reason, send me a private message and when i next log in (which won't be anytime soon, just so you are aware), we can exchange details.

Warm wishes.

Come on Greentara! Don't go. Just realize that you will get these types of reactions to fasting anywhere you go. It isn't an exact science, many people have done it many different ways. I personally believe that the most important thing is to listen to your body. I'm interested in seeing how you are feeling 20 days or so from now, so please don't just disappear because of a few rude people. Facing adversity will happen when you fast no matter what. There will always be the uninformed people who have never tried it attempting to bring you down. Just ignore it. It's only a month and change out of your entire life! Fasting can cause more emotional responses to situations, so hopefully that's what this is and I can look forward to your progress.

[ginkgo]

Originally Posted by Barcs

Come on Greentara! Don't go. Just realize that you will get these types of reactions to fasting anywhere you go. It isn't an exact science, many people have done it many different ways. I personally believe that the most important thing is to listen to your body. I'm interested in seeing how you are feeling 20 days or so from now, so please don't just disappear because of a few rude people. Facing adversity will happen when you fast no matter what. There will always be the uninformed people who have never tried it attempting to bring you down. Just ignore it. It's only a month and change out of your entire life! Fasting can cause more emotional responses to situations, so hopefully that's what this is and I can look forward to your progress.

It is easy to blame other's for one's psychological problems. I wonder who she blames for using pot and smoking cigarettes. Also she said that she sees a psych. That is not due to people on this site anymore than Adolf Hitler's problems being due to Jews.

If you could read between the lines, you would see that she said "warm wishes [go to hell]". There is a 31 day fast and 30 day fast on this forum from recently. Greentara may have stopped her fast due to the emotional stress, but was too embarrassed to say so. Also people objecting to a fast is biblical. The devil said to Jesus that he should start eating during his 40 day fast. Jesus responded by saying "You are wise O devil, so I will listen to you." No, He said "Get thee behind me Satan!"

[JSB]

Originally Posted by ginkgo

It is easy to blame other's for one's psychological problems. I wonder who she blames for using pot and smoking cigarettes. Also she said that she sees a psych. That is not due to people on this site anymore than Adolf Hitler's problems being due to Jews.

If you could read between the lines, you would see that she said "warm wishes [go to hell]". There is a 31 day fast and 30 day fast on this forum from recently. Greentara may have stopped her fast due to the emotional stress, but was too embarrassed to say so. Also people objecting to a fast is biblical. The devil said to Jesus that he should start eating during his 40 day fast. Jesus responded by saying "You are wise O devil, so I will listen to you." No, He said "Get thee behind me Satan!"

Some of your posts seem to have been focused on de-railing the thread; they have also been rude and obnoxious. Are you unaware of this, or do you simply not care that you are being rude to other people?

[Samuel Poon]

...

Take care Tara. Please tell us how it ends.

[ginkgo]

Originally Posted by JSB

Some of your posts seem to have been focused on de-railing the thread; they have also been rude and obnoxious. Are you unaware of this, or do you simply not care that you are being rude to other people?

George said to Seinfeld that if he leaves the clothes in the dryer too long, they will become over-dry. Seinfeld explained that you cannot over-dry something. Either it is dry or it is not.

The only thing that completely de-rails a thread is someone giving a journal about something that they are doing and then abandoning it. So you can't over-dry and you cannot de-rail a thread that has been totally de-railed. Can you give an example of something that is rude that I posted.

I can give you a famous example of someone being rude and obnoxious. William Wallace said to the leader of the English army that was invading Scotland: "Here are my terms. March back to England and stop at every house along the way and beg their forgiveness for 100 years of rape, theft and murder. Do that and you shall live. Do that not and everyone of you shall die."

Your post is about me. It is not about fasting or starting and abandoning a thread on a fast. One rule of this forum is not to whine. There was a lot of that from the OP. Steve says that he acts like a alarm clock to awaken people. I act more like a mirror and reflect a person back on to themselves so they can see what they are like.

Also fasting does not make people like this. The OP was doing fasting to change her personality that was already like this. In fact since she abandoned her thread I would not be upset if the moderator erased the entire thread. If I were a moderator, I would have to consider it. This thread is an insult to this forum. Greentara only had 42 posts on this forum.

[JSB]

Originally Posted by ginkgo

George said to Seinfeld that if he leaves the clothes in the dryer too long, they will become over-dry. Seinfeld explained that you cannot over-dry something. Either it is dry or it is not.

The only thing that completely de-rails a thread is someone giving a journal about something that they are doing and then abandoning it. So you can't over-dry and you cannot de-rail a thread that has been totally de-railed. Can you give an example of something that is rude that I posted.

I can give you a famous example of someone being rude and obnoxious. William Wallace said to the leader of the English army that was invading Scotland: "Here are my terms. March back to England and stop at every house along the way and beg their forgiveness for 100 years of rape, theft and murder. Do that and you shall live. Do that not and everyone of you shall die."

Your post is about me. It is not about fasting or starting and abandoning a thread on a fast. One rule of this forum is not to whine. There was a lot of that from the OP. Steve says that he acts like a alarm clock to awaken people. I act more like a mirror and reflect a person back on to themselves so they can see what they are like.

Also fasting does not make people like this. The OP was doing fasting to change her personality that was already like this. In fact since she abandoned her thread I would not be upset if the moderator erased the entire thread. If I were a moderator, I would have to consider it. This thread is an insult to this forum. Greentara only had 42 posts on this forum.

You may reply with as many Seinfeld parables and non-sequiteurs as you wish.

It does not change the fact that many (not all) of your posts are rude, inconsiderate, rambling, incoherent, and full of inaccurate information.

What do you want to communicate? What message are you trying to send? Because I can pretty much guarantee that any positive message is being obscured by everything else that's attached to it.