Starting 2012 fresh. My 1-2 week Fast

[gowel]

Hey everyone, I'm fasting! It's what most people know as a 'water fast'.

Despite my age, I have a little experience with fasting, I completed a 21-day, a 15-day, a 5-day, and countless 1-2days water fasts.

The latter, I do frequently, without putting much thought into it, but they're nothing compared to a long fast.

This time I believe I have most of the 'external factors' working with me, so I'm optimistic. I'm at my grandparents' house and will stay here for about 20 days, and I have all this time to rest, I don't think I'll face any stressful situation during this period. Afterwards, I return to my home but, I'm still 'free' until mid-february.


The main reason I'm logging my fast is not because there aren't many logs or video logs on this, but because I mostly see people fasting for the 'wrong' reasons, or at least with erroneous expectations/guidance.

My intent is to help anyone who is researching about fasting.

[gowel]

My goal is to consume nothing besides water for the next 7-14 days. I doubt I will have to end my fast before day 7 but I can't say right now if I'll be able to or want to make it 10 days or 14 days.

I've had a desire to complete a 30-day fast for a while but unfortunately, even though I have the time atm, my body is already relatively lean, I don't think it'd be wise to do this, especially without direct supervision.


My motives for this fast; well, fasting for me is always quite an experience, so I expect good things.

I just want to take this time (1-2wks from the fast and the subsequent 3-4 weeks when I'll be refeeding) to meditate over my life and some things that I'll go through next year.

I want to detach myself from everything that's unecessary, realise how egoistic and egocentered I am. Become closer to God and be grateful for everything I have.

Fasting forces you to gain a different perspective in life, when you abstain from the superficial things, you are left with only yourself.

And there's the more obvious reason, cleanse my body, and hopefully start the new year fresh, not only in the mind but also in the body.

[gowel]

My last meal was on Dec 19th at 9AM, so that makes today the third day of my fast.

I'll try to keep my updates as brief as possible since I don't want to spend too much time on the computer.

Sofar it has been easy, I didn't do a pre-fast this time, I only took some laxatives to make sure my bowels are clear.

So far, cravings for food have been inexistant, nothing. This surprised me a bit, usually there's a desire for food in the first few days.

Other than that, only my usual fasting symptoms, weakness, dizziness and increased sense of smell.

I'm taking short warm showers, using a natural 'sponge' to scrub my skin, trying to get some sun when it's not too strong. (it's summer where I'm staying, and it's very hot)

I'm also brushing my teeth with water and I'm avoiding products like shampoos, after-shave and any other stuff we put in our skin. I am using soap though.

[gowel]

Today was hard, but it was also good. I slept very little at night so I decided to walk to the beach to watch the sun rise, it was beautiful, like a red ballon coming out of the ocean.

I stayed a bit more there, meditating, just being still and alone with nature(don't think there was anyone else awake at 5:30 )

Then I went back home for a while and walked to the supermarket to buy some water. I found a 'light' water, which is supposed to have lower levels of sodium in it.

I came back home and slept until 10:00 and from there on I felt pretty tired the whole day. I guess I pushed myself too hard by walking so much.

My other activities today were reading and laying down. I'm happy with my progress during this fast, being in this city definately makes a difference.

Since it's summer now and I usually fast in cooler climates I've just noticed another symptom of fasting, my sweat has an awful odor to it. I'm taking showers but I guess I'll have to live with it for another couple of days.


Oh, just one last thing, my initial plan of two weeks is pretty much discarded by now. Turns out I overestimated my body fat reserves quite a bit.

I'll do my best to stay fasting until day 7, then if I'm not too emaciated, I'll maybe fast for another three days. But if I complete a week, I'll be satisfied.

[MightySunTzu]

Hi Gowel,

Fasting to get closer to God is awesome, great job .

[gowel]

Thank you. Today is day 5. It`s been easier than yesterday. Not many problems today, feeling a little more energy.

I`m not going to be able to post for the weekend, sorry, but Merry Christmas to all!

I also just read about the forums being shut down, so I don`t know if it will still be up when I log in again.

Anyways, just to give some closure, now I`m going to continue water fasting for maybe 2-4 days, depending on how I`m feeling.

Then, I`ll transition to a juice fast for 2 days. Another 3 or 4 days eating only watery fruit (papaya, watrmelon, melon, apple), afterwards I start including acidic fruit, such as oranges, pineapples, tomatoes.

If all goes well, I`ll add veggies to that, and after another couple of days, I`ll add nuts, and starches. Then, I`ll probably be eating `normal`, that means I`ll resume eating my protein and normal energy levels.


The reason I`m going for a longish refeed is because of the detox, cleansing properties of the fast, I want them to last, so I`m implementing a healthy diet for 2012.

I`m looking rather thin at the moment, but as soon as I resume eating normally my metabolism should go up and I`m also looking forward to resume my weight training.


Blessings to all!

[IvyW]

Goodluck=)