I do a modified fast for 3 days every month. I’ve been doing this consistently for five or six years now. So that means that for about a month out of the year, I let my digestive system rest and cleanse my body. I try to use the time to also exercise my will – you know, it’s the time I tell my body who is boss! My appetite, feelings and desires have to take a back seat and do what I tell them to! I like the feeling of being in control of my body – NOT the other way around. This is THE best way to develop self-control and discipline.
I also spend time in the Word of God. Fasting just helps me focus on Him without the distraction of meals. As I cleanse my physical body, I focus on cleansing wrong, toxic thinking and attitudes – the only and best way I know how is by seeking God in His Word.
I always begin the New Year this way as well. I am on day 3 of my first fast of 2011 and it is going very well. You may think I’d have to be starving but that’s not usually the case. Some months are definitely easier than others but it’s normally pretty easy. You may think I’d have to be exhausted, weak and dragging around – but I usually feel more energetic. In fact, I still exercise and when I am fasting at work – no one really can tell.
In case you are wondering – there are really many benefits of fasting including extending your life span, allowing your digestive system to rest and cleansing toxins from your body. If you are wondering exactly how I do it – here’s my typical day:
Upon rising 16 oz. water with 1 tsp. Camu powder and a squeeze of lemon.
About an hour later after my time with the Lord, 16 more ounces of water with sea salt and my green drink (I use a shaker and put in whatever green food I happen to have, plus 1/2 tsp. pH powder, 1 tsp. spirulina, 1 tsp. chlorella and Acacia Fiber powder – or inulin powder – any fiber that feeds the good bacteria.)
After I exercise, I sit down to check emails with a cup of yerba mate tea sweetened with stevia. If I have it in the house, I have 1 tsp. of MSM crystals and 8 oz. of water first. Makes the tea taste even better!
About 30 or 45 minutes later I begin having the first of 3 cups of my lemon cleansing drink. First I put one dropper of detox drops into 8 oz of water and down it. Then, I make my lemon drink: it’s the juice of one lemon, 12 drops of stevia and 12 drops of liquid cayenne and I use half a cup boiling water and half room temperature. I actually really enjoy it – it’s like spicy, warm lemonade.
Those 3 cups get me to mid-day since I’m up and beginning this process at 4 am. Now I mix about 8 ounces of water with 1 scoop of plant powder, 1 scoop of flax meal and 1 tsp. of activated charcoal – shake it up and drink it fast before it gets too thick. Then chase that with another 8 oz. water. That keeps things moving if you know what I mean.
If I’m using MSM crystals – I take another teaspoon now. Then I like to have 8 oz. of water with 1 tablespoon of liquid chlorella and then a second cup of tea – usually green tea and tulsi combined with 1 tablespoon of raw honey. You’d be amazed how that will energize you.
About 1:30 pm I have another green drink. This time I use also add Whey protein to the mix; 1 tsp. Brewer’s Yeast, 1 scoop of plant powder and 1/8 tsp of Nopal Powder or a teaspoon of Maca if I have it in the house. Shake it up and that is so satisfying and will hold me for a while.
Around 3:00 I have a bottle of Kombucha. One market in my area carries the Synergy brand. It’s expensive – but once a month, I think I am worth it! It’s not especially delicious, but especially in the summer it’s cold and naturally carbonated since it’s fermented and pretty refreshing. I know it’s loaded with natural probiotics and it is also pretty filling.
My “dinner” drink varies – either carrot juice or some other fresh juice – or unsweetened grapefruit juice with a scoop of the green food powder in it. I normally have 2 green drinks daily but during the fast I like to increase the greens since they are so cleansing and alkalizing.
Around 5 or 6 pm I make ½ cup of oat bran cereal. This also keeps things moving and satisfies me just enough so that I can sleep well. Needless to say, I don’t usually plan extended drives or trips on these days – I stay quiet and close to the bathroom!
If you have any questions or comments – I’d love to hear them! Happy (clean) New Year!
Ann Musico is a certified Biblical Health Coach and independent nutritional consultant. She has developed her 3D Living Program that is the foundation of all her coaching. Visit her website, http://www.threedimensionalvitality.com where you can subscribe for her free, weekly newsletter and other free resources, purchase e-books and sign up for coaching. Her new book, Today's the Day Seven Week Fitness Plan is also available in both e-book and soft cover formats!