{remnants of a photo shoot}It's cold out today...and the heater is humming. I love that sound. One of my favorite times of the year is that first time I turn the heater on...when winter is finally here. There's that sound of the heavy furnace generating warm air and the smell of dust and whatever else burning off after a long hot summer of rest. It lets me breathe a sigh of relief. Today is Day 2 of The Daniel Fast. And thanks to your participation in my Poll, I've decided to share it all here with you. I'll post about it daily...at least as time allows. And I will write about it at the end of my posts so that anyone who isn't interested in the play by play of a fast can just skim right over it and go about their day. I will continue posting as usual...about
life and whatnot. Life does not stop just because one is fasting. That's part of the discipline...to move through it. Life goes on...and because I'm chatty, I will keep on talking about it! * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Isaiah 58:6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Day 1
:Breakfast: Oatmeal with butter and craisins, half of an apple with natural peanut butter. (Note to self: when not adding sugar to oatmeal, do NOT salt the water. Salt is used to enhance flavor...but when there is nothing there to enhance, it's just plain salty. Ick. I only ate about half of my oatmeal and gave the rest to the chickens. Also, too...get crunchy apples.)
Lunch: Leftover stir fried vegetables and brown rice. (Everything was mushy so I ended up eating a small baked potato instead!)
Dinner: Sauteed portobello mushroom with garlic and parsley, small baked potato, tossed salad, ice water.
Snack: dried fruit and nuts.
Thoughts: Day 1 was kind of rough, I have to say. Not having caffeine affected me more than I thought it would. Typically I have two or three cups of coffee in the morning. And I really felt the affects of not having it. I had a headache, which is typical of fasting as you are ridding your body of toxins. But I also got extremely tired around 11 or so and had to lie down for about 20 minutes. Not a big deal. But I don't normally do that, so I felt lazy. I also didn't have any diet soda. And I have to say, this was the hardest part of the fast so far. I can handle no meat. I can handle no bread or sugar. But no soda? No coffee? Rough. What this tells me is that I need to pay attention to my reliance on these things. Is having coffee in the morning necessary? Or is it now just a habit?
Something I'm noticing is that I find myself thinking more about the discomfort...hunger pains, headache, unmet cravings...than I am thinking about the reasons I am doing the fast in the first place. I imagine this is normal. But each time I have a thought of discouragement...or irritation...I try to turn it into a prayer. I try to focus in on God rather than what I want. Which is basically what this all boils down to...fleshly desires? Or obedience to God? Fleshly desires...I am realizing that I do not deprive myself of...anything. If I want something, I have it. Want a piece of candy? I eat it. Want a glass of soda? I drink it. And all without a second thought. I need to consider this...and pay attention. I am feeling a bit foggy. I just feel a little off. Probably the lack of caffeine. And maybe lack of protein. (Note to self: add beans to today's lunch) So I'm hoping that I do OK at class tonight and that I am able to focus clear enough for my weekly quiz. I'm also hoping that I can stay alert during lecture. All FOUR HOURS OF IT. As you can see from yesterday's menu, I am not starving. I am eating good food. It's tasty. It's filling. It's pretty healthy. The only difference is what I am not having. So my goal today is to think on what I DO have and not what I don't. And to think on good things. Like the rain that just began to fall....thank you, Lord.
5 comments:
you turning your thoughts to God is what makes this fast different than a detox. something i have never been successful at. i applaud your self control.
I think that is really neat that you are sharing this with us Michelle...go you, we'll cheer you on.
I think I misunderstood the other day, thinking you were fasting for this whole time...but this sounds pretty good though.
Are you an herbovoire by any chance?
Thank you for your kind words this ama.(made me weep)...and I thought I was finished doing that.
Thank you so much for sharing the details of your fast...I try to eat in this manner all the time, but it's hard sometimes, as you're finding out!
I love the reasons you're doing this, but I think also you'll find that your physical health (apart from your spiritual health) will be greatly improved and at peace after you get over that rough beginning patch. Our bodies really are temples, made in His image, we should treat them that way!
I think too often, in this day and age of as you mentioned, I want so I take, we forget the simple concept of control. Not restriction necessarily, not on a regular basis at least, because that's not healthy either!
It's all about wellness, no matter how you slice it!
I hope I'm not being too pushy, but a suggestion, if I may, for your fast? My diet is usually like this, and I try and fast out toxins pretty often and I find there are a few CRUCIAL things to have/remember!
First, the beginning, as in the first few days are the roughest. Not just for your will power, but because your body is really just restarting itself on a more natural diet...not as easy as it sounds! It might sound redundant, but drink TONS of water. When you think you've had enough, have more. Water does wonders for the body, especially during a cleanse. If you feel achy, and or cranky, hot water with lemon or mint (or of course tea if you're allowing yourself it) will help. Otherwise, just tote a water bottle around. The more water you drink the earlier, the quicker the hard part of the fast is!
Also, stock up on some good quality vitamins. Make sure you're taking them as directed and daily to help optimize the amazing nutrients you're soaking up from your whole foods. I recommend women's formula vegan vitamins, not just because I am vegan, but they are more pure than their gelatin-ridden counterparts.
Anyway, good luck, keep at it, and if I wasn't too pushy with my suggestions, don't be afraid to ask for more!
You can do this, and your body will thank you for it. God Bless!
I'm applauding you right now. I think it's great that you're doing this. I don't deprive myself of anything either...I feel guilty just putting that in print.
Your message applies to so much more than just a fast... we've been trying to pass the "focus on what you have" as opposed to what you might not to Makena lately... thank you.
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