Fasting for a month; need diet advice

[sharaabi]

For religious purposes I will be fasting for a month. I will eat nothing from sunrise to sunset, thats approximately 5:00am to 6:30pm .

YES there are people that live with little or no food in the world who dont have the LUXURY to bodybuild or feed themselves every 3-4 hours. So for any of you wondering WHY we fast, the point of fasting and other questions, il discuss it over PM.

My aim with this thread is to find out:

1. I work out 5 days a week - SUN - THU doing one body part a day. GOAL:fat loss while retaining muscle or MAYBE gaining a little.

QUESTION: I will be eating 3 meals a day. 4am, 6:30pm(PRE-WORKOUT) and 8:30 POST workout.

I can also get in something small at 9pm ish.


WHAT SHALL I COMPOSE MY DIET with in terms of carbs/protein/fat?


2. supplements:
il be taking my gnc mega men multivitamin at 4:30 since its timely realesed..
anyone recomend me taking NO-XPLODE? ive never tried it but heard good things about it.


3. cardio? since my aim is fat loss, should i do my cardio or not.

4. carbs. Once you get through the first week of fasting, then it just seems normal like you get used to it. Im thinking should I do a keto diet for after the first week??


i sincerely appreciate your responses.

[Zelluz]

I just finished fasting a week ago, still going through recovering and gaining weight.

I fasted 33 days, drank water only, lost around 40lb (from ~140-145 to 100lb).

Now, I’m at 120lb so far a week later. On the raw diet still and won’t be eating any meat, eggs, pastas and cottage cheese for 1-2 more weeks. But will start out slowly by eating it raw.


I didn’t fast for any religious reason, but for the health benefits.

[Aureus]

I just finished fasting a week ago, still going through recovering and gaining weight.

I fasted 33 days, drank water only, lost around 40lb (from ~140-145 to 100lb).

Now, I’m at 120lb so far a week later. On the raw diet still and won’t be eating any meat, eggs, pastas and cottage cheese for 1-2 more weeks. But will start out slowly by eating it raw.


I didn’t fast for any religious reason, but for the health benefits.

Rigghht. So not eating food for 33 days has health benifets.


As for the OP just eat the same amount and same micronutrients that you would eat if you where eating more meals. Althrough this sort of defeats the purpose I guess. Cardio sounds like a good idea, just make sure you have the energy.

[JMillion]

Fasting for health reasons is absolutely ridiculous.

[geoffsherman]

(a) Fish Oil
(b) Whey Protein Isolate (I don't know if this is ok in your fasting schedule)
(c) Take lots of casein type protein right before you have to start fasting and whey right after.

I am impressed as I don't think many on this board would do what you are doing for religon.

[muirsy88]

Healthy fasting is an oxymoron. There are no benifits from starving your body of valuable nutrients and vitamins...none.

[FedorI]

Fasting for any reason is very bad on the body, but what else you expect from the stone age religion.

[TonkaTaylor]

Fasting for any reason is very bad on the body, but what else you expect from the stone age religion.

Unhealthy...yes
Necessity of condescension...none

[amrbassiouny]

"O you who believe fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you can learn Taqwa" (Quran 2:183)

The Arabic word Taqwa is translated in many ways including God consciousness, God fearing, piety, and self restraining. Thus we are asked to fast daily for one month from dawn to dusk and avoid food, water, sex and vulgar talk during that period.

I'm not going to turn this into a religious debate, but i just posted that to explain that fasting in ramadan isn't for physical health, but spiritual cleansing. After the month of not only not eating/drinking, but also not sinning, one does feel quite pure, and it's hard to begin sinning again to be honest.

It's a sacrifice. Also, by no means whatsoever is fasting in ramadan bad for anybody's health. And if anybody has health problems, they shouldn't fast.

As for the original poster, last year when i fasted, it was the first time for me as a bodybuilder to fast (before that i was just normal). I got through the whole month without losing any more than 1-2 pounds. So i'd say it was pretty damn successful . What I did is that i bought time-release protein, which basically fuels your body for 8 hours with protein. That gives you around 5 hours of no protein in your body. Which, honestly, it's jst like missing a meal. So as long as you keep your workouts short, not too intense and just at a maintenance level (to avoid using up too much energy), you won't lose anything. Just don't expect to gain.

This year i'll also be doing time-release protein at sunrise, and glutamine during all times possible. Then i'll break my fast with weightgainer. I'll try to eat every 2-3 hours until sun-rise from that point on. I'll do 1 full-body workout every week just to maintain.

[sharaabi]

Fasting for any reason is very bad on the body, but what else you expect from the stone age religion.

Before we get off track and go AWAY from MY QUESTIONS that I asked, lets get some things out of the way and finish them for good.

Before you say "stone age" lets think of people who have one meal a day for survival and that too has MINIMAL nutrition. The kids that die from NO water, NO food and sometimes have medical conditions and cannot eat because they dont have technology like we do.


Before you SAY ANYTHING ............. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS !!!

Can you fast 1 day for me and not pass ANYTHING past your lips for 12 hours FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE that you want to experience what many people face around the world????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????



Leave religion aside, leave stone age aside, leave health aside ......... can you fast just so you can "FEEL" what others go through in this world?


We fast for religious reasons because it brings us closer to our lord. We do it for him and stictly him! what benefit does this give us living in this world??????????


1. it makes us think that there are people like this surviving so lets thank god and do better deeds.

2. MEDICALLY it has proven that fasting HAS its benefits. It cleanses the body.

3. We abstain from stupid habits like smoking, over eating. Since our energy levels are low, we try AVOID using profanity. How many times do you say F**K a day for NO reason?

I can sit here all night discussing with you why its "stone age" but the point is that it is done for pleasing our creator, if you wanna discuss it further il be more than happy to talk to you about it.



Again, as mature bodybuilders and keeping in mind that we are here to give ourselves a healthy body and lifestyle, lets not take this too far and end it.


thanks again everyone.

[muirsy88]

Before we get off track and go AWAY from MY QUESTIONS that I asked, lets get some things out of the way and finish them for good.

Before you say "stone age" lets think of people who have one meal a day for survival and that too has MINIMAL nutrition. The kids that die from NO water, NO food and sometimes have medical conditions and cannot eat because they dont have technology like we do.


Before you SAY ANYTHING ............. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS !!!

Can you fast 1 day for me and not pass ANYTHING past your lips for 12 hours FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE that you want to experience what many people face around the world????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????



Leave religion aside, leave stone age aside, leave health aside ......... can you fast just so you can "FEEL" what others go through in this world?


We fast for religious reasons because it brings us closer to our lord. We do it for him and stictly him! what benefit does this give us living in this world??????????


1. it makes us think that there are people like this surviving so lets thank god and do better deeds.

2. MEDICALLY it has proven that fasting HAS its benefits. It cleanses the body.

3. We abstain from stupid habits like smoking, over eating. Since our energy levels are low, we try AVOID using profanity. How many times do you say F**K a day for NO reason?

I can sit here all night discussing with you why its "stone age" but the point is that it is done for pleasing our creator, if you wanna discuss it further il be more than happy to talk to you about it.



Again, as mature bodybuilders and keeping in mind that we are here to give ourselves a healthy body and lifestyle, lets not take this too far and end it.


thanks again everyone.

Aside from doing it for religious purposes or morals or what have you (which by the way I fully respect and do not pass any judgement toward them), I think you're mistaken about the health side of fasting.

Show me a study or research that 'proves' fasting is benificial for cleansing the body. Their are diets out there designed specifically for cleansing the body. They provide the right vitamins and nutrients the the body NEEDS to function properly no matter what the circumstance, and elimintate foods that do not digest well or arent that great for your liver or kidneys. I know, because I went on one at the end of the summer after a week of messy drinking nights. Denying the body of nutrients and vitamins doesnt cleanse it but rather harms it.

[wafi-ali]

Hi,
Its good you brought this topic up, i forgot that ramadan is just few days away. And i forgot how will i coop that with the gym. I think ill go to the gym at night. that way ill be more prepared and my body is ready to go through and intensive workout.

Great post.

[Zelluz]

Rigghht. So not eating food for 33 days has health benifets.

All you have to do is type "health benefits of fasting" in google (or other search engine) and read more about it:

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology.../wcarroll.html

Health Benefits of Fasting

1. Fasting initiates rapid weight loss with little or no hunger. Once the "ketosis" of fasting sets in, it becomes quite easy to go without food. Most people are surprised at how little desire for food they have while fasting.

2. Fasting promotes detoxification. As the body breaks down its fat reserves, it mobilizes and eliminates stored toxins.

3. Fasting gives the digestive system a much-needed rest. After fasting, both digestion and elimination are invigorated.

4. Fasting promotes the resolving of inflammatory processes, including painful inflammatory syndromes such as rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Fasting quiets allergic reactions, including asthma and hay fever.

6. Fasting promotes the drying up of abnormal fluid accumulations, such as edema in the ankles and legs and swelling in the abdomen.

7. Fasting corrects high blood pressure without drugs. Fasting will reduce blood pressure to a safe range within two weeks or less in the vast majority of cases. And the blood pressure will remain low after the fast if the person eats correctly and lives healthily.

8. Fasting makes it easy to overcome bad habits and addictions. Many people have overcome tobacco and alcohol addictions by fasting, and even drug addictions. Fasting rapidly dissipates the craving for nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, and other drugs.

9. Fasting clears the skin and whitens the eyes. It is common to see skin eruptions clear while fasting, and the whites of the eyes never look so clear and bright as they do after a fast.

10. Fasting restores taste appreciation for wholesome natural foods. People say that their taste buds come alive after fasting and that food never tasted so good.

11. Fasting is the perfect gateway to a healthful diet and lifestyle. Going on a fast gives you the motivation and enthusiasm to make a fresh start and commit yourself to a new and better way of life.

12. Fasting actually shrinks the stomach- not in a harmful way, but restoring it to its normal size. People tend to be satisfied with less food after fasting.


http://cinque.getwebspace.com/facts.html

Fasting for health reasons is absolutely ridiculous.

So, for example, getting rid of mercury (and other toxins) that you have gotten by eating all that canned tuna and other fish while you fasting for one month, doesn't have any health benefits versus keeping that mercury in your body for who knows how many years and let it poison you slowly.

I think it’s absolutely ridiculous and foolish if you do let that happen to yourself.



Sharaabi,


What kind of fasting is that? You basically starve yourself from 5am to 6:30pm and then eating a lot after 6:30 or before 5am …

The one I did was water fasting and you can’t eat ANY food during that time or you will end up with Anorexia.



I wouldn’t even call it fasting what you are doing.

“Fasting technically commences within the first twelve to twenty-four hours of the fast.” - http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology.../wcarroll.html

[sharaabi]

Aside from doing it for religious purposes or morals or what have you (which by the way I fully respect and do not pass any judgement toward them), I think you're mistaken about the health side of fasting.

Show me a study or research that 'proves' fasting is benificial for cleansing the body. Their are diets out there designed specifically for cleansing the body. They provide the right vitamins and nutrients the the body NEEDS to function properly no matter what the circumstance, and elimintate foods that do not digest well or arent that great for your liver or kidneys. I know, because I went on one at the end of the summer after a week of messy drinking nights. Denying the body of nutrients and vitamins doesnt cleanse it but rather harms it.

I agree with you here, denying the body with nutrients DOES harm the body but since we only do it for a month AND keep our lifestyle in check, it HAS shown to give benefits. Generally speaking, yes you are right, lacking nutrients does harm the body..... but in cases where it has helped and this IS NOT A CURE to your problems but just an observation.


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link:http://www.crescentlife.com/spiritua...ood_health.htm

main point:

The benefits of fasting on health do not stop there but are instrumental in alleviating a number of physical diseases, including those of the digestive systems, such as chronic stomachache, inflammation of the colon, liver diseases, indigestion, and conditions such as obesity, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, asthma, diphtheria and many other maladies.

A Swiss physician Dr. Barsilus noted that: The advantages of hunger as a remedy exceed those ingesting medicine several times.

As readers are well aware, several physicians advise patients to skip meals, sometimes for a few days, before prescribing them a controlled diet.

Generally speaking, fasting hastens the destruction of the decaying tissues of the body by means of hunger, and then builds new tissues through nutrition. This is why some scientists suggest that fasting should be regarded as an effective means of restoring youthfulness and longevity. However, Islam exempts from fasting sick and old people whose health is bound to deter.

But fasting should have its regulations too, and not simply the inorderly skipping meals, that is bound to harm health and stamina, rather than improving them. Here again Islam provides the answer, and in order to realize the benefits of fasting, it recommends the late midnight meals called 'Sahar' (before the formal start of a fast) and the breaking of the fast at the time prescribed. Of course, to ensure good health one should abstain from gluttony after breaking fast.
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link: http://www.submission.org/ramadan-health.html
main point:
The physiological effect of fasting includes lower of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension. In 1994 the first International Congress on "Health and Ramadan", held in Casablanca, entered 50 research papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. While improvement in many medical conditions was noted; however, in no way did fasting worsen any patients' health or baseline medical condition. On the other hand, patients who are suffering from severe diseases, whether diabetes or coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempt from fasting and should not try to fast.

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link :http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology.../wcarroll.html

read this link !

main points:


In conclusion, it seems that there are many reasons to consider fasting as a benefit to one's health. The body rids itself of the toxins that have built up in our fat stores throughout the years. The body heals itself, repairs all the damaged organs during a fast. And finally there is good evidence to show that regulated fasting contributes to longer life. However, many doctors warn against fasting for extended periods of time without supervision. There are still many doctors today who deny all of these points and claim that fasting is detrimental to one's health and have evidence to back their statements. The idea of depriving a body of what society has come to view as so essential to our survival in order to heal continues to be a topic of controversy.
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I hope this helped. Again, no offense intented.

[sharaabi]

Sharaabi,


What kind of fasting is that? You basically starve yourself from 5am to 6:30pm and then eating a lot after 6:30 or before 5am …

The one I did was water fasting and you can’t eat ANY food during that time or you will end up with Anorexia.



I wouldn’t even call it fasting what you are doing.

“Fasting technically commences within the first twelve to twenty-four hours of the fast.” - http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology.../wcarroll.html

'


The fast Im doing is in our religion ISLAM. The holy month is called Ramadan.

We fast because it has been made mandatory on us provided we dont have any extreme measures stopping us like MANDATORY medication. It it does because it was prescribed for us for pleasing our god and so we can reap from its spiritual benefits. I can send you links or information if you want away from this thread.

[kj6754]

water fasting is very beneficial for the body. not only does it physically clear out toxins from your body but it clears you out mentally as well.

i think everyone would benefit from a 21 day water fast once in their life time as long as its supervised. and I think should partake in small fasts over the course of the year.
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[Zelluz]

water fasting is very beneficial for the body. not only does it physically clear out toxins from your body but it clears you out mentally as well.

i think everyone would benefit from a 21 day water fast once in their life time as long as its supervised. and I think should partake in small fasts over the course of the year.
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It doesn’t have to be supervised, but knowing someone who has done it before and asking him questions is a plus.

I’ve done it for the first time and before I began I’ve read a lot of books, literature on that subject.

If you are going to do it, don’t rush it, get as much information as possible and you will be fine.



To get you started, read Paul Bragg’s book on fasting:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...81403?v=glance

[wafi-ali]

The Benefits of Fasting



By Alan Goldhamer, D.C.



IN THIS ARTICLE YOU WILL learn about some of the tremendous benefits that can be derived from a properly conducted fast. When properly utilized, fasting is a safe and effective means of maximizing the body’s self-healing capacities. The results can be truly amazing. Before going on to describe some of the many advantages of fasting, let’s define it. Fasting is the complete abstinence from all substances except pure water, in an environment of total rest. Let’s also keep in mind that fasting is only one part of the total health-supporting program we call Natural Hygiene.

Health results from healthful living. No matter how successful a fasting experience might be, it needs to be followed by a consistently healthy lifestyle. The requirements of health must continue to be provided — especially in the areas of diet, environment, activity and psychology.

The examples that follow are just a few of the many beneficial uses of fasting.



An aid in transition

During the past seven years I’ve worked with thousands of patients from all over the world who had a wide variety of disorders and health concerns. A great many of these patients required a period of supervised fasting to achieve their health goals. Virtually all of them needed to make lifestyle changes to achieve improved health. Fasting made the transition easier!

My observation is that the best motivating factor in helping people adopt healthful living practices is often the positive reinforcement that comes with feeling good and healthy.

Fasting, for as few as five days to as many as 40 days, will often dramatically shorten the time it takes for an individual to make the transition from a conventional diet and lifestyle (with all the associated addictions, pains, fatigue and disease) to the independent and energetic state associated with healthful living.

People who undertake a fast in a supervised setting, tend to achieve health more quickly than those who attempt changes without a fast. The intensive health education, plus the emotional support they receive during their stay, result in increased compliance with dietary and lifestyle recommendations.



A speedy recovery

When individuals try to make major dietary changes without the benefit of a fasting experience, they often become frustrated. The transition to a healthful eating pattern can make you feel sick. Symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, joint pain, headaches, skin rashes, irritability, depression, etc. are just a few of the common problems that can arise as the body attempts to eliminate toxins, metabolic byproducts, etc., and adjust physiologically to a health promoting diet.

It is difficult to get people to practice new healthful living habits for long unless they begin to experience some benefits quickly. Changes that may take months (or even years) with careful eating may occur much more quickly if a properly supervised fast is utilized. This is an important consideration because once people begin to realize their health potential, they become a likely candidate for a lifelong commitment to healthful living.



Overcoming addictions

Addictions to drugs such as alcohol, *******, nicotine and caffeine are examples where fasting can dramatically reduce the often protracted withdrawal symptoms that prevent many people from becoming drug-free. Most people are surprised at how easy it is to quit smoking or drinking with the help of fasting.



Uterine fibroid tumors

Fasting can often be especially important in situations where drugs or surgery have been recommended. When uterine fibroid tumors contribute to pain and excess bleeding, a hysterectomy — removal of the uterus — is often recommended. A proper fast will often dramatically reduce the size and effect of these tumors. I have treated numerous women who have been able to successfully avoid hysterectomy using conservative methods. Ovarian cysts and cervical dysplasia also often respond favorably.

[wafi-ali]

Back and neck problems

Back and neck pain are remarkably responsive to conservative care. In my institution I utilize fasting, rest and exercise, improved posture and body use, and when appropriate, chiropractic manipulation and physical therapy. It is interesting to note that often patients with chronic pain who have received extensive treatment, including drugs, surgery and manipulation, will experience dramatic improvement through the use of fasting.



A case history

I recently treated a young man, a Natural Hygienist since birth, who had been in a severe automobile accident four years ago. He had suffered with constant neck pain and headaches since the accident. His greatest concern was his tendency to pass out unexpectedly. Apparently the dysfunction in his neck had interfered with the autonomic portion of his nervous system altering blood flow to his brain.

After a period of four weeks of care, which included a fast, followed by careful re-feeding and, in his case, spinal manipulative therapy, this individual made an excellent response. At his three month follow-up he reported complete absence of neck pain and headaches and had not felt faint or passed out since his stay at the Center.



Cardiovascular disease

Most cases of cardiovascular disease are also responsive to conservative care. In 154 consecutive cases of high blood pressure [hypertension] that I have fasted, 151 (98%) have been able to achieve and maintain normal blood pressure without the use of medications. [Complete details of this study will appear in an upcoming issue of Health Science.]

Angina and intermittent claudication are examples of conditions that will often respond rapidly to fasting. Often patients can achieve freedom from pain and medications within a few days or weeks. It is not unusual to see cholesterol levels drop as much as 100 points with diligent effort.



Gastrointestinal disorders

Disturbances of the gastrointestinal system — including eso****itis, gastritis, colitis, constipation, bloating, and the symptoms associated with so-called “candidiasis” — usually respond well to conservative care.

My most recent case of gastrointestinal disturbance was a young woman with severe colitis [inflammation of the colon]. She reported severe, constant bleeding through the rectum. She said that despite continual medical treatment with cortisone, implants, and a wide range of other medication, she had bleeding with every bowel movement for eight years. Her physician had explained that surgery would have to be performed.

After we had eliminated her medications, a period of fasting was undertaken. Within a week, the constant pain was resolved. By the 10th day, the passing of blood and mucus had stopped. After two weeks of fasting we began to carefully feed her. Her bowel movements were blood-free from the first. At her three-month follow-up she reported feeling great and completely free of any significant bleeding or problems.



Diabetes

Many chronic degenerative conditions respond well to fasting and a Natural Hygiene lifestyle. Diabetes is no exception.

Working with diabetic patients is very satisfying because the consequences of the disease are so devastating and the results with conservative care are usually so dramatic. Most adult onset diabetics can be brought under control and freed from the use of insulin and other medication through the use of fasting and a carefully followed diet and lifestyle program. Such a program will allow most diabetics to achieve a high level of function and the ability to maintain normal sugar levels without medications.



There are exceptions

Not everyone is a candidate for fasting. There are a number of factors to consider before a fast is recommended. My procedure is to first review the patient’s medical history and perform a comprehensive physical examination including appropriate laboratory or specialized diagnostic tests. I then review my findings with the patient and make appropriate recommendations. These may include dietary and lifestyle recommendations. These may include dietary and lifestyle changes, exercise programs, etc., and, when indicated, fasting. When fasting is indicated, patients stay at my institution.

Not every individual or every condition will respond to conservative treatment. Occasionally medical care may be necessary. When a medical consultation or treatment is indicated, the safest methods available should be utilized.



Where to fast

With the possible exception of very short fasts in acute disease — such as a cold, fever, etc.— all fasting should be undertaken in an institution under the direct supervision of a doctor trained in fasting supervision. A certified member of the International Association of Hygienic Physicians would by far be your best choice.

Fasting in an institution offers several advantages. The most important is the constant availability of an experienced doctor to guide and advise you. Most institutions have an educational program designed to help you better understand Natural Hygiene — the science of health. The benefits of being in a clean, quiet and emotionally supportive environment should not be underestimated.

In addition, a timely and proper termination of each fast is critical to the long-term success of the patient. Fasting under the supervision of a trained, qualified doctor is your best assurance of a well-conducted, beneficial fasting experience.



A Case Study:

Chronic gastrointestinal disorder

“A woman came to the Center recently who had suffered chronic constipation for more than 20 years. She complained that she had not had a single spontaneous bowel movement during that time without the assistance of enemas, colonics or laxatives.

“She fasted with us for a period of 12 days, during which time she experienced mild discomfort and referred low back pain. On the fifth day of feeding after the fast, she was having spontaneous, normally formed bowel movements — and she had continued to have them since.

“The long-term follow-up for people who stay on the Natural Hygiene dietary program is excellent. Chronic constipation is definitely a problem that people can learn to live without.”

Alan Goldhamer, D.C.



A natural process

“Fasting, or the abstinence from food, is a means used in nature by all creatures from the beginning of time. Either by instinct or intelligence this means has been used to assist the body to relieve itself from discomfort, pain and disease.

“Regulatory and reparative processes of the body are given unimpeded encouragement by the temporary omission of food. No other form of health care can boast the rewarding and gratifying results in the elimination of disease and the restoration of health.

“Fasting, once considered a fad, has gained acceptance not only by a constantly increasing segment of society — and has also earned the stamp of approval by many in the scientific community.

“Under qualified and experienced supervision, fasting is the greatest gift which can be given to an overburdened, sick body without benefit of any other form of therapy or treatment.”

William Esser, N.D., D.C.





An empowering rest

“Fasting is simply a process of deep physiological rest. This rest period helps you rebuild functioning power and recover from the energy dissipation caused by hectic daily schedules and abusive living habits.

“When outside stressors, dietary and therapeutic influences are eliminated during the fasting state, fasting reveals the baseline status of your body. This enables you to become more sensitive and connected to your body. This connection fosters a greater awareness of the instinctive biological and emotional requirements that are essential for the maintenance of health and wholeness.”

Frank Sabatino, D.C., Ph.D.



Unfounded fears about fasting

“Unfounded fear is a peculiar state of disease within the imagination, arising largely out of a lack of knowledge.

“If we are slaves to unfounded fears, we are also slaves to beliefs and practices and action which are inconsistent with our well-being. So it is a matter of necessity that we understand fasting and all its facets if we are to overcome the fears that are associated with it.

“Many people attempt to solve the problems of life, the distresses of the body and the anxieties of the mind with food and drugs. They have great fear about not eating because they have experienced the headaches, the weakness and distress they associate with it, and they are convinced that food and drugs are the answer to their problems.

“How can you convince someone that going further without food is a matter of necessity for the recovery of his health? Only through knowledge and enough suffering to change his attitudes.

“The best way to dispel unfounded fear about fasting is with knowledge — knowledge that breeds confidence, confidence that engenders beliefs, and beliefs that result in correct action.”

D.J. Scott, D.C.

[wafi-ali]

Making wise decisions

“Not everyone is a good candidate for fasting. Many factors need to be considered before a fast is undertaken. Not every condition will respond optimally to fasting and conservative care alone. Occasionally, medical care may be necessary.

“At the Center we have established good working relationships with some of California’s best specialists. When a medical consultation or treatment is indicated, the safest methods available should always be utilized.”

Jennifer Marano, D.C.





Heightening your awareness

“A wonderful thing about fasting is that it puts an interval between the behavior that you are accustomed to and the behavior that you aspire to. We tend to be creatures of habit, and the ways that we are accustomed to eating and living feel as natural to us as breathing. That is why it is so difficult for people to stop bad habits. But fasting brings your present lifestyle to an abrupt halt. It gives you an opportunity to pause, reflect and decide how you are going to conduct your life afterwards. This enables you to make a break with your past and set off in a new, more positive direction.

“There is nothing routine about eating after a fast. Each meal is a celebration. After fasting, you tend to be very conscious about what you are eating, and why. Fasting heightens your awareness, as well as your appreciation for food. By fasting, we learn to eat with reverence.

“It is the non-doing aspect of fasting that enables us to make behavioral stopping and pausing and interrupting our usual patterns, as we learn to take more conscious control of ourselves.

“There is no better way to stop a vicious cycle of self-destructive behavior than by fasting.”

Ralph C. Cinque, D.C.

Source: http://www.healthpromoting.com/Artic...es/benefit.htm

[Hugh]

If you have to fast, don't work out. don't do cardio, the best you can do is try to not let your body eat itself... I went to europe for a month and didnt lift and ate very little and what I did eat wasnt even healthy and I came back fine,i just wouldnt lift

[sharaabi]

If you have to fast, don't work out. don't do cardio, the best you can do is try to not let your body eat itself... I went to europe for a month and didnt lift and ate very little and what I did eat wasnt even healthy and I came back fine,i just wouldnt lift

this sounds like a plan to me. a month away from the gym, a little rest, relaxation from the usual routine of work,gym,sleep,socialize to just fast,work,sleep and socialize.

i jus wanted a menu scheme for my meals at:

4:30am
6:30pm (pre workout)
8:30pm (post workout)
10:00pm (i might or might not have this meal since i have to get up and eat the 4:30am meal anywayz)

[Thin Build]

fasting is for ****ing retards.

i was sick with an unknown virus and barely ate **** for about 10 and i went down to 100 lbs. anyone who would willingly subject themselves to that is an IDIOT.

[AA1826]

amr....what would you suggest for someone who's fasting and wants to lose keep losing fat?

[Hugh]

amr....what would you suggest for someone who's fasting and wants to lose keep losing fat?

If you are fasting it doesnt matter lol. You will lose fat. But u will also lose gainnnsss

[amrbassiouny]

amr....what would you suggest for someone who's fasting and wants to lose keep losing fat?

Mmmm, that's an interesting thought. I have really high metabolism and always had trouble getting fat, so i never really had to think about losing fat seriously.

From my own knowledge, i'd say: experiment. Try cycling carbs maybe. LIke, fast normally, then do 5 days of low carb, and 2 days of high carb after the fast every week. Try it out for 2 weeks and see how you feel. I'm not really sure about this, so i can't really give you anything for sure.

You'll have to experiment to see how things work, as you won't find any resources about this. If you feel you don't have energy and all that even after 2 weeks of cycling, then i suggest you stop, and just have clean small meals every 2-3 hours, you'll lose like that as well. Have enough flax seed oil or olive oil everyday, don't neglect fats, just make sure you get the right amount of the right ones.

If you wanna do cardio, then you could do it on the high-carb days. I'm not sure about doing cardio on low-carb days, cuz you also don't want to be dead and unable to think or move--you have to be able to live normally as well. You might also wanna try cardio a few times on both low and high carb days, and see which might be most comfortable for you. You won't really have to take any stringent measures of dieting as you would on any normal cutting diet though, cuz you're already fasting. So just do half the job in the other half of the day. Don't stress it too much so that you don't harm yourself.

Also, when it comes to cardio, you can do it whenever you want, even when fasting. I think that if you do it right before breaking your fast, that would be the best time in order to avoid losing muscle. I've always played lots of sports even while fasting, never bothered me to be honest.

Hope that helped. Just remember: experiment and improve.

[Kouta]

I just finished fasting a week ago, still going through recovering and gaining weight.

I fasted 33 days, drank water only, lost around 40lb (from ~140-145 to 100lb).

Now, I’m at 120lb so far a week later. On the raw diet still and won’t be eating any meat, eggs, pastas and cottage cheese for 1-2 more weeks. But will start out slowly by eating it raw.


I didn’t fast for any religious reason, but for the health benefits.

not eating for a month for health reasons, yeah good one, this is one of the worsed posts i have seen on this site and potentially very dangerous. Someone could die from trying this.

basically you are promoting a very bad eating disorder for losing weight, it will all come back in a very short time of fasting.

I reccomend no one take this post seriously if you value your life.

[amrbassiouny]

not eating for a month for health reasons, yeah good one, this is one of the worsed posts i have seen on this site and potentially very dangerous. Someone could die from trying this.

basically you are promoting a very bad eating disorder for losing weight, it will all come back in a very short time of fasting.

I reccomend no one take this post seriously if you value your life.

Have you ever fasted before? Or do you know anybody who ever fasted before?

[dlotus]

Fasting for any reason is very bad on the body, but what else you expect from the stone age religion.

i like this post.

[Kouta]

Have you ever fasted before? Or do you know anybody who ever fasted before?

no because i dont know anyone that is that stupid.


Anyone with half a brain would know that not eating for a month is not good for you.