Would love to join you. I have began today as well, and aiming for 40, but will be happy with whatever number I achieve.

Hi thrivewithwater,

That's a beautiful starting post and if I was ready, I'd join you myself. I'm planning to start in March and am preparing myself now.

You might be onto a winner with your mindset as you're prepared for a 40 day rough ride and granted many people do have that experience. But others have periods of difficulty interspersed with relatively mild days where the hardest challenge is getting through the boredom. After the first week, you should have lost all desire to eat although you may still be obsessed with the idea of food, if that makes sense.

It's great that you've recognised the necessity of abstaining from modifications but have somehow missed the implications of using toothpaste and mouthwash. Please let me point out that the mishmash of chemicals in both products will be detrimental both topically and internally as they can and will be absorbed directly through the mucous membranes. Bad breath and a coated tongue are an inescapable part of fasting and should be embraced (from a distance, of course :-))

You've not mentioned how you're working your routine commitments around the fast. Do you have 40 days plus time off or will you be trying to work through it? Do you know the importance of bedrest during the fast to enable the body to efficiently use the reserve energy supply?

I hope that your experience is both fruitful and bearable and look forward to following your progress.

NH...

I like your write up. I am excited to hear your updates.

I am also fasting for 40 days for lent.

I am taking one day at a time ... Feeling a little tired tonight, but for the most part a smooth two days. I have a cold from my kids, so I am battling that.

I just made it through my 2 year olds birthday celebration with not even wanting to eat the cake.

Good Luck!!

Nearing the end of Day 2, and appreciating the positive feedback from both the scale and my followers more than anticipated. Posting weight loss and responding to questions/comments at the end of each day will become routine and critical to accountability, as it is about this time when temptation to break the fast is highest--difficult to distinguish between fatigue, boredom, and feeling like you 'deserve' a treat after being good all day.

-4.6lbs! (mostly water and an unsustainable pace, but a good mental boost during the most difficult fasting days)

@NH: I am somewhat fortunate in that I am my own boss, albeit a difficult one who hasn't given herself a vacation in over two years. The stress and workaholism of building companies has likely contributed to some of my health issues, so I'm taking time 'off' for me; only checking emails once a day and not starting any new projects. Hoping that this will serve as a sabbatical of sorts, and lead to clearer visions of future work ventures. So as far as daily routines, I'm able to make rest/reading/movies/music the extent of my activities. Will try and get outside for at least a short walk and some sunlight every day with my dogs, but won't over do.

Thanks for the tip on toothpaste/mouthwash. What do you suggest using for oral hygiene? I'm using natural toothpaste with baking soda and mint flavor, and am on my last few swigs of chemical mouthwash and open to alternatives.

Symptoms:
Experienced mild headaches and some acid-reflux, which subsided with drinking more water, an apple cider vinegar detox bath, and a mid-afternoon nap. My stomach has been moaning, but I know that my 'hunger' is more in my mind, as cravings have been for certain foods rather than a desire to break my fast with the Celery and green peppers in my refrigerator (my two least favorite foods which I'm keeping in the house just as a little test/confidence booster that I CAN eat, I'm just CHOOSING not to). Did I mention I can rationalize my way into/out of anything and have a background in psychology?? Makes me my own worst enemy, but also gives me the ability to know I can go the distance.

Case in point: I've already convinced myself that I'm breaking the fast tomorrow and then planned how I plan to re-feed on Day 41. Twice. Re-writing goals and blogging (keeping my mind focused on results and my hands busy), along with putting myself in a bathtub vs. the kitchen or in the car for fast food, are my emergency food-avoidance tactics.

Day 3 has always been the biggest challenge for me on previous fasts, mostly due to the heightened fatigue leading to more rest, and then feeling guilty about being 'lazy' when my status-quo is being an over-achiever. Too, most of my work and social life revolves around food-based meetings, and all my friends and family think missing a meal is self-torture. Limiting my exposure to social situations where negative peer influences and expected mindless eating will be key to success. That, and finding a balance between resting and staying busy enough to not get so bored that eating those evil green things in my refrigerator becomes exciting...

How are those who are joining me doing? If you are preparing and plan to follow this for what-to-expect information, are there any aspects you would find helpful to read about? I feel like I'm typing into space, and although I plan to prioritize 'reporting' vs. 'responding', I wouldn't mind a bit of guidance so as to make this useful and feel that my being 'lazy' and withdrawing from society is benefiting more than just me. (And if someone would say they are really looking forward to hearing about X/comparing my experience to theirs on Day 25, that would be awesome motivation. Better yet, propose a challenge...nothing like a little competition to keep me going.)

Until tomorrow, take care.