Re: My first 10 days of water fasting

Hey

My first ever was religious,I was studying various religions and was impressed by the tenets of the Islamic fast Ramadan,which stress charity and self accountability At the time I was soul searching so that was enough motivation to try my first fast but your'e right, if its your first time fasting knowing other's experience "is helpful".For me during Ramadan knowing that there were millions others in the world going through the same experience was comforting.I didnt yet know this forum.

There so much to say to dispute those who are discouraging you, first this is a religious fast no one should challenge you relationship with God or what you wish to sacrifice for him; even if it is unhealthy(which it is not)that is your personal sacrifice to your God.On that same note,its said religious fasting(/fasting in general)is private between you and God so one should avoid telling others about it. The saying goes "what the left hand gives the right hand shall not know about". The less discouraging people you tell the better off you'll be, as fasting in itself is a challenge believe you really dont need negatives/temptresses.You are doing this for your own reasons focus on those positives and not the negatives.Your body will NOT start eating protein and muscle mass excuse my French but that is stupid if not ludacris.

I am an example of one who has done a series of fasts since mid July '07 first for 21 days water only then a couple other shorter(15 days/less)repeatedly each month thereafter. Starting at 220lbs and an XL(was nolonger buying clothes with number sizes)I have lost over 90lbs,reduced my BMI by 16 points wear SM, fit back in my size 4 jeans and getting back in some size 2's all from fasting. From XL to SM that must be a lot of protein loss that must explain my arm, stomach,thighs, hips and all shrinking. Of course not, I think such big weightloss only goes to disprove these tales about fasting only causing muscle loss not weightloss. My own experience has taught me that the human body can definitley go long without food, it adapts and knows to survive and it is fat that it draws on for supplies. After all, I easily feel cold now and as you know fat keeps us warm;I obviously have less fat to cushion me which explains this feeling of cold easily. I could go on but I'll leave room for other fasters to reiterate and add to this from their own experience. But no you will not waste away from not eating for 10 days ONLY, so dont worry.

Your age is fine to fast, and your obviously not pregnant, or ill so you should be fine.As far as fasting and working my first fast was 23 days on water only alhough Ramadan allows eating at sunset I did a full fast and was perfectly fine to work,study and hang out with friends. 10 days will fly by just watch out of dizziness or fainting spells so when standing up dont be abrupt get up nice and slowly.

Whilst my first fast was religious I could not help but realize all the health benefits I gained- smooth clear skin, sharper taste buds,efficient digestive tract,reduced cravings,mental clarity; I wasnt fasting to loose weight so didnt weigh in but still lost a lot of weight my clothes were hanging on me so after the fast made an effort to get back to normal.It was because of the many health benefits I decided to fast for detox once a year thereafter. I then skipped a year of detox fast plus unhealthy eating and packed on a 100lbs so when I decided to regain my health its no wonder I chose fasting as its safe,healthy and natural.Imagine being on Atkins or weight watchers since July I think it'd have been a disaster for me coughing up my money to be fed unhealhty packaged foods,I mean some South Beach "HEALTHY" cereal has Aspartame grrrr. So for me fasting has no Aspartame,MSG,high fructose corn syrup its just nature working the way it intended for FREE.

As for youR coworkers have they fasted? What gives them authority to throw around such advise. At least I have experienced the pains and pleasures of fasting to afford me to share my experience or offer my opinion. I know from nearly 6 months of fasting that it is safe, hope this eases some of your concerns.

FASTING FOR RELIGION:
I'm not sure what your religious reasons are but the below(see tenets of a religious Ramadan fast) was a superb starting point for me and I think the reason I was able to go for 23 days straight with no apprehension,no fear all I focused on was enlightement and I think it is this focus that has helped me never approach fasting with fear but rather with joy as there are many benefits.

Whilst my thoughts are not the purest I have found fasting definitley reiterates my desire to distance myself for the material things in life and to seek a more meaningful experience, to feel sympathy for those who are less fortunate. I'm now strongly considering fasting during all the holidays we feast.This past Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year I fasted also when I eat I cannot help but be aware of how fortunate I am to have food before me, I cannot help but think about those that go without. For 6 months of fasting I have mostly experienced hunger and know some of what the hungry experience yet at anytime I can stop and will have food and they might not be so unfortunate.

When you dont eat you have more energy to redirect to other aspects of life and fasting definitley brings what we have been neglecting to the surface. For me Whilst its brought fair share of physical pain/discomfort it has brought more physical,emotional and mental HEALTH. More ABUNDANT HEALTH than any mainstream medicine/methods coukd have bestowed upon me. Please let us not discredit this tool nature has bestowed on us there are many more on this forum with even better experiences as you'll realise as you browse this forum and as you'll discover for your self as you do your own fast.

Some tenets of a religious fast(Ramadan):
-Avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual activities during fasting hours are also forbidden.
- Purity of both thought and action is important. The fast is intended to be an exacting act of deep personal worship in which one seeks a raised level of closeness to God.
-The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm.
-Properly observing the fast is supposed to induce a comfortable feeling of peace and calm. It also allows one to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, and sympathy for those who are less fortunate, intended to make Muslims more generous and charitable

All the best

84008