Re: introducing myself and some questions/concerns,

Now first off, I'm nowhere near an expert when it comes to fasting, but I don't suggest exercise. During a water fast, you're body is pretty much taking a 'vacation' and any cardio, swimming will only make you exhausted. You will not be able to exercise the amount your used to and be out of breath. So make sure you get good night sleep, drink your water and: don't obsess about it. With your background, I would also discourage weighing yourself.

3 years ago, I was an anorexic and I obsessed over everything concerning food, calories exercise and weight. When I finally 'recovered' I got to the complete opposite (somehow I lost my barrier) and ate all bad stuff (when you eat a chocolate muffin with whipped cream again after more than a year not eating it...it tastes like heaven.)

Now I'm trying to be healthy again and knowing how easily I obsess over things, I just try to "chill out" and relax a bit. (That is, when my job isn't taking up my time.) I'm also lining out my 'diet' for after the fast. I'm not counting calories, but sucking up knowledge about what's healthy and what's not. Living the way I used to (2 tiny yoghurts & a meager salad during the day) is definitely not! So you got to plan what you want to do after your fast. What also might help; (what I'm going to do) is to inform your loved ones about your plan (not the fasting part, they won't understand) and let them keep you in line.

And by the way: chicken is not unhealthy (by that I mean skinless breast of chicken) Alcohol however, is ;-)