Fasting

About a year ago I was at the gym and on the elliptical TV saw a young doctor talking about his new book called "The Flex Diet". I enjoy reading about food, fitness, exercise and the like so I kept watching the interview. I was impressed by the information I heard from the interview and immediately went on Amazon to buy the book. "The Flex Diet" by Dr. James Beckerman gives many good weight loss and overall health tips. Much of what I read in the book was not brand new to me but I appreciated the reminder and I liked the layout of his book, the easy food suggestions and quick recipes. One part in particular caught my attention because it was something I had never done before. Fasting was something I never thought I could do or would do. Why would anyone want to go an entire day without food? Dr. Beckerman writes that there is evidence that fasting can be a safe way to lose 1-2% of total body weight, slow the aging process, enhance sense of well-being and can be beneficial on the brain and heart. 

So I tried fasting after finishing the book for the first time. The biggest challenge I faced was that I am around food constantly. I have 3 kids who eat A LOT! And I absolutely love to make them healthy foods and when I make them healthy foods I want to eat those foods too. But what I found after my first fast was power. I felt in control of myself and my needs. For the first time in my life I looked at food in an entirely different light. As I stated in an earlier post....food is fuel.  Fasting for me is a reminder of that. I fast 1 day every 3 weeks. During my fast I drink a lot of ice water and I do not have any caffeine at all. No food, a lot of water and no caffeine help to make me tired at a decent hour so I typically also get extra rest on my fasting days. When I wake up the next morning I still do not have an incredible urge to eat. In fact I feel myself getting more full from less food. Its like my body's way of thanking me for remembering why we eat. 

I recommend "The Flex Diet" book to anyone who will listen to me. There are literally 200 healthful suggestions in it. Here is the link to buy your copy on Amazon:

The Flex Diet book by Dr. James Beckerman

Tomorrow's blog will be about exercise. But I feel like it wasn't until I had a better grasp on food and my eating style that I saw a major difference in my body and muscle tone. I will be fasting tomorrow. Not to punish myself for eating and drinking too much over the weekend but to remind myself that food is fuel. Don't worry, I have never fasted more than 1 day out of 21 days. Dr. Beckerman is a cardiologist so I feel confident in his advice. Another bonus of fasting 1 day every 3 weeks.....its FREE and you are saving money that day! Just put your savings to good use, new running shoes or a new workout shirt!


(And a DUH disclaimer... I know my readers are very smart but I want to sleep soundly tonight so I must add.....of course do not fast if you are taking any medications, pregnant or breast feeding. I do not even take my vitamins on fasting days because taking vitamins on an empty stomach always makes me feel sick.)  


UPDATE: I fasted beginning 6pm Monday night until right now, 8am Wednesday morning. I slept very well last night and did not have a strong desire to eat this morning. But I am going to Definitions class at the YMCA so I know I need a good, protein rich breakfast to get the most out of my workout. I thought ahead and made a high protein "Apple Breakfast Bake" last night. I have been researching high protein, low carbohydrate baked goods and came across this recipe from Quest Bar:


AMAZING Apple Breakfast Bake!


I RARELY follow a recipe to the T but I did with this one. And it paid off! I love it! So very rich with a strong cinnamon taste, a tiny bit of walnut crunch and sweet apple goodness all in one. The recipe says it serves 1 person but I cut a little less than half to start with and it filled me up very quickly. And like I said I made it last night, and heated it up for 30 seconds in the microwave this morning. YUMMY! Now I will have my raspberry riot tea (from Teavana) and a huge glass of ice water and be ready for the rest of my morning. Here is what my apple breakfast bake looked like this morning....and remember this is only half of the recipe so it is a little less than 150 calories!