I
hope the New Year finds everyone happy and healthy. I had a wonderful 2011 and
look forward to what 2012 brings me!
Last
month I wrote about Intermittent Fasting and I promised to write a follow-up. For
the last month, as I pledged, I fasted for 24-hours twice a week. During the
fasts I had water, tea, and some coffee but no food. I discovered the following
benefits:
- During the holiday season, I was able to indulge quite a bit more without gaining weight. However, I did not lose any weight either (for the record, I was not trying).
- It prevented any over-indulging since I was unable to eat during the fasts, even if the most delicious gluten-free cookies were placed in front of me! That also creates a sense of ‘power’.
- I proved that it is not possible to ‘starve’ during a 24-hour period. I did my usual activity and taught my classes. My energy levels were fine.
- I enjoyed the ‘mental clarity’ that comes with a fast. There is a reason most religions use this practice.
The
question now is, do I continue this? Well, that is tough. After the holidays I
feel as though I never want to look (let alone taste) desserts or chips again.
Sometimes when you have the freedom to indulge, after awhile it becomes
repulsive! I feel so much better eating healthy again. But now my diet seems to
be around 1200-1500 calories a day. At that amount, it doesn’t justify fasting
for two full days. The whole point of intermittent fasting is to balance out
your calories to allow for higher calorie days.
But,
as I stated, I did enjoy the calm feeling that comes with fasting. For now, my
compromise will be to do a 24-hour ‘pseudo-fast’ of eating just veggies and
some fruit once a week. That can be very cleansing both mentally and
physically. If I do have a week when I eat out or indulge in desserts, I can easily
turn that day into a real 24-hour fast.
My
latest endeavor though is practicing what I preach about eating healthy and not
too much. I suggest www.myfitnesspal.com to
my friends and my clients. To prove how much I support this site/app, I am
going to log my calories and activity for a year! I started already on December
27th.
So,
who is with me on this one?
Wishing
all of you a warm and fulfilling 2012.
Yours
in wellness,
Sharon
XOX
XOX
This blog is for informational purposes only. It’s not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem, nor is it
intended to replace the advice of a physician. No action should be taken
solely on the contents of this website. Always consult your physician or
qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health. It is
advised see your physician before changing your diet, starting an exercise
program, or taking any supplements of any kind.
