Fasting Challenge: April 2014
April is upon us and with it – The Fasting Challenge.
Here we are going to embrace fasting in the broadest sense of the term. By replacing certain food choices for healthier ones, we aim to make the body & mind cleaner, lighter, and more pure.
So fasting is an opportunity check the cycle of old eating patterns and adopt new avenues for nourishing the body – and mind. Fasting is also the occasion to exercise restraint where you refrain from taking that item or two that long ago you knew you should no longer be taking.
This challenge is purely personalized. This is a month for you to experiment – what foods and beverages really serve you best.
For some it may be stopping coffee, for another it might be eating more raw foods (fruits, veggies, nuts & seeds etc). For still another it might be giving up chips for carrot sticks. This is a wide open battle. Did I say battle? I most certainly did. Because overcoming old eating patterns is a veritable fight – the good fight that yields beautiful, harmonious results.
So here are some ideas for how to go about this month’s fasting challenge
Week 1: Replace: (a) Processed snack foods for raw ones (think carrots, celery, red pepper, hummus, apples, raisins, dried apricots etc); (b) Caffeinated beverages for non-caffeinated ones like warm lemon salt water; (c) Food for water – just when you are grabbing for that next snack ask yourself – am I hungry or thirsty? (d) Share with us your ideas on what you are going to replace.
Week 2: Refrain: Take a week off from sweets, meat, alcohol, or caffeine. Or what is it that you are aiming for? Tell us…
Week 3: Replenish: Treat yourself to a grand salad, a morning of juicing / blending fruits, soak and grow your own sprouts (kitchen gardening). Review an acid / alkaline chart and choose more foods from the alkaline section. How are you going to replenish?
Week 4: Rejuvenate: Each day incorporate 2 or more of the aforementioned practices.
Are You Experienced?? If you have taken a fasting workshp with me then try one of the fasts we discussed – along with the breaking fast process. Or, if you have done a certain type of fast in the past, bring that back into vogue
Counseling: For those interested in one-on-one consultation on diet and fasting, contact me to set-up your private or small-group session.
This will certainly prove to be an exciting month. Like anything in life, it’s what you put into it that counts.
Remember, we live in an era as well as a nation food choices are a major cause of disease and degenerative illnesses. New food choices, aspects of fasting, and new ways of looking at food can truly revitalize how you feel. Take this as your opportunity and invite friends and family members too!!
I am going to put figs on my shopping list today! Raw spinach and veggies already on there! thank you Satyam, Namaste!
This is just perfect. Spring is the true New Year for me, and after a winter of over eating and under moving, this will give me the direction I need…my first goal is to find a home made recipe for the packaged snack bars I need to ditch…been working on that. And plan to get in 2 fasting days this month….fell off that wagon over the winter too, so thank you Satyam for providing this challenge and encouragement…
I havent fasted since I took your workshop last year. I feel the urge and something always distracts me. hmmm 😉 But the timing of this challenge is perfect! I think 2 days of fasting this month sounds great.
And its great to know other people are doing it.
Annie, I have a great recipe for snack bars and very simple. What kind do you like?
Hey Catrina! Mary and I are both fasting tomorrow – why don’t you join us? I would love your recipe – working on one with oats, flax seed, coconut, dried fruits , nuts, honey and coconut oil but still trying to make it chewy instead of crumbly…might try adding some applesauce or a bit more oil. Any other ideas?
Hi Annie, I didn’t have notifications set for this 🙁 If I had company fasting, it would be easier. The only other person I know who fasts does urine fasting. I’m saving that one for a desperate measure.
I use tahini as a binder in addition to a little coconut oil! More binds better than less 😉 Also a little water to soften everything.
This recipe works pretty well.
http://myvega.com/vega-life/recipe-center/nut-free-granola-bars/
I added a little more blended dates and water. They have to stay cool though or they get crumbly. I think tahini would be an excellent addition.
I need to set the notifications too as I just saw these! THANKS! I will try them this week as I am off for spring break! The next time you are going to fast let me know and I will do it with you. I am thinking of doing a fruit/veggie juice fast today…
Fasted yesterday…on a work day for the first time, and it was actually easier…REALLY didn’t even think of eating at all…and felt great this time because I made sure to drink lots of water…other times I’ve fasted I ended the day with headaches, but this time felt totally fine…so happy To have done this…feel as refreshed as the spring weather we’re having! Have a wonderful weekend all!
nice Annie!! so great to hear…