Have you ever had the urge to just start over? Whether it’s with your job, where you live, or with a relationship, it would be nice to have restart button. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way and we have to deal with the cards we’re dealt. The way I see it, you can look at your life as either a blessing or as a burden. I’m a pretty positive person, but there are days when even I feel in the dumps. On those days I have to remind myself just how lucky I am despite all the chaos going on around me. It was in a difficult time in my life that I discovered fasting. When you hear the word fasting it often comes with the stigma of starvation. People often say, “Aren’t you hungry?” or “I could never do that”. Well, let me tell you, you can most definitely do it. When I say ‘fasting’ I’m not talking about a removal of all foods. What I am talking about is a fruit and vegetable fast. Only consuming fruits and vegetables will do wonders for not only your physical health but your emotional health as well. It’s a restart of sorts. I can’t even begin to explain all the wonderful benefits I have seen from fasting, but I will share a few great things I experienced.
1. Increased awareness.
My mental clarity when I’m fasting is unbelievable. I can think clearly and have no brain fog whatsoever. My memory is sharp and I have laser focus despite the environment around me. I am able to connect with other people on a deeper level because I am fully in the present moment.
2. Endless energy.
Let me tell you, during my fast I pop out of bed in the morning and I’m ready to run a marathon. That’s no joke! I go about my day without any energy crashes or urges to take a nap. I’m a die-hard fan of fruits and veggies because the energy they supply is unsurpassable.
3. Higher brain function.
Do you dream at night? I tend to dream here and there, but when I am fasting it’s every single night and my dreams are vivid! My brain is functioning at a rapid rate throughout the day and night while still getting into a deep sleep. In his book Grain Brain, Dr. David Perlmutter states, “Fasting enhances energy production and paves the way for better brain function and clarity.” As someone who has experienced this first hand, I know it to be true.
4. Reduced pain.
With the internal inflammation that accompanies my autoimmune diseases, my body has aches and pains on the daily. I have noticed a drastic improvement in my back, neck, and shoulder pain during this fast. I don’t wake up with a stiff neck in the morning and I can feel less tension in my shoulders. It’s great!
5. Freedom.
It probably seems weird to you that I experience freedom when I’m on a restricted fast. Restriction and freedom are two opposing things. However, there’s something about denying your physical desires that brings an incomparable feeling of freedom. When you practice self-control, it brings a confidence that you can tackle any other obstacles that might come your way.
Overall, fasting has made me a happier and more connected person. I’ve done it a few different times in a few different ways. Juice fasting, water fasting, and most recently, the fruit and veggie fast. The fruit and veggie fast is great to do when you have a demanding schedule and need lots of fuel. As I said before, the energy you will experience is incredible.
Be on the lookout for my new fasting protocol!
In blessings and health,
