When I set about doing this fast forty seven days ago I wasn't sure how far I would get and I didn't have any idea that I would be doing a forty day fast. I thought I would be doing the big four O next year to be honest.
Having achieved my ultimate fasting goal I can't pretend that this fast hasn't changed me. It is difficult to put into words but I'll try. I certainly have nice feelings in my body which started around the 30 day mark and carried on until now. I have a feeling of calmness and peace. I am happier with my own company. I don't crave bread. I don't feel the need to drink or smoke. I feel quite content doing simple tasks, enjoying simple things. Things I normally do feel more pleasurable than usual. At the beginning I felt satiated with food and life but now I am much happier and enjoying walks, talks, listening, watching, playing, exercising and resting more than I was before, probably more than ever. I look healthier and lighter too plus I saved a lot of money that would normally have gone to grocers and shop keepers. I've lost count of the amount of times people have commented on how much healthier I appear.
I think that whoever wrote the story of the forty day fast of Jesus was onto something. It's not even that I can put it into words, which is usually an indicator that something deeply spiritual has taken place. I certainly can recommend fasting, especially if one wants to gain a renewed vigour for life and it's pleasures, if one is bored or listless, suffering from any kind of addiction or habitual behaviour, or just plain depressed. Fasting repairs the body in many ways by allowing it to fix itself.
I can say without hesitation that I will fast again. I am quite keen, so much so that I am looking forward to my summer fast. I cannot sing the praises of fasting high enough. It really does make one feel greatly refreshed, like a clean sheet of paper.
Footnote added 15 June;
Another added benefit of fasting is the strengthening of the immune system. My daughter caught a stinker of a snotty cold, which I thought I had also caught but after a couple of days of the feeling just a little bit swirly my body has fought off the virus.
Thanks again to all who donated to Warchild on my behalf. Any more donations are very welcome at Just Giving
Typical foods for the continued fast breaking next week.
Breakfast, Muesli with milk
Lunch, Salad with coleslaw and hummus.
Dinner, Rice and fish.
Fruit smoothie
Breakfast, Eggs and beans
Lunch, Asparagus, Watercress, Kale and Potato soup.
Ryvita.
Evening, Leafy salad with walnuts and sultanas, Ryvita and cottage cheese.
Fruit juice
Breakfast, Porridge
Lunch, Sandwich with wholemeal bread salad and Quorn slices.
Evening, Vegetarian sausages and steamed vegetables.
Barleycup drink.
