Reem’s Freedom & Flexibility Fast

[creamyreemy0]

Hi All! I’m new to Fast Forward, but I’m an intermediate faster. I’ve completed two-21’s, five-5’s, and dozens of 3-day fasts, but this next one will be the mother of dragons.

Today marks Day 3 of my first 40-day modified water fast. Along with water, I’m allowing the following to sustain me throughout each day:

• Coffee
• Herbal teas
• Stevia
• Apple cider vinegar

If I feel particularly close to failing or blacking out, I will consider a cup of broth (under 15 calories). Hopefully this won’t happen though, since I’ll be supplementing with magnesium and potassium once I start to feel the “Jimmy Legs” and kidney detox cramps. Usually these sensations fire up Day 5-10, so I’m prepared for what’s yet to come.

There are several reasons for this personal challenge, and I would be lying if I said weight loss wasn’t one of them. Aside from the obvious, I really need to get over my emotional binge eating problem, which was exacerbated by the pandemic. To offset my lack of physical activity since they re-closed the gyms in California, I’m taking on 60-minutes of restorative yoga every night.

Another reason for this fast is so I can invest more attention to a major art project. I recognize my binge eating was not only because of the helpless feeling of being furloughed, but also because I was procrastinating on my creative assignment. This fast, if completed, will run until September 22nd, the first day of fall. My goal is to have this project fully developed by October 1st.

@Compdude, I’ve followed your 40-day fasting journey in depth (your journal is one of my bookmarks), and I’m really hoping you and others can help coach me through the next 37 days. In several of your replies, however, you’ve said you will never perform another 40-day fast, and I wonder why that is (if you’re willing to share).

[Kristy]

Have you read the Obesity Code? Dr. Jason Fung highlights many studies that show sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, although low in calories, actually have a very high insulin response. This, in turn, increases food cravings. That being said, what works for you is obviously the best. No one knows your body better than you! Good luck and please keep us posted on your journey!

Here is a brief you tube video

[creamyreemy0]

Thanks for pitching in, @Kristy. Yes, I’ve been following Dr. Fung for several years, as we’re both originally from Toronto.

While some studies show natural sweeteners like Stevia may cause insulin secretion, these tests are usually performed in vitro and do not account for individual physiology. Also, insulin secretion is not the same as an insulin spike (which would offset the effects of fasting).

In fact, Stevia can actually improve insulin sensitivity, thereby helping people like myself with binge eating disorders and genetically inherited insulin resistance. If it’s good enough for my diabetic father, it’s good enough for me. Here’s an excerpt of the study:

“Stevia has been found to increase insulin sensitivity in rodent models (Chang, Wu, Liu, & Cheng, 2005) and to have beneficial effects on blood glucose and insulin levels in human studies (Curi 1986; Gregersen, Jeppesen, Holst, & Hermansen, 2004), which suggests it may have a role in food intake regulation.”

It’s important not to demonize insulin because at the end of the day, it’s a vital hormone. Even during a prolonged fast, marginal levels of insulin are secreted on a daily basis. Zero secretion indicates one is diabetic, so this should never be the goal of any fast.

[Kristy]

Love it! I’m glad you’re able to use stevia. Sugar alcohols do nasty things to my digestive system. I think I might have strong views on insulin because I’ve developed a non alcoholic fatty liver in the last couple of years. Thanks for the wider perspective!

What kind of art do you do? What’s your project?

Yoga is spectacular! Have you tried meditation? I find the deeper my meditation is the easier it is to have discipline during a fast.

[creamyreemy0]

Day 3 Synopsis:

1. I woke up after a deep, 8-hour sleep with DOMS attributed to my nightly yoga sessions. Once I overcame the heaviness of my muscles, my day transpired with ease.

2. Interestingly, my eyes are looking brighter and more ‘glimmery’, for lack of a better descriptor. This is an unusual change never before experienced on my previous fasts, so I have a few theories:

• Yoga is restoring circulation throughout my brain and body. I used to practice daily in 2015, but I dropped it in favour of swimming.

• 7 months ago, I committed to becoming smoke and alcohol free after almost a decade of use. I wonder if this is an early detox being reflected in my eyes.

3. As a self-proclaimed coffee addict, it pains me to have to decrease my consumption in the days ahead because today’s cup was too potent to finish. I had a slight headache afterwards, but it was quickly curbed when I upped my water intake.

4. My writing project is coming along slowly but surely. Fasting makes me more receptive to new ideas, but also more discerning of those ideas.

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It’s the start of Day 4 and I’m looking forward to entering absolute ketosis within the next 24 hours. Most people manage to deplete their glycogen stores within the first 72 hours, but historically, my body seems to need more time. It’s usually around Day 5 that I endure the brunt of my fasting symptoms, and I wonder if anyone has the same experience?

[creamyreemy0]

Isn’t it fascinating how personal each of our physiologies are? It makes me resent boilerplate health claims when the fact of the matter is, every body has unique requirements. Having been successful on keto, do you ever experience cravings for sweet things, or do you find that your palette has changed?

Thank you for asking, @Kristy I’m working on publishing a book. As far as meditation is concerned, swimming is just as spiritual and cerebral for me as it is physical. I’m sure you can empathize, hehe. And I think you’re spot on; forcing oneself to routinely meditate fuels the endurance needed to persevere through a fast. How would you describe your meditation?

[Kristy]

OMG a book! That’s absolutely amazing! What is it about?

I’ve been very successful on vegetarian keto (I’ve been vegetarian most of my life). I do experience sweet craving around my period but it’s manageable with super dark chocolate or a mock marscapone mousse. I use to be a pastry chef and I felt like a drug dealer. I know how addictive sugar and carbs are. The worst experience was serving diabetics. I couldn’t refuse to sell to them. But it made me feel like a SAD enabler. I was helping destroy people’s well being so I had to leave my profession. I’m not saying people shouldn’t enjoy wonderful pastries. They are like any type of art and I love the precise science of pastry.

Swimming is such a delightful meditation! Any exercise is. I have a dedicated sitting practice (which has been almost impossible to do with my back pain) so I’ve been trying it lying down. I meditate first thing in the morning. I mostly am aware of my breath. I also practice loving kindness meditation as much as possible. This cultivates empathy, compassion, joy and breaks down the barrier of “other.” Otherwise I just try to be present, awake and mindful in each moment. Meditation is just being. It is the simplest and most difficult path. I also meditate when I notice my ego grasping at concepts or worldviews. I just say “Hello (thought, feeling, or experience)! That is interesting. I love you. It’s not your fault.”

In Buddhism it is the practice to only eat between dawn and noon. Sometimes that is effective for me sometimes it’s not. Abstaining from consumption is as sacred as mindful consumption. So when I get really hungry it’s a divine experience. It is a connection with life and helps me understand my privilege. You cannot have happiness without suffering. Planting the seeds of suffering and cultivating them into beautiful joy is a service to all life.

meditation at the moment is difficult because I am in so much physical pain and the medication is a strong mood altering substance. Feeling high is not pleasant. It also detaches reality in a way. I’m trying to accept this but it is a challenge.

[shay]

Nice to hear from a fellow Torontonian! Will be following your progress Happy fasting!

[creamyreemy0]

Day 4 Synopsis:

1. Somehow managed to get 10 hours of deep sleep. My dreams were very vivid as well. Insomnia is a chronic issue for me, so I’m not surprised about incurring sleep debt over the years. After much introspection, I realized the hours around my sleep, i.e. right after waking and right before sleeping, are when I’m most prone to binging. Still not sure why it happens in the morning; as for the evening, I try to divert the mental discomfort of overthinking to a bearable, but still painful gastrointestinal discomfort. My emotional coping mechanisms need immediate reparation, hence the beauty of fasting.

2. My back is sore from yoga, but it’s the good kind of soreness. Last night, I slightly overextended my left hip in Pigeon Pose, and even though I’m not in pain, I’m going to take a rest day to be safe. 5-6 days of yoga per week is more than adequate, especially during a fast. With that said, I’m still energized enough to enjoy a mini stroll before bed.

3. Standing up makes me lightheaded now, and that’s a surefire sign that I’m in ketosis. Tomorrow, I’m going to start taking weight and ketone measurements, but for what it’s worth, it feels like I’ve lost 5-8lbs of water in the last 4 days. I deliberately chose not to record my water loss so as not to feel a false sense of accomplishment.

4. Had a little bit of brain fog writing yesterday, but I still managed to pump out 1000 words. Editing is always the most rigorous part of my process, so that’ll be my focus tonight.

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Day 5 is less than an hour away, which means I’m almost over the first hump. Will close off by saying I appreciate the support thus far, and thank you for keeping me accountable. Until tomorrow.

[creamyreemy0]

Yes!!! I can’t tell you how much I miss home, as I’ve been trapped in San Diego since April (Air Canada keeps cancelling my flight…)

What’s the situation like over there? Is everything basically under control/back to normal?

[creamyreemy0]

Thank you!! It’s about a girl who wakes up after being cryogenically frozen. So far, the tone is a cross between Austin Powers and True Blood, lol!

I love your story, wow. Firstly, the amount of discipline required for vegetarian keto deserves a round of applause. Some people who swear by keto could never grasp the concept of going meatless, and it’s unfortunate for them. Being vegetarian too, I’m actually psychologically disturbed by the sight of it. Probably not a healthy reaction, but meh.

Amazed that you were a pastry chef! A friend of mine went to culinary school for baking, so I witnessed first-hand the immense sacrifice and precision. It really is an under-celebrated science. Interesting that you felt like a drug dealer, but I guess it makes sense. Although it’s hardly fair to yourself to assume responsibility for other people’s choices. Besides, even diabetics deserve something sweet now and then, if not to feel a sense of normalcy. OMG you could make delectable keto sweets for diabetics!

I find it fascinating and unifying that every major religion in the world endorses fasting. I’m curious if you’ve experienced any additional health benefits from doing keto and IF in tandem. PS: Are you familiar with Master Shi Heng Yi? He has a great Ted Talk on Youtube about self-mastery you might like:

[creamyreemy0]

Halfway through Day 5 and I’m having trouble falling asleep. I feel as energized as if fully nourished, and had no problems moving my dresser or lifting a 40 pound mirror. My Day 5’s are always a toss-up, and I need to err on the side of caution. On my last 21-day fast, during the afternoon of my fifth day, I cried in bed for hours over something that triggered me, but I somehow persevered for another 16 days. If I could get through it then, I sure can now, but I think I should at least try to take a nap or something. Just a quick log before my full synopsis.

[creamyreemy0]

Day 5 Synopsis:

1. Well, she made it. Managed to get only 4 hours of sleep, a stark contrast from yesterday’s 10 hour coma. I had a ridiculous surge of energy in the afternoon, and now I feel pretty weak. But I’m determined to make it to the next obstacle, Day 7.

2. I’ve been tricking myself with this weird factorial strategy to break up my fast. For example, at the end of Day 4, I said to myself, “Do this 10 more times”. Now at the end of Day 5, I only need to do this 8 more times. By the time I get to Day 8, I’ll only have to do this 5 more times, etc. etc.

3. Just thinking about my yoga session later gives me a mini adrenaline rush. For those concerned about weight, you might be interested to know that fat is expelled through urination and exhalation. Here’s an excerpt from an article I read last night:

“If you lose 10kg of fat, precisely 8.4kg comes out through your lungs and the remaining 1.6kg turns into water."

4. Editing went very well last night, and since I couldn’t sleep, I also created a mock-up of my book cover which I’m super stoked about. Visualizing the new cover gives me a fresh supply of motivation to keep writing and fasting.

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Day 6 is an hour away, and frankly, I’m surprised with my resolve to carry on. Haven’t had any desire to eat since before I started, so it must be true that fasting gets easier the more often you do it. But I don’t want to get too ahead of myself because I’ve got a ways to go.

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

[Kyle]

I like your strategy for thinking of the fast in terms of blocks… 'do this ten more times". I tend to think the same way. When I take a long road trip (say 500 miles), I will also think of it that way… after 100 miles, I’ll say only 4 more of those. Goal setting is so helpful. Good job on getting to Day 6!! I’m envious you have not struggled with hunger! I look forward to an extended fast like that.

[creamyreemy0]

Funny you mention road trips because I’ve been fantasizing about taking the 101 from San Diego to Vancouver for the longest time. Love, love, love long drives. Thank you for your support

[Kyle]

You should do it. I find it easy to fast when I’m driving for long stretches.

[creamyreemy0]

Believe me, I’d have already been there and back if it weren’t for all these extended border closures -.- What’s your longest road trip?

[Kyle]

Didn’t think about Border Closure! Good point.

I have driven from FL to Lake Tahoe as my longest road trip. I have also driven from FL to Carlsbad, CA many times as I used to live in Carlsbad. (FL is where I’m from)
My son doesn’t fly… so if we want to travel if has to be a road trip. Just drove from FL to Dallas Texas and back in the last few weeks.

Road trips are good for me. I need to “get away” many times a year. I enjoy driving.

[creamyreemy0]

Day 6 Synopsis:

Weight change: -0.8lbs
Ketone Range: 4.0mmol (Moderate)

1. Expected Day 5 to be the toughest; boy, was I wrong. Day 6 posed several obstacles, and I’m thankful to have overcome them all. Firstly, I achieved 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep, but waking up was akin to animating a rock. That seems to be a trend, so I need to get used to this sleep inertia.

2. An hour into Day 6, I had a BM. It was umm… interesting, and I’m curious to learn how open-minded everyone would be about starting a topic to specifically address bowel movements. I know it’s embarrassing, but the stigma around sharing our business is why so many people are ill. To think, one could go days or weeks without a scrap of food and still have something putrefying within only goes to show how toxic our bodies can become over time. Sorry, end rant.

3. Yoga was as equally challenging as it was blissful. I needed more time to collect myself between poses, but I felt pure relaxation wash over me from head to toe. It felt like I was getting a full body massage, so naturally I’m excited about continuing my practice. Embarking on two separate journeys concurrently puts me at risk of burning my candle at both ends, so I’m monitoring myself very closely.

4. Profound lightheadedness throughout the day, especially upon waking. I don’t mind the sensation, but I also don’t feel like straying too far from my bed at this point. I had a few passing thoughts about sinking my teeth into some fresh fruit, which sparked further consideration into how I want to style my future eating regimen. I’ve exhausted every diet imaginable (vegetarian, vegan, keto, etc.) and I believe I’m happiest and optimal with unlimited fruits and vegetables. I’m tired of feeling guilty about eating something like an apple just because it has sugar content. It’s nutritious, for heaven’s sake. Conversely, I know an apple can lead to a slice of bread to a pot of pasta. Clearly, more deliberation is required.

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Day 7 is an hour away, which means I’m nearly 18% through. Thanks for following and contributing <3

[creamyreemy0]

I adore Carlsbad! Namely the Flower Fields and the spa at La Costa. Nice to know someone else on here who’s familiar with the territory. Do you prefer Florida though?

Touring Texas is on my bucket list for sure. In fact, I might check that box off before the drive to Vancouver. Did you visit any cities apart from Dallas?