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Reclaiming Health: The Journey of Fasting, Balanced Eating, and Self-Discovery

 


Dear Fasting Guru,

I’m at my highest weight of 250 lbs and I can feel it in every bone in my body. At 5 feet tall, all the extra weight is definitely taking its toll on my health. A few years ago, I managed to get down to 160 lbs through fasting and walking. I was fasting for an average of 40 hours at a time and felt the best I’ve ever felt. I want to get back to that life and that feeling.

As part of my New Year’s resolution, I’ve bought the book "Complete Guide To Fasting: Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-Day, and Extended Fasting" by Dr. Jason Fung. I plan to start fasting again on New Year’s Day, and I’m also planning to break my fasts with bone broth, which I’ve never tried before, so tips on that would be appreciated as well.

I’m 27 and aiming to reach my goals by the time I’m 30. Additionally, I’m starting therapy soon for the first time ever, which I think will help me tremendously. I struggle with binge and emotional eating, and I believe therapy can help me address the underlying causes of these behaviors.

Any advice or support would be greatly appreciated as I embark on this journey.


Dear Determined Faster,

First, congratulations on taking the courageous step toward better health and well-being. Your determination and commitment to setting and achieving your goals is truly inspiring.

Reaching your goals by the age of 30 is a fantastic plan, and I believe you have all the tools you need to get there. Dr. Jason Fung’s book, "Complete Guide To Fasting: Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-Day, and Extended Fasting," is an excellent resource. As an Amazon Associate, I highly recommend it for anyone looking to understand and implement fasting as part of their lifestyle.

Here are some tips on the best ways to break a fast to help ensure your refeeding process is as smooth as possible:

Best Ways to Break a Fast:

  1. Start with Liquids: Begin with bone broth or a light soup. These are gentle on your stomach and provide essential nutrients.

  2. Introduce Easily Digestible Foods: After liquids, opt for easily digestible foods like steamed vegetables, fruits (such as berries and melons), and small portions of lean protein.

  3. Avoid High-Fat and High-Sugar Foods: These can be hard to digest after a fast. Instead, choose whole foods that are nutrient-dense and low in processed sugars.

  4. Eat Small Portions: Gradually reintroduce food to your diet. Eating smaller meals helps your digestive system adjust and prevents discomfort.

Regarding emotional eating, journaling can be a powerful tool. By writing down your thoughts and feelings, you can start to identify patterns and triggers that lead to binge or emotional eating. Here’s how you can get started:

Journaling Tips:

  1. Track Your Eating Habits: Note what you eat, when you eat, and how you feel before and after eating.

  2. Identify Triggers: Write about any emotions or situations that lead to binge eating. This can help you understand what triggers your behavior.

  3. Reflect on Your Progress: Regularly review your journal entries to see patterns and improvements. This can be motivating and insightful.

Reflecting on why what worked before might not be working now is also essential. Life circumstances, stress levels, and even age can change how our bodies respond to different routines. It’s important to adapt and find a fasting schedule that fits your current lifestyle. Experiment with different fasting windows and see what makes you feel best.

Remember, the goal is not just to lose weight but to create a sustainable, healthy lifestyle that you can maintain in the long run. Focus on how your clothes fit, your energy levels, and your overall well-being rather than just the number on the scale.

You’ve already taken the first step by setting your goals and seeking out resources and support. Keep going, stay positive, and be kind to yourself. You have the strength and determination to reach your goals, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

✨ If you find value in my content and it helps you on your fasting journey, consider supporting my work by buying me a coffee! ☕️ Your generosity keeps this blog alive and thriving, enabling me to share more insights, research, and tips. Thank you for being a part of this community and for inspiring me to continue this journey. ✨

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