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Day 7 of Water Fast
My daily Journey to a healthier life style
Date: 3/16/2011 4:08:46 PM ( 14 y ) ... viewed 2267 times
March 15, 2011
Ides of March! Ides of March! The best part of March: the Ides of March. As you might be able to tell, I am Shakespeare fan. I love his works. One of my favorite ones is Julius Caesar. I must try reading it again. It has been years since I read it.
I woke up okay, feeling very alert and a little thirsty. I drank a little water, but not much, as I just haven't been very thirsty. My mouth tasted nasty, though. It was a lovely thing to brush my teeth and use a bit of mouth wash. It isn't much different then most mornings, but I guess I enjoyed using it because the smell and the taste was so prominent. I can taste my one metal filling in my tooth, as I find myself running my tongue along it lately. Nasty.
I didn't have to many aches this morning as I work up, but I got them as the day went on. I am finding that my mind is very clear, but at times, it is not as focused as I would like it to be. I guess that is one reason why I am having a hard to reading at night, as my brain doesn't want to focus on the words in the book.
Today's Lenten Focus for March 15, 2011
Humble our hearts
Read: Matthew 18:4
Today I focus on praying for our families to be humble and have clean hearts every day and for people in our city to choose to follow Jesus with a child-like faith.
I have to say that praying for the people in Japan and my friends and family has made me realize how blessed I am. It humbles me in so many ways, as I know that I tend to complain that I don't have this and I don't have that, but I am failing to see all the things that God HAS provided for me. I have a lovely home, a working car, a well paying job (which I just got a slight raise from) and when I am eating – food. There are many people that do not even have those items in their lives. I guess what I am learning is that it isn't about focusing on myself as well as focusing on Phil, but focusing on people around me and how I might be able to help them in some way.
I listened to the lovely CD of God's Words of Promise while I got ready for work. I really enjoy listening to it so much, that I thought about getting a dramatic reading of the Bible. I looked online and found out that the same company that made the little book with the CD that I bought make a dramatic reading of the Bible done with over 600 actors and actressess. The same one that I saw at Ollie's the day before. It said that it was about $149.00 brand new and about $80 used on Amazon. I don't know how much it cost at Ollie, as well as I couldn't remember if it was the entire Bible or it was just the New Testament.
So when I had to run an errand for the office (which I did on my lunch, since I wasn't eating) I stopped by Ollie's to see how much the Word of Promise was. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. There weren't many of them left. I could only see 4, so I grabbed one and bought it. It was only $35.99! I couldn't believe it! I thought it could be an early Easter gift to myself, as I could definitely use it during this Lenten time. I was so excited that the behind me asked me what was the deal. I told her that this recording of the Bible on CD was priced at being $149.00 online, and I really wanted it, and saw that it was only $35.99. So I had to buy it. She was really surprised at the price too. I later find out that she used to be one of my customers when I worked my 2nd retail job, as she recognized me. We talked a bit while we waited in line. When I paid for my lovely treasure and was ready to leave, I told the woman that I talk to Goodbye.
I couldn't believe that I got it! It has to be the best deal that has come my way, since I got my raise (I was told that Friday). I couldn't wait to get home and listen to it. I know that I want to like to the Book of John as it is my favorite. Now I can start falling asleep listening to this instead of watching TV.
Well, work was okay. I had slight aches and pain though the day, but it wasn't anything major in which my energy was waning so much that I fell ill. I don't think I have gotten that far in the detox process yet. I do have a little bit of back pain, but I think it is more my mattress then an issue with detoxing. I haven't had a lot of mucus drainage yet either, which I had a lot of in the past fasts. This must mean that I am much healthier now, then I was during the past water fasts. I honestly have to say the I don't feel as cranky or ill at this point in time, but only time will tell how it will go with me.
Here is the listing of the stages of fasting and what happens to one's body when you are fasting.
Stage 1 (Day1-2)
On the first day of fasting, the blood sugar level drops below 70mg/dl. To restore the blood to the normal glucose level, liver glycogen is converted to glucose and released into the blood. This reserve is enough for a half day. The body then reduces the basal metabolic rate (BMR). The rate of internal chemical activity in resting tissue is lowered to conserve energy. The heart slows and blood pressure is reduced. Glycogen s pulled from the muscle causing some weakness. The first wave of cleansing is usually the worst.Headaches, dizziness, nausea, bad breath, glazed eyes and a heavily coated tongue are signs of the first stage of cleansing. Hunger can be the most intense in this period.
Stage 2 (Day 3 to 7)
Fats, composed of transformed fatty acids, are broken down to release glycerol from the gliceride molecules and are converted to glucose. The skin may become oily as rancid oils are purged from the body. People with problem-free skin may have a few days of pimples or even a boil. A pallid complexion is also a sign of waste in the blood. Ketones are formed by the incomplete oxidation of fates. It is suspected that the ketones in the blood suppress the appetite by affecting the food-satiety center in the hypothalamus called the appestat. You may feel hungry for the first few days of the fast. This effect is temporary. The desire to eat will disappear. Lack of hunger may last 40-60 days.
The body embraces the fast and the digestive system is able to take a much-needed rest, focusing all of its energies on cleansing organs and the lungs are in the process of being repaired. Periodically, the lymphatic system expels mucoid matter through the nose or throat. The volume excreted of this yellow-colored mucus can be shocking. The sinuses go through periods of being clogged, then will totally clear. The breath is still foul and the tongue coated. Within the intestine, the colon is being repaired and impacted feces on the intestinal wall start to loosen and are autolyzed.
Stage 3 (Day 8 to 15)
On the latter part of an extended fast, you can experience enhanced energy, clear-mindedness and feel better than you have felt since childhood, On the downside, old injuries may become irritated and painful. This is a result of the body’s increased ability to heal during fasting. If you had broken your arm 10 yrs before, there is scar tissue around the break. At the time of the break, the body’s ability to heal was directly related to lifestyle. If you lived on a junk food diet, the body’s natural ability to heal was diminished.
During fasting, the body’s healing process is at optimum efficiency. As the body scours for dead or damaged tissue, the lymphocytes enter the older-damaged tissue secreting substances to dissolve the damaged cells. These substances irritate the nerves in the surrounding region and cause a reoccurrence of aches from previously injured areas that may have disappeared years earlier. The pain lasts as the body is completing the healing process. The muscles may become tight and sore due to toxin irritation. The legs can be the worst affected as toxins accumulate in the legs. Cankers are common in this stage due to the excessive bacteria in the mouth.
Stage 4 (Day 16 to 30)
The body is completely adapted to the fasting process. There is more energy and clarity of mind. Cleansing periods can be short with many days of feeling good in between. There are days when the tongue is pink and the breath is fresh. The healing work of the organs is being completed. After the detoxification mechanisms have removed the causative agent or renders it harmless; the body works at maximum capacity in tissue proliferation to replace damaged tissue. While a short fast will reduce the symptoms, a longer fast can completely heal. Homeostatic balance is at optimum levels. The lymphatic system is clean except for a rare discharge of mucus through the nose or throat. After day 20, the mind is affected with heightened clarity and emotional balance. Memory and concentration improve.
Stage 5(Day 30 to ?)
(Breaking the Fast with the genuine return of Natural Hunger) Shelton.
The Breath, which during all or most of the fast has been offensive, becomes sweet and clean.
The Tongue becomes clean. The thick coating which remained on it throughout most of the fast vanishes.
The Temperature, which may have been sub-normal or above normal, returns to exactly normal, where it remains.
The Pulse becomes normal in time and rhythm.
The Skin reactions and other reactions become normal.
The Bad Taste in the mouth ceases.
Salivary Secretion becomes normal.
The Eyes become bright and eye sight improves.
The Excreta loses its odor. The Urine becomes light.
Okay, I know it isn't a time to talk about food, but I am going to be missing St. Patrick's day. Usually the only time of year, where I actually sit down and have a beer (usually a Guinness) as well as Corn Beef, Cabbage and Potatoes. Well, since I am water fasting, I can only post a recipe instead, because I know that I will eat again, and I will savor it even more regardless if I miss a holiday or not.
Here is a lovely Shepard's Pie recipe, since I am going to miss eating on St. Patrick's day:
Shepard's Pie
Ingredients
2 pound(s) freshly ground lamb
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 carrots, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoon(s) tomato paste
2 tablespoon(s) flour
1 tablespoon(s) Worcestershire sauce
Coarse salt and ground pepper
10 ounce(s) frozen peas, thawed
2 1/2 pound(s) russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 cup(s) milk
6 tablespoon(s) butter
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Heat a large skillet over high heat. In two batches, cook lamb until no longer pink, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer lamb to a colander set in a bowl; let fat drain off and discard.
2.Add 1/4 cup water to the skillet, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Reduce heat to medium; add onion and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste. Add flour; cook, stirring, 2 minutes.
3.Add Worcestershire sauce, 2 cups water, and lamb. Season with 2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Stir in peas; cook 1 minute. Divide among eight 8-ounce ramekins or two 9-inch glass pie dishes.
4.Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, cover potatoes with salted water by 1 inch; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain.
5.In pan, bring milk and butter to a simmer; remove from heat. Return potatoes; mash. Season with 2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread over pies; use a fork to make peaks. Bake on a baking sheet until tops are browned, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool slightly; serve.
I know that I shouldn't focus on eating, but I really do enjoy finding recipes that I can cook myself and then really adjust to make them healthier. I think that is what I enjoy much regarding food, is that I can make it as healthy as possible just by the way I cook it and present it. It make take longer, but it surely does make my body happier if I do it that way. I know that I told myself that I wouldn't think of things that remind me of Phil, but I do have to say that he made lovely Shepard's pie, which he made several times for us (Him, his son and me) for dinner. I really love Shepard's pie as it is a lovely mixture of good food with crusty potatoes on top.
After work, I went over to Christy's for a while. I had a feeling if I went straight home, I might just crawl into bed. So at least by going over to Christy's, I was socialize a bit and staying awake. Of course, I didn't don much but sit over there and talk and watch a movie with her. It was funny to watch her son eat a huge bowl of sugary cereal and then a half an hour later, complain about the small bowl of stew that Christy made. I was surprised that she made it homemade too! He didn't like the potatoes as they were not mashed. Then he said something gross like there was a bug in it, which Christy checked and there was nothing. He just didn't want to eat it. I told her “Probably not, since he just had the bowl of sugary cereal.” I wondered if she really watches what her son does (such as what he is eating) or if she is just too tied up on my phone to really notice much. I thought again about her cooking a homemade meal. She offered me some, as I think she thought I would really like it, as it was fresh and cooked like I like. I told her that I wasn't hungry, but thank you any way.
Later on, we talked about healthy issues and I told her about how what we eat, if it is unhealthy like boxed food, fast food and other things that are not fresh veggies and fruits acidify our blood (such as eating red meat) I told her that we need to keep our blood mostly alkalized, to stay healthy. And as we are getting older, our bodies don't bounce back as quickly as of healing and repairing itself. She asked me if sea salt was healthier for you then table salt. I told her that I hadn't done any research on it, but I believed that sea salt was healthier for you, as it is natural and formed by nature, where table salt, has been processed by man (meaning that we have added things to it such as iodine) So I looked it up and this is what I found.
This is where I found the following answer: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sea-salt/AN01142
Sea salt vs. Table Salt: Which is healthier?
Answer from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Sea salt and table salt have the same basic nutritional value — both mostly consist of two minerals — sodium and chloride. However, sea salt is often marketed as a more natural and healthy alternative. The real differences between sea salt and table salt are in their taste, texture and processing, not their chemical makeup.
Sea salt is produced through evaporation of seawater, usually with little processing, which leaves behind some trace minerals and elements depending on its water source. These insignificant amounts of minerals add flavor and color to sea salt, which also comes in a variety of coarseness levels.
Table salt is mined from underground salt deposits. Table salt is more heavily processed to eliminate trace minerals and usually contains an additive to prevent clumping. Most table salt also has added iodine, an essential nutrient that appears naturally in minute amounts in sea salt.
By weight, sea salt and table salt contain about the same amount of sodium chloride. Your body needs only a couple hundred milligrams (mg) a day to stay healthy, but most people get far too much — mostly from sodium in processed foods. So regardless of which type of salt you prefer, keep sodium consumption between 1,500 and 2,300 mg of sodium a day if you're a healthy adult. People with high blood pressure, African-Americans and anyone middle-aged or older should aim for the low end of that range.
I didn't know that about Sea Salt and Table Salt. Thanks to Christy I learned something new.
So, I wonder if I am making an good impression on my best friend regarding healthy eating. She did make a home cooked meal, which I don't see her do too often. I hope that I am not being coming a bore by talking about healthy foods and healthy things. I guess I only do it, because I am concerned with her health as well as he sons. She is a bit on the heavy side, and her son is slowly moving toward that direction. Our local paper printed an article just the other day about in the state of Ohio, the average 3rd grader is already pushing being obese, due to all the sugar they eat and playing of video games. That automatically made me wonder what grade Jesse was in and how much he weighed for a 7 year old. (I believe that he is 7 years old, he might even be 8, I forget). I don't want to offend my friend by asking, but I am curious, since that article came out.
I was over at Christy's until around 9:30 as I watched two movies and I was finished up watching the last movie with her (Hell Boy and the Golden Army – one of my favorites). When I got home, my kitties were happy to see me. Lammy even followed me to the bedroom. Of course, Mekong, waited for me to open my bedroom door (as I keep it closed when I am not home) as she usually does. I settled down, put in Disc 70 (John 10) from my new Bible CD and took a long shower, which I listened to the Bible. It was lovely! Afterwards, I listen to it for a while, but turned it off after a good 45 minutes, as I still had one movie to watch before I returned them to Family Video. It was Food Inc. All I have to say, is that I stayed up long enough to watch it, as it really woke me up as I started watching it. Some it it make me almost sick to my stomach when I realized what was going on regarding beef cattle and chickens. It is really sad. I think I will focus more on it tomorrow, as I really want to due a bit of research on it, because I really set my ideas and thoughts down about it.
After the movie (around 11:00 p.m.), I was planning on reading a bit, but I was too tired, and plus Mekong was comfortably laying on my chest, so easily turned off my light and called it a night.
Tomorrow is another day! Yay! I am still going strong!
EXERICISE: walked 2.30 Miles,
WATER INTAKE: 8 ounces of water
WEIGHT: 124 pounds
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