Definition of Fasting

Medically:
Glucose  is the body's primary fuel source and is essential for the brain's functioning. When denied glucose for more than 4–8 hours, the body turns to the liver  for glycogen, a storage form of glucose, to be used for fuel. A process called glycogenolysis converts glycogen into a usable form of fuel. At this point, the body also uses small amounts of protein to supplement this fuel. This fuel will last for up to 12 hours before the body needs to turn to glycogen stored in muscles, lasting for a few more days. If glucose is still denied at this point, muscle wasting is prevented by temporarily switching to fat as the fuel source, meaning fat is converted into ketone through catabolism. Ketones, while not sugars, can be used by the brain as a fuel source as long as glucose is denied.

Spiritually:
Today’s contemporaries are desperately trying to find a new spiritual identity. We have surrounded ourselves with a plethora of techno-gizmos that furnish an illusion of being in control. The feeling of mobility provided by computers, TV and internet are able to hide the powerlessness we have over our own inner will and emotions.

It’s time for a change.

At the start, it is going to hurt.

Fasting is a knife that cuts away superficiality, getting to the bone. Effective, because it is able to break up daily patterns upon which you have become so dependent. When those patterns of pleasure are removed, you are left with your own internal resources. If those resources are bankrupt, then during fasting, you will come face to face with a vacuum that only God can fill.

Fasting accomplishes two purposes. First, it will reveal how much the flesh has taken control of your emotions. And secondly, it will serve in breaking the flesh’s hold upon the will.

During fasting, patterns of living are broken. Fasting can be an oasis of spiritual refreshment in a life that has become a desert of uselessness. A spiritual desert that has been left in the wake of selfish materialism.

Fasting is not something which we are offering up to God, but, instead, it assists in offering ourselves up to God (Rom. 12:1-2).


(From Wikipedia & http://www.freedomyou.com/fasting_book/spiritual%20fasting.html)

4/14 of 'Juice Cleanse': Energized

Kids've been bringing me the juice and water, making sure I'll drink for the whole day..how sweet they are. Thanks Paul for helping to juice those tons & tons of fruits for me..:-)

I believe that we have to search happiness from within ourselves not from others, but receiving the attentions from people around that you love the most are also hard to resist :-)


6 Kids piano competitions are all around the corner, well, starting today (to be exact). It's time to test my 'balance' as well between real life and the 'hibernate' life. To know what's more important...interesting!

The different between 'hibernation' in animals and in this 'fasting period' is that it is not a state of inactivity of metabolic depression, but is the state of finding the inner power and to be able to turn it into 'real beauty' (in whatever degree).

Those people, my family, are (again) reminding me how worthwhile this life is....hmm, beautifull ^_^

3rd day of the 14: Fulfill

Feel much better as my body & mind are starting to co-operate with me to accomplish this mission. So much things to do & to be done with, but these are not the excuse to be 'soft', because there're still 11 more days to go!
This is just an idea for brekky, brunch, or whenever..enjoy :-)

Surprisingly, these 2 days are much easier than in the first fasting period, perhaps all because of our mind.
 I made up my mind to have 'NO' other choices than my option here, therefore, I started to feel much better.

Other thing that is happening is that I burped more than usual, probably just the symptom of releasing gas from the digestive tract since only liquid that enter my stomach.

2nd day of the 14: Warmth

Still feel alive (although a little 'weak' yesterday), but looking forward for today!

Just another food idea for today. It's winter and it's nice to feel warm on the inside. It's simple and fast cooking method.

I felt more content now as I woke up at 3.40am, started to pray and did meditation...I had a sudden glimpse (again) that this life is really worth of living! There's nothing should be doubtful about, just trust 'somebody up there' (God, to me).
I felt even blessed that I even have this 'urge' or I should call it 'opportunity' to have this '14-Day Juice Cleanse' idea.
Although this is only 2nd day, nothing much to tell, but I know (deep down) that I will finish it beautifully, just looking forward to see what I'll be going through in this 14 days.

So..

For those of you who is/are thinking, doing this...my suggestion is, once you believe with this idea of juice cleanse benefits (Google and read as much as possible), 'JUST DO IT!! Seriously, the more you think, the more you  (procrastinate), then, the action will never happened!

'JUST DO IT!! ...and enjoy the ride as much as possible.


Go to Your Destiny!

Having trouble sticking with your plan? '14-Day Juice Cleanse'

After combining reading with my own experiences I had with the juice fasting, allow me to put those obstacles and tips together to help your rides as pleasant and enjoyable as possible.

The intention of this detox style is to speed up our body’s natural detoxification process and eliminate as much toxins as possible within the short period of time. During this period of detoxification, our cells and organs are given the chance to rapidly purge out toxins and rest. It is also the time for them to rejuvenate and repair the body systems.

To see the recipe, click here.


Having trouble sticking with your plan? Here are some ideas that may relate to you:

1. When to start? (procrastination..)
Answer: Pick the date to start, decide how many days of fasting and JUST DO IT!!

(after starting..)
2. Thinking of quitting?
Answer: Some discomfort is to be expected when you’re cleansing, they call it detox symptoms, known as a healing crisis. A slight headache, body aches, irritability and bad breath are signs that your body is responding to the process and attempting to remove toxins. They will subside within one or two days. Meditation and/or herbal warmed bath help lots in the process to release tensions and discomforts. Consult your qualified health practitioner if you have doubts/concerns.

3. Hungry or just want to eat something?
Answer: That's why it is important to decrease your food intake days before the cleanse. If you consume enough juice, you should NOT be hungry, perhaps it is just your ego. Continue drinking water! No fiber supplement as it will bulk up any waste in your colon and make you feel more full..JUST STICK WITH YOUR JUICE ONLY! Put some salts in your tongue are also beneficial.

4. More tips?
Re-direct your focus to some other things like doing relaxing activities like yoga, reading books, exercising, teaching kids (in my case :-), meditating that bring you joy as these will help you to occupy the hunger.

During your cleanse, once your hunger has subsided, your mind may still think it needs food. Prepare for this possibility with daily affirmations. Believe in yourself that you will be able to finish the cleanse.

Many people have made it through this process and you can too! Relax and imagine how much different you will feel after your juice cleanse..emotionally, physically, most significantly is spiritually (for me). If you have to stop early (for whatever reasons), relax! You can always try again in a few months.

I wish you all and myself the very best as I still have to go back once in awhile to read the above notes if I had 'issue(s).'

Go To Your Destiny!

The 1st day in 14days of 'Juice Cleanse': Inspiring

Today, is the day I've been waiting for (scared or happy).

Why?

Because it's the day I will 'disconnect' myself to the 'real world'. No foods or anything else apart from water and juice for 14 days....yes, 14 days! But hey, I've done it before and they were fantastic, so, I'm looking forward to see the result again this time.

If you're interested, find out more about the '14-Day Juice Cleanse' recipe here.

Food has been my big part in creativity (after I stopped working as someone creative).. therefore, I will still continue my tradition even during this fasting season by cooking something different in my way (since I still have to cook everyday, anyway). Hopefully, I can make something different on other people's table in this 14 days.

The slogan is

Face it when I can't have it,
Smell it when I can't taste it,
Cook it when I can only create it, and let others taste it!

‘14-Day Juice Cleanse’ recipe

For those who want to know the fruit juicer I used during my '14-Day Juice Cleanse', highly recommended using cold-pressed system!

More info of juicer I used at http://www.giftofideas.com/foodjuicer.html

Ingredients:

Carrot: 2 kg with skin

Red apple: 3, with skin

Green apple: 3, with skin

Lemon: 1/3, squished

Beetroot: 1/3, with no skin


This makes 1 litre of juice, which is the daily minimum (no maximum amount).

Water - drink lots of water 2-3 liters and preferably filtered, to help flush out toxins

Drinking bottles – Stainless steal bottle is preferable over plastic.

Drinking straws - it is best to drink juice through a straw. This helps to slow down the rate to consumption and increases the exposure time of the juice to the salivary enzymes allowing for faster assimilation into your body. Holding the juice in your mouth for a few moments and “chew it” before swallowing will further enhance the action of the enzymes in your mouth.

Himalayan Rock Salt - found at health food shops. 2-3 little rocks every hour or so,placed directly into tongue should your craving arrised.

Apple cider vinegar - always wash your fruits in the sink with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for every 1 litre of water. This helps to remove waxes, chemicals, herbicide and pesticides.

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

Young coconut - the water(without the meat) from 1-2 coconuts per day.
Some of benefits of coconut juice is great source of potassium – has more potassium than two bananas which is vital for optimal nerve and muscle function and regulating fluid levels within cells.

* Decrease your meal's portion slowly as the day of fasting come closer to let the body and BRAIN adjusting nicely with no foods at all for 14 days.

** For the first 1-2 days are normally quite critical as our body re-adjust beautifully, and it goes smoothly days after. If you think it's too challenging, you can try 7 days instead of 14 days to start and repeat it again at least 6 months later.

Other than that, what you need are just being PERSISTENT & PERSEVERANCE, nothing else!

*** Note: Should you have any health concern(s)/doubts, please consult your respected health advisor before and/or after, as this recipe is just a guideline I've been using over and over again. And the results are FANTASTIC physically, mentally, and most importantly my spiritually aspects!

Good Luck, and share with me your journey! For more TIPS of how to stick with the plan, click here.

(Recipe from Leah, Nutritionist)

14-Day of Juice Cleanse.....'fruit Juice' ONLY, and it's juiced NOT using blender.