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Fasting & Exercise To Control Your Weight By Eva Fry

Fasting the Healthy Way By Rebecca Livermore

Fasting - Is It Really Dangerous For Your Health? By Christain Cullen

Learn the Do’s and Don’t of Fasting By Foras Aje

The Basics of Juice Fasting By Michael Russell

Fasting & Exercise To Control Your Weight By Eva Fry

Fasting and Exercise have been a simple way for me to keep my weight in control. I am 5’ 3” and I keep my weight around 110 lbs. I am healthy and strong at age 67.

The program:

You choose when you want to fast

1. Once a week or

2. When you have over eaten and feel stuffed.

3. When you don’t like how you feel or look.

4. When you are planning on eating out and want to be able to eat and enjoy without feeling guilty.

How do you fast?

Go without breakfast and lunch – try to go from dinner to dinner – a 24 hours period. If you do this regularly you shouldn’t have to fast more than one day at a time. I have fasted for 3 days and the most a 5-day fast but that was only when I felt I was desperate and sometimes for health cleanses. Normally I fast only one day a week or when ever I feel I need to fast. Mostly I fast just once a month for one day.

Be Careful: When you break your fast don’t start making up for all of the food you didn’t eat by eating more than normal and making the fast a waste.

To help you fast:

1. Drink lots of water whenever you are hungry
2. Get use to the feeling of being hungry you can get to live with it and even like it because you are in control.
3. Don’t get carried away with fasting. Do it in moderation and with reason. It is not necessary to have long fasts.
4. Have the right attitude. Feel excited about how you will feel when you get to where you want to be. Don’t think of fasting as denying yourself but rather being good to you.

What are the benefits of fasting along with exercise?
1. You do feel free from the control food can have on you.
2. Your mind feels clear, you think better.
3. You like yourself better.
4. You stomach shrinks so you’re not as hungry after fasting.
5. Fasting takes away your craving.
6. You loose weight!
7. You look good!

Exercise:

My exercise has been running two miles every second day (about 1/2 hour) and on the other days do about 10 to 15 minutes of weight training with 5lb weights and stretching exercises.

1. Choose whatever exercise you enjoy.
2. Try to do it first thing in the morning.
3. Do it regularly at least 3-4 times a day for at least ½ hour.
5. If you can try to do some kind of exercise each day.
6. Don’t let weather stop you. If it’s raining, exercise in the house or wherever you are. Create an exercise program that allows you to do some kind of exercise no matter what your circumstances are.
7. Exercise until you can feel it. Get your heart rate up and perspire.

Of course, controlling your food intake is important but with this program I seem not to get out of control with my eating. I eat normally and very seldom over indulge. It seems this program helps me be in control and not to have any food addictions.

I am 67 years old and have been able to keep my weight in control with this program. It is simple. It allows you to stop weight gain before it gets a hold of you. As with all weight and exercise programs they must be done with wisdom and approval from your Doctor.

Eva Fry's mission is to help others become better and happier. She is an inspirational author, singer/songwriter/ motivational speaker and seminar leader. Eva has published three books - "YOU MUST HAVE A DREAM" -for seniors, "BE A WINNER IN LIFE"-for good kids, troubled kids and their parents. "LETTERS FROM JUVENILE HALL, KIDS HELPING KIDS" (Actual letters from kids at Juvenile Hall, intended to save other kids from destroying their lives) She invites you to use the FREE ARTICLES she has written for: at- risk kids Also FREE ARTICLES of inspiration to help meet life's challenges. http://www.evafry.com She has produced 7 Music CD's

REMEMBER (new music for seniors), OH WHAT JOY CHIRSTMAS THE LITTLE THINGS (inspirational country), I LOVE LIVING THE TEACHINGS OF THE LORD (Gospel/Christian) SAVIOR OF MINE – (Christian) GOD GAVE YOU INTELLIGENCE (for children)

CLASSICAL STYLE (instrumental)

Her music and books can be purchased at http://www.evafry.com Her books can also be ordered at any bookstore.

Fasting the Healthy Way By Rebecca Livermore

“Get in the car” my normally easy-going husband ordered, on the 18th day of what was intended to be a 40-day fast. My stubborn nature led to my refusal to eat unless a doctor told me I had to. My husband ordered me into the car so he could take me to the emergency room. He knew any doctor that examined me would order me to eat, and he was right.

Although I had previously completed a 40-day fast without any negative physical repercussions, this fast was not going so well. My breathing was labored, I could barely stand, my speech was slurred, and I couldn’t form thoughts well or spell even simple words. I was also fighting to maintain consciousness.

After tests were run, it was determined that I had metabolic acidosis, and I was admitted to the hospital. Metabolic acidosis is a pH imbalance in which the body has accumulated too much acid and doesn’t have enough bicarbonate to effectively neutralize the effects of the acid. It can be caused various ways, including starvation diets or improperly managed fasting. Severe metabolic acidosis that is left untreated will lead to coma and death. The doctor confirmed that I would have likely been in a coma or died within another 24 hours had I not received medical intervention.

The severity and seriousness of my symptoms was a wake up call for me. Everything I had read on fasting declared that it was perfectly safe, but my experience made it clear that fasting, when done improperly, can actually lead to death.

God taught me some things on a spiritual level through that situation, but for the purpose of this article, I’d like to focus on what I discovered as I researched the physical and medical aspects of fasting. My hope is to spare you, or perhaps someone you know, any potential negative physical consequences as you seek to follow the Lord through fasting.

Now let’s take a look at how to fast the healthy way.

BE ACCOUNTABLE

As a married woman, I had my husband to step in and put his foot down when I had gone too far and was abusing my body. Without his intervention, I probably would have died.

We can’t always see things clearly on our own, so may need a friend or loved one to step in and let us know it is time to stop. Whether you are married or single, submit to someone you can trust and give them permission to speak up if they feel you are ever fasting in an unhealthy manner. This is important for everyone, but even more so for women who may be more prone to eating disorders.

PREPARE IN ADVANCE

A big mistake many people make prior to beginning a fast is to fail to consider how their diet and lifestyle should be altered prior to the start of a fast. Oh, many alter their diet before fasting – by stuffing themselves with as much junk food as they can, with the hopes that it will make the time of fasting easier. This actually has the opposite effect, and will in fact increase your level of physical discomfort as you fast. So don’t do it!

Instead, at least a few days prior to the fast, cut out all animal products from your diet, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and eggs. Also cut out fried, greasy foods, and sweets, and reduce your consumption of coffee, black tea and sodas. Then, the day before the fast begins, switch over to nothing but raw fruit and vegetables. At this point, since you’ve already reduced the consumption of coffee, tea, and sodas, it should be relatively easy to completely eliminate them from your diet. Stop consuming them altogether before beginning the actual fast.

The time of preparation prior to the fast should be considered an extension of the fast itself. The time of transition is useful for the body, but can also be used to prepare on spiritual and practical levels as well. Use it to solidify the purpose of the fast and to set into place anything that will need to be dealt with during the fast. For instance, clear your calendar as much as possible, and if applicable, prepare meals for your family or make other arrangements for their meals so meals don’t have to be cooked while you’re fasting. If you don’t skimp on the preparation time, your fast will likely go more smoothly and be more effective.

UNDERSTAND THE EFFECTS ON YOUR BODY

During fasting, the body eliminates toxins. That’s a good thing, but can cause some discomfort. The most common symptom is headaches. The good news is, if you prepared properly for the fast, discomfort, while perhaps not totally eliminated, should be minimized considerably.

To help the body eliminate toxins, drink plenty of water, but don’t overdo it. Three or four quarts of water per day is a good amount. While water helps to flush out toxins, it flushes out valuable minerals as well. In fact, significant bone demineralization begins after only two days of fasting. Fasting, along with huge amounts of water intake can result in a deficiency of calcium, potassium, and magnesium. This deficiency can cause muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, and fatigue. To counteract this, you might want to take a teaspoon of calcium and magnesium before bedtime. Some people also opt to drink sports drinks intended to replace electrolytes; it’s best to pick up some at your local health food store rather than consuming the grocery store varieties that are laden with sugar.

BREAK THE FAST PROPERLY

The way you end the fast is just as important as the preparation prior to the fast. Most Christians I know who practice corporate fasting make the following a part of their fasting ritual: before the fast even ends, people who, most likely didn’t prepare properly for the fast, start discussing which restaurant they’ll all meet at immediately after the fast ends. At the conclusion of the fast, many of them will be found gorging themselves at the local Mexican restaurant. As tempting as that might be, unless you want to pay for that dearly on a physical level, don’t do it!

Instead, try this. Reintroduce food slowly, in smaller than normal amounts. Start off with fresh fruit that has a low acidic level. The second day, in addition to fruit, add in tossed green salads, with minimal salad dressing, if any. On the third day, add in proteins such as grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. By the fourth day you should be back to eating normally, without any problem.

As you can see, counting the time needed to prepare prior to the fast, the actual fast itself, and the time slowly reintroducing food, a three-day fast should actually be a nine-day process. Although this requires discipline, and won’t be easy, your body will be much healthier if you handle it this way. Consider the days prior to and after the fast as extra practice in denying the flesh and exercising the spiritual fruit of self control.

SOME PEOPLE SHOULDN’T FAST

Even if done properly, some people shouldn’t fast, especially when it comes to water-only fasts. Here are some categories of people who should either not fast, or be particularly cautious when fasting:

1. Infants and children. There is really no reason for infants and children to fast. Due to their lack of maturity, they would likely not really understand the spiritual purpose of fasting, and their bodies need to take in ample nutrients regularly. If your children want to participate in a corporate fast, encourage them to give up something other than food. For instance, a friend of mine has a five-year-old son who decided to give up gumballs (something he really loves) during the time their church was fasting. Other children may want to give up an activity they enjoy such as playing video games or watching TV. Giving up something needs to be a choice the child makes, rather than something that is forced.

2. Pregnant or nursing women. Water-only fasts should definitely be avoided by women who are pregnant or nursing. The baby requires so many nutrients for normal development, and is dependent on the mother’s proper nutrition to receive those nutrients. Fasting while pregnant or nursing is, in a sense, forcing your baby to fast. If you really desire to fast during this time of life, consider a short, one-or two day juice fast. Don’t skimp on the amount of juice you consume during the fast, and consider consulting your doctor prior to fasting.

3. People with cancer. Cancer is usually indicative of, among other things, an immune system that is not in good shape. Water-only fasts are not a good idea during this time. Instead, try a juice fast, consisting of a variety of fresh fruit and vegetable juices for optimal benefit. Discuss with your doctor how a juice fast can best be combined with the treatment plan already in place.

4. People with other health concerns such as diabetes. Water-only fasts should be avoided by those with significant health issues such as diabetes. However, juice fasts MAY be an option, but should be undertaken only under a doctor’s close supervision. Diabetics in particular should monitor their blood sugar levels, and if needed, adjust their medication during a juice fast.

5. The elderly. Water-only fasts should be avoided by elderly people, especially if they generally eat the typical American diet that is high in fat, preservatives, and other chemicals. As is true with the other categories of people who need to be cautious, elderly people who desire to fast may opt for a juice fast, and may also want to consult their doctor prior to embarking on a fast.

If you have significant health concerns, including ones not mentioned above, or if you want to fast for longer than three days, please don’t even consider beginning the fast without first consulting your doctor. He or she can help you develop a fasting plan that will be safe, and perhaps even help rather than hurt your body.

ADJUST YOUR LIFESTYLE WHILE FASTING

Fasting does little good on a spiritual level if you continue on with all of your normal activities and don’t set aside extra time to pray and seek the Lord. Additionally, especially if you participate in a longer fast, your physical body will require more rest, so try to take some time off work if you can while you fast. You have to remember that when Jesus fasted, He went off into the wilderness and spent time alone with God. During His times of fasting, He pulled back from public ministry, and focused instead on one-on-one time with the Father.

ALTERNATIVES TO WATER-ONLY FASTS

Perhaps you’d like to fast, but have a physical condition that limits or completely restricts that possibility. Or perhaps you have a job that is extremely demanding physically and you therefore cannot realistically spend any extended time fasting. If that’s the case, you might want to participate in a partial fast, or fast from something other than food.

Since my experience with metabolic acidosis, I have been unable to fast for longer than two days. Part of that may be due to long-lasting physical ramifications that occurred during my fast that went bad, and part of it may be psychological. Either way, I’ve looked for other options if I desire to fast for longer than two days. Here are some things that I, and others I know, have tried.

1. A partial fast. This is a fast where you cut out all sweets, meat, dairy, fried foods, etc. and eat nothing but fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Unless this is your normal diet, this type of fast requires a great deal of discipline, and the exercise of self control. The good news is, this can be done indefinitely, since it is a very healthy way to eat. If you want to fast for an extended period of time, a partial fast may be a great option.

A less extreme option can be fasting from a particular item such as sugar, coffee, etc. for a specified period of time.

2. A media fast. You may be a computer junkie with an intense need to read and send email, read message boards, or surf the Internet. Or perhaps you can’t imagine a day without reading the newspaper, watching TV, reading novels, or listening to the radio or MP3 player. If that’s the case, fasting from the media may be just what you need to pull you away from the clamoring voices of the world around you so that you can more clearly hear from the Lord. This also, of course, is a type of fast that can be done for long periods of time.

3. A financial fast. Some find it helpful to choose not to spend any unnecessary money for a specified period of time. If you are going to do this type of fast, you’ll need to determine ahead of time what types of things are necessary, and which are not. If you’re married, this is something that needs to be discussed with your spouse, with a high level of agreement before you begin. You might want to consider donating the money you saved during this time to a charity or person in need.

4. Sacrificing anything else you enjoy but that isn’t necessary. An example would be talking on the phone, going out to lunch with friends, or going to the mall.

Fasting doesn’t have to be extreme to be pleasing to the Lord. My prayer is that you’ll seek God’s will for incorporating the discipline of fasting into your life, and that you’ll honor Him, as you fast in a way that helps, rather than harms your body.

Disclaimer: Please be advised that I am not a medical professional. The information in this article should be considered introductory in your journey to fast in a healthy manner. If you have the desire to participate in a prolonged fast (more than three days), have health issues, or plan to fast regularly, please discuss the points in this article with your doctor.

© 2006 by Rebecca Livermore, a Christian speaker and writer from Denver, Colorado. Her passion is helping people grow spiritually. To read more of her articles on Christian living, and to check out her always growing selection of Christian resource materials, visit http://www.rebeccalivermore.com

Fasting - Is It Really Dangerous For Your Health? By Christain Cullen

Fasting involves restricting your dietary intake to a liquid and liquid only. The liquid can be either water, tea, or fruit juice. Proponents of fasting recommend occasional regular short fasts, lasting from two to five days, as part of a general health-maintenance regimen. Advocates recommend that longer fasts for health maintenance or the healing of illness, lasting a month or more, be conducted under medical supervision.

For fasts lasting more than one week, fruit juices are given to supply the nutrients needed to maintain health. Some add enemas as part of the detoxification fasting regimen. Proponents claim that because the body is relieved of its usual chore of breaking food down into its elemental nutrients, fasting allows the body's inner resources to focus on cleansing and healing. Cleansing is said to be accomplished through the elimination of existing toxins.

Fasting claims to enhance the immune system and reduces the demands placed on it. In addition to its role as part of health maintenance, some believe that fasting is an effective way to treat illnesses, including arthritis, ulcers, heart disease, asthma, and other problems.

The ancient belief that fasting purifies the soul has been extended to the current view that fasting also can purify the body. Fasting maintains and restores health through physiological mechanisms. Included in these mechanisms are shifting physiological effort from food conversion to the elimination of toxins, reducing the immune system's workload, releasing pesticides and other chemicals from body fat, and eliminating the body of nonessential tissue.

It is helpful to look at these beliefs in terms of scientific information about the well-studied sequence of events that occurs when people start fasting. When body weight declines, water and fat, but not toxins, are lost from cells. Toxins therefore are left behind. Nutrients are needed to sustain immune competence, the ability of the body's disease-fighting immune system to make antibodies and other proteins and cells. Immune system failure, not enhancement, occurs when people do not eat enough to provide the nutrients that sustain proper immune function. Instead of reducing its workload, fasting impedes the immune system.

Advocates explain that people feel sick when fasting because toxins are leaving the body. Actually, fasting decreases the immune system's ability to destroy and eliminate toxins. Fasting also causes a drop in blood sugar levels, which causes a breakdown of tissues needed for energy. This leads people to feel sick because the brain and other tissues fail to receive needed sugars, and the body's metabolism is forced to remove the needed nutrients from muscle and liver tissue. At the same time, the liver and kidneys are not able to do their work of handling the by-products of protein breakdown.

Fasting can harm all organs. It is extremely dangerous to health, especially for those who are malnourished by chronic illness, yet some proponents recommend fasting to treat chronic illnesses. The slimmer the individual, the more dangerous a fast will be. The longer the fast, the more life-threatening it becomes. Studies show that when people reach 56% of their appropriate body weight, death occurs. The body cannot distinguish between intentional fasting and starvation.

Solid scientific research does not support the claims of fasting advocates. To the contrary, it contradicts those claims and indicates the dangers of fasting, even with water or juices. Reducing the number of calories you eat while maintaining a normal, balanced diet will reduce your weight. But consuming only water, tea, or juice is harmful, not helpful, to health and should be avoided especially by those who are ill.

Advocates believe that fasting can produce fatigue, anemia, irregular heartbeat, body aches, nausea, dizziness, and other negative effects. They refer to these as temporary problems that precede feelings of well-being, mental clarity, internal cleanliness, and other benefits.

Contrary to advocacy claims, fasting does not and cannot heal medical conditions, assist immune or other physiological function, or play a role in health maintenance. The decreased supply of blood glucose leads the body to break down muscle for energy, causing weakness, depression, fatigue, and sick feelings.

If you want to read more about healthy eating click over to Christain's site at @ http://angelogy.com/healthy-eating

Learn the Do’s and Don’t of Fasting By Foras Aje

Though it has been labeled the “Greatest Remedy; the physician within”, Fasting, being a radical practice, must be undertaken with care for success.

Now, there are several types of fasts one can choose from, and they are all more or less effective. They include

1. The complete water fast: This, admittedly, should be conducted with extreme caution or in a specialized sanitarium if undertaken more than 3 days.

2. The Juice Fast: This is much easier for the general populace and can be undergone as long as you feel like it.

3. The Fruit Fast: This, well, is really not a fast per se…but when one lives exclusively on SEASONAL ORGANIC fruits for days on end…meaning mono meals (2 at the most ) of only one kind of fruit say Apples in Fall, Melons in summer for a week plus, you will be bound to see the benefits.

Now, that we’ve discussed the types, let’s go over the do’s and don’t of fasting for success with them. This way, anyone interested in engaging in a fast could succeed with it.

The Do's

When using fasting for a body detox cleanse, ensure that you do the following:

1. Get as Much Fresh Air as possible.

2. Get as Much Rest as Possible

3. Start off the day with some unflavored fresh lemonade.

4. End each day with a herbal laxative Tea.

The Don'ts

1. DON'T use microwaves...at all.

2. Avoid negative mass media and suggestions.

3. Don't overexert yourself, at least not till you feel up to physical activities

4. Don't break a fast with just any food...fruits are your best bet.

Though not a conclusive list of the dos and don’ts of fasting, the tips above are perhaps the most important ones. Furthermore, be well informed that when undertaken properly, you’d not only lose the undesired weight, but you’d be well on your way to a cleaner and better you in no time.

Here’s to Health and Wellness.

The Basics of Juice Fasting By Michael Russell

There are a number of reasons why people undergo detoxification procedures. It may be done to address a specific health condition, as a measure to decrease body weight or to restore the optimal functioning of the bodily organs for improved health.

There are several ways to accomplish a good detoxification process. Some do it via water fasting or the intake of large amounts of water only for a certain period of time. Water fasting metabolizes body fats for fuel and prompts the elimination of toxins which are commonly stored with the fats. Some will go for a raw food diet. The live enzymes in fresh fruits and vegetables provide the body with the much-needed nutrients commonly absent in cooked and processed foods. Still others swear by the effectiveness of a juice fast. Commonly termed as the "king of all detoxification methods", juice fasting (or juicing) combines the benefits of both water fasting and a raw food diet.

What is Juice Fasting? Juice fasting involves taking in exclusively fresh fruit and vegetable juices for a short period of time. Organically grown ingredients are preferred since we are trying to eliminate toxins in our bodies. To be able to prepare juice diets properly, a juicer which separates the juice from the pulp and/or fiber is needed.

A typical juice fast normally lasts anywhere from one to three days. Medical supervision is required for fasts, which last for more than three days. Also, for extended fasts, a thorough medical assessment is in order to make sure that nutrient deficiencies will not occur.

Precautions: While a juice fast provides invaluable health benefits, it is not recommended for everyone. Among those who are not allowed to embark on a juice fast are the following:

. Pregnant or lactating women
. Children
. Those who will undergo or have just recently undergone a surgical procedure

Aside from these people, the following require strict medical supervision if they are going to take advantage of the benefits of a juice fast:

. People suffering from asthma, anemia, cancer, diabetes, low blood sugar, epilepsy, gout, kidney and liver diseases, impaired immune functions, ulcerative colitis and other chronic conditions
. Underweight people and those with nutritional deficiencies and eating disorders
. People with addictions
. Those who are currently taking prescription medications. Fasting is known to dramatically reduce blood proteins and either enhance or decrease the effectiveness of certain prescription drugs.

Common Side Effects: Detoxification frees the body of unwanted stored toxins. During the process of detoxification, the toxins are eliminated through the alimentary canal, the urinary tract, the lungs and the skin. As such, anyone undergoing a fast may experience a temporary acne outbreak, increased body odor, foul breath, constipation or diarrhea. Headaches, tiredness and hypoglycemia may also be experienced since the body is using the stored fats as fuel.

Be wary if you experience fainting, dizzy spells, sudden weight loss, vomiting, severe diarrhea, low blood pressure and heart irregularities during the process. If these occur, the fast should immediately be broken and medical attention should be summoned.

Breaking the Fast: After the fast, the person should gradually be reintroduced to solid foods. This is done to avoid the occurrence of any adverse reactions.

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