Update
What is fasting? Why do you fast? How do you fast? When do you fast? How long do you fast?
We’re all vaguely aware of the term “fasting”. There’s so many different options and versions, and “diets,” tied to this word, many individuals are confused about when to fast, or why.
Well, here’s one notion of relief for you… If you are capable of eating dinner by 6 or 7pm and waking up in the morning any time after 2 or 3am, you’ve actually accomplished one version of fasting. Though passive, you‘ve managed to fast for 8 to 10, or more, hours through the night. Congratulations! This is a form of passive fasting, though unintentional, we all have managed to master this one version, subconsciously.
So, why has there been so much hype built up around daytime fasting? Why are there so many different options and versions, and “diets,” tied to this one word?
The answers are simple… Modern day vanity! (you thought I was going to say something a little more thought provoking… nope)
The harsh reality is that modern society has taken a spiritual tradition from other cultures and capitalized on the efforts of the elders to maintain greater spiritual risings. Now we have “scientific” proof of how it works and why YOU should participate in one or the other. This is a habitual tradition in modern day Western culture, from how we eat to how we perceive beauty and culture, in general.
We’ve decided to take a brief look at the many fasting options and traditions associated with them. Keeping in mind that the idea stems strictly from the spiritual connection of the ancestors to the earth over few to many days of prayer and meditation in solitude.
Calorie Restriction (intermittent fasting)
There are four known “intermittent fasting” diets that have become popular over the years:
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(1) Time-restricted eating
This involves limiting the number of hours an individual is allowed to eat in any given day (usually 6-8 hours), where the remainder of the day nothing else may be consumed.
(2) Alternate-day fasting
This involves skipping eating or minimizing calorie intake every-other day.
(3) 5:2 eating
This involves eating an unrestricted diet for 5 days straight, then restricting calorie intake for the first or last 2 days of the week.
(4) Periodic fasting
This involves eating a calorie restricted diet for a specific amount of days within the month, consecutively, then eating an unrestricted diet for the remainder of said month.
This method of dieting was made popular back in the early 1990s. Since the very first theories about calorie restrictions benefits on the human body, many other options have surfaced and evolved.
Nutritional Restriction (diet planning)
There are over 5 well-known diet planning options that have become popular over the years, 7 of which are listed below:
"Every Year 200,000 Americans are rushed to the hospital to treat an allergic reaction from food."
-- American Dining Creations
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(1) Dairy restrictions
This involves the limiting or complete removal of dairy product consumption from the daily diet.
(2) Gluten restrictions
This involves the limiting or complete removal of gluten-containing product consumption from the daily diet.
(3) Meat restrictions
This involves the limiting or complete removal of meats and meat product consumption from the daily diet.
(4) Animal product restrictions
This involves the limiting or complete removal of animal product consumption from the daily diet.
(5) Kosher restrictions
This involves the Jewish dictatorship of foods allowed to be consumed daily. This diet explicitly prohibits any type of pork, but generally allows meats that are processed and prepared in certain manners, and prohibits any blood containing or dairy mixing with meats.
(6) Keto restrictions
This involves the limiting of carbohydrate consumption from the daily diet. These restrictions include grains, legumes, vegetable starches, some fruits, and high-sugar foods.
(7) Carbohydrate restrictions
This involves the limiting or complete removal of carbohydrate consumption from the daily diet. Though extremely similar to the “Keto,” this diet offers a little more flexibility, in the fact that an individual may choose to carb-count daily as a means to lower overall intake.
This method of dieting includes several other dietary restrictions that may be directly or indirectly related to an individual’s overall health and medical circumstance, the same as many of the ones we’ve listed here. The popularity of these restrictions fluctuate with the start and evolution of the medical industry.
Seasonal (environmental)
There are no specific diet plan outlines for this type of dieting, since restrictions are strictly geographical. In fact, this choice of fasting may be the most closely related to the original purpose of the word, in modern day.
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When choosing seasonal eating patterns for meals, it is important to be aware of what is in season locally, as it pertains to fruits and vegetables. This research can be conducted online, or by simply visiting the local farmer’s market. The most efficient way to find “in-season” produce would be to visit the local farmer’s market. This may also be the most economical and patriotic way to participate in this pattern of eating.
Generally speaking, it may even be more economical to take on the hobby of gardening for self-sustainability and preference. (this will be discussed in a later post)
Many of these “fasting” diets are being used as a means to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The fact is, whether an individual is looking to lose weight or maintain a healthier lifestyle, consistency is the key. The true challenge is remaining consistent after achieving the desired results, for continued success.
Nonetheless, fasting and dieting are not the same, though many individuals blur the lines of understanding, simply because one is a direct result from practicing the other. Yes, we can lose weight during a fast, but fasting was not intended to be a weight-loss gateway. Fasting was meant to assist individuals with their spiritual awakening.
Complete Beauty Solutions’ owner is no stranger to fasting and encourages the practice for all the right reasons. If you wish to personalize your own fasting experience, set up a free one-on-one session with her today or learn more about healthy lifestyle choices with our self-paced online course.
Complete Beauty Solutions
I am no stranger to fasting and encourage the practice for all the right reasons. If you wish to personalize your own fasting experience, set up a free one-on-one session with me today or learn more about healthy lifestyle choices with our self-paced online course.