The Cultural History of Fasting and 'Cleansing' Through Restricting Foods

2011 was a great year for me. I started this blog, traveled Europe, fell in love with a pastry chef, and helped in the fight against hunger and obesity. I hope to only do more in 2012. Starting the year with a ritual cleanse, both physically and spiritually, prepares me for the long list of goals, resolutions, and visions I have for the 12 months ahead. Last year I started with a 2 week intensive cleanse in which I restricted certain foods, meditated, got my sweat on and harnessed only positive energy. After those 2 weeks I didn't eat meat, drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or eat many processed foods until April. I ended up losing close to 40 lbs by the time I left for Europe, but I felt fantastic. I am doing it again this year and hope to adopt it as more of a lifestyle. Fasting and Cleansing have long been used by our ancestors as a way to spiritually and physically prepare for holy days, wars, rituals, and other traditions because they believe it to more wholly connect us with the divine.
A friend of mine asked me to write down my journey in the next few months. Yes, it is possible I will lose more weight as I stride along, but no my soul purpose of doing this is not to shed pounds. This requires more than just saying "no" to steaks and martinis; it requires peace of mind and acceptance of yourself.  So for now, these are some basic recipes and resources to help myself along, as you requested :)

Cleansing Kit I am using: GNC Complete Body Cleansing 7-day program

In addition some vitamins I am using:

Vitamin B-12 Sublingual Tablets (for natural energy)
Niacin (at night for relaxation)

What I am eating:

-No Dairy Products (I drink Almond Milk)
-No soy or soy byproducts
-No corn or corn byproducts (high fructose corn syrup, etc)
-Fish is ok, but no other meat
-No Alcohol
-Organic Fruits and Vegetables if you can (if not, just regular fruits and veggies)
-Sources of protein such as beans, quinoa, brown rice, and protein powder
-Whole Grains
-No refined sugar
-No white flour
-Low salt (use herbs, citrus and spices as seasonings)
-Eat foods high in fiber
-Drink Green Tea and Mint Tea throughout the day
-Drink at least 64 oz of purified water throughout the day
-Eat wholesome and homemade meals, no prepared or processed foods!

Activity:

I try to sweat at least for an hour an day. If you can't work out 7 days a week, work out at least 3-4 and use a sauna for the other days.
Books I am reading:
A Course in Weight Loss: 21 Spiritual Lessons to Surrendering your Weight Forever
Hatha Yoga Illustrated
The Vegetable Dishes I Can't Live Without


This is basically it! I know it sounds cliche, but this is not a diet, it's the framework to how everyone should eat. I'm not an expert, just someone who feels better physically and emotionally after treating your body well by eating right and exercising. I will post some more cultural history of the fast and why it promotes health and well being :) Good Luck and many Blessings!

Here are some recipes that I have been using for healthy ways to cook your veggies!

White Bean Hummus

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame-seed paste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (19-ounce) can cannelini or other white beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender, and process until the mixture is smooth. Eat with raw veggies or whole wheat bread. Enjoy!