Fasting - The Fruit Fast
Have you ever abstained from food before ? What is generally termed 'fasting?'
Fasting was a custom prevalent in Indian households from Vedic times. It was presented as a religious ritual so that people actually took it seriously and made it part of their everyday life.
Ekadasi was supposed to be the day for fasting and it appeared twice in a month. On this day people abstained from eating any solid food and drank just plain water. The next morning they broke the fast with Dwadasi (a feast of rice,various vegetables,lentils and spinach).
Fasting helped them keep a nice balance. Any excess of food eaten or any lack of exercise or any illness was all evened out during these days when the stored food inside the body was used for all metabolic activities. Fasting was thus a common practice in many households. But of course, as time went by, religion became unfashionable and was seen as divisive. So out went the rituals through the window.
But religion apart, for those of us who are keen on being fit , fasting can be a valuable aid. Combined with mild , regular exercise, it can take away unwanted calories from your body, liven up your skin tone, improve complexion, remove toxins and make the blood flow freely throughout your body.
My favorite Fast is the Fruit Fast. What is the Fruit Fast ? For three whole days in a month you fast on fruits and fruit juices . The fruits can be citrus fruits, apple, guava, banana, pear, pomegranate, papaya and any other fruit of your choice. Eat large helpings of fruit and vary it with fruit juices. If you do not have access to a lot of fruits, you can safely add carrots, cucumber, sprouts and beetroot to your diet.
You can do the Fruit Fast once every month. And when you see the results you will be grinning from ear to ear ! Because you will have lost some weight, your skin will begin to shine and your toxins will start being flushed out and you'll feel lighter !!
The first time I tried it I could not hold the fast for three whole days and gave it up at the end of 1.5 days. I felt miserable and gobbled a lot of comfort food after that. But then I am not a quitter. I tried again the next month and the month after that and increased the time span till I was able to do three whole days with a mix of vegetables and fruits and feel good all the time.
I usually try it during weekends when I wont have to travel or do a lot of work.
The thing to remember is, when you are on a diet of fruits, you are also not taking in common salt which can be pretty tough. I personally feel that the craving for salt is higher than the craving for sugar. So you have to be really strong to hold out.
Another thing to take note is that this fast may not be suitable for diabetics or people with specific health issues but all others can benefit immensely .
Try it once and tell me what you think.😊
Fasting was a custom prevalent in Indian households from Vedic times. It was presented as a religious ritual so that people actually took it seriously and made it part of their everyday life.
Ekadasi was supposed to be the day for fasting and it appeared twice in a month. On this day people abstained from eating any solid food and drank just plain water. The next morning they broke the fast with Dwadasi (a feast of rice,various vegetables,lentils and spinach).
Fasting helped them keep a nice balance. Any excess of food eaten or any lack of exercise or any illness was all evened out during these days when the stored food inside the body was used for all metabolic activities. Fasting was thus a common practice in many households. But of course, as time went by, religion became unfashionable and was seen as divisive. So out went the rituals through the window.
But religion apart, for those of us who are keen on being fit , fasting can be a valuable aid. Combined with mild , regular exercise, it can take away unwanted calories from your body, liven up your skin tone, improve complexion, remove toxins and make the blood flow freely throughout your body.
My favorite Fast is the Fruit Fast. What is the Fruit Fast ? For three whole days in a month you fast on fruits and fruit juices . The fruits can be citrus fruits, apple, guava, banana, pear, pomegranate, papaya and any other fruit of your choice. Eat large helpings of fruit and vary it with fruit juices. If you do not have access to a lot of fruits, you can safely add carrots, cucumber, sprouts and beetroot to your diet.
You can do the Fruit Fast once every month. And when you see the results you will be grinning from ear to ear ! Because you will have lost some weight, your skin will begin to shine and your toxins will start being flushed out and you'll feel lighter !!
The first time I tried it I could not hold the fast for three whole days and gave it up at the end of 1.5 days. I felt miserable and gobbled a lot of comfort food after that. But then I am not a quitter. I tried again the next month and the month after that and increased the time span till I was able to do three whole days with a mix of vegetables and fruits and feel good all the time.
I usually try it during weekends when I wont have to travel or do a lot of work.
The thing to remember is, when you are on a diet of fruits, you are also not taking in common salt which can be pretty tough. I personally feel that the craving for salt is higher than the craving for sugar. So you have to be really strong to hold out.
Another thing to take note is that this fast may not be suitable for diabetics or people with specific health issues but all others can benefit immensely .
Try it once and tell me what you think.😊
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