Pure. Earthy. Allure.

Fasting Chronicles Day 14: The day started out quietly. Nothing exciting. Went through the morning routine and felt strong enough to take a shower. Had idle chit chat with the husband about genes and the role it plays in our physical features and how lack of or too much body fat affects posture. The reality is, many people would be slightly taller if they had slightly less body fat. Went downstairs and warmed up lunch for the kids. They are having leftover burger and fries. Still drinking water, but I am feeling for coffee. I think I will have some as I prepare dinner. The husband kept me company as I prepared dinner. We talked as we usually do and had a very enlightening conversation on what some people think of fasting, health, wellness, and priorities. For us, health and wellness ranks at the top. I see many people who (and you can tell) rank the value of their material possessions - cars, houses, jewellery, etc.- at their top. The reality is, when you no longer have the val...

Fasting Chronicles Day 11: The morning started with tears. Not for or about anything in particular, just tears that needed to be shed. I am purging, detoxing, cleansing, call it what you want and this process is not just physical, it is emotional. I figure these tears represented things I have inside that need to be released. I welcomed this emotion and I embraced it. My husband reminded me that not all tears are bad, and gave the example of someone who is really excited or surprised - tears of joy. I seized this feeling, allowed the tears to flow as they did and was ready to carry on with my day. You would think that after 4 children and having them in school for as long as they have been, I would be pretty proficient and efficient at preparing snacks and lunches. Nope. It still baffles me, confuses me, frustrates me, even at times, angers me. Not when I am fasting though. Oh no, when I am fasting, lunches, breakfasts, snacks and dinners are all on point. I am clear, I know what t...

Fasting Chronicles Day 10: My alarm clock went off way too early. As I was shutting it off, I couldn't help thinking, "but I just fell asleep". Anyway, I got up and started to wake the kids up. This is usually a 30 minute ordeal. I was really feeling for water, and luckily I had left a glass of it on my husband's dresser last night. I really got excited about this because I didn't have to fumble my way downstairs to get some right away. Once I drank it, I felt the difference. I felt more energized and awake. This helped me get downstairs to start the day. I was pretty energetic as I made 4 grilled sandwiches, a turkey-egg salad sandwich, scrambled eggs, packed snacks and lunches. I was pretty proud of myself. Got the kids ready to go and already thinking about dinner, I told my husband I was going to make a trip to the grocery store to pick up a few things. I usually make 3 to 5 trips a week to the grocery store. I know...right?! The husband is not doing w...

Fasting Chronicles Day 9: The day started okay. Breakfasts, snacks, lunches and drop off. After, we made a quick stop to Bulk Barn, or what I imagined would be a quick stop. Conversation with the employees was a bit too long and I really started to feel the effects. I ended buying some teas (orange pekoe, peppermint, apple cinnamon and vanilla rooibos) . I could us e the variety and headed home. I didn't have the energy to make my tea and my husband ended making me two cups of mint tea. I feel awful. I already know how today is going to go and I just have to take it easy. It's funny, but during long fasts, a lot of bargaining with yourself goes on. Should I continue? Can I continue? Why am I continuing? Why am I even doing this? But in the end, you resolve to go on and take it day by day or if the body calls for it, you stop the fast altogether.         Tips for a successful fast: Fasting has a definite start and a definite end Drink wa...

Fasting Chronicles Day 4: The morning started out well, although I didn't take a shower this morning. When you fast, once your body has depleted its glycogen stores, the body now looks for stored fats to get its energy from. These fats that the body is feeding off of, also helps in keeping the skin moisturized. Showering everyday will dry the skin, as it does not help the skin to retain its oils. Honey ginger vinegar water was the drink this morning. It actually took me longer to finish it as usual. The afternoon brought on a really good conversation with my husband on how food is a big part of peoples lives. He shared an experience that he entered the kitchen to do something and he thought he was in there for food. That's what stirred the conversation. Food plays such an important part of our lives and I don't really think we realize how much. Are you sad? Eat! Are you in mourning? Have something to eat! Got a new job? Let's celebrate by going out to dinner. Ha...