Hi, it's Jenn again. For those that don't know - I’m 55, married for 28 years. Mom of 3, with 5 grandbabies.
I wrote about it last year but I thought I would 'freshen it up' for the upcoming Holidays. The "Holiday Gauntlet". LOL. So what my new doctor prescribed was fasting. Intermittent Fasting is what it's called. Now before I lose some of you - that's not what this is about. Well.. just stick with me for a bit.
Have you even heard of Intermittent Fasting? Basically skipping meals. I used this method for a few months with great results - dropped 45 in ten weeks and 67 lbs overall, lowered my blood pressure and BMI at the same time.
Intermittent fasting is basically not eating for a certain amount of time. And specifically, not eating or drinking anything that will trigger a digestion response.
Well, that's getting way to technical. Look it up if you want. But I'm here to tell you that fasting works! But it also can be really hard. The time range from 18 hours to 24, 48 and even more.
My longest fast was 3 full days. I was a little delirious, light headed, foggy, etc. Never again, but I have to say that I actually like 18 hours - basically skipping breakfast. And 24-hour isn't that bad. I can endure 32 hours. But 2 and 3 days fasts are too much.
Sometimes, hunger got the best of me. Other times, the habit of snacking got it the way.
To help with hunger and snacking, I use a cocktail of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), water and lemon. No specific recipe, but I mix a tablespoon of ACV into a full large glass of ice water, topped off with the juice of half a lemon. Some use baking soda to even out the acidity, but I don't.
Before we all out and go start fasting on your own, just know that some should not fast. Ask your Doctor about fasting. My mom even said "you don't want to stop your metabolism." LOL.
I get the benefit of fasting without actually fasting. But that's what this is - a way to trigger your body into "fasting mode" without going through fasting. And this is what I am using now.