Day 14b and 15b ---- Almost there
This post represents two days, the last two days of this fast.
I wasn't quite sure when I would end this fast. Well, that's not completely true. Although I didn't know what "day" I would end it but I knew that I would end it after I hit my goal weight of 145. I hit 145 on day 13b, so anytime after that was a fine time to quit. I hit my goal and then decided to throw in a couple of extra days for good measure.
The last time that I finished my fast was the evening before I was about to leave for the Northeast. This time I will also be breaking my fast on the evening before I leave on a trip. This time it is off to Chicago and then the Northeast.
After much consideration, we decide to go back to the same restaurant as last time and I had the same thing as last time, Sojourner Cafe's Indian Dahl. Again, it was super delicious and the company, delightful. I felt great to ear something solid. Funny to think of calling Dahl solid. It's basically mushed up lentil beans with a vegetables.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Day 13b ---- Lucky day for me
Day 13b is a lucky day for me
Please celebrate with me!! I hit my goal weight this morning!! How cool is that? Pretty cool, I'd say. My goal was to get to 145. Today I got on the scale and it read 145.0. I was pretty excited. Holly wagged her tail.
So what do I do to celebrate? Suzy is in LA and I'm home not feeling the best. My head hurts and I'm achey still. My head seems to be getting worse. I really hope not. I've been looking forward to being with Suzy and doing something when she gets home. Perhaps a nice sunset beach walk will have to do.
Today I am helping a friend, Christian, who recently lost his wife. Far too young. She was full of life and only in her 30's. To make matters worse, she leaves behind 5 wonderful children. He has to move out of his home a few steps from the beach, another challenge for him. This poor family. And I'm complaining about some aches and pains?
I have to keep this short but the main point is that I hit 145 today. Yahoo!!
Day 12b --- A day primarily alone
Day 12b --- A day primarily alone
We awoke and had a nice relaxing Saturday morning, until about 9:30 when we drove Suzy down to the train station. She will be gone until Sunday afternoon. She is visiting her sister in Los Angeles, a short hour or two train ride down the coast. It's a great way to travel to Los Angeles, relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful.
This morning I did lose a bit more weight which made me feel good of course. I've been more hungry lately but it's my fault for not consuming more broth. But that said, it isn't like I'm dying here. We've all been hungry before. After a short time we either eat something or we wait and it passes.
I've been really looking forward to eating nuts again. Kind of random, but they are sounding good these days.
For physical updates: I've been feeling a bit light headed at times. This is a first, well at least as often as I am feeling that way recently. Before it was only once every few days and it usually lasted only a few seconds to a minute at most. Now it has been two to three times a day. I really believe that it is the lack of broth and that good nutrition that I get with it. Also, I have found my lips very dry. I was at the hair cutter this morning and they actually were burning while I was in the chair. But again, this is my fault. I'm just not doing what I am supposed to be doing.
When I drink broth as my main source of liquids, I get nutrition and salt and needless to say fluids that eliminate dehydration. If I was be a "better patient", I'm sure that I would be doing fine, as I was.
I had a wonderful late afternoon and evening alone. Just me, and our sweet friend Holly. She is a very sweet and cute blonde who always greets me with loud barking whenever I come back home. She belongs to our friends Jay and Donna. Jay is a pastor at the church adjacent our property and we watch her whenever he goes out of town. She's a sweet dog.
I went for a nice walk on the beach by myself in the late afternoon and took in the sunset. I felt very comfortable being alone there. This is a very unusual way for me to feel in such a circumstance. Usually, I am restless and looking for people with whom I could speak. Some of you that know me, know this is be very true. But I was content. I am changing so much. My whole attitude has changed so much. I'm much more mellow and relaxed about things. Although I am taking only 1/3 the prescribed dosage of my anti-depressants, I feel great. Actually, I feel far better then when I was on 3 times as much. It makes no sense at all to assume consider the idea that maybe there is a link to the reduction in meds and how I'm feeling. I used to be on this dosage back about a year ago and it was unproductive. I needed a therapeutic dose and this current dose would not work back then. It's probably obvious, but I believe that it is the elimination of toxins and processed foods, that coupled with a significant reduction in weight.
I have been much colder lately, and it's not just the change in weather. Even at the house with the heat running, I find that I'm not nearly warm enough. I'm sure that losing 35 pounds has something to do with it.
Because I was chilly, I made a fire in the fireplace as I would do if Suzy and I were to spend an evening in for the night. Although I was alone, having all the lights on just seemed too much. So I dimmed the lights and lit candles as I would if my bride was with me. I like to make the environment romantic when Suzy and I are alone but I guess that I realized that I like it just for myself. Holly-the-Dog seemed to like it too as she slept soundly on the love seat nearby. I watched the news, watched some mindless youtube videos, and searched around on craigslist until it was time for bed. I have been a bit achey and headachy as well so I wasn't really up for anything more than that.
For the first time, perhaps ever, I am enjoying being alone and not afraid of having to be with myself. I have disliked myself for so many years. This is the first time, ever, that I can say that I like the person that I am. I can't believe the weight of those words. I have spent my entire life not liking myself, at all. I don't even like to look in the mirror. I take a quick glance to check my hair and then I'm out of there. I'm sure that at times that I have come across overconfident, but I think that I was over compensating for my poor self-image. My friend Ray up in North Dakota gave me a book, His Image, My Image years ago. It discusses this topic of self-image compared to how God sees us. I could never get far in the book because the pretext is that God loves me and I couldn't really start with that. I'm not saying that I have it all together. I'm sure that I have a long way to go. At least now, I'm pointed in the right direction and moving forward, even if it's slowly.
We awoke and had a nice relaxing Saturday morning, until about 9:30 when we drove Suzy down to the train station. She will be gone until Sunday afternoon. She is visiting her sister in Los Angeles, a short hour or two train ride down the coast. It's a great way to travel to Los Angeles, relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful.
This morning I did lose a bit more weight which made me feel good of course. I've been more hungry lately but it's my fault for not consuming more broth. But that said, it isn't like I'm dying here. We've all been hungry before. After a short time we either eat something or we wait and it passes.
I've been really looking forward to eating nuts again. Kind of random, but they are sounding good these days.
For physical updates: I've been feeling a bit light headed at times. This is a first, well at least as often as I am feeling that way recently. Before it was only once every few days and it usually lasted only a few seconds to a minute at most. Now it has been two to three times a day. I really believe that it is the lack of broth and that good nutrition that I get with it. Also, I have found my lips very dry. I was at the hair cutter this morning and they actually were burning while I was in the chair. But again, this is my fault. I'm just not doing what I am supposed to be doing.
When I drink broth as my main source of liquids, I get nutrition and salt and needless to say fluids that eliminate dehydration. If I was be a "better patient", I'm sure that I would be doing fine, as I was.
I had a wonderful late afternoon and evening alone. Just me, and our sweet friend Holly. She is a very sweet and cute blonde who always greets me with loud barking whenever I come back home. She belongs to our friends Jay and Donna. Jay is a pastor at the church adjacent our property and we watch her whenever he goes out of town. She's a sweet dog.
I went for a nice walk on the beach by myself in the late afternoon and took in the sunset. I felt very comfortable being alone there. This is a very unusual way for me to feel in such a circumstance. Usually, I am restless and looking for people with whom I could speak. Some of you that know me, know this is be very true. But I was content. I am changing so much. My whole attitude has changed so much. I'm much more mellow and relaxed about things. Although I am taking only 1/3 the prescribed dosage of my anti-depressants, I feel great. Actually, I feel far better then when I was on 3 times as much. It makes no sense at all to assume consider the idea that maybe there is a link to the reduction in meds and how I'm feeling. I used to be on this dosage back about a year ago and it was unproductive. I needed a therapeutic dose and this current dose would not work back then. It's probably obvious, but I believe that it is the elimination of toxins and processed foods, that coupled with a significant reduction in weight.
I have been much colder lately, and it's not just the change in weather. Even at the house with the heat running, I find that I'm not nearly warm enough. I'm sure that losing 35 pounds has something to do with it.
Because I was chilly, I made a fire in the fireplace as I would do if Suzy and I were to spend an evening in for the night. Although I was alone, having all the lights on just seemed too much. So I dimmed the lights and lit candles as I would if my bride was with me. I like to make the environment romantic when Suzy and I are alone but I guess that I realized that I like it just for myself. Holly-the-Dog seemed to like it too as she slept soundly on the love seat nearby. I watched the news, watched some mindless youtube videos, and searched around on craigslist until it was time for bed. I have been a bit achey and headachy as well so I wasn't really up for anything more than that.
For the first time, perhaps ever, I am enjoying being alone and not afraid of having to be with myself. I have disliked myself for so many years. This is the first time, ever, that I can say that I like the person that I am. I can't believe the weight of those words. I have spent my entire life not liking myself, at all. I don't even like to look in the mirror. I take a quick glance to check my hair and then I'm out of there. I'm sure that at times that I have come across overconfident, but I think that I was over compensating for my poor self-image. My friend Ray up in North Dakota gave me a book, His Image, My Image years ago. It discusses this topic of self-image compared to how God sees us. I could never get far in the book because the pretext is that God loves me and I couldn't really start with that. I'm not saying that I have it all together. I'm sure that I have a long way to go. At least now, I'm pointed in the right direction and moving forward, even if it's slowly.
Day 11b --- Doing fine, cruising along
Day 11b -- Doing fine and cruising along
No broth cooking in the kitchen today. I have a generous portion still from "Leslie's Kitchen". The week is ending and it's soon to officially be the "weekend". I always feel like the weekend starts Friday morning so that said, it's the weekend.
Today has been and will continue to be a busy day for me. But I like the busyness of the day.
Today I stepped on the scale and for the second time this week, I didn't lose weight. I'm looking forward to talking to Dr. Saunders about this when he calls or when I meet with him. I'm wondering if it is because I've been drinking a lot more water and less broth. It's just so easy to grab a bottle of water especially when I'm out and about. My guess is that I'm getting close to my proper weight.
I've felt a bit dehydrated lately but that is my fault. I just haven't been drinking a lot of fluids like I should. That and the fact that I'm not drinking water with electrolytes and less broth, hence less salt intake. Many people will tell me that salt is bad and they advise against putting it in the broth. I appreciate their concern but in my research and in what I am hearing from knowledgeable medical personnel, I need to add the salt to the broth.
Dr. Saunders specifically recommended it. I'm sure that if one was to eat processed foods all day with a few fast food meals, etc, their salt intake would be too high. But my salt intake would be zero if I didn't put it in my soup. I use sea salt. Our friends, have Himalayan salt. It probably tastes exactly the same, although I've never been to a "salt tasting" before. But certainly it is healthy, includes iodine which we all need, and best of all is pink!! How fun is that? What's next? White pepper? Oh, I guess they do have that already too.
Day 10b -- Dear Friends & Great Soup
Day 10b ----- Dear friends and great soup
Last night was an awesome night with our dear friends, Scott and Leslie. We were excited to see them again. And Leslie offered to make some soup. She is a great cook and made a chicken soup. Wow, that seems so inadequate of a description. I loved the flavor. I wasn't traditional and had a great bite.
To make things even better, we watched the World Series and the Red Sox won!! All of us are fans of Boston and were happy to see them win. Over all it was a great night.
To make things even better, we watched the World Series and the Red Sox won!! All of us are fans of Boston and were happy to see them win. Over all it was a great night.
I just got back home this morning and I have to say that regarding this broth fast, I'm just cruising along smoothly. It really isn't an issue. People ask me, "Don't you get hungry?" I say yes I do. Multiple times a day. But don't you? Don't you get hungry in the morning or around noon time? Of course they do too. We all do. But it isn't as though I cannot satisfy my hunger. I can and I do. The difference is that I consume delicious and flavorful and healthy organic, homemade, soup broth, and they open a candy bar or run to their favorite fast food establishment. I guess that sounds pretty callous. Perhaps they eat very healthy food and I'll join them in a few more days.
In about a week, I need to leave for Chicago and then the Northeast. I'm hoping to break this fast with my favorite dinner date, Suzy...my sweet wife.
I'm not sure where I'll be weight wise on that day. If I'm low enough, I'll stop then and start the translation period of strictly veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds. And that is it, for only two days. After that, I can eat healthfully.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Day 9b ---- Big treat for me
Day 9b ---- Big treat for me
Today is Wednesday and the 9th day of part two of my fast.
Today started early with great news from our son David. I awoke to a text message shortly after 6AM. He completed one of his mid-terms and received his grade. He earned a 98.5%, we are so proud of him. He has worked so hard and we think that he is just great.
I was up and out the door by 6:45 on my way to the weekly Christian Business Men's breakfast out on beautiful Stearn's Wharf in Santa Barbara. I felt really good about myself, not the most familiar feeling for me. I was wearing a dress shirt that would have been far too small to wear only 2 months ago, along with a suit coat that I was about to discard, again too small. But these clothes did not look too small. They looked just right. They could have even been smaller. What a difference. This has improved my self image dramatically.
I have never been one that liked looking in the mirror. I would look at myself only one time each day. When I was out of the shower and wet, I would brush off the foggy mirror well enough to see that I got the part in my hair straight, and that was it. I didn't like what I saw, so why would I stand around and look at the image? Certainly it was more than my weight, but looking fit again certainly helped things. THe truth is that after many years filled with negative comments about nearly every part of my life, I have developed a very poor self image with the manifestation being an attitude of negativity. I was critical and condemning. I don't really know how my sweet wife stuck by me but I am very thankful that she did and I will never, ever forget that. I'm still far from being Mr. Sunshine all of the time, but I am improving and the weight loss has been an enormous help. It appears to me that it is not just the loss of weight but also "input" of healthy food.
Back to the Men's breakfast, I really enjoy this group of gentlemen who have always been kind and supportive to me. I haven't been for about a month and when I arrived there was none of the common, "where have you been"? It was more like, "Mike!! We're glad that you are back!" They said that they had been praying for me and for the mission of our organization to "Improve and strengthen Christian schools around the US and beyond". They all wanted an update and I was happy to share about the great success that we were having. Furthermore and since I wasn't eating, they asked if I would read an article sent to us for encouragement from the parent organization, CBMC. Gulp, me read? Out loud? In a group? I'll speak in front of thousands and not blink an eye, but to read out loud in front of even a couple of good friends is….well, far outside of my comfort zone. Each week we typically pass around an article similar to this and we each read one very short paragraph, more like 2 or 3 sentences. To prepare for this, I count the paragraphs and ignore all that is being said so that I can re-read my little section in advance. You see, I have dyslexia. This makes reading "silently" a challenge. Also, it means that I am a VERY slow reader. But aloud? Now that become quite difficult. I paused part way through sentences and sometimes after every couple of words. It is truly a challenge.
But, I was apparently called to read this and I have felt that anything that our good Lord calls me to do, I will do without "fear and trembling". This was definitely an event that would test my faith and my self confidence. So, I accepted the task and opened with a short caveat. I told the group, of some of Santa Barbara's most successful men, that I have dyslexia and reading aloud is a challenge for me. I asked them to bear with me if I stumble. With that, I glanced at the full text, type written and over a page in length.
I am very happy to report that, and thanks be to God, that I was able to read the entirety without much stumbling at all. Furthermore, the text was as if it were hand picked for me, perhaps it was.
I don't know if anyone heard what I read while I was reading, but I did. And it hit home like a master carpenter drives a nail into freshly a freshly milled board.
I have changed. I have changed for sure. It is a gift to me and to my sweet wife, Suzy and to our son David.
Today is Wednesday and the 9th day of part two of my fast.
Today started early with great news from our son David. I awoke to a text message shortly after 6AM. He completed one of his mid-terms and received his grade. He earned a 98.5%, we are so proud of him. He has worked so hard and we think that he is just great.
I was up and out the door by 6:45 on my way to the weekly Christian Business Men's breakfast out on beautiful Stearn's Wharf in Santa Barbara. I felt really good about myself, not the most familiar feeling for me. I was wearing a dress shirt that would have been far too small to wear only 2 months ago, along with a suit coat that I was about to discard, again too small. But these clothes did not look too small. They looked just right. They could have even been smaller. What a difference. This has improved my self image dramatically.
I have never been one that liked looking in the mirror. I would look at myself only one time each day. When I was out of the shower and wet, I would brush off the foggy mirror well enough to see that I got the part in my hair straight, and that was it. I didn't like what I saw, so why would I stand around and look at the image? Certainly it was more than my weight, but looking fit again certainly helped things. THe truth is that after many years filled with negative comments about nearly every part of my life, I have developed a very poor self image with the manifestation being an attitude of negativity. I was critical and condemning. I don't really know how my sweet wife stuck by me but I am very thankful that she did and I will never, ever forget that. I'm still far from being Mr. Sunshine all of the time, but I am improving and the weight loss has been an enormous help. It appears to me that it is not just the loss of weight but also "input" of healthy food.
Back to the Men's breakfast, I really enjoy this group of gentlemen who have always been kind and supportive to me. I haven't been for about a month and when I arrived there was none of the common, "where have you been"? It was more like, "Mike!! We're glad that you are back!" They said that they had been praying for me and for the mission of our organization to "Improve and strengthen Christian schools around the US and beyond". They all wanted an update and I was happy to share about the great success that we were having. Furthermore and since I wasn't eating, they asked if I would read an article sent to us for encouragement from the parent organization, CBMC. Gulp, me read? Out loud? In a group? I'll speak in front of thousands and not blink an eye, but to read out loud in front of even a couple of good friends is….well, far outside of my comfort zone. Each week we typically pass around an article similar to this and we each read one very short paragraph, more like 2 or 3 sentences. To prepare for this, I count the paragraphs and ignore all that is being said so that I can re-read my little section in advance. You see, I have dyslexia. This makes reading "silently" a challenge. Also, it means that I am a VERY slow reader. But aloud? Now that become quite difficult. I paused part way through sentences and sometimes after every couple of words. It is truly a challenge.
But, I was apparently called to read this and I have felt that anything that our good Lord calls me to do, I will do without "fear and trembling". This was definitely an event that would test my faith and my self confidence. So, I accepted the task and opened with a short caveat. I told the group, of some of Santa Barbara's most successful men, that I have dyslexia and reading aloud is a challenge for me. I asked them to bear with me if I stumble. With that, I glanced at the full text, type written and over a page in length.
I am very happy to report that, and thanks be to God, that I was able to read the entirety without much stumbling at all. Furthermore, the text was as if it were hand picked for me, perhaps it was.
I don't know if anyone heard what I read while I was reading, but I did. And it hit home like a master carpenter drives a nail into freshly a freshly milled board.
I have changed. I have changed for sure. It is a gift to me and to my sweet wife, Suzy and to our son David.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Day 8b ---- Good weight loss numbers for the week
Day 8b ---- Good weight loss numbers for the week
Today is day 8 and I got up this morning and weighed myself. I was very happy to see that I lost a total of over 10 pounds for the week!! I was pretty excited about that. It's amazing to think that for the first time in many, many years I weigh under 150. Now before some of you start freaking out that I only weigh less than 150, you should know my height and body size. I'm all of 5' 7", that's 170cm for you friends across the water. That means in metric, I weighed 82KG and now weigh 67.5KG. Boy those numbers look weird. But it is also important to know that I'm not a big boned guy either. I've never been big. Consequently, the weight that I had put on over the last several years really showed a lot.
I just finished watching a great movie called "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead". There were a significant number of similarities between the story and what I am doing. It was very motivational for me. Actually, I just now finished watching it and immediately felt the need to write.
I hope that this blog that I'm writing is helpful to you. I know that this movie was helpful to me for sure. The movie that gave me a big kick start was called "Food Matters". Suzy and I watched it very slowly, well we watched it at regular speed, but we stopped it and rewound it several times. We would also pause it and discuss its contents. It made a strong impression on both of us.
Most of the day was spent working on things that were directly or indirectly related to a local preschool. I had promised that I would return to the industrial kitchen there to make our annual bottled "Rosemary Olive Oil" and 'Chocolate Balsamic Vinaigrette". These are products that I have been making for the school for the last 3 years, so here's to year four. It is a small fundraiser for the school. We bottle it and then sell it for only $10 per bottle. We made custom labels that are typically declared "cute". We will sell them just before Thanksgiving so that people can bring them to homes for the Holiday. Also, we will sell them at Christmas with the same intent. I have to say, they do taste very good.
Well, although I have not been feeling badly on this second stage of the broth fast, I've noticed that yesterday and today, I feel a bit grouchy and irritated. And today, I was a bit tired at times. I have just wanted to be alone. I love my wife very much. It's just that I feel grumpy and sound negative and grumpy and that ends up having a negative effect on her. I'd rather be alone so that I don't say anything that I will regret to anyone, especially Suzy.
That's enough for today. Good health to all of you.
Today is day 8 and I got up this morning and weighed myself. I was very happy to see that I lost a total of over 10 pounds for the week!! I was pretty excited about that. It's amazing to think that for the first time in many, many years I weigh under 150. Now before some of you start freaking out that I only weigh less than 150, you should know my height and body size. I'm all of 5' 7", that's 170cm for you friends across the water. That means in metric, I weighed 82KG and now weigh 67.5KG. Boy those numbers look weird. But it is also important to know that I'm not a big boned guy either. I've never been big. Consequently, the weight that I had put on over the last several years really showed a lot.
I just finished watching a great movie called "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead". There were a significant number of similarities between the story and what I am doing. It was very motivational for me. Actually, I just now finished watching it and immediately felt the need to write.
I hope that this blog that I'm writing is helpful to you. I know that this movie was helpful to me for sure. The movie that gave me a big kick start was called "Food Matters". Suzy and I watched it very slowly, well we watched it at regular speed, but we stopped it and rewound it several times. We would also pause it and discuss its contents. It made a strong impression on both of us.
Most of the day was spent working on things that were directly or indirectly related to a local preschool. I had promised that I would return to the industrial kitchen there to make our annual bottled "Rosemary Olive Oil" and 'Chocolate Balsamic Vinaigrette". These are products that I have been making for the school for the last 3 years, so here's to year four. It is a small fundraiser for the school. We bottle it and then sell it for only $10 per bottle. We made custom labels that are typically declared "cute". We will sell them just before Thanksgiving so that people can bring them to homes for the Holiday. Also, we will sell them at Christmas with the same intent. I have to say, they do taste very good.
Well, although I have not been feeling badly on this second stage of the broth fast, I've noticed that yesterday and today, I feel a bit grouchy and irritated. And today, I was a bit tired at times. I have just wanted to be alone. I love my wife very much. It's just that I feel grumpy and sound negative and grumpy and that ends up having a negative effect on her. I'd rather be alone so that I don't say anything that I will regret to anyone, especially Suzy.
That's enough for today. Good health to all of you.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Day 7b --- on the road
Day 7b --- on the road
Today is the beginning of day seven. I am on the road for most of the entire day. I will be driving out to the beautiful town of Ridgecrest California. If you have never been there, don't worry you will be fine without going there. But knowing that I'm going to be gone for probably eight hours, I needed to go well prepared.
So before I left, I drank a large mug of broth and packed up three stainless steel coffee mugs that work like a thermos. I pre-warmed each of these with plenty of hot water. Then I got the broth fully boiling and poured it in. I find that this is very effective in keeping the soup pot. Sometimes it is really too effective. Yesterday I brought A stainless steel thermos to church. My thought was that after the service while everyone is having snacks, which is very common at our church, I could at least drink my broth. I poured a cup and could see it steaming significantly. It was delicious for sure. But it was very hot. Since I'm on a roll with this I might as well say that the plastic cups do not do a very good job at all of keeping anything warm for any extended period of time. The cops that have stainless steel on the inside or outside and plastic on the opposite side are not very impressive either. The very best ones are lined with stainless steel on both the inside in the outside. This makes an enormous difference in keeping the beverages hot.
Anyway, enough about that. I am feeling quite well. I have been a bit grouchy but I am not sure that all of it is directly related to the fast. I hate to make a prediction before 10 AM about what my day is going to be like. But in judging from what it was like yesterday and how I feel right now, I'm expecting smooth sailing.
Tomorrow will be my official seven day weigh-in. I'm excited to see how much weight I've lost in seven days. Until then, I send you my best.
Mike
Day 5b & 6b. --- it's the weekend. For good or for bad
Day 5b & 6b. --- it's the weekend. For good or for bad
Well day five and six Kane and as you can imagine I was dreading these two days. Last time I was completely miserable. I was lying on my couch covered in a blanket and shivering. I was fighting a horrible headache for at least a couple of days. I even got a cold sore on my lip. It could not of gotten much worse. But really, two days? That really wouldn't be so bad. I think most of us would go through two days of illness to lose a significant amount of weight.
But this time it was completely different. I had no ill feelings. I had no headache. I really wasn't even that lethargic. I felt The same as I did on day 25, or so, last time. A mild hunger from time to time always satisfied with some broth or water. Quite honestly, this really isn't that difficult. I have had friends and others contact me to say that what I am doing is so amazing and that it must take incredible willpower. I'm not sure that is so. Quite honestly, I think it is much much harder to try to cut back on foods and exercise like crazy every day for four months and months to lose 30 pounds. I'm just taking the easy route.
My wife Suzy has always talked with me about the importance of making little things a celebration. I remember she read a book that talked about how to take dreary and dull tasks and make them fun and special. The first example I remember her using was with regard to paying the bills. I remember she said that she has a special pan that she likes. She only uses it when she writes the bills hence making the task a little bit more enjoyable. She will recommend that when we have to talk about business items that we go to a beautiful hotel and sit in their lounge, or have a picnic at the beach and talk business by the seashore. Well I guess I did learn a thing or two from her. I have looked for special things to consume that are within my diet right now. I found that one of the things that I can have is Ashwaganda tea. It has a very rich flavor. No it does not taste like coffee, nor does it taste like att that I've ever had. But it does have a roasty sort of flavor. I would put it in the same camp with coffee, but again it doesn't taste like coffee. But it is a treat for me.
I mentioned that my friend Cody at the Montecito wine bistro made a "cocktail" for me. It really didn't matter what it was. It just was a treat. I came back in and he said he had been thinking about a drink that you could make for me. He asked if he could push the limits by adding two small raspberries. I was feeling wild and crazy so I said yes. Please don't tell Dr. Saunders. I'll include a picture of it. Another celebratory beverage for me is mineral water. It is kind of funny that I can actually tell the difference between Perrier and other sparkling waters. Sometimes I had a line, sometimes I had a lemon, sometimes I add ice. All of this just makes for a little extra celebration in my life.
Day 4b – Friday
Day 4b – Friday
Today is Friday, the fourth day of the second part of my fast. Today was much easier with regard to having a strong desire to eat solid foods. I spent the vast majority of the day helping my mother-in-law. It is a bit odd to make food for someone and not be able to have any. So to make things easier, I made sure that I had a big mug of soup before I started cooking, and then one next to me on the counter while I made meals.
I have found this time that I'm less interested in soup broth and wanting just water. But I know I must eat the soup broth. That is critical. The doctor has told me that drinking nothing but water can be quite problematic for fasting. Is told me that the body needs the salts in the nutrients that come through the broth. Many people ask me about adding salt to the broth thinking that might be a bad thing. But the doctor has assured me that not only is it okay but that I should be careful to remember to add salt to the broth. Of course I am no nutritional expert, but he is and another nutritionist that I spoke to said the same.
But when I do drink water, I want to be careful to drink water that is good for me. So I spend the money to buy bottled water and I have been getting the plain water that has electrolytes added to it. It tastes like, well it taste like water. But it is far healthier. I also gave that to my mother-in-law while she was in bed. Gatorade and other products have lots of electrolytes, and potassium, but they also have a bunch of sugar. As you may remember, I cannot have the sugar.
Overall the day was really very uneventful with regard to my fast. It wasn't so difficult but I'm dreading tomorrow. What I remember from the first time that I did this was that day four and five were really quite a challenge for me. If you have been reading this from the beginning you might remember that on those days I felt very sick. Not really sick to my stomach, I was running a fever and feeling completely blown out. In talking with the doctor, he had said that was because my body was getting rid of all the toxins. It will be interesting to see if that's what happens again tomorrow or if my healthy eating since the last fast has prevented those toxins from reentering my system. I'll know in a couple of days I guess.
At least I made it through this day. I am not sure if tomorrow is going to mimic the first time or not. Today I did have a little bit of lethargy, but really not that much. So far so good. But I am waiting for the other shoe to drop as they say
Friday, October 25, 2013
Day 3b --- not so bad for me
Day 3b --- Not a bad day for me
Day 3 was pretty decent. I found that I was a bit hungry at times, but every time that I was hungry, I eliminated that hunger with a cup of broth. I would find that I was extra hungry around traditional meal times but not always. Sometimes a would get extra hungry at night. But during those times I was always able to quench and squelch this mild annoyance.
Side note: I love those two words "quench" and "squelch". My sister Kathy and I had a friend in college who thought some words have a funny sound to them. She said that they just make her laugh when she hears them. Her name is Brenda and she always had us laughing. So we had to know. What were these words? Her list included, but not limited to, Scooter, Kitty Litter, Ointment, and Scissors. I wish that I could remember more but we always got a kick out of those. I'm sure that she would like Quench and Squelch.
Back to when I am really hungry, I have a mug of broth, then if I wait another 20-30 minutes and have a second, I am good for a few hours at least. So, really I never experience hunger that cannot be addressed easily. Even plain water helps, especially after fasting on broth for a while.
On the personal side, I spent the day with my dear mother-in-law helping her with her recovery. I care about her greatly. She is very fit and always eats well and has for decades. She is sharper than most people half her age. She is strong and it is rare to see her sick and needing anything. So really it was a treat to care for her. All I did was make things like toast, honey, and tea, and make some soups for her. Like I wasn't going to be making the soup anyway? And I found out that she really loves the solids of the soup more than broth anyway. Perfect.
At the end of the day I watched my Red Sox lose in game two of the World Series. So now the Series is tied 1 to 1. Go Boston!!
Day 3 was pretty decent. I found that I was a bit hungry at times, but every time that I was hungry, I eliminated that hunger with a cup of broth. I would find that I was extra hungry around traditional meal times but not always. Sometimes a would get extra hungry at night. But during those times I was always able to quench and squelch this mild annoyance.
Side note: I love those two words "quench" and "squelch". My sister Kathy and I had a friend in college who thought some words have a funny sound to them. She said that they just make her laugh when she hears them. Her name is Brenda and she always had us laughing. So we had to know. What were these words? Her list included, but not limited to, Scooter, Kitty Litter, Ointment, and Scissors. I wish that I could remember more but we always got a kick out of those. I'm sure that she would like Quench and Squelch.
Back to when I am really hungry, I have a mug of broth, then if I wait another 20-30 minutes and have a second, I am good for a few hours at least. So, really I never experience hunger that cannot be addressed easily. Even plain water helps, especially after fasting on broth for a while.
On the personal side, I spent the day with my dear mother-in-law helping her with her recovery. I care about her greatly. She is very fit and always eats well and has for decades. She is sharper than most people half her age. She is strong and it is rare to see her sick and needing anything. So really it was a treat to care for her. All I did was make things like toast, honey, and tea, and make some soups for her. Like I wasn't going to be making the soup anyway? And I found out that she really loves the solids of the soup more than broth anyway. Perfect.
At the end of the day I watched my Red Sox lose in game two of the World Series. So now the Series is tied 1 to 1. Go Boston!!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Day 2b --- Cruising along
Day 2b --- Cruising along
So today was day two. It was pretty uneventful. I was a bit hungry at times but I was satisfied every time that I just had some broth. It's not really that difficult. I find that it is just a matter of changing habits. Rather than go pickup a handful of nuts or an apple, I pour some broth into a mug.
I made it through the day just fine. I drank soup and plenty of water. But I really had more on my mind then just my diet or stomach growlings. I've been concerned about my dear mother-in-law. She is still fighting a bout of the flu and has not been doing too well. Much of my day was spent trying to help her. I fixed meals, albeit more like snacks, and tried to be a support and companion for her. Certainly what she is going through is far more challenging and more important than my fast.
The end of the day came and I was off to watch game one of the World Series. I was able to pick up the action during the bottom of the 6th inning. Boston was ahead, which made me happy. I decided to walk over to the local bistro in the neighborhood where they treat me so nicely. Montecito Wine Bistro and Restaurant is a favorite, in part because of it's proximity but also because I know much of the staff there, and they have good and reliable food. Cody was tending bar, where I would watch the game. I was not going to be having any alcohol, obviously, but I did watch him make a good looking drink. I asked him to make something for my that fit into my liquid diet. He muddled a lemon and lime in a glass with just enough mint to give it a nice balance. He then shook it over ice and pour San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water over the top. Go Cody!! Thanks for giving me a nice "cocktail".
Well, 2 days down.....
So today was day two. It was pretty uneventful. I was a bit hungry at times but I was satisfied every time that I just had some broth. It's not really that difficult. I find that it is just a matter of changing habits. Rather than go pickup a handful of nuts or an apple, I pour some broth into a mug.
I made it through the day just fine. I drank soup and plenty of water. But I really had more on my mind then just my diet or stomach growlings. I've been concerned about my dear mother-in-law. She is still fighting a bout of the flu and has not been doing too well. Much of my day was spent trying to help her. I fixed meals, albeit more like snacks, and tried to be a support and companion for her. Certainly what she is going through is far more challenging and more important than my fast.
The end of the day came and I was off to watch game one of the World Series. I was able to pick up the action during the bottom of the 6th inning. Boston was ahead, which made me happy. I decided to walk over to the local bistro in the neighborhood where they treat me so nicely. Montecito Wine Bistro and Restaurant is a favorite, in part because of it's proximity but also because I know much of the staff there, and they have good and reliable food. Cody was tending bar, where I would watch the game. I was not going to be having any alcohol, obviously, but I did watch him make a good looking drink. I asked him to make something for my that fit into my liquid diet. He muddled a lemon and lime in a glass with just enough mint to give it a nice balance. He then shook it over ice and pour San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water over the top. Go Cody!! Thanks for giving me a nice "cocktail".
Well, 2 days down.....
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Day 1b --- Full of fun...not really
Day 1 --- Full of fun...not really.
Day one (again) started on Tuesday October 22, 2013. But the background was really on the day before.
The day began by taking my dear mother-in-law on a surprise trip to the hospital. It was quite difficult for all of us, certainly hardest on her. After being released we needed to follow-up at home. Suzy and I have needed to be available for her 24 hours a day. I'm manning the post during the day, and Suzy has been there at night. Needless to say, I found myself very distracted and busy all day.
It was at about 10:00 PM last night, after the day of doctors, when I decided that I would start the fast in the morning. I realized that if I'm going to do this again, it needs to be now. The next chunk of available time would not be until January or perhaps a slight chance in December. I know that Suzy would like to for me to be thinner, and I would for sure. I'm just not there yet. So, I decided that I would start in the morning.
The first, and most important, order of business was to make a soup for it's broth to drink. I knew that I shouldn't put it off until the morning so late last night I made a ham hock and white bean soup. I thought that my wife and mother-in-law could enjoy the ham and beans, and I, the broth. I also had made a chicken soup at my mother-in-law's house on the Riviera the earlier in the day just to help her feel better. I knew that I could have some of that broth as well. I was off to a good start.
This was like the first day all over again. I was completely fine except for the temptation to grab a handful of nuts or a cracker when I was hungry. It was not bad though, just needing to re-train myself to consume broth when I'm hungry. It really becomes a day of changing habits from eating solid foods to drinking liquid foods.
Overall a great day, just busy.
Day one (again) started on Tuesday October 22, 2013. But the background was really on the day before.
The day began by taking my dear mother-in-law on a surprise trip to the hospital. It was quite difficult for all of us, certainly hardest on her. After being released we needed to follow-up at home. Suzy and I have needed to be available for her 24 hours a day. I'm manning the post during the day, and Suzy has been there at night. Needless to say, I found myself very distracted and busy all day.
It was at about 10:00 PM last night, after the day of doctors, when I decided that I would start the fast in the morning. I realized that if I'm going to do this again, it needs to be now. The next chunk of available time would not be until January or perhaps a slight chance in December. I know that Suzy would like to for me to be thinner, and I would for sure. I'm just not there yet. So, I decided that I would start in the morning.
The first, and most important, order of business was to make a soup for it's broth to drink. I knew that I shouldn't put it off until the morning so late last night I made a ham hock and white bean soup. I thought that my wife and mother-in-law could enjoy the ham and beans, and I, the broth. I also had made a chicken soup at my mother-in-law's house on the Riviera the earlier in the day just to help her feel better. I knew that I could have some of that broth as well. I was off to a good start.
This was like the first day all over again. I was completely fine except for the temptation to grab a handful of nuts or a cracker when I was hungry. It was not bad though, just needing to re-train myself to consume broth when I'm hungry. It really becomes a day of changing habits from eating solid foods to drinking liquid foods.
Overall a great day, just busy.
Revisiting the broth fast --or-- Here we go again
Revisiting the broth fast --or-- Here we go again
I was happy to have lost almost 27 pounds in 29 days but, and as expected, I gained 5 pounds back for a net loss of 22 pounds. Dr. Saunders had told me that this would happen and said that it is normal to gain back about 5 pounds while maintaining a healthy diet. The key was "healthy" for me. I can have pretty much anything. That's how I choose to look at it. I just can't have carbs and sugars, which I have to cut out anyway as I am nearly diabetic. But pretty much everything else is ok, or ok within reason. No soda at all, be really that is just being smart. Soda is really bad for you, look it up if you want. Limited cheese, and stay away from milk. The milk part is easy, but I really like cheese. But it's fine, because I can have "enough" for me. Of course if I just started eating like I did before, I would quite likely return to the same size and condition.
But then....for one meal, every two weeks, I can eat whatever I want. Anything is OK. Carbs, sugar, whatever I want for one meal. Even though I can "go crazy" But as it says in 1 Corinthians 10-23 "Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial". How's that? Got a little Bible in there, perhaps out of context.
I used to weigh 145, back at my healthiest. I think that a the correct size for me would be between 145 and 150. To do that, I need to lose about 15-20 pounds, knowing that I'm going to gain 5 pounds after I finish the broth fast. Consequently, I need to fast for about 15 to 22 days. I know that I can do it, it's just it would have been easier to have continued past day 29, when I ended. I remember thinking, and probably writing, that I felt that I could easily go 40 days. I know that I could have. I found that I should have stayed on the fast longer.
I've lost a net 22 pounds and I'm still too heavy. So, because I didn't hit my weight goal I need to do this again. And before someone thinks, "what if he takes this too far?" I have a specific goal and I also do not want to get too thin. I wouldn't look good or be healthy if that happened.
Oh well, this will be interesting to compare this time to last time. Will it be easier the second time through because I now know what to expect? Or will it be easier because I just cleansed myself for a month, only a few weeks ago, and have since been eating healthfully? Or will this be more difficult because it get's harder when there is less fat to lose? I keep you posted.
So, the adventure begins again.
I was happy to have lost almost 27 pounds in 29 days but, and as expected, I gained 5 pounds back for a net loss of 22 pounds. Dr. Saunders had told me that this would happen and said that it is normal to gain back about 5 pounds while maintaining a healthy diet. The key was "healthy" for me. I can have pretty much anything. That's how I choose to look at it. I just can't have carbs and sugars, which I have to cut out anyway as I am nearly diabetic. But pretty much everything else is ok, or ok within reason. No soda at all, be really that is just being smart. Soda is really bad for you, look it up if you want. Limited cheese, and stay away from milk. The milk part is easy, but I really like cheese. But it's fine, because I can have "enough" for me. Of course if I just started eating like I did before, I would quite likely return to the same size and condition.
But then....for one meal, every two weeks, I can eat whatever I want. Anything is OK. Carbs, sugar, whatever I want for one meal. Even though I can "go crazy" But as it says in 1 Corinthians 10-23 "Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial". How's that? Got a little Bible in there, perhaps out of context.
I used to weigh 145, back at my healthiest. I think that a the correct size for me would be between 145 and 150. To do that, I need to lose about 15-20 pounds, knowing that I'm going to gain 5 pounds after I finish the broth fast. Consequently, I need to fast for about 15 to 22 days. I know that I can do it, it's just it would have been easier to have continued past day 29, when I ended. I remember thinking, and probably writing, that I felt that I could easily go 40 days. I know that I could have. I found that I should have stayed on the fast longer.
I've lost a net 22 pounds and I'm still too heavy. So, because I didn't hit my weight goal I need to do this again. And before someone thinks, "what if he takes this too far?" I have a specific goal and I also do not want to get too thin. I wouldn't look good or be healthy if that happened.
Oh well, this will be interesting to compare this time to last time. Will it be easier the second time through because I now know what to expect? Or will it be easier because I just cleansed myself for a month, only a few weeks ago, and have since been eating healthfully? Or will this be more difficult because it get's harder when there is less fat to lose? I keep you posted.
So, the adventure begins again.
Day 52 --- An update (Last 3 weeks)
Day 52 --- Update
For the last few days since finishing my fast, I have been very busy. I went to Philadelphia , and Cherry Hill, with a quick run out to Atlantic City before leaving for Gettysburg, then up to Rochester, NY, next down to St. Charles County, Maryland, finally turning north to Washington DC, Philadelphia again, Atlantic City again, then up to Newark, NJ to fly home. Arriving home I had a dear friend in town for a matter of about 9 hours total. I played tour guide while setting up for a garage sale, to which we awoke the next morning. Somehow I hurt my back during the sale, pretty significantly, and laid low the following day. Then off with Suzy to take her mom to the hospital for a freak accident but one that needed to be checked out. Thank the good Lord, all appears completely fine. So, after a quick grocery run for my wife and mother-in-law, who will be together, or with me, for the better part of the next week, I made a chicken soup with Suzy and also some cooked gizzards, which is a real favorite for my mom-in-law.. It's been a whirlwind. And that is the succinct version. If anyone wants to know the details, post a comment and I'll get into it.
Since I finished the fast, I have eating "normally" again. I can eat almost anything, except starches and sugar. That might sound like I have huge limitations but in truth I have been completely satisfied with this new diet.
But with all that stress and tension and stress, I have stuck to the doctor prescribed diet. I only cheated one time. And even then, Dr. Saunders said to go for it, and I did. I was going to be attending a Philadelphia Flyers game and while there I ate a cheese steak and half an ice cream. It was delicious, but not all that much better than what I had been eating.
I've been able to have great salads with beef, turkey, chicken, and fish. I've had lots of healthy food that I really enjoyed. Perhaps it was the result of my taste buds changing from the fast, and perhaps it was just my appreciation for solid foods.
Either way, I'm happy, content, and healthy.
I've been able to have great salads with beef, turkey, chicken, and fish. I've had lots of healthy food that I really enjoyed. Perhaps it was the result of my taste buds changing from the fast, and perhaps it was just my appreciation for solid foods.
Either way, I'm happy, content, and healthy.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Day 37 --- reflections and results of this fast
Day 37 – reflections and results
I've been wanting to take some time just to record how I have been feeling and the results that I have seen since I have completed this fast.
I remembered when I first started this reading reports of people who have done similar fasts. I kind of felt like they were overstating their results a bit perhaps to justify their actions. But I must say, I really do feel much better than I have in a long, long, long time
Some of my dear friends who are following this know that I have had a really rough go for quite a few years. It is hard to explain how great I feel now in comparison.
One of my biggest struggles was depression. That coupled with a very negative attitude. I'm not sure which one leads to which but certainly they both existed pretty significantly together, not too mention a significant amount of pain in my back, and some other things as well. I was to the point where I could not maintain a normal life without getting medication. I was taking 60 mg of a particular antidepressant. I have to say that it did help and it had an unusually low degree of side effects. Just before starting this I decided I would try to cut back a little bit. As I went through the 30 day broth fast, I kept cutting back on my meds. By the time I finished the fast I was down to 20 mg per day. I'm not sure I really even need that much but I don't want to mix things up too much at this time.
The irony is that I'm feeling so wonderful. It would make sense that if I'm taking less of an antidepressant that I would be feeling more depressed but the exact opposite has been the case. I truly believe it's because of this diet and eating properly. I find that I am not tired during the day. I'm happy to stay up a little bit later than I might normally and I feel fine with less sleep than I had been getting prior to this fast.
Additionally, and quite significantly, my self-image has gone up greatly. Although I have demonstrated a good degree of arrogance in the past, much of that was probably covering up my poor self image. I remember speaking with a counselor once told me that I should look in the mirror and tell myself, "I love you". I thought that was a little odd and thought perhaps I would try it. I was unable to do finish the simple task. Now things have changed. I caught myself brushing my hair and looking at myself in the mirror and thinking, "you're okay", "you're doing alright". That is probably the most significant self-affirmation statement I feel like I have ever made in my life.
Perhaps all of this is too personal but there it is. Also my relationship with my wife has improved significantly. I find myself more in love with her than ever before. Amazing to think that we've been married 15 years and I feel like we're just beginning to date.
Another result that I have seen is my quantity of food intake has dropped quite significantly. I have heard people say that your stomach shrinks. I don't know if that is true, but I do know that I am eating a whole lot less. Dr. Saunders told me that my taste buds would change. I found that a little bit hard to swallow. Yes, that is a pun. But yet this morning at breakfast I ate two very large tomato slices. That may sound insignificant but I was that guy who really did not care for tomatoes. I am really enjoying the healthy fruits and vegetables and nuts.
Overall, I kind of feel like a bit of a new person. I almost feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. But I have a feeling that losing this weight, and more importantly changing the way my body metabolizes foods, will be a way of life for me and not just a flash in the pan. The results have been so fantastic, that I would not want to take the chance of reverting back to my old and unhealthy diet.
Overall, I'm doing great! I feel better than I have in years and years.
Day 36 --- wrapping up in New Jersey on my way to Pennsylvania
Date 36 --- Lots of travel from state to state
Today is Wednesday and I was supposed to be on my way to Pennsylvania today but decided to stick around for the morning to spend a little bit more time with the school in Cherry Hill. This ended up being a very good choice! We had an excellent meeting. I thoroughly enjoy working with the school. Highway tells me I say that all the time.
While I was with to the members of the administrative team they mentioned a school somewhat nearby that need some help. They picked up the phone and called in a reference for me would sure warmed my heart. I followed up with a phone call in the next thing I knew rather than driving west from Cherry Hill New Jersey I was driving east to the Atlantic Ocean. But I was thrilled to do this.
I ate very light Lee most of the day. Predominantly some nuts and a little bit of fruit. It wasn't that I felt restricted or like this was the only thing I could eat. In all honesty I really didn't want anything else. I was completely satisfied. I didn't really want to stop nor did I feel like I was being deprived. This was my choice. One that I was completely satisfied by making.
After my meeting on the coast, I turned around and drove west to Gettysburg Pennsylvania. It is such an amazingly historic area. For dinner I had a Greek salad. This was a salad of greens, Kalamata olives, a little bit of feta cheese, some pinenuts, and all served with some homemade vinaigrette on the side. Again it was another great meal. I was hardly suffering. I was listening to a band that I really liked and did splurge with part of a beer for dinner. I won't let myself drink more than half a beer. I enjoy the flavor, and quite honestly I'm not really looking to get drunk anyway. So I sip the beer slowly, enjoy the flavor, and then give it back to the bartender when I've consumed about half.
I haven't had access to a scale so I don't really know how much weight I have game. Dr. Saunders said that I will most likely gained 5 pounds. He said that is pretty normal. Even if I gained 5 pounds, I know that this new diet has helped me immeasurably. I feel like the future is getting much brighter.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Day 35 --- Work and Play
Day 35 --- Good work and good fun
Today is Tuesday and what a great day it has been! Like many people, I really enjoy working. I especially enjoy working with schools. And there's nothing much better than that except for maybe working with the school with a really wonderful people. Well I've been blessed to have all of those while working with Kings Christian school in Cherry Hill New Jersey.
I started my day with an apple and some nuts. Simple breakfast, but one that I really like. When it was time for lunch, we went over to a famous sandwich shop called The Boyz. Amazingly they had the absolute perfect thing for me to eat. They call it a sub in a tub. For those of you who might not be familiar with the term sub, it is short for submarine, that might not of helped but a sandwich in the shape of a submarine is called a sub sandwich. What they do is they take all the lettuce and tomatoes and all of the meets that you would add and they serve it in a bowl so that you get all the flavors without the bread. It was to say, it was delicious.
After a good day of work, my friend John, the head of the administrative team, took me to see the Philadelphia Flyers play hockey. It was a great game! And of course the Flyers won which made it even better.
Getting back to the diet, I've been told that I can take one meal per week and kind of go crazy. I've been saving up for this night. So, I went to bit crazy. I had a half of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. And then later on had about a half a serving of softserve ice cream. I have to say it was delicious but it wasn't like I was thinking that I've really been missing a lot by not being able to eat this type of food.
Well that's all for now. I hope that all is great and healthy with you.
Day 34 -- Great new life
Day 34 -- What a great new life
Today is Monday and I spent the day working with a school in New Jersey. They are wonderful people and I really like them a lot. Many here know of the broth fast that I have just completed and the questions and comments have been fun.
Overall, it was a great day. I'm reminded of the lack of energy that I experienced at times during the fast and now it seems like years ago. Additionally, it was well, well, well worth it for me. Now I feel great. My thinking is clearer and I find that I don't get as tired.
Monday night football is a big deal for many of us. I decided to go out and watch the game at a local New Jersey sports bar. Off I went to grab a seat and get ready for the game. I wasn't too worried about the menu. I knew that I would find something that I could eat. Below is what I wrote while I was there.
Today is Monday and I spent the day working with a school in New Jersey. They are wonderful people and I really like them a lot. Many here know of the broth fast that I have just completed and the questions and comments have been fun.
Overall, it was a great day. I'm reminded of the lack of energy that I experienced at times during the fast and now it seems like years ago. Additionally, it was well, well, well worth it for me. Now I feel great. My thinking is clearer and I find that I don't get as tired.
Monday night football is a big deal for many of us. I decided to go out and watch the game at a local New Jersey sports bar. Off I went to grab a seat and get ready for the game. I wasn't too worried about the menu. I knew that I would find something that I could eat. Below is what I wrote while I was there.
Right now, I'm at a regional chain restaurant called Miller's Ale House. I told them that I was looking forward to eating here tonight and explained that this dinner would only be like my fourth solid meal in over 30 days. The response was, "and you came here?" It was kind of funny but I said that I was quite sure that I could have a great meal with something on the menu. I found it pretty quickly, Ceasar salad with Mahi-Mahi but I asked for a vinaigrette and no croutons. I probably could have had "some" croutons but I didn't want the temptation nor any guilt. I want to feel like I'm making good choices. And how am I so deprived about having hearts of Romaine dressed and tossed with a bit of Parmesan, topped with warm, seared Mahi-Mahi? How much more does there really need to be?
When the dish arrived, both servers came by and commented that although they knew that this was on the menu, neither had ordered it. One mentioned that they hardly ever serve it. Both agreed that they will recommend it. Kind of funny that making a healthy choice about food isn't so geeky I guess.
Oh, and by the way, it was $9.99.
This is not that difficult at all. I caught myself saying to the waiter, "I can have almost anything" what a change in attitude that is for me. Before I would have said, "I can't have this and this..." Before I saw this like "I can't have..." and now I find myself thinking differently. This really isn't a difficulty. It's just a change in thinking.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Day 33 ----- Church, Monster Trucks, and Sushi
Day 33 --- Sunday is a day for church and monster trucks and perhaps some sushi
It was a great day. I awoke a little tired and in no rush to get to the first church service. The school that I am working with in New Jersey has asked that I attend a local church where a lot of their kids attend. Thankfully, they had an 11:00 service so I was able to take my time in getting ready.
I started my day with nuts and an apple, but really this is a typical breakfast for me as I really don't care for eggs, or pancakes or most breakfast foods. Apples and nuts, of course cheese is nice too, make a great breakfast. And with this nutrition, off I went to church. It was a very nice service with great songs and a solid and applicable message.
After church I went back to my hotel and ate some nutritious foods from "Whole Foods" market and then got ready for the monster truck show.
Now if you know me, you know that I'm not the type of guy that you would find at a monster truck show but John invited me to attend with his two sons and how could I say no? Although I might not have purchased tickets for this, of course I would go if I could. And there was no disappointment at all.
What a blast. It was fun watching these huge trucks with their deafening engines roaring about inside of a stadium. The sound was unreal. With earplugs in, it was really too loud. Certainly the loudest event that I have ever attended and that includes being 8 feet away from the speakers at the Rolling Stones 1982 Farewell tour and The Who, who is known for there very loud shows. This was on a whole different level. Even with the earplugs in I could hear my ears ringing and the vibration and sound waves made it fully palpable.
At the end of the day, we said farewell and I was happy to not only have been able to go, but also that I didn't give in to eating anything there.
For dinner, I took a short walk to a Japanese restaurant, not really knowing if there would be much that I could eat. I am happy to say that they had quite a few items on the menu that were good including a cucumber and avocado sushi roll with brown rice. Overall, it was delicious. I originally also ordered a sashimi sampler but when it arrived, I kept thinking that perhaps, maybe just perhaps, I shouldn't be eating raw fish right now. So even though I paid for it, I decided to pass. I thought that it is not worth the risk without first talking to the doctor. I have a call into him and it will be interesting to hear what his thoughts are about this.
I walked home, well to the hotel that is, called my bride and called it a night.
It was a great day. I awoke a little tired and in no rush to get to the first church service. The school that I am working with in New Jersey has asked that I attend a local church where a lot of their kids attend. Thankfully, they had an 11:00 service so I was able to take my time in getting ready.
I started my day with nuts and an apple, but really this is a typical breakfast for me as I really don't care for eggs, or pancakes or most breakfast foods. Apples and nuts, of course cheese is nice too, make a great breakfast. And with this nutrition, off I went to church. It was a very nice service with great songs and a solid and applicable message.
After church I went back to my hotel and ate some nutritious foods from "Whole Foods" market and then got ready for the monster truck show.
Now if you know me, you know that I'm not the type of guy that you would find at a monster truck show but John invited me to attend with his two sons and how could I say no? Although I might not have purchased tickets for this, of course I would go if I could. And there was no disappointment at all.
What a blast. It was fun watching these huge trucks with their deafening engines roaring about inside of a stadium. The sound was unreal. With earplugs in, it was really too loud. Certainly the loudest event that I have ever attended and that includes being 8 feet away from the speakers at the Rolling Stones 1982 Farewell tour and The Who, who is known for there very loud shows. This was on a whole different level. Even with the earplugs in I could hear my ears ringing and the vibration and sound waves made it fully palpable.
At the end of the day, we said farewell and I was happy to not only have been able to go, but also that I didn't give in to eating anything there.
For dinner, I took a short walk to a Japanese restaurant, not really knowing if there would be much that I could eat. I am happy to say that they had quite a few items on the menu that were good including a cucumber and avocado sushi roll with brown rice. Overall, it was delicious. I originally also ordered a sashimi sampler but when it arrived, I kept thinking that perhaps, maybe just perhaps, I shouldn't be eating raw fish right now. So even though I paid for it, I decided to pass. I thought that it is not worth the risk without first talking to the doctor. I have a call into him and it will be interesting to hear what his thoughts are about this.
I walked home, well to the hotel that is, called my bride and called it a night.
Day 32 --- First real day with the new diet
Day 32 ---- First day with the new diet
Today was the first day where I could have a greater variety. Today is Saturday and I was back working with King's Christian School in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Today was a big day for the school. It was there fall Open House. My job was to look for areas that went really well and recognize these but also to find room for betterment.
There were lots of yummy snacks available, but I never found one thing that I could consume, save one. I found that the seniors were selling bottles of water. Perfect, as I was feeling dehydrated.
It was a full and busy day to be sure. Finally it was time to call it a day. My good friend John, who is the head of the leadership team, invited me to lunch with him and his dear wife Rosemary. They took me to a local diner with a large menu. I went with a big salad and was just careful with what I ate and what I didn't. I stayed away from blue cheese, etc and focused on lettuce, tomatoes, and the regular stuff. It was delicious and their company was marvelous. What is not to like about these two? They are both wonderful.
I asked them if they could recommend any special places to be sure to visit while in the Philadelphia area. They said you have to go to McGillin's Olde Ale House. It's the oldest pub in Philly. John offered to come along with me and at first I accepted but then remembering that he had been away from his wife for a few days and that he will be taking me to a couple of events in the coming days, I changed my mind in having John around. In truth, I love the guy and would have loved his company. There is no doubt about that but I wanted to be sure that I was not becoming a burden on his relationship with his wife.
But I did take John's advice and I did drive into Philly to go to McGillin's. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was looking forward to it. So, off I went.
It was loud and fun there and fun to think about how many people had been there before I. This was to be the first meal where I could have meat, so that's what I did. I ordered the Caesar salad which was topped with a small piece of Filet Mignon. It was perfectly healthy and completely delicious. I sat at the bar and ordered an Octoberfest beer, one of my favorite drinks. Now I knew that I was pushing it by having a beer and not even a light one at that. But I had a plan. I would only drink a little. Now you might be thinking, yeah right. But that is what I did. I drank about half and then asked the bartender to remove it. She was concerned that I didn't like it but after a quick explanation, she agreed but insisted that it stay within arm's reach in case I changed my mind. I assured her that I was not going to have any more, and I didn't have any more. So a short beer, a mini steak, and a delicious salad and I was set.
The guy at the bar seated next to me was very interested in what I had been doing and asked a bunch of questions. I enjoyed answering them for him. It's a fun topic to discuss.
Today was the first day where I could have a greater variety. Today is Saturday and I was back working with King's Christian School in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Today was a big day for the school. It was there fall Open House. My job was to look for areas that went really well and recognize these but also to find room for betterment.
There were lots of yummy snacks available, but I never found one thing that I could consume, save one. I found that the seniors were selling bottles of water. Perfect, as I was feeling dehydrated.
It was a full and busy day to be sure. Finally it was time to call it a day. My good friend John, who is the head of the leadership team, invited me to lunch with him and his dear wife Rosemary. They took me to a local diner with a large menu. I went with a big salad and was just careful with what I ate and what I didn't. I stayed away from blue cheese, etc and focused on lettuce, tomatoes, and the regular stuff. It was delicious and their company was marvelous. What is not to like about these two? They are both wonderful.
I asked them if they could recommend any special places to be sure to visit while in the Philadelphia area. They said you have to go to McGillin's Olde Ale House. It's the oldest pub in Philly. John offered to come along with me and at first I accepted but then remembering that he had been away from his wife for a few days and that he will be taking me to a couple of events in the coming days, I changed my mind in having John around. In truth, I love the guy and would have loved his company. There is no doubt about that but I wanted to be sure that I was not becoming a burden on his relationship with his wife.
But I did take John's advice and I did drive into Philly to go to McGillin's. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was looking forward to it. So, off I went.
It was loud and fun there and fun to think about how many people had been there before I. This was to be the first meal where I could have meat, so that's what I did. I ordered the Caesar salad which was topped with a small piece of Filet Mignon. It was perfectly healthy and completely delicious. I sat at the bar and ordered an Octoberfest beer, one of my favorite drinks. Now I knew that I was pushing it by having a beer and not even a light one at that. But I had a plan. I would only drink a little. Now you might be thinking, yeah right. But that is what I did. I drank about half and then asked the bartender to remove it. She was concerned that I didn't like it but after a quick explanation, she agreed but insisted that it stay within arm's reach in case I changed my mind. I assured her that I was not going to have any more, and I didn't have any more. So a short beer, a mini steak, and a delicious salad and I was set.
The guy at the bar seated next to me was very interested in what I had been doing and asked a bunch of questions. I enjoyed answering them for him. It's a fun topic to discuss.
Day 31 --- East Coast and Transition
Day
31 ---- East Coast and Transition
This
is only my second day of transition and I am trying very hard to make
sure that I get things right. That said, I knew that I need
some healthy foods to start my day. So, I searched for a "Whole
Foods" market which is an international store filled with all
organic and extra healthy foods. There are seven stores in the
UK mates, so check it out.
I
purchased three small amounts of nuts, (pistachios, macadamias, and
hazelnuts) as well as a couple of packages of dried and seasoned
kale, a couple of apples, and perhaps a couple of other items. Armed
with this, and having downed an apple and a couple of handfuls of
nuts, I started my work day with meetings at a school in Cherry Hill,
New Jersey.
Many
at the school were well aware of my fast and were filled with
questions about how it went and how I was feeling now. I loved
talking about all of this and I hope that it was motivational to
some.
The
head of the leadership team at this school found a great place to
take me to lunch. It had a huge selection of salad items and
many varieties of vegetables all in a grand buffet. There were
many items that I could not eat, yet. But there were more than
enough options for me. Most everything was healthy, but some were
just not yet on my "OK to eat" list.
Tomorrow I will be able to have plenty of options including meats. But for now, I'm in transition and after this much effort, I don't want to blow it.
Tomorrow I will be able to have plenty of options including meats. But for now, I'm in transition and after this much effort, I don't want to blow it.
I
was on my own for dinner. I chose a local Indian restaurant
knowing that they tend to have many items that are within my new high
fiber diet. I order Vegetable Korma. It is a
characteristic Indian dish which can be traced back to the 16th
century and to the Mughal incursions into present-day
Northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Classically, a korma is
defined as a dish where meat or vegetables are braised with
water or stock. Needless to say, I stuck with the vegetable.
But modern Korma definitely in not just stewed in stock or
water. It has lots of spices and this dish in particular was
very spicey. I was a bit concerned, but everything was fine.
The kind waitress substituted yellow lentils for the rice and
it tasted delicious.
I
was eating alone and so my thoughts wandered around until they landed
on our son David, perhaps the very best son ever known to man. I
took a picture of myself and texted it off to him telling him that I
was eating healthy Indian food tonight. He quickly wrote back
and said, "how appropriate as tonight is Dandiya". Ok,
what the heck is that? I thought. Apparently it is quite the
Indian holiday where dancing is a major part. Well, I didn't
dance, but I was about ready to do so after having that delicious
meal. Amazing how good it tasted.
I don't have more of the "Click here" links on here yet. You can navigate form the right hand side under the dates. I'll put more links in soon. :-) THANKS FOR READING!! Please SHARE with friends!!
I don't have more of the "Click here" links on here yet. You can navigate form the right hand side under the dates. I'll put more links in soon. :-) THANKS FOR READING!! Please SHARE with friends!!
Day 30 ---- Travel and Transition
Day 30 ---- Travel and Transition
As you may remember, Dr. Saunders strongly encouraged me to eat carefully during the first 2-3 days. He recommended only having fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds, basically high fiber. He is a brilliant man and has helped me so much that I was not about to question his advice. This coupled with the fact that I have read about others who did not transition properly and had significant digestive issues.
What was to make things more complicated was the fact that I needed to travel all day across the USA. But I knew what I could have and I knew that I had plenty of options.
I needed to be up at 4:30AM and off to the airport at 5:00 for a 6:30AM flight. I awoke on time, feeling great, and drank some water, ate an apple and off we went to the airport. Sadly, I had to say goodbye to my mate-for-life and board the plane. So we said our farewells, said a prayer, and I entered the airport.
Santa Barbara airport is one of the best airports that I utilize. It's not fancy but it's small and simple and very easy to navigate, plus very familiar. I went through the check in procedure and was officially inside the secure gate boarding area. My first stop was to buy some nuts for the flight. I knew that with nuts, an apple, and some water, I would be fine. And I was fine.
The first leg was to Phoenix followed by a flight to Philadelphia. I munched on delicious nuts and apples on the way, with plenty of water. It seemed easy and delicious.
Once I landed, I rented a car and drove off to see Herbie Hancock about an hour or so North of Philly. He was amazing. He had so much energy still at 73 years old. I was very happy to see him. He played only 6 songs in total but that filled up a full two hours. Imagine that, each song averaging 20 minutes. Awesome.
After the show, I drove back to my hotel, getting in kind of late but feeling relaxed and satisfied with the ease of the day.
Click here to keep reading
As you may remember, Dr. Saunders strongly encouraged me to eat carefully during the first 2-3 days. He recommended only having fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds, basically high fiber. He is a brilliant man and has helped me so much that I was not about to question his advice. This coupled with the fact that I have read about others who did not transition properly and had significant digestive issues.
What was to make things more complicated was the fact that I needed to travel all day across the USA. But I knew what I could have and I knew that I had plenty of options.
I needed to be up at 4:30AM and off to the airport at 5:00 for a 6:30AM flight. I awoke on time, feeling great, and drank some water, ate an apple and off we went to the airport. Sadly, I had to say goodbye to my mate-for-life and board the plane. So we said our farewells, said a prayer, and I entered the airport.
Santa Barbara airport is one of the best airports that I utilize. It's not fancy but it's small and simple and very easy to navigate, plus very familiar. I went through the check in procedure and was officially inside the secure gate boarding area. My first stop was to buy some nuts for the flight. I knew that with nuts, an apple, and some water, I would be fine. And I was fine.
The first leg was to Phoenix followed by a flight to Philadelphia. I munched on delicious nuts and apples on the way, with plenty of water. It seemed easy and delicious.
Once I landed, I rented a car and drove off to see Herbie Hancock about an hour or so North of Philly. He was amazing. He had so much energy still at 73 years old. I was very happy to see him. He played only 6 songs in total but that filled up a full two hours. Imagine that, each song averaging 20 minutes. Awesome.
After the show, I drove back to my hotel, getting in kind of late but feeling relaxed and satisfied with the ease of the day.
Click here to keep reading
Day 29 --- (Dinner) Finally a real meal
Day 29 --- Dinner, as in a real, solid food meal
It's a date. A date to remember but also a date with my sweet wife of 15 years, well 15 years this December. I was so looking forward to this meal, and more importantly being able to go out to dinner with my bride on a real date. So, I asked her when she wanted for me to pick her up at home. We set a time and I waited, impatiently.
Knowing that we would be going out soon and that Suzy would want to get ready before dinner, I got ready early with the plan being to stay out of the house until the time when I was to pick up my date. Six O'clock was the arrangement. So I took a shower and picked out a pressed dress shirt and Suzy's favorite jeans, on me that is. Then I slipped out for a meeting with one of three triplets related to college planning. I was excited for the evening and happy to have the meeting to keep me occupied until at least 5:30.
After the meeting, I walked around our little village and picked some flowers to bring to Suzy before our date. Also, I got the car straightened out and walked around waiting for 6:00PM. Finally it was just about time and so I walked up to our home, flowers in hand, and rang the doorbell. And there she was standing there, Miss America, looking as beautiful as ever. I couldn't help but notice my heart rate increase a bit. I just love this girl. Suzy was completely ready to go and truly did look beautiful, which is pretty easy for her.
Off we went feeling like a school boy on a first date. We took our time driving to Sojourner Restaurant in downtown SB. I asked for there very best table "because we were celebrating". There gave us a lovely table in the corner and for the first time in 30 days, I held a menu in my hands. I was not just excited that was going to be able to eat soon, but that there were so many choices available to me that were healthy and delicious. But after reading nearly every item on the menu, I ended up choosing one of my favorite dishes at Sojourner and after many years of eating it, I just now realized how healthy it is for me. I've included part of the menu below, just for fun. I proudly order the Golden Indian Dhal. It is a bowl of stewed red lentils with a variety of mixed vegetables and a side of brown rice. I also ordered a side of avocado, just for fun. Suzy ordered the Gazpacho and a great salad. She has been on her own diet as well and so this was a treat for her as well.
We were in no hurry, but I was a bit anxious and excited. The meal arrived and it looked beautiful. I could see chunks of different vegetables sticking out of the red lentils and the brown rice looked wonderful. I took one bit and savored the way the warm solid food felt in my mouth. It felt heavy on my tongue and reassuring. It was delicious. I haven't been a big fan of brown rice, but I have to say that it tasted wonderful, especially mixed with the lentils. The avocado was absolutely perfect. I really enjoyed the contrast between the cool avocado and the warm Indian Dhal. Suzy was thoroughly enjoying her Gazpacho, a favorite to be sure for her.
We enjoyed our time together so very much. The food, although it was disappointingly slightly better than warm with the rice being cool, was delicious and fulfilling none the less. I might have mentioned this to the staff but after 30 days of no solid food, I was in no mood to complain. The small serving, I ordered the lunch sized plate, was more than enough. I was full and my mouth was happy.
Suzy and I enjoyed our meal and then went for a walk around the downtown area before heading back to our home, full, content, happy, satisfied, and proud of myself.
(By the way, this isn't the end. I didn't really know it at this point but there a lot more to come)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
It's a date. A date to remember but also a date with my sweet wife of 15 years, well 15 years this December. I was so looking forward to this meal, and more importantly being able to go out to dinner with my bride on a real date. So, I asked her when she wanted for me to pick her up at home. We set a time and I waited, impatiently.
Knowing that we would be going out soon and that Suzy would want to get ready before dinner, I got ready early with the plan being to stay out of the house until the time when I was to pick up my date. Six O'clock was the arrangement. So I took a shower and picked out a pressed dress shirt and Suzy's favorite jeans, on me that is. Then I slipped out for a meeting with one of three triplets related to college planning. I was excited for the evening and happy to have the meeting to keep me occupied until at least 5:30.
After the meeting, I walked around our little village and picked some flowers to bring to Suzy before our date. Also, I got the car straightened out and walked around waiting for 6:00PM. Finally it was just about time and so I walked up to our home, flowers in hand, and rang the doorbell. And there she was standing there, Miss America, looking as beautiful as ever. I couldn't help but notice my heart rate increase a bit. I just love this girl. Suzy was completely ready to go and truly did look beautiful, which is pretty easy for her.
Off we went feeling like a school boy on a first date. We took our time driving to Sojourner Restaurant in downtown SB. I asked for there very best table "because we were celebrating". There gave us a lovely table in the corner and for the first time in 30 days, I held a menu in my hands. I was not just excited that was going to be able to eat soon, but that there were so many choices available to me that were healthy and delicious. But after reading nearly every item on the menu, I ended up choosing one of my favorite dishes at Sojourner and after many years of eating it, I just now realized how healthy it is for me. I've included part of the menu below, just for fun. I proudly order the Golden Indian Dhal. It is a bowl of stewed red lentils with a variety of mixed vegetables and a side of brown rice. I also ordered a side of avocado, just for fun. Suzy ordered the Gazpacho and a great salad. She has been on her own diet as well and so this was a treat for her as well.
We were in no hurry, but I was a bit anxious and excited. The meal arrived and it looked beautiful. I could see chunks of different vegetables sticking out of the red lentils and the brown rice looked wonderful. I took one bit and savored the way the warm solid food felt in my mouth. It felt heavy on my tongue and reassuring. It was delicious. I haven't been a big fan of brown rice, but I have to say that it tasted wonderful, especially mixed with the lentils. The avocado was absolutely perfect. I really enjoyed the contrast between the cool avocado and the warm Indian Dhal. Suzy was thoroughly enjoying her Gazpacho, a favorite to be sure for her.
We enjoyed our time together so very much. The food, although it was disappointingly slightly better than warm with the rice being cool, was delicious and fulfilling none the less. I might have mentioned this to the staff but after 30 days of no solid food, I was in no mood to complain. The small serving, I ordered the lunch sized plate, was more than enough. I was full and my mouth was happy.
Suzy and I enjoyed our meal and then went for a walk around the downtown area before heading back to our home, full, content, happy, satisfied, and proud of myself.
(By the way, this isn't the end. I didn't really know it at this point but there a lot more to come)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Day 29 --- Part two (afternoon)
Day 29 -- Part two
As the day progresses, I'm getting excited about going out for a proper meal with my wife. Truly, this will be a celebration. After a month of having nothing but liquid soup broth, finally I will get to eat something solid.
This afternoon, I went back to see Dr. Scott Saunders. It was a visit that I was looking forward to attending. He said that I looked well and healthy. Amazing to think that I lost 26 pounds in about as many days, 26.8 pounds to be exact. I had a good list of questions for him about the transition diet and the future diet.
He said that for the next 2 full days, that I should have high fiber foods which could include fruits, vegetables, brown rice, lentils, beans, nuts, and seeds. For me, this is a cornucopia of delicious choices. He encouraged me to avoid certain foods as well including dairy and meats, etc. After two full days, I could add some fish or chicken and other items slowly. I was super excited.
To celebrate, Suzy and I were to go to dinner at one of Santa Barbara's finest restaurants. The thought was either the Biltmore with its beautiful view of Butterfly Beach or the newly renovated El Encanto, Spanish for the "enchanted place". Both are outstanding 5 star restaurants and resort hotels. But the only problem was that in reviewing these menus, we found that I would end up having a pretty basic salad. We were hoping for something a little bit more than some lettuce with basic salad toppings. So with a quick shift of choices, I looked at the menu from a local healthy restaurant called Sojourner. Suzy and I have been going there since 1984, at first separately, and now as a couple. The restaurant is as organic and natural as they get. I showed Dr. Saunders the menu and he approved whole-heartedly. There were several choices that would be just fine and I'm looking forward to this evening.
More to follow..... CLICK HERE!!!
As the day progresses, I'm getting excited about going out for a proper meal with my wife. Truly, this will be a celebration. After a month of having nothing but liquid soup broth, finally I will get to eat something solid.
This afternoon, I went back to see Dr. Scott Saunders. It was a visit that I was looking forward to attending. He said that I looked well and healthy. Amazing to think that I lost 26 pounds in about as many days, 26.8 pounds to be exact. I had a good list of questions for him about the transition diet and the future diet.
He said that for the next 2 full days, that I should have high fiber foods which could include fruits, vegetables, brown rice, lentils, beans, nuts, and seeds. For me, this is a cornucopia of delicious choices. He encouraged me to avoid certain foods as well including dairy and meats, etc. After two full days, I could add some fish or chicken and other items slowly. I was super excited.
To celebrate, Suzy and I were to go to dinner at one of Santa Barbara's finest restaurants. The thought was either the Biltmore with its beautiful view of Butterfly Beach or the newly renovated El Encanto, Spanish for the "enchanted place". Both are outstanding 5 star restaurants and resort hotels. But the only problem was that in reviewing these menus, we found that I would end up having a pretty basic salad. We were hoping for something a little bit more than some lettuce with basic salad toppings. So with a quick shift of choices, I looked at the menu from a local healthy restaurant called Sojourner. Suzy and I have been going there since 1984, at first separately, and now as a couple. The restaurant is as organic and natural as they get. I showed Dr. Saunders the menu and he approved whole-heartedly. There were several choices that would be just fine and I'm looking forward to this evening.
More to follow..... CLICK HERE!!!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Day 29 --- The final day begins
Day 29 --- The beginning of the final day.
It is early morning and today is the final day of my fast. Some would say, wait, that can't be right. Today is only day 29. Yes that is true. But I'm not quitting early, like really? Would I really go this long to end only one day early? Of course not. Truth be told, I know that I could easily do this for another 10 days and if I was really obese, I could do this for another month if I knew that the doctor was ok with it and if I really needed to lose the weight. At this point, it's pretty easy. I'm just cruising along now.
So why end now? Tomorrow I leave at 5:30 AM for the Northeast and will be traveling all day. It would be very difficult to do this and travel but that said, I could do it. It's not impossible. Just a bit of a challenge. It's all about will power. I could really do it. So then why not wait a day?
As you might have noticed, if you read yesterday's blog post, my wife and I are very close. I would like to be able to celebrate this culmination with her. So tonight we go out to dinner to live it up, well, sort of.
Apparently, according to the doctor, it is critical that I not jump back into regular food immediately. It is definitely a transition. So day 30 won't be like burger and fries at all. Dr. Scott Saunders has instructed me to take a period of days to eat only high fiber foods. Nuts, seeds, vegetables, lentils, and some other items. Note that hot fudge Sundae is not on the list. This is of the utmost importance to avoid major digestive issues.
This point was struck home by my dear friend, Pastor Ray. He's been a friend for many years and is a dear man. He was on a five day fast. To celebrate the breaking of the fast he went to breakfast with some friends and had an apple fritter. He said that his digestive system was badly out of whack for a week. Now, I'm not sure that I am craving an apple fritter right now, but I'm sure that there are plenty of foods that could "mess me up".
Consequently, and as I have from the beginning, I am following the advice of my medical doctor. Speaking of him, I meet with him today for a visit to wrap up the fast. I'm really looking forward to this and hearing his thoughts about the future of my diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements.
I'm sure that I will write more as a follow up to this especially where the transition time and the future diet will be so important. After all, I didn't do this to continue as I was, overweight and unhealthy. I did this to jump start my life and make a new me before my 50th birthday.
I'll write more later after visiting the doctor and my first dinner tonight!! How exciting!!
CLICK HERE for the next post!!
Please share this blog on Facebook or wherever you think it would be helpful, tell a friend :-)
It is early morning and today is the final day of my fast. Some would say, wait, that can't be right. Today is only day 29. Yes that is true. But I'm not quitting early, like really? Would I really go this long to end only one day early? Of course not. Truth be told, I know that I could easily do this for another 10 days and if I was really obese, I could do this for another month if I knew that the doctor was ok with it and if I really needed to lose the weight. At this point, it's pretty easy. I'm just cruising along now.
So why end now? Tomorrow I leave at 5:30 AM for the Northeast and will be traveling all day. It would be very difficult to do this and travel but that said, I could do it. It's not impossible. Just a bit of a challenge. It's all about will power. I could really do it. So then why not wait a day?
As you might have noticed, if you read yesterday's blog post, my wife and I are very close. I would like to be able to celebrate this culmination with her. So tonight we go out to dinner to live it up, well, sort of.
Apparently, according to the doctor, it is critical that I not jump back into regular food immediately. It is definitely a transition. So day 30 won't be like burger and fries at all. Dr. Scott Saunders has instructed me to take a period of days to eat only high fiber foods. Nuts, seeds, vegetables, lentils, and some other items. Note that hot fudge Sundae is not on the list. This is of the utmost importance to avoid major digestive issues.
This point was struck home by my dear friend, Pastor Ray. He's been a friend for many years and is a dear man. He was on a five day fast. To celebrate the breaking of the fast he went to breakfast with some friends and had an apple fritter. He said that his digestive system was badly out of whack for a week. Now, I'm not sure that I am craving an apple fritter right now, but I'm sure that there are plenty of foods that could "mess me up".
Consequently, and as I have from the beginning, I am following the advice of my medical doctor. Speaking of him, I meet with him today for a visit to wrap up the fast. I'm really looking forward to this and hearing his thoughts about the future of my diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements.
I'm sure that I will write more as a follow up to this especially where the transition time and the future diet will be so important. After all, I didn't do this to continue as I was, overweight and unhealthy. I did this to jump start my life and make a new me before my 50th birthday.
I'll write more later after visiting the doctor and my first dinner tonight!! How exciting!!
CLICK HERE for the next post!!
Please share this blog on Facebook or wherever you think it would be helpful, tell a friend :-)
Day 28 --- Wrapping it up, into the homestretch
Day 28 --- Into the homestretch I go
Today is day 28. I felt great today. It probably also helped that I had a lot to do today.
I was up early, 5:30, so that I could start to adjust to the East Coast time zone. I leave on day 30 for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Rochester, New York. I need to hit the ground running and with a three hour time difference and meetings starting at 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning, I felt it was a good idea to get a jump start.
Before I start into all of this, I was pretty stoked that the chicken soup that I made turned out so well. I knew that it was going to taste great. I first realized this when a few hours after making the soup, Suzy and I returned from a little shopping trip out to Costco. When we got home it was near dark, if not dark already. When we walked into the front yard, I could smell something delicious. I thought that there was no way that this could be the soup. But sure enough, the closer that we got to the open windows on our home, the better and stronger the scent was. We opened the door and Bamm there it was. The delicious aroma of home made chicken soup. I couldn't wait to have a mug. So, of course I did. And yes, it was delicious. It had that old home made flavor. But to kick it up a bit, I added a dried Pasilla chili pepper for some rich, smokey spiciness to the broth. It totally worked. Suzy even had a cup with me.
The day was a whirlwind. A haircut early, a short school visit, meeting with two contractors, running back out to Costco pharmacy, shopping for my Suzy, and then home. All in all, it was a blur until about 6:00 PM when I got home and sat down with Suzy for a nice warm cup of soup broth. Delicious. So savory.
Then the packing began, and preparations for my two week trip to work with schools in the East. Suzy started laying out some clothes for me and I worked on car rentals and planning hotels, etc. I so appreciate her help in getting me ready to go. I know that many other spouses wouldn't help, but perhaps it is that attitude of hers, and hopefully mine, that makes our marriage strong. She has been such a support to me throughout this whole month long journey. Really, she was in a very high degree my motivation for doing this. Now at the risk of sounding way to mushy, here is what happened at the end of the night.
Finally at the end of the day, we sat down to watch an episode of a great TV show on Netflix called "Friday Night Lights". The two of us love this show and we are watching the first season right now. It is a great and wholesome show that is so rarely found any more on any small or big screen. Well, we finished the episode and snuggled into the covers and began to reflect on our day, the last month, and plans to finish the fast tomorrow just before my trip back East. I was struck by how much my wife loves me and how supportive she has been to me, certainly for the last 30 days but truly from day one of our marriage. We are so blessed but it does take effort but the effort seems unnoticeable compared to the blessing. Perhaps I'm not building the emotion well, but if you have ever had that "Ah ha" moment in a relationship when you realize how special what you have really is, you'll get it. So with tears in my eyes, I thanked my bride of nearly 15 years for her love and support, daily.
Tomorrow is the big day. Looking forward to it. And here's the link!! Click here for DAY 29
Today is day 28. I felt great today. It probably also helped that I had a lot to do today.
I was up early, 5:30, so that I could start to adjust to the East Coast time zone. I leave on day 30 for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Rochester, New York. I need to hit the ground running and with a three hour time difference and meetings starting at 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning, I felt it was a good idea to get a jump start.
Before I start into all of this, I was pretty stoked that the chicken soup that I made turned out so well. I knew that it was going to taste great. I first realized this when a few hours after making the soup, Suzy and I returned from a little shopping trip out to Costco. When we got home it was near dark, if not dark already. When we walked into the front yard, I could smell something delicious. I thought that there was no way that this could be the soup. But sure enough, the closer that we got to the open windows on our home, the better and stronger the scent was. We opened the door and Bamm there it was. The delicious aroma of home made chicken soup. I couldn't wait to have a mug. So, of course I did. And yes, it was delicious. It had that old home made flavor. But to kick it up a bit, I added a dried Pasilla chili pepper for some rich, smokey spiciness to the broth. It totally worked. Suzy even had a cup with me.
The day was a whirlwind. A haircut early, a short school visit, meeting with two contractors, running back out to Costco pharmacy, shopping for my Suzy, and then home. All in all, it was a blur until about 6:00 PM when I got home and sat down with Suzy for a nice warm cup of soup broth. Delicious. So savory.
Then the packing began, and preparations for my two week trip to work with schools in the East. Suzy started laying out some clothes for me and I worked on car rentals and planning hotels, etc. I so appreciate her help in getting me ready to go. I know that many other spouses wouldn't help, but perhaps it is that attitude of hers, and hopefully mine, that makes our marriage strong. She has been such a support to me throughout this whole month long journey. Really, she was in a very high degree my motivation for doing this. Now at the risk of sounding way to mushy, here is what happened at the end of the night.
Finally at the end of the day, we sat down to watch an episode of a great TV show on Netflix called "Friday Night Lights". The two of us love this show and we are watching the first season right now. It is a great and wholesome show that is so rarely found any more on any small or big screen. Well, we finished the episode and snuggled into the covers and began to reflect on our day, the last month, and plans to finish the fast tomorrow just before my trip back East. I was struck by how much my wife loves me and how supportive she has been to me, certainly for the last 30 days but truly from day one of our marriage. We are so blessed but it does take effort but the effort seems unnoticeable compared to the blessing. Perhaps I'm not building the emotion well, but if you have ever had that "Ah ha" moment in a relationship when you realize how special what you have really is, you'll get it. So with tears in my eyes, I thanked my bride of nearly 15 years for her love and support, daily.
Tomorrow is the big day. Looking forward to it. And here's the link!! Click here for DAY 29
Day 27 --- Ok, I'm back on track
Day 27 ---- Back on track, feeling better
As you read yesterday, I was feeling pretty bad, lethargic and sad most of the day. My guess was that my reduction in antidepressants might have caused this. Since I have been on this broth fast, I have reduced my intake three times over the last month. Each time I experienced the same feelings. A day or two of "blueness" and then I was ok again. There was a lag from when I made the reduction to when I felt poorly of about four days. Each time that I reduced my intake, I had the same result. Feeling bad for a day or two then bouncing back pretty well. All of this fit.
Today I felt a whole lot better, not perfect but really pretty darn decent. I had plenty to do to keep me busy, which was good. One thing that happened that meant a lot to me today was a friend sent a text message to me to say that she read that I wasn't doing the best and asked if I wanted to talk. That was so kind. But I wouldn't expect any less from her, she is a high quality friend. We spent about a half an hour on the phone talking about the fast and more importantly the America's Cup, which thankfully will be here in America for another three years at least. So this news certainly raised the spirits of this sailor.
I also met with the parents of triplets that I know pretty well. They were asking for some counsel about colleges for their kids. I love being helpful and this was a great opportunity to do so.
All of these things gave a boost to my day, but the real fun was that I awoke to find that I have now officially lost 25 pounds. Pretty cool.
PS: My sweet wife loves this and it's always a good thing when your spouse likes how you look.
Here's the link to day 28 >> http://30daybrothfast.blogspot.com/2013/10/day-28-wrapping-it-up-into-homestretch.html
As you read yesterday, I was feeling pretty bad, lethargic and sad most of the day. My guess was that my reduction in antidepressants might have caused this. Since I have been on this broth fast, I have reduced my intake three times over the last month. Each time I experienced the same feelings. A day or two of "blueness" and then I was ok again. There was a lag from when I made the reduction to when I felt poorly of about four days. Each time that I reduced my intake, I had the same result. Feeling bad for a day or two then bouncing back pretty well. All of this fit.
Today I felt a whole lot better, not perfect but really pretty darn decent. I had plenty to do to keep me busy, which was good. One thing that happened that meant a lot to me today was a friend sent a text message to me to say that she read that I wasn't doing the best and asked if I wanted to talk. That was so kind. But I wouldn't expect any less from her, she is a high quality friend. We spent about a half an hour on the phone talking about the fast and more importantly the America's Cup, which thankfully will be here in America for another three years at least. So this news certainly raised the spirits of this sailor.
I also met with the parents of triplets that I know pretty well. They were asking for some counsel about colleges for their kids. I love being helpful and this was a great opportunity to do so.
All of these things gave a boost to my day, but the real fun was that I awoke to find that I have now officially lost 25 pounds. Pretty cool.
PS: My sweet wife loves this and it's always a good thing when your spouse likes how you look.
Here's the link to day 28 >> http://30daybrothfast.blogspot.com/2013/10/day-28-wrapping-it-up-into-homestretch.html
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Stats ---- Just for fun
Here are some latest stats from Blogger. Perhaps it's interesting to you. To me, it has been motivational.
1170
217
18
17
14
12
8
7
6
4
Day 26 ---- What happened?
Day 26 ---- What happened?
After that last few days of feeling on top of the world, I've been down today. I believe that a lot of it has to do with the fact that I have cut back on some antidepressants that I have been taking. I've been slowly cutting back and there is usually a lag from the day that I cut back until feeling like I've been hit by a truck. The lag is usually about 4 days of so. Guess what? That lines up perfectly. I'm sure that this is the issue but it still is no fun.
I've been reading a lot about how helpful niacin is for people who suffer with depression. I started taking about 3000mg per day, as recommended by my medical doctor. But then I stopped. And now I'm down and blue. Probably a combination of the two hitting at once.
From what I've read, it seems like it takes about a week for the niacin to get going in the body, but I might have that time frame wrong. If anyone knows for sure, send a comment please.
So, tomorrow I'm hoping will be a better and more uplifting day. It really needs to be as I will have meetings tomorrow that I need to be "up" for. Then the next two days are just as busy, so this better pass quickly. I pray that it does.
Although I'm ending this fast soon, in truth, I know that I could do this for another couple of weeks. The hardest part is over and now it's just cruising. But I would be lying to say that I not looking forward to eating again.
Eating is really a celebratory event for me, and probably for everyone. We just take it for granted. Stop eating for a month and you'll see what I mean.
That's all for now folks. For those of you who have followed this all along, thank you!! I would have loved to have heard from more of you but I see the stats and know that you are there.
If you want to do something kind for me...please share this BLOG on Facebook or whatever social media you like :-) Please tell your friends :-)
Here's the link to tomorrow's latest
http://30daybrothfast.blogspot.com/2013/10/day-27-ok-im-back-on-track.html
After that last few days of feeling on top of the world, I've been down today. I believe that a lot of it has to do with the fact that I have cut back on some antidepressants that I have been taking. I've been slowly cutting back and there is usually a lag from the day that I cut back until feeling like I've been hit by a truck. The lag is usually about 4 days of so. Guess what? That lines up perfectly. I'm sure that this is the issue but it still is no fun.
I've been reading a lot about how helpful niacin is for people who suffer with depression. I started taking about 3000mg per day, as recommended by my medical doctor. But then I stopped. And now I'm down and blue. Probably a combination of the two hitting at once.
From what I've read, it seems like it takes about a week for the niacin to get going in the body, but I might have that time frame wrong. If anyone knows for sure, send a comment please.
So, tomorrow I'm hoping will be a better and more uplifting day. It really needs to be as I will have meetings tomorrow that I need to be "up" for. Then the next two days are just as busy, so this better pass quickly. I pray that it does.
Although I'm ending this fast soon, in truth, I know that I could do this for another couple of weeks. The hardest part is over and now it's just cruising. But I would be lying to say that I not looking forward to eating again.
Eating is really a celebratory event for me, and probably for everyone. We just take it for granted. Stop eating for a month and you'll see what I mean.
That's all for now folks. For those of you who have followed this all along, thank you!! I would have loved to have heard from more of you but I see the stats and know that you are there.
If you want to do something kind for me...please share this BLOG on Facebook or whatever social media you like :-) Please tell your friends :-)
Here's the link to tomorrow's latest
http://30daybrothfast.blogspot.com/2013/10/day-27-ok-im-back-on-track.html
Day 23, 24, and 25 --- Feeling better than ever
Days 23, 24, and 25 --- Feeling better than ever
I'm sorry to all of you who might have been looking forward to reading what was going on for the last three days. We have been camping and having internet has been not the easiest but that wasn't the issue for posting as much as the fact that I just felt too good to stop and write.
Really, I have felt better in the last three days than I have in a long, long time. I was up by a decent hour, walking on the beach with Suzy, even running into the Pacific Ocean with its cold water. We have been having a great time and I have been at the top of my game.
I haven't been particularly hungry. I've found that I have been pretty fine much of the day with just water. I've had about 3 servings of broth per day. It's not that I'm trying to not eat, or drink, it's just that I haven't been that hungry and I have been happy with just water.
Overall, just an amazing few days. Thank the good Lord for that!!
CLICK HERE for the next blog post
I'm sorry to all of you who might have been looking forward to reading what was going on for the last three days. We have been camping and having internet has been not the easiest but that wasn't the issue for posting as much as the fact that I just felt too good to stop and write.
Really, I have felt better in the last three days than I have in a long, long time. I was up by a decent hour, walking on the beach with Suzy, even running into the Pacific Ocean with its cold water. We have been having a great time and I have been at the top of my game.
I haven't been particularly hungry. I've found that I have been pretty fine much of the day with just water. I've had about 3 servings of broth per day. It's not that I'm trying to not eat, or drink, it's just that I haven't been that hungry and I have been happy with just water.
Overall, just an amazing few days. Thank the good Lord for that!!
CLICK HERE for the next blog post
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Day 22 ---- Beginning to round the bend
Day 22 --- Beginning to round the bend
I felt pretty decent today, a bit tired but ok. I found that this morning I was pretty tired and so I was able to nap but as the day went on, my energy built significantly. By the time 3:00pm rolled around, I was feeling great. Really the first day in a while that I could say that I was feeling great. Granted it didn't hit me until mid-afternoon, but I'm thankful for when it did.
I had a good amount of soup broth saved up, critical if I'm going to be consuming nothing but broth. As you may remember, we were out "camping". Although there is no electricity or water where we are camping, our motorhome has everything we need. I thought that I'd include a picture of it. You'll find it below.
My weight has continued to drop, or at least I believe that it has. I don't have a scale with me so it's hard to know if I've continued to lose weight as I think I have. Tomorrow, I'll be going back to Santa Barbara for the day and will get a chance to weigh myself again. I'm looking forward to this for sure.
I went to the local organic and healthy store before we left camping. I bought a couple of smoked turkey wings and 2 different types of sausage. So, I'm sure that you are interested in knowing what I made with them, right? OK, so here goes.
For my foodie friends....I took the turkey wings and put them in the pot to cook with chopped onions and carrots for the nutritional component. For spices I added salt, pepper, a good amount of "poultry seasoning", some Italian seasoning (thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, etc), and some bay leaves. I love turkey so I'm hoping this tastes like a Thanksgiving dinner. For our international friends...here in America we take a day to express thanks to our Creator for His great bounty, care, protection, and blessing. This first started with the native Americans and the early Pilgrims who settled here in the early 1600's. It is a great tradition and other countries celebrate this holiday as well.
More on food, Suzy whipped up a sausage soup for me with some organic, spicy jalapeno sausages that I bought. She added some kale, garlic, red bell peppers, onion, and salt. It turned out to be delicious. I don't think that she has ever made a less than great meal.
Lastly, I took a "chorizo" sausage, organic as well, and added leaks, tomatoes, a good handful of cilantro, and that was it. I'm looking forward to seeing what this will taste like. It should be tomato-y and spicy with a zing of cilantro. I plan to add fresh lime to each serving.
Well, I hope that all of you are well. Tomorrow should be a good day with a new weight to report.
CLICK HERE to go to the next day
I felt pretty decent today, a bit tired but ok. I found that this morning I was pretty tired and so I was able to nap but as the day went on, my energy built significantly. By the time 3:00pm rolled around, I was feeling great. Really the first day in a while that I could say that I was feeling great. Granted it didn't hit me until mid-afternoon, but I'm thankful for when it did.
I had a good amount of soup broth saved up, critical if I'm going to be consuming nothing but broth. As you may remember, we were out "camping". Although there is no electricity or water where we are camping, our motorhome has everything we need. I thought that I'd include a picture of it. You'll find it below.
My weight has continued to drop, or at least I believe that it has. I don't have a scale with me so it's hard to know if I've continued to lose weight as I think I have. Tomorrow, I'll be going back to Santa Barbara for the day and will get a chance to weigh myself again. I'm looking forward to this for sure.
I went to the local organic and healthy store before we left camping. I bought a couple of smoked turkey wings and 2 different types of sausage. So, I'm sure that you are interested in knowing what I made with them, right? OK, so here goes.
For my foodie friends....I took the turkey wings and put them in the pot to cook with chopped onions and carrots for the nutritional component. For spices I added salt, pepper, a good amount of "poultry seasoning", some Italian seasoning (thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, etc), and some bay leaves. I love turkey so I'm hoping this tastes like a Thanksgiving dinner. For our international friends...here in America we take a day to express thanks to our Creator for His great bounty, care, protection, and blessing. This first started with the native Americans and the early Pilgrims who settled here in the early 1600's. It is a great tradition and other countries celebrate this holiday as well.
More on food, Suzy whipped up a sausage soup for me with some organic, spicy jalapeno sausages that I bought. She added some kale, garlic, red bell peppers, onion, and salt. It turned out to be delicious. I don't think that she has ever made a less than great meal.
Lastly, I took a "chorizo" sausage, organic as well, and added leaks, tomatoes, a good handful of cilantro, and that was it. I'm looking forward to seeing what this will taste like. It should be tomato-y and spicy with a zing of cilantro. I plan to add fresh lime to each serving.
Well, I hope that all of you are well. Tomorrow should be a good day with a new weight to report.
CLICK HERE to go to the next day
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Day 21 --- Tired but fine
Day 21 --- Feeling tired but feeling fine
I'm not sure if the biggest for my feeling tired was because of the fast or if it was just because I've been pushing myself pretty hard. I slept in until about 9:00, definitely not like me. Then in the afternoon, I took a good long nap, again, not like me. But I was just wiped out.
By the time 5PM rolled around, I was feeling a whole lot better. Suzy was to be coming down to our motorhome and its beach side parking spot at about 6PM so I was getting excited. I was looking forward to seeing her. I've missed her while she and I are apart a lot lately.
It was nice to have her sweet face show up just in time for a sunset walk on the beach. We went on a really long walk and by the time that we returned it was officially dark. Suzy brought down some fresh soup broth that was cooking at the house. It was still hot and delicious.
We had a relaxing evening watching a movie and then to sleep.
Hope you are all doing souper
I'm not sure if the biggest for my feeling tired was because of the fast or if it was just because I've been pushing myself pretty hard. I slept in until about 9:00, definitely not like me. Then in the afternoon, I took a good long nap, again, not like me. But I was just wiped out.
By the time 5PM rolled around, I was feeling a whole lot better. Suzy was to be coming down to our motorhome and its beach side parking spot at about 6PM so I was getting excited. I was looking forward to seeing her. I've missed her while she and I are apart a lot lately.
It was nice to have her sweet face show up just in time for a sunset walk on the beach. We went on a really long walk and by the time that we returned it was officially dark. Suzy brought down some fresh soup broth that was cooking at the house. It was still hot and delicious.
We had a relaxing evening watching a movie and then to sleep.
Hope you are all doing souper
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