fasting...

fasting: an abstinence from food, or a limiting of one's food, especially when voluntary and as a religious observance.

So, I've been getting some flak (is that the right word?) about fasting. 

I've been trying it on for size...and maybe to help reduce my size (ha!)...for the past month. 

I only fast for 24hrs once a week...usually from Saturday dinner to Sunday dinner. It's really not all that difficult to do..and I feel good about it. 

However, I've been seeing the "eye rolls," and hearing the "sighs" and getting those questions like "is that healthy?" and "is that necessary?" u.g.h.

I really don't want to get into a BIG discussion over the hows and whys of it all with anyone. 

I chose this for myself. No one else has to do it. I am certainly not going to judge you if you don't fast. So please don't judge me.  

Fasting has been in practice for centuries. For religious reasons, as well as all the health benefits one gets from it. 

Here are just a few: 

• your digestive system and pancreas get a much needed rest
• your body starts to conserve and use energy more efficiently, which may extend your lifespan
• lower blood pressure
• improved immune system
• lower cholesterol
• calories burned during fasting are mainly from fat storage

If that isn't enough to at least get your interest up, I don't know what to say!

Here are some articles I found interesting to get you started. If you'd like to delve deeper into fasting for yourself...well, you're on your own!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16513299


http://www.ehow.com/about_4615273_benefits-of-fasting.html


http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4243060


http://theproteinreview.hubpages.com/hub/Health-Benefits-of-Fasting