Fasting sounds like a great way to reboot my body. I want to do it the right way. The safe way. In my naivety and laymen terms it’s starving yourself. Going without food when all you want to do it eat. This is where perspective, eduation and frame of mind makes a difference. I first thought about it before Christmas. Something to help boost my energy. I chatted with my cousin about a book she had posted to get her input. For Christmas she bought me the book. How sweet and considerate, right?! Thanks, J! Well, the holiday season is no time to start fasting. Way too much food and family to go around.
Now, it’s the new year and I’m still thinking about it. My sister-cousin fasted for 10 (?) Days. And it did wonders for her. Her skin was clearer, she had more energy and she lost a couple of pounds. Hello! Sign me up!! As we were making steamed BBQ pork buns together at my dad’s I ask her about her fasting experience.
And she gave a quick recap on some of her research on the history and benefits from a nephrologyst and suggested I may want to start with a 16:8 fast. This is where you fast for 16-hours and can eat during an 8-hour window. I can start with just skipping breakfast. With makes sense for the fasting hours, but also was totally contradictory to all health stuff I knew to date.
- Breakfast is one of the most important meals
- Eat like a Queen in the morning, a princess at lunch and a pauper at dinner
- Eat small healthy meals and snack every couple of hours
Over the next couple of days, I was still thinking about trying to fast. When I woke up at 5:30 to start my day, I figured to start today is good as any. I was Gung-ho to start. By 7am as I’m packing my lunch I’m already so hungry and grab Franklin left over sub from yesterday for breakfast and some pancit noodles from new years for lunch.
As I commute in I want to eat half of the sub. I write instead. My cousin who got me the book said she’d have coffee and cream for breakfast when I mention the 16:8 fasting. Great idea! Chai tea and milk here I come. Hopefully I can make it to 12pm.
eleisawifelife 
Hi Eleisa,
My sister and her husband also tried the fasting thing. She too learned about it from a nephrologist from Toronto, Jason Fung, I think his name is. You actually see results with intermittent fasting. My brother in law used to be a chubby guy and we called him “fei chay”. We can’t call him that anymore. I love food too much to try it. Good luck with it and let us know how you did.
LD
Hey LD!
Thanks for reading and commenting. After your last comment on my job post I’ve been wondering how you are doing. Great to connect with you again.
“Fei chay” 😂 we show our love through teasing also.
Hi Eleisa,
I’m surviving. Thank you for asking. It’s been nine months since my husband’s passing. For the most part, I think I’m coping ok. I say this based on my ability to function and carry out everyday tasks. But then, I really have no choice but to function as I have two kids to raise now on my own. I saw my destiny early on, of becoming widowed and a single mom and now I’m living it. I think that is part of the reason why I THINK I’m coping adequately. I had already anticipated it and started grieving long ago and mentally preparing for this day. I say I “think” I’m doing ok, because despite my ability to carry on, there is not a day that goes by that he is not in my thoughts and knowing that he and I will not grow old together and my kids won’t have their father to share their milestones is disturbingly heart wrenching to me. It’s something I have to live with and make peace with. Thank you again for asking about me. I look forward to more of your writing. Happy New Year.
LD
I completely relate to the part “I saw my destiny early on, of becoming widowed and a single mom”. Even before we got married and Franklin was diagnosed with kidney failure, my dad asked me if I knew what I was getting myself into. I know my destiny. It is still my biggest fear. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be at peace with it, but reading your strength on how you’re doing gives me hope. Your kids are so blessed to have your love.
And thanks for reading and replying! Always great to hear from you. I hope your new year brings you inner peace, happiness and love.