I have been struggling for the past few weeks to get back into a consistent rhythm with ADF, IF (Alternate Day Fasting, Intermittent Fasting). I expected that within 2 weeks after my EF (Extended Fast), which I completed on September 4th, that I’d have enough discipline to jump right back in to IF. As usual, I was pushing myself too hard and had too-harsh, not-so-realistic expectations; however, it was a worthwhile lesson to learn—that I need more time after an EF to bounce back and recover. I have been enthusiastically savouring the dining experiences of the past 2 weeks, and not just because of the recent EF! During the pandemic, I felt deprived of my usual culinary experiences with which I normally spoil myself once every week or two! Being near enough to Colorado Springs and great restaurants — which are now open — has been a treat I relish! Since I have to drive over an hour into CoSpr for acupuncture each week, I might as well take advantage of the dining options available to me, too! Eating out is even more of a treat now that I eschew carbs and desserts. It has become less of a food reward, and more of a getting-the-hell-out-of-the-house-and-being-around-other-humans reward! Four weeks out and still no sugar cravings! WhooEffingHoo! Over the course of these last four weeks, my appetite has surged and receded. I found myself overeating and over-drinking at times, (I believe it results from the long fast). Even though I initially had no desire whatsoever to eat too much, I found myself a bit gluttonous after Week 2 of my Re-feed. I maintained a LCHF/Keto food intake, though. While I had dealt with feelings of food deprivation prior to the EF, I had not applied that to boozy drinks and wine! Consequently, I am now working on moderating the cocktails when I dine out. This occurrence is like a wave, too. I drank too much for a week, and then my craving mellowed. The same thing happened with food cravings and the feeling of deprivation a few months ago. I learned that I must remind myself that I can always have more wine “later” and that I don’t have to drink an entire bottle with my meal! It’s hard because I like wine and cocktails! Cortisol levels spike at the beginning of a fast, (I can’t recall how many hours into the fast that cortisol levels begin to increase), and I believe that’s what happened to me this afternoon, after lunchtime: I became shaky, agitated, and felt anxiety building for no reason. Although I had some stuff going on, it wasn’t enough to cause me anxiety. It was as though the anxiety and agitation were born within my body and grew outward into a full-blown emotional and mental state of anxiousness. I felt shaky—as though I had low blood sugar and became physically and mentally agitated. I recognized what was going on and held some inner conversations about quitting my fast over a two-hour period. Acknowledging that I did not want to eat in the hyped-up state I was in, (it would neither solve the problem nor make me feel well to eat while agitated would not make me), I did a round of Nadi Shodanham (yogic alternate nostril breathing) to begin the calming-down process, and went outside to do some Qigong. Both helped immensely. By the time I sat down for a TFM Zoom meeting, I felt much better. I give myself kudos for recognizing and acknowledging what was going on. A year ago, or even months ago, the heightened physical state of anxiety I felt in my body would have driven me — very literally — quite mad, and I would not have been able to cope with the nervous system uproar, resulting in eating or drinking to bring my nervous system response down to a manageable level. I was in fight-or-flight mode and this is a rare experience during fasting; especially since it did not originate from emotional stress, mental stress, or too much coffee! What a difference it made to be aware of what was going on in my body and be able to respond with healthier habits!
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