I would say good morning, but I worked a twelve-hour night shift last night, so *yawn* it's good night for me.
But I digress. Back to the topic at hand. How did yesterday go in regards to the fasting and how is today progressing?
Overall, very well. A few annoying things that are typical of starting a fast: insomnia, being cold, some extra mucus in the sinuses, and many visits to the porcelain throne while the guts are clearing themselves out. I've also popped up a cold sore. I HATE COLD SORES! But my essential oil arsenal of tea tree oil, lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint are quickly remedying it. Some people complain of flu-like symptoms during this time, but I really haven't had any this time around. I think the reason behind that is I have been following an Intermittent Fasting protocol for the last few months to help NOT gain the typical 30-40 pounds that most nursing students pack on while in the program. Because of that I have adapted to the fasting protocol much more quickly than I have in the past when I have done a long fast.
The best part of the fasting so far is my energy level! Normally by 1:30 in the morning on a night shift, I am dragging and desperately needing a power nap over my thirty minute lunch breaks. I also am usually chugging black coffee like it's keeping me from the brink of hell. Yesterday, however, I was out of bed at 6:30 in the morning after only four hours of sleep, did housework or schoolwork all day, didn't need a nap, and then worked a full night shift. Usually I take two power naps over my two lunch breaks. Yesterday I finally went on break at 3 AM without feeling like I needed it and even though I laid down, I did not fall asleep and simply rested. I also only drank two cups of coffee and instead drank and refilled my water bottle twice and a mug of jasmine green tea during my shift and kept myself busy. About five o'clock I was starting to feel a little light-headed, but I'm not sure if that was from fasting or sleep deprivation. Once I got home, I drank some hot water with a pinch of sea salt and headed to bed. Once again, only four hours of sleep. I didn't pop out of bed like I did yesterday, but even when I laid down for a bit in the afternoon, I rested, but didn't sleep. Hopefully the insomnia will be short lived as I'm starting to feel it today.So what has my menu looked like this past couple of days? Besides the typical water, broth, light smooth soups, and teas (it's COLD in Colorado right now), I made a triple berry warm smoothie yesterday and liked it so much I'm drinking another one while I'm typing this. Takes a bit longer to make, but it is delicious! I saute a cup of frozen berries in a teaspoon of coconut oil and a hearty dash of cinnamon, then add a tablespoon of chia seeds and a cup of coconut milk. This then simmers on the stove for fifteen minutes. I pour it all into my Nutri Ninja and add a serving of Amazing Grass Berry Blast greens powder, blend, and drink! Word of advance when drinking smoothies or juices when you are fasting - drink an equal portion of water before hand. Makes it easier on the digestive system and diluted 50/50 juices and smoothies just don't taste as good!
If you made it this far in this rather long post, thanks for reading and watch for another update (and another favorite fasting recipe of mine) tomorrow.
Blessings,
Debbie
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