Friday, January 9, 2009

Fasting

Some of you may or may not know something about me, I like to sugar fast. I think fasting is healthy and God likes for us to fast. I also do not believe that he requires us to necessarily fast on food. It can be on anything in your life that is a sacrifice that will bring you closer to Him.

For me, sugar is a healthy fast and something I enjoy eating. My first sugar fast was last summer. It was 28 days long. I had a treat day on Sunday. By the 3 Sunday, I was becoming ill on 'treat day' and had to really go light. With my sugar fasts I give up anything white with the exception of white potatoes and egg whites and anything with sugar or breaks down into sugar easily. What I have taken away from it is I no longer drink sweet tea. Now for a southern girl, that is a big deal! I used to drink a glass with supper every night. I also do not eat a dish of frozen yogurt several times a week. That was a long fast. Several ladies joined me in the fast, but only one finished it with me.

My last fast was 2 weeks with no treats. I did eat white breads. I want to start another next week and it will be no white, but I might enjoy honey in hot tea, and that will be a maybe.

I do not do a sugar fast just to feel better and get healthier, I also use the time to reflect and pray. God uses this time to talk to me. And ladies He TALKS! Every time I feel the urge or craving for sugar, I begin to pray. I ask God what to pray for. And He will tell you! It is so amazing!

I want to encourage you to join me in a fast. You pick the vice. It might be soft drinks, tea, sugar, white foods, fried foods, meat, red meat, etc. (I am not saying meat is bad~Acts 10:15.The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." )~It might even be an activity. Pick something. Use that time for praying. We can chose collectively to pray for something specific or God may have already put something(s) specific on your heart to pray for.

Fasting helps you to focus. Fasting on sugar is a healthy fast. For those who exercise daily, lift weights, have health issues, I never encourage a total food fast. Of a fast of just drinking water or liquids. Too much can happen to your whole system in that 24 hour time. I think your are more effective to take a longer period and pick one thing or a food family.

Today's Tip:

Fasting-It is a good thing. I encourage Sugar Fast and I will list tips below. But you can pick anything, especially if you have never fasted before.
Speaking of benefits of Sugar Fasting here are a few that I have listed:
  • Lower blood sugars
  • Lose weight
  • Reduce insulin resistance
  • Reduce symptoms of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome-annoying & uncomfortable)
  • Improved endurance training and sports performance
  • Reduce heart disease
  • Lower lipids
  • Prevent diabetes
  • Prevent heart disease
  • Reduce hunger

I took the above right off of this web site that you can go to for more information - http://www.diabetes-blood-sugar-solutions.com/glycemicdiet.html and something I want to add from personal experience is

  • ADDED ENERGY!!!! - (My cardio class participants did not like this part-something about energizer bunny?????)

Days 3-5 you will feel zapped or tired. My friend Cindy had a headache for several days. But that will begin to improve on day 6. Day 7, you will feel great.

Blessings

Love,

Melissa

6 comments:

true blessings said...

Hi!thanks for your daily encouragement! Did you lose anyweight during your sugar fast??

Laura said...

Hmmm I'll have to think about it. I am leaning towards a "Fried Food" fast or in my case.. Fast food.. lol.
Awww what the heck! I'm in. Starting today no more fried foods.
:)
Laura
How long are we doing this for or is it our own choice?

Laura said...

Okay a fried food fast it will be then. I haven't had anything today so I guess I've started. :)
I'll try it for two weeks.
Ciao, Laura

Missy Wertz said...

2 weeks fast with no planned treats is more doable for most people to start with.

I only plan to do a 2 week fast. I might go longer, but for now, 2 weeks. I already have on my hear a specific thing to pray for. I may pray for other things as the Holy Spirit brings them to my attention. The last time I did the fast, It was to pray for the elections and economy. As I was walking down the cookie/goodie isle at the store drooling, the voice in my head said "start praying", immediately God started calling to my mind names of congressmen & women, Senators, etc who are from other state, to my mind to start praying for. I think this was the day that the bailout package was being debated on or being called on for vote. But the amazing thing is, these names really mean very little to me. I have probable heard them in passing or on the news. Beyond that, ???? And to suddenly have my head flooded with them to be lifted up in prayer. It was a God thing.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this encouragement. I am not giving up sugar altogether, but am trying to dramatically reduce my intake of refined sugars. This will not just be for a set period of time but a permanent change in eating habits. I have begun choosing fruits for snacks or desserts and this next week I will likely finish the last of the food items in my pantry that contain refined sugars. So far, so good!

I was considering a vegetarian diet, until I read Genesis 9:3: "Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things". This Scripture, in conjunction with your statement about people who exercise vigorously and engage in weight training really needing the protein that meat provides, helped me to realize that it would be healthier if I continued to incorporate lean chicken and fish into my diet.

Sommer said...

Hi, my name is Sommer, today is my first day sugar fasting and also my first fast. Sugar has taken over my life and all of my thoughts and has pulled me away from my focus on God. I will be praying for strength and to lead me away from temptation. Thank you for your inspiration.