Happy Wednesday! My planned 48 hour fast went well, thankfully I was able to get out of my work dinner so that meant I could fast without awkwardness or feel guilted into having dinner. 😂 I will break my fast today at my work lunch and then fly home this evening. It really does make trips so much simpler when I use that for my fasting time.
I asked AI about the benefits of fasting and I think it's a pretty great list so I thought I would share. Have you experienced any of these benefits? What does your fasting routine look like? Of you haven't tried it yet, why not?
Benefits of Fasting:
Weight Loss:
Caloric Restriction: By not eating for a period, you naturally reduce your caloric intake, which can lead to weight loss.
Metabolic Shift: Fasting can shift your body from using glucose for energy to burning fat, including visceral fat, which is linked to various health issues.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity:
Fasting can lower blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance, which might decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cellular Repair and Autophagy:
During fasting, your cells initiate autophagy, a process where they remove dysfunctional proteins and regenerate new ones, essentially cleaning out damaged cells to make way for new ones.
Heart Health:
Fasting can lead to reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, all of which are beneficial for heart health.
Brain Health:
There's some evidence suggesting fasting might promote brain health by increasing levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which supports neuron health and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Cancer Prevention and Treatment:
Some studies indicate that fasting might make cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy while protecting normal cells, potentially reducing side effects of cancer treatments. However, this is still under research.
Longevity:
Animal studies have shown that caloric restriction, including through fasting, can extend lifespan. While direct human studies are limited, the health benefits observed might contribute to a longer, healthier life.
Reduction in Inflammation:
Fasting can reduce markers of inflammation, potentially lowering the risk for various chronic conditions linked to inflammation.
Mental Clarity and Focus:
Some people report improved mental clarity and focus during fasting periods, possibly due to the body's increased production of ketones, which are an alternative energy source for the brain.
Digestive Rest:
Giving your digestive system a break can lead to less strain on the stomach and intestines, potentially improving symptoms for those with digestive issues.
Important Considerations:
Hydration: It's crucial to drink plenty of water (and electrolytes) during fasting periods to avoid dehydration.
Not One-Size-Fits-All: The benefits can vary greatly depending on individual health, the type of fasting (intermittent, water fasting, etc.), and how it's implemented.
Yesterday we surprised the kids and brought home a puppy!! They have been begging for one for years and we felt like the time was right to bring one home.
Meet Angus 🐕 He's a Golden Retriever/King Charles Cavalier Spaniel mix. He's 11 weeks old and currently weighs about 8 pounds, he should be around 35 pounds fully grown. I know it will be an adjustment for a while as he gets potty trained etc but we are so excited. 😂 Wish us luck! 🤪
Cheese is good! I ate a block of chipotle oven baked cheese with lunch yesterday and it was divine. I love it, but know that it halts any progress I'm making, and will even trigger eating in excess to where I'll gain weight. It's sad but I have accepted it. If I eat it in small quantities with a meal, it's ok, but I really have to work to keep it in check.
What's your favorite cheese? How do you incorporate it? Do you see negative results when eating it?
Happy Sunday! Sharing a video today from our week, one of the highlights. This was Wednesday evening church, normally they have a more casual prayer meeting where someone plays the guitar, but they were doing some construction in the fellowship hall so they had their prayer meeting in the sanctuary. No one was there to play the piano so my my Grandma did it, she's been playing the piano in church for probably 80 years.
For context, she's 88, she had a really bad fall 5 years ago now and hit her head and ended up with a lot setbacks, similar to having a stroke. She has a lot of dementia like symptoms also (I am sure related to her Type 2 diabetes), she really can't read music anymore, and she has trouble seeing well, and she needs to wear hearing aids to hear but hates wearing them, so on this night she didn't want to wear them. My 93 (almost 94) year old grandpa takes care of both of them on their farm. Anyway, on this night she sat down on the piano and led worship as people called ...
Happy Saturday!! Can you believe it is officially August!! I feel like August and September are really good months to just dive in and set some really good goals, that way you can build some momentum and be feeling confident going into the holidays.
Based on how things went in July, what adjustments are you making for Aug? What is your non-negotiable for the month?
Wow I can't believe it's the last day of the month already, I have totally slacked on our normal end of month recap!! Let's focus on both things today:
1. What's been the best thing to happen in July?
2 Where did you get stuck this month?
Thankfully I am checking out of the hotel today and going back home (I've been home daily but working and sleeping at the hotel). They think the floors and walls are dried out enough, we just need them to put the walls and toilet back in etc. Should take a few days because of drywall drying etc. But we leave for WV Wednesday of next week so it might all happen after we get back.
Answer those reflection questions in the comments, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Now that it is fall sports season I am usually walking during cross country practice. Really helps me get a break from family for a minute. Our dog was silently judging my grilling skills. I have been really consistent with doing light weights in the morning. I am thankful for the rain we should get tomorrow. I could use a slow day in my sewing room.
