Saturday, August 28, 2010

My Low Carb Alternate Day Fasting Experiment - Day 5

One of the more interesting shifts that's already occurring is that I'm selecting foods, on my "normal" feed days, that needs to eaten.

Example: I had guacamole on both of my prior, non-ADF dinner meals because there were avocados in the refrigerator that needed to be used. I'll have some more guacamole tomorrow because there's still one more left! This alteration in my eating pattern is resulting in significant changes in how I'll select and shop for food in the coming time.

So far, this isn't a problem. Firstly, I love guacamole! Secondly, I can make it in slightly different ways each time. It could be extra garlicy one day. Intensely spicy another. Etc. And also, repetition doesn't seem like much of an issue these days for me. I actually feel more appreciative of my meals when I get to eat them - on my regular feed days. I think that's a positive trend with respect to how I view food. I'm grateful to have delicious and nutritious food to eat. Many people are not so blessed - unfortunately. In other words, I'm focusing more on what I do have and can have rather than what I chose not to have.

After all, when did food become something we depend on for entertainment? Sure it's enjoyable and it can certainly afford sensory stimulation. But simply having access to it should be more important than thinking about other types of food we'd rather be eating. It seems the mindset of many, including myself, has gone way off the tracks.

My initial impressions are that: a) I should buy much smaller quantities of the foods I like, especially the perishable variety - duh!; b) try to increase the variety of foods we stock - to make my full dining days more interesting and nutritionally diverse.
  • Fast Day #3 - Fell Asleep: 1:30 Am - Wake Up Time: 10:00 AM - Slept in. Whee Hooo!
  • 10:30 AM - an organic cup of black coffee
  • 12:00 PM - Blood Pressure: 124/71. Blood Sugar: 68 mg/dL
  • 12:45 PM - A "triple shot" of organic white tea (3 tea bags)
  • 3:00 PM - ADF Meal Replacement Pudding/Shake: 8 oz of unsweetened, vanilla almond milk, 1 scoop (natural + sugar-free) chocolate egg white protein, 3 Tbs organic (sugar-free) peanut butter, 2 scoops chocolate "greens" powder, 1 scoop organic sprouted flax meal, 1 scoop of FOS/inulin and a dash of NutraSalt + the majority of my daily nutritional supplements
  • 5:00 PM - an organic cup of black coffee
  • 7:15 PM - a strong cup of Traditional Medicinals' Every Day Detox tea (2 tea bags)
  • 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM - lots of ice water (out with friends at a club)
  • 1:00 AM - a strong cup of organic chamomile tea (2 tea bags)
Update: We're going out tonight. But it'll be a late-night get together so I decided to keep my daily ADF in the mid-day range as usual. I'll probably just have some coffee or mineral water at tonight's event.

More to come, I hope.

6 comments:

Anne H said...

JP When I buy a big bad of salad (or anything else)
I split it with my neighbors. Win-win style.
Sounds like you are doing great!

Harry/JP said...

That's a lovely way of sharing, Anne! Win-win on many levels. That just affirms my impression of you ... you got some angel in you. I'd bet on it ... if angels exist! :-)

I am doing very well so far. I do believe this is going to be a life changing experience.

Anne H said...

I'm still on board with you...
My fast is modified....due to last week's heat injury...still pretty weak.... but my spirit is willing!
The angel theory might be right.... because I sure am duking it out with someone inside my head!
hehe
Plus, I love LA.... the city of Angels!

Harry/JP said...

Anne,

re: head battles

You and me both. :-)

Modifications can be a good thing. As long as we're all honest with ourselves.

Keep up the good work, Sister Anne!

Anonymous said...

Harry I wish you were on the food network and had your own show. My youngest daughter loves these shows and wants to be a chef and I wish they'd showcase something healthy not just delicious.

Harry/JP said...

That would be a lot of fun, Nancy. We love watching those shows as well.

I have the feeling your daughter's going to pick up quite a few healthy cooking tips from you. It's a great way to bond. :-)

Thank you for your kind vote of confidence. I'll hold those words near as we put together a new recipe tomorrow. Hopefully it'll inspire us on!