One Day at a Time

Well, he's finally done it. Seeing the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead (Netflix on demand) gave him that last bit of inspiration he needed. Last Tuesday, Chris set off on a three-day juice fast that ended up lasting ten days!

Real men wear aprons that say Natali.

The beginning was tough. He came down with a bad cold and had pretty serious aches in his legs and a stubborn headache. On the outside, he was (thankfully) holding it together pretty well, but in his head he was thinking "This is stupid. Why am I doing this?" It can be surprisingly boring - we don't realize how much we rely on food for entertainment. (Ask Chris - he said he was documenting how many trips I take to the pantry each day.)

On day three when I sensed Chris was really dragging, I raced to Publix while he was telling Lucas his bedtime story and bought ingredients for an emergency rescue juice. I could almost hear his taste buds singing when he had his first sip - pineapple, blackberries, kiwi, pear, coconut water and mint leaves. Side note: this experience has led us into a very expensive and wonderful habit - coconut water. Even Sofia is a fanatic (Luke is not.) Chris found some great recipes on jointhereboot.com (a website created by the maker of the aforementioned film.) He also significantly upped his fruit juice intake. His body needed more sugar, calories and interesting flavors. The acute boredom and discomfort passed.

He had his "breakthrough" five days in, when his energy increased and he became more accustomed to not eating. I think this is why the original 3-day plan was extended - he didn't want to stop on a low note. Around this time he decided to go ten days. His body required more rest but he retained some physical activity each day (walking, swimming, and/or shooting the basketball.) But even when he found his rhythm, and despite the "luxury" juices, food cravings did not go away completely. It's very much a "one day at a time" venture. Toward the end it became more spiritual as things dragged on and he prayed, relying on God for strength and patience.

Chris also mentioned feeling more compassion for the hungry, both the poor and the sick. Lucas has a couple of classmates whose fathers are undergoing digestive-related surgeries and they could not eat for a week. Keeping these people in mind helped push him through moments of doubt and weakness.

He is glad he did this, though I gather he has some mixed feelings. He says it is far more challenging than a fast that includes food (such as the Russian Orthodox fast that we have done in the past - more or less vegan for 40 days.) He also said he wouldn't recommend it unless someone has a lot of willpower or is desperate for a change in health. But I think he will look back on it fondly. He lost a bit of weight (not that he really needed to) - we're guessing 7-10 pounds. Before the fast he was getting episodes of heartburn, which have since gone away. Another perk was the fresh grassy smell that filled the house every day.

Watching all those nutrients flood Chris's body made me feel so healthy. It inspired me to do something similar when the time is right. But a juice fast seems much more exciting and appealing when one has a belly full of ravioli and is looking forward to a hunk of dark chocolate for dessert.

We will continue juicing, along with eating. My favorites are the veggie/fruit mixes and Lucas loves the fruit juice (we slip in a carrot or two.) And this is a great way to introduce many flavors to Sofia.

Our little Sofi doesn't mind spending large sums of money at Whole Foods.

Oldie but goodie (if you don't mind washing parts)

Recipe Collection

The last juice of day ten

Contemplating breaking the fast (it's never easy.)

Broken - with bite #1 of a huge green salad with herb vinaigrette at Napoleon's.