A new start (again)

So I have been contemplating fasting for a while now. I have fasted before and remember it as a rewarding, challenging and enlightening experience.

The first time I fasted was for 36 hours. It was part of a fund-raiser to aid world hunger. The second time was a somewhat desperate attempt to lose weight and I only lasted a couple of days.  This time I am entering it with low expectations but high hopes. 

Fasting is a complex issue that brings up all kinds of questions. Will you become anorexic? Is it safe? Wont you get the runs and bad breath? Is this some kind of spiritual mumbo jumbo?

The practice of fasting is thousands  of years old.  In doing my research for this project I read innumerate websites - some crazy, some just silly and a few very informative and educational.   One of my favorites that you can check out:

http://www.juicefasting.org/

For me, I have decided to do a modified 21 day fast.

For the first seven days - only fruit & veggie juices made with my own juicer, water and herbal teas.

For the next 7 days I will add raw veggies such as bananas and avocados and lettuces that can be easily digested.  I will also be adding raw nuts and yogurt.

For the final seven days I will further add soy, fish, all dairy, legumes, and eggs.

My personal reasons for doing this are many but the things I especially wish to gain are:

- control over my eating
- reduced dependency on caffiene, sugar and alcohol
- a 'cleansed' digestive system capable of moving without 'outside aid'
- better sleep
- better skin
- reduced stress or rather an increase in my ability to deal with it
- weight loss (wouldn't that be nice?!?!)
- a fresh start to re-establishing healthy eating including a 'dislike/distaste' for junk foods
- a better appreciation for my body, its healing powers and the Creator who made it

So those are my high hopes.  I know with any kind of fasting there will be tough times and detox symptoms.  At worst I fail miserably and am right back where I am today.  At best I have a 21 day journey that finds me on the other side stronger, healthier and happier.