How long did you fast?
14 days fasting, 3 days refeeding
When did you fast?
March 10-27, 2004
What is your age, gender, weight before your fast, and height?
24, Female, 5’7″, 160 lbs
What was your weight after completing the fast? What is your weight now?
139 lbs. First went up after the next week and now 15 days after refeeding on juicy fruits it’s back at 139 lbs.
Why did you decide to fast?
Lots of sports injuries and a long list of fading health conditions.
What was your biggest apprehension going into the fast?
Cost to get here and cost to stay.
Did you ever consider ending the fast during the process? Why and why did you continue or stop?
Would not have quit, but it was quite a struggle to carry through, this was mostly due to all my injuries flaring up and I just could not sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Makes resting hard to do.
Did you accomplish what you set out to do with your fast?
I made it through. Understood that my shorter stay would not allow full benefits for my injuries, but am excited to see my health improve as time goes on.
Would you recommend that people have their fasts supervised? Why or why not?
Yes, because there were so many questions I had and concerns about symptoms that came up.
Why did you choose to fast at the Tanglewood Wellness Center?
Seemed very personal on the site. Enjoyed reading the testimonials.
What was your experience at the TWC like?
All the staff and guests were the nicest of people, beautiful building/location, and a great deck to relax on when weather was warm.
What did you experience during the fast?
Dizziness, mental fog, tired body, especially legs, shooting pains throughout body, sports injuries grew more painful, restlessness, frequent urination.
How did you spend your time?
If sunny, on deck in sunchairs… this was the highlight. Time went by slowly. Too sore to lie down a lot. Could not concentrate enough to read.
Just purified water? Did you get hungry?
Felt hunger and thought about food quite a bit. But perhaps it wasn’t a true hunger and just other processes going on.
Did you get weak?
Yup.
What was the best part of the process for you?
The future outcomes that are to come. Keeps and kept me motivated.
What was the most difficult part of the process for you?
Not being able to be active. Walking and getting up was a real chore. Longed to go outside and explore.
Was it ever painful?
Shooting pains at times, but I kind of enjoyed them as it made me feel like something drastic was going on. But all injuries grew sore from no movements and uncomfortable sleeping conditions for my back.
What did you experience after the fast?
Day 4 – a greater appreciation for food and the simple joy of a walk outside. Also enjoy the baggier clothing. Thoughts are still a bit fuzzy along with dizziness. Day 15 refeed – energy finally back and perhaps on the rise. Skin conditions greatly improved, smoother and lighter but not all acne gone yet. Digestion and elimination functioning at optimal! Decreased eye to sun sensitivity. Calmer. Still weight 139 lbs. All pressure in head and sinuses are gone. These were very painful and never lighten up. No more need to spit. (Did a lot before). No more B.O. (only wash with water morning and night.) … that’s mostly it so far! Except that I have really dry skin over most of legs, hands and arms.
Did you experience any changes due to fasting?
Weight loss, slight skin improvement. I think a lot of internal changes went on that only time will show.
What kind of diet did you follow after your fast?
Why, the ideal fruitarian diet, of course, with the occasional raw-gourmet treat (but not for a while).
Was eating difficult afterwards?
First day was. Actually it was almost a chore. Otherwise I really enjoy it, especially eating incredibly slow and enjoyed each bit. Juicy fruit is all I crave and need to feel satisfied.
Would you fast again?
Yes, but make sure the weather is really nice at that time of year/location. That really got me through it, because I need to be outside a lot.
What piece of advice would you give to other fasters?
Just try it, oh and bring comfy slippers.
Additional comments:
I thought everything there was great, as far as it could have been I think that everything had a real nice flow. Great staff! Good work, Tanglewood.
How could your experience at the Tanglewood Wellness Center be improved?
2-3 movie nights, more simple comedies or actually like a Nature of Things type of film. Way more padding on beds, extra pillows for those who need it. My hip was actually bruising the last few nights from the bed.