How long did you fast?
I fasted for 7 days.
When did you fast?
June 23rd to July 1st, 2001
What is your age, gender, weight before your fast, and height?
36 years old, June 23rd – 141 1bs, 5’4*” (Weight two weeks before fast and in preparation of fast was 145 lbs – June 9th)
What was your weight after completing the fast?
128 lbs
Why did you decide to fast?
I wanted to fast in order to provide the best possible cleansing opportunity for my body. I also wanted to revive myself spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. Additionally, I wanted to lose the 15 lbs I had gained since my move to the East Coast.
What was your biggest apprehension going into the fast?
My biggest fear was being hungry and weak.
Did you ever consider ending the fast during the process? If so, why?
I never considered ending the fast earlier than the planned 7 days, and actually, would have liked to have continued the fast if time had permitted it.
Did you accomplish what you set out to do with your fast?
I did accomplish all of my goals. I experienced a tremendous amount of cleansing especially during days 3-5 of the fast. I lost 17 lbs. I feel lighter and more in tune with myself spiritually and emotionally. Mentally, I am more clear and make better decisions. Physically I am still regaining my strength but feel fabulous and light. Before the fast, I was going a 100 miles/hr and life was just a blur. Now I feel like I am cruising along at a comfortable 25 miles/hr. And at this speed, I can take in all of the beauty of life along the way.
Would you recommend that people have their fasts supervised? Why or why not?
I would definitely recommend supervised fasts because it is comforting to have someone there to discuss your progress and any issues that may arise. It also provides you the opportunity to truly rest away from your work, home or other duties.
Why did you choose to fast at the Tanglewood Wellness Center?
I chose Tanglewood because of Loren’s experience with supervised fasting and his commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
What was your experience at the TWC like?
TWC provided a wonderful environment to rest, relax and heal. My experience was fabulous. Loren has made TWC an environmentally friendly dwelling and you can feel the natural energy in and around the Center. Additionally, fasting with the other guests was a great experience. It provided a support structure during the fast to have other people with whom to share. It also provided an opportunity to discuss implementing healthy choices in our lives upon departure from TWC.
What did you experience during the fast?
On day one of the fast I had a sore throat that was not relieved with water and a slight headache. Day two brought some nausea due to reflux (bile dumping into the stomach) which resolved during the day. The night before I had dreamed a lot. I still had a low grade headache and during the evening I alternated between possibly a low grade fever and chills. My tongue was coated. All signs of detoxing! Days three and four proved to be my toughest days, I continued to have a low grade headache and I was also in a lot of pain. My low back (kidneys) ached and my hips and joints were continuously sore. Prior to fasting, I had experienced the early signs of osteoarthritis and the pain was strikingly similar. Additionally, in April, I had pulled a muscle in my left hip and on day four, re-experienced the exact sensation again! Again, all healing! Due to the pain, I had difficulty sleeping. Day five finally brought some relief of the pain. I slept better, however, as in previous days, I had to rise slowly in order to avoid orthostatic hypotension. On days six and seven, I no longer had headaches and my hip soreness had dissipated. My tongue was still very heavily coated which shows the detoxing/cleansing was continuing.
What did you do all day?
The three R’s. Read, rest and relax!
Just purified water? Did you get hungry?
Just purified water! I experienced the ‘feelings’ of hunger, ie. my stomach grumbled and rumbled but not feel true hunger.
Did you get weak?
Yes, I was quite weak during the fast and during the re-feeding. I just tried to stand slowly to avoid orthostatic hypotension, to walk slowly and rest when my body wanted to rest.
What was the best part of the process for you?
The best part of the fast for me was allowing my body to heal itself and learning how to take of it better in the future.
What was the most difficult part of the process for you?
Not feeling strong enough to go for walks.
Was it ever painful?
Only during a healing crisis.
What did you experience after the fast? After the fast, I was amazed at how food tastes! My best meal after the fast had to be a mango I had for dinner on day 8 – fabulous!
Did you experience any changes due to fasting?
Before the fast, I sneezed a few times a day almost every day. During the fast, I continued to sneeze with less frequency. Now that I am home, I have not sneezed yet. All hip and joint pain is gone. My cravings for chocolate are gone and my rosacia has cleared.
What kind of diet did you follow after your fast?
I am still following a fruit only diet.
Was eating difficult afterwards?
No.
Would you fast again?
Yes!
What piece of advice would you give to other fasters?
Don’t fast alone. Fast supervised. Fast at TWC!
Additional comments:
I want to thank Loren for making my experience a beautiful one. He was very supportive and knowledgeable and made the process less daunting. I admire his commitment to a healthy lifestyle and practicing what he is preaching. Thank you Loren.