Day 20 - March 13 - Fasting

When I thought about what I wanted to give up for Lent I wanted it to be something I could do for 40 days but would still challenge me. Last year I tried to give up flour and sugar and it nearly made my head pop off my shoulders looking for food that didn't contain either. It's called "meat" and I lasted about 3 days. This year, I wanted to try fasting or in my case, a baby fast.

The thought of doing a fast for Lent was pretty intimidating. I immediately thought of Jesus fasting for 40 days or more recently, gaunt, weak people struggling for a cause. Clearly, I don't even rank in either league. The Bible has this to say: ¹⁶"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. ¹⁷But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:16-18)
Obviously, for the purpose of sharing this blog I've not kept my fasting a secret but neither will I be in danger of looking disfigured from my fasting anytime soon.

As I researched what fasting was all about I discovered that fasting itself is just this - abstaining from food. This can be translated in any number of ways: the length of time, which foods not to eat, the amount of food...it's all a form of fasting. There IS structured fasting for Lent that can be done (http://www.fisheaters.com/fasting.html) but many people will choose just to give something up for this season. Keep in mind, though, that it's not about self-deprivation but about giving ourselves an opportunity to commune with God, in a deeper way, during this time. I GET hungry during my fasting and I have to concentrate not to snack. What's great though is this scheduled fasting DOES free me from the obligations of my stomach and allows me to reflect upon Jesus' sacrifice during the wanting. As a bonus, even with my baby fast (skipping one meal a day), it's freed me up creatively and my mind feels OPEN in a way I've not experienced in the past (hence, the BBE).

Fasting is definitely a way to "tweak" the Baby Bowl Experiment but I wouldn't recommend it as a long-term supplement, especially without having a doctor monitoring your progress. Lent will end and I will be faced with adding this meal back to my regimen. I will HAVE to deal with eating back in "the real world". I will STILL work my baby bowl but I will have to manage the calories that for now, I don't have to deal with. Stay tuned!

For more information about spiritual fasting, I highly recommend Shaneen Clarke as a resource. She is the author and evangelist who got me thinking that fasting was something attainable and she's got great tips about what to think about and how to begin:
http://blog.shaneenclarke.org/blog/shaneen-clarke-2/0/0/-fast-and-take-off-2010
May your journey be fruitful!


ALSO: This was sent to me by my sister, Marie -"10 Weight Loss Tips that Work in One Minute or Less":
http://health.yahoo.com/featured/83/10-weight-loss-tips-that-work-in-one-minute-or-less/
(Thanks, Rie! Love you!)

Meaningful Movement: Strolled around the neighborhood with the family

Foods that fit in a baby bowl, Day 20:
-Lenten fast: breakfast
-1 small slice pepperoni pizza
-a slice of birthday cake
NOTE: Both were eaten at a birthday party. I forgot my bowl but the pizza was at least 1/2 the slices I've put in the baby bowl before and the cake was definitely small enough to fit in the bowl.
-1/2 breakfast Hot Pocket and 1 oz (28) almonds
-Lucky Charms
-whole wheat tortilla wrap with chopped meat, sauteed onions, cheddar cheese, romaine lettuce and dill dip spread
-.8 oz of peanut m&m's
NOTE: I know, I know. These little colorful nuggets are a weakness of mine. In my defense, this was half of one bag that was bought yesterday after putting back TWO other bags. I'm doing better but it's not going to happen overnight.