So I’ll preface this entry by noting that, as I type, I am in Hour 16 of my weekly 24-hour fast. While I’ve been intermittent fasting (IF) for the past two years, adding a daylong fast to my schedule every week is a newer challenge I started just a month ago. Eventually, I’d like to fast twice a week but I’m easing my way there.
I get asked often, Why do I fast? Yes, weight management is definitely a benefit but the bigger flex is what it does for my inner self. When I fast for a day, my digestive system earns a well-deserved rest from processing solids. My mind is clearer during the fast, keeping me hyper-focused on whatever I’m working on. Also – as long as I keep busy at work – I barely miss food. That said, a fasting practice is not for everyone so please consult your physician before pushing the plate away. However, if you’re interested in learning more about IF or daylong fasting, here’s my top three fasting books:
- Eat Stop Eat by Brad Pilon (customizable program that includes 1-2 daylong fasts per week along with science backing its efficacy)
- Life in the Fasting Lane by Jason Fung, Eve Mayer, and Megan Ramos (Dr. Fung, who is considered by many to be THEE fasting resource, teams with a dietician- Mayer – and a faster with an amazing weight loss story – Ramos – to write this book about the different types of fasting programs available)
- The Cruise Control Diet by Jorge Cruise (awesome starter guide for those interested in IF with many different options for fasting periods – also includes a foreword by Dr. Fung)
Now, on to today’s practice:
The Instructor: Abiola Akanni of Yoga By Biola
The Practice: Vinyasa Flow (42 minutes)
On Tuesdays, I start my day with a 6:30 am virtual Pilates session with Rivercity Pilates (who is offering a BIPOC scholarship opportunity FYI – check it out here). I’m really glad I did that first because it got me loose and limber for what turned out to be an awesome sweaty yoga workout. I’m fairly new to Abiola’s channel but am so grateful to have found another Black woman on YouTube practicing out loud. Her spirit is free and her practice is accessible to all. That said, this one is definitely for an intermediate level (the Beast poses at the beginning almost took me out!) and Abiola gives you fair warning, directing you to her intro series if needed. If you think you can hang, though, go for it. What I especially loved about this one is the way blocks are utilized throughout the practice, giving my body more space to move and deeper stretches. I like a few more heart opening poses in the AM but I have this one favorited and plan to revisit it again when I need a challenge.
See you on the mat tomorrow!
**Don’t forget to subscribe!**
_________________________________________________________
Follow Eliza David on…
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram
One thought on “#YogaEveryDamnDay – Day 2: Why I Fast + Favorite Fasting Books”
Comments are closed.