Day 1: Fasting Day

Hey fam. Welcome to day 1.

Today we plan to challenge ourselves right out of the gates. We are fasting.

Fasting can be one of the most powerful ways you can build strength. Fasting is a form of many things: discipline, commitment, even sacrifice. Fasting in many ways is symbolic of abstaining from selfish desires.

Personally, I use fasting as a way to reset my mind, body, and soul. But most people fast because the health benefits are undeniable. Some include:

1. Reducing insulin and controlling blood sugar.
2. Enhanced brain function and clarity.
3. Reduced pain and inflammation
4. Enhanced weight loss.
5. Increased growth hormone
6. Cancer prevention
7. Better gut health

And the list goes on. But the benefits of fasting extend far beyond my physical health. I do it for my mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Fasting is about releasing myself of anything that is toxic to my mind, body, and soul.

You can fast from social media, negativity, anything that is holding you back from the greatest version of you.

As humans, we all have battles with our desires, our addictions, our poor habits. Being flawed is what makes us human. Which is even more reason for you to fast.

Fasting is a way to strengthen my mental discipline. To show myself that I have self-control even during times of temptation.

I challenge you to fast with me for 24 hours. If you have never fasted before, try it for 16 hours. In fact, try fasting from anything that distracts you from pushing your life forward. Try fasting from food, your phone, social media, email, the news, etc. Fast from things that give you anxiety. Fast from things that pull you away from the greatest "You."

Take this time of fasting to reset your mind, body, and soul. To find peace, build discipline, and be grateful. When you feel the urge to give in, think of people in need. Focus on your faith.

Here are some simple ways that people practice fasting.

1. Fast from food between the hours of 8pm-12pm (16 hour fast)
   1. This is the traditional way of intermittent fasting. In this scenario, you would have your last meal at 7pm tonight and not eat anything until 12pm the next day. You are basically just skipping breakfast and mid morning snacks.
2. Fast from food between the hours of 6pm -6pm the next day (24 hours)
   1. Fasting for 24 hours is a practice that you can try to do monthly or even weekly. Again, it all depends on your purpose for fasting.

Here are some tips and guidelines you can follow to help you during your fast.

What can I drink during my fast?

1. Water
2. Green tea
3. Black coffee
4. Apple cider vinegar (Take a small shot)
5. Any non caloric drink (I try to stay away from any non calorie sodas for obvious reasons.)

Here is a simple breakdown of how I approach my fasting.

1. Wake up and drink two bottles of water.
2. Do my morning routine and have green tea.
3. Around mid morning or mid day I will have 12 oz of water with a 2 tbs of Apple cider vinegar and lime. Some people add Cayenne pepper to help suppress their appetite even more.

But never forget, fasting goes far beyond your physical health. Fast from anything or anyone that is delaying your dreams. Blocking you from becoming the best version of yourself.

This challenge is about loving yourself. Giving you that spark and building momentum. Creating the life you deserve.

You are starting to build that snowball of excellence by fasting from food, temptations, and all the negativity in your life. I am so proud of you. Let's get it!

And always remember, It all starts with you.