Fasting Help & Problems..

Mangoaddict

I feel like I am in a limbo. I have to fast this month of september and I know my work outs will go to hell. What do I do? I can't eat all day (dawn to sunset - 14hrs.) or drink water. Its a religious fast for 30 days. Any ideas how to maintain my routine and when to workout?

Also, this last week, I feel FAT! I have been on vacation with family and I was basically walking alot but still eating unhealthy. I HATE THIS!!!!!!

Mangoaddict

I feel like I am in a limbo. I have to fast this month of september and I know my work outs will go to hell. What do I do? I can't eat all day (dawn to sunset - 14hrs.) or drink water. Its a religious fast for 30 days. Any ideas how to maintain my routine and when to workout?

Also, this last week, I feel FAT! I have been on vacation with family and I was basically walking alot but still eating unhealthy. I HATE THIS!!!!!!

conniptionfits

^5 on sticking with religion while trying to diet. i know that can be really hard. So, how do you stay hydrated?

tamifanny

I use to observe Passover when I was a kid through my teen years (then left home) so this means no food from sun down to sun down. We slept through most of it hahaha then I remember we weren't suppose to drink any water while brushing our teeth. :laugh: We did have breath spray for bad breath but parents didn't know that. It symbolizing ridding sin in your life right? And drawing closer to God? Anyway...I think it's just a good way to cleanse your body for any day not just a religious day. I think I wouldnt work out that day. You may be to weak if memory serves me.:grumble:

Good Luck with that.:flowerforyou:

songbyrdsweet

Check out Intermittent Fasting, there's a couple websites on it (can't post them though, against the rules). I normally don't support non-religious fasting, but IF is actually based on how our endocrine system functions and still promotes eating enough and exercising, just in a couple large meals rather than several smaller ones. Short-term fasting actually increases insulin sensitivity and causes the release of catecholamines which, while undesirable in the long-term, actually aid in fat breakdown initially. With IF, you basically eat 2-3 big meals within however long you have to eat them (probably about 4 hours). You work out after your first big meal. Eat the calories you normally would, and don't exercise fasted. Make your you REALLY hydrate before you exercise.

firegirlred

sleep from sun up to sun down and eat at night?

conniptionfits

wait.... a whole month right? How do you go without water? wow. i couldn't handle that.

jamerz3294

Honestly just too way rad for this boy! But I so admire anybody that does it! Just plz be mindful of the health consequences that can happen if you don't plan for it, and during! Luvya! :flowerforyou:

ChubbyBunny

Ramadan, right?

As I gathered the lack of food and beverage is only from sun up to sun down, then you are allowed to eat and drink. Correct?

For workouts, I would recommend either doing none OR very moderate workouts. Like yoga, walks, pilates, belly dance (all beginner or slow paced). I guess you could do a LATE in the day work out after you've been allowed some calories so you don't BONK out on workouts.

Hope that helps.

conniptionfits

That's what i would suggest. ^ slow or easier workouts than you would normally do. You wouldn't want to hurt yourself either!

Mangoaddict

Yes folks...ramadan. No, we don't starve ourselves for 30 days. Just dont eat between the time the sun comes up and then goes down. We break our fast right around sunset by eating and drinking water/beverages. During the day, no water. So, I cant hydrate! Until its time to break fast. I will just have to go for walks right before breaking fast...

ChubbyBunny

Hmmmm, I think you can totally do this.

Try to get in a few oz of water before the sun goes up if you can (or if it's allowed) and then lots when you break the fast.

I think walks may be the best option, I mean later on in the month if you feel up to it you can increase workouts, etc.

Good luck with it though! :flowerforyou:

songbyrdsweet

Yes folks...ramadan. No, we don't starve ourselves for 30 days. Just dont eat between the time the sun comes up and then goes down. We break our fast right around sunset by eating and drinking water/beverages. During the day, no water. So, I cant hydrate! Until its time to break fast. I will just have to go for walks right before breaking fast...

Well sundown isn't incredibly late this time of year. Here's a sunrise/sunset chart with calendars for your given area. http://www.sunrisesunset.com/

It averages about 7:30 pm in the states, if that's where you're from. That gives you time to hydrate before exercise (20-30oz with dinner..about 3-4 cups), wait a bit, work out around 8-8:30 (drink another 2 cups) , and be done by 9-9:30 (and drink 20-24 oz again). Then you can have your post-workout meal (it'll be a big one). Problem solved.

Mangoaddict

Hmmmm, I think you can totally do this.

Try to get in a few oz of water before the sun goes up if you can (or if it's allowed) and then lots when you break the fast.

I think walks may be the best option, I mean later on in the month if you feel up to it you can increase workouts, etc.

Good luck with it though! :flowerforyou:

Thanks...I like this option...maybe walk briskly 45 mins before fast breaking. Break with water, green tea and then eat and sleep. I think the point is to still remain active, no matter how long. I'll let you know how it goes...starts tomorrow!! Yikes!

Mangoaddict

Today was DAY 1 and I am proud to say I survived it!!!!!!! I ate well within my calorie range and went for a 45 minute brisk walk right before breaking my fast at 7.45pm. I was hungry and thirsty around 4.30 pm but I kept doing stuff around the house to keep me distracted.

One day down, 29 more days to go!! Hallelujah

jlwhelan1

It sounds like you have a plan. I really admire you for sticking to your eating and exercise goals while maintaining your beliefs.

Best of luck to you.

wanderinglight

It sounds like you have a plan. I really admire you for sticking to your eating and exercise goals while maintaining your beliefs.

Best of luck to you.

I second this! Great job! Keep us posted.

Mangoaddict

Thanks people! Its a difficult month but I know God will help me along the way. I just don't want to sit for a month and gain the old weight back. I will need your motivation from time to time but thanks again! Will try to remain active this month no matter how hard it is. I am also going to try and stay clear from fatty foods. After a long day of fasting, its easy to eat things that are bad for your health but I am going to try and stay away from that stuff.

Thanks again! Keep sending me your prayers.

P.s. in case you are wondering why muslims fast this month....Fasting is meant to teach the person patience and humility. Ramadan is a time to fast for the sake of God, and to offer even more prayer than usual. Also involved in Ramadan are asking forgiveness for the sins of the past, asking for guidance in the future, and asking for help with refraining from every day evils and trying to purify oneself through self-restraint and good deeds.

Ramadan also teaches us that we can live on a lot less food than we usually take in. A good way to think about what we eat and that excess eating or excess of anything is bad. Those who are less fortunate, can live on way less than the rest of us. Again, brings us back to the point of humility...