How do you get past the mental issues..

[GoodCat]

I soooo want to do an extended juice fast. I read the fasting thread and just wish I could do that. I know that I can if I really, really try, and I am going to soon. But here is my problem and I just want to hear how others have dealt or overcome this.

I have a big family. I have 6 children (4-14yrs old). We are always having a birthday or a family function. We are vegan and high raw, so no SAD food here, but just lots of yummy raw foods. The thought of not celebrating completely with them makes me sad. Especially when I'm the one making the foods and then not eating.

So, how do you all do it :)

Thanks so much,
Cathy :)

[Melis2010]

It's sometimes a battle and sometimes not for me. If I put myself in the right frame of mind I have no worries. You are celebrating (insert celebration) not getting together to eat. Yes, I realize it goes together.... I come from a family where food and family goes hand and hand.

I am not sure if you are doing a juice feast, green smoothie, or water fast? However, when I do juice feasts or green smoothie feasts I put them in pretty glasses so that I feel like I'm having something super special. Lame I realize, but it helps. Just know going into it how you will handle if such and such offers you food etc etc. On days I do not put myself in the right frame of mind and I can feel myself almost at tempation I ask my husband to remind me why I am doing said fast if he sees me reaching for something. He doesn't honestly understand why I do them but he knows they are important to me to finish and so he will help. Just what works for me :) Curious to see what other advice you get.

[Mad Mex]

Hi Cathy,

I think it'll be difficult.

Normally you slow down a bit while fasting, to give your body a kind of rest, but you are running the Indy500 all day long I assume.

Maybe you will have a partner, with whom you do this together, or try to get some motivation with the people here in this forum, BUT, you will need a strong mind!

I wish you all of that!

Saludos,

Marcel :cool:

[Aleesha Sattva]

well... as many of you know i fast a lot... so there's always a birthday, mother's day (that i seem to be fasting on every year now - not intentionally - just happens that way), christmas, thanksgiving... there are so many different holidays in a year, not to mention weddings and get togethers with friends.

sometimes i choose to break my fast for an event, other times i don't. i put my Self and my health first. after all... if i don't have my health what do i have?

so i fast when i want, and i always remember... 'food will still be here when i'm done fasting. it will not disappear from the planet. IF i miss the cherry season this year, there will be another one next year!'

[GoodCat]

Thank you so much for the replies. I know I need to do this for my health. And I need my health to raise my family. So I know I need to do this. I'll just have to get over the idea of "missing" something. Aleesha... what you said is how I need to think. I was just thinking that with summer coming I would "miss" all my garden foods. But then I realized that some of the stuff I can juice and then there is always next year. I can't be moved by "activities" but by my health.

Thanks again,
Cathy :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

I'm so glad it assisted you... cause it's really where I put my mind in order to fast. The wonderful thing is... those foods come back, season after season, year after year LOL And like you said - I'm not missing out, I just drink them instead of chewing them. I still taste them!

[Melis2010]

Aleesha, I am in awe of you. 262 days in a year fasting?! Wow. The most I've gone is 14 days straight 3 time a year. Which isn't even 50 days a year. What is the longest you've gone straight?

[lodestar]

i have eight children. now there is only one left at home soon to graduate from high school. my best advice is ... enjoy your kids. that means eating with them, laughing at the table, licking your raw fingers, celebrating! you have years and years ahead of you to fast without kids living under your roof.

there.

[GoodCat]

Oh.. I totally feel what you are saying about enjoying my kiddos while they are at home. However, I have some major medical issues that are not going away with just a raw diet. When I have fasted (11 days), I felt so much better and as soon as I eat, it all slows way down. I homeschool and need to be healthy. So I would be sacrificing a few months to hopefully gain my health back, to be the best mommy I can be :) And like others have said... I don't have to go hide in a room becauce I'm not eating the food. I will be right there with them sipping on my juice ;)

Cathy :)

[CathyA.]

A positive attitude is what gets you through the rough moments in fasting. Sipping juice is quite enjoyable. :D Sounds like you are in a better place about your fast.

[Mad Mex]

season after season, year after year

Aleesha,

you forgot about Charly Frost and the science of the Mayan prophecy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-FQYT6hXbE

Saludos,

Marcel :cool:

Folks, it's just fun with Woody Harrelson....