Delay, not Deny

One of my patients has a beautiful mantra she’s developed as she’s explored intermittent fasting. (Currently she is doing a much longer, extended fast and she feels wonderful; her eczema has ‘disappeared’ and another skin issue is in remission.)Now, I am not recommending everyone do extended fasts, but I can say she feels great, is sleeping well, and feels mentally sharp.Another patient today did not feel she could physically or psychologically go longer than 12 hours without eating.  This is a very normal response I hear all the time.  Why is this? You see, we are so conditioned to eat frequently that we believe if we don’t eat, our energy will disappear, or something terrible will happen to us. Again, why? How have we become so conditioned to eat so much, so frequently? (Our metabolism doesn’t require this amount of food; especially in the era of smartphones, T.V., and less movement.)  For those eating a diet very high in processed carbohydrates and sugar, itis true that going without food can feel extremely uncomfortable, and even create hypoglycemia - however, this only happens when we are fueling ourselves in a way that makes the body ride a roller coaster of blood sugar ups and downs.  Once we stop this up-and-down effect, not eating all the time becomes physiologically natural.So, what is the difference in comparing one person doing a longer fast and feeling wonderful, with another person who is fearful of going longer than 12 hours, even knowing the benefits. How does the woman who is fasting longer manage? Well, she has created a mantra, which any of us can use.  It is: “I can delay food, but I won’t deny food if I really want or need it.” Too often we make everything so strict for ourselves that we feel guilty and shameful if we don’t follow through perfectly.  This all-or-nothing mentality is often the reason we give up. Thus, if you are trying to fast a little longer, or simply trying to avoid the urge to eat a certain type of food, don’t stress about it.  Try extending your time of not eating by 30 minutes. Or, tell yourself you will delay the food until after you’ve gone for a 10 minute walk. Whatever you’re trying to push through, repeat: “I will delay for now, but I won’t deny.” Wait a period of time, and then reassess.  Chances are, you will be able to push a little longer or make a better choice. Each and every one of us must be our own experiment.  Find what works for you and your lifestyle.  Most importantly, be compassionate with yourself in the process.  By using the mantra: “I’ll delay, not deny;” we create a gentle strategy that can become powerful in its results.  Always keep trying. Never give up! Dr. Doug