Day 8
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Today is one week into the 21-day fast. Fasting is a challenge for me, not simply because of the change in eating, but also because I am someone who has dealt with eating disorders (ED). Though I’m “post-ED”, I think there will always be a concern that I may slip back into the patterns that lasted for many years.
At this point I want to throw in a disclaimer. Everyone and everything I have heard and read is very clear that if you are actively suffering from any type of eating disorder, you should NOT fast. If you have medical problems, you should talk to your doctor before fasting in any way. With that being said, I want to take it another step.
Years ago I fasted many times under the guise of spiritual fasting, yet knew the eating disorder was the real driving force. It wasn’t that I was trying to fool anyone; I was simply not being honest with myself. I wanted to do it for the right reasons, but the old thoughts would always creep in, and of course, true to form typical to someone dealing with ED, I felt like a failure when this happened.
What’s different today? Today, I’ve dealt with the issues that led me to turn to ED and I’ve learned to trust God instead of the eating disorders. Today, I’m honest with myself & recognize when thoughts characteristic of ED begin to creep in. Today, I don’t beat myself up if I ‘mess up’ when fasting. Today, I realize that God is here, he knows my intentions & my heart, and he loves me through it all.
Here are some practical tips I have used when fasting:
- Be honest with yourself! Learn to recognize thoughts & patterns for what they are.
- Attempt a Daniel fast or eliminating only certain foods (e.g. sweets) first. Don’t attempt a water-only fast-it’s like setting yourself up for failure!
- Plan meals & snacks. The more intentional you are about what you will eat, the easier it is to stay on the plan.
- If you slip up, it’s not over. Try again and look at the progress you’ve made-focus on the positive!
One last thing…if you’re reading this and you’re not at the “post-ED stage” yet, don’t be discouraged! Though it may seem like forever, you can get there. I know…because I have!
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Comments
Paul Taylor on Jan 19, 2010 1:34pm
Thanks for sharing that Rindy! What a powerfully honest testimony and incredible insight. When I first started fasting many years ago I had to evaluate my motivations. Oh yeah, I still do! Let's all keep in mind this is for God, his glory, and the kingdom of God to expand in and around us!