My first ever fast made me feel like I was on top of the world!

Back in 2011, I did a week of fasting and I have never looked back!   Although at the time I was apprehensive to say the least, it was the best experienced and I returned home feeling on top of the world, good in my body and in my head.

And so what motivated me to take the plunge?

They say that in fasting the most difficult thing is to embrace the decision ...  I would have never thought about it, if it was not for my older sister who came up with the idea when we decided to go on a “detox retreat”.  I was expecting raw food, juices, smoothies, etc.  Never did it cross my mind to not eat for a week would be one of the best experience of my life.  Today, it is strictly by choice and conviction that I have adopted a lifestyle which includes regular fasts. 

So what made us go on this particular retreat?

We had made the decision to take care of our health and we wanted to act on the internal organs, “reboot” by removing years of accumulated toxins in our bodies (even though at the time we were fairly health conscious and followed what we thought was a balanced diet).  We wanted to put our digestive system and associated organs at rest for a few days.

The other aspiration we were looking for was to take a moment for ourselves and find time to step back from our busy lives, meet other likeminded people with whom we could freely discuss our interest in the various “alternative ways” to maintain a state of health for as long as possible for our bodies and minds. 

Whilst the inevitable process of aging is catching up with everyone at some stage, we wanted to experience wellbeing activities through this concept of fasting retreats. Meditation, relaxation, long peaceful and sometimes silent nature walks, forest bathing (which is very popular today) yoga, shiatsu, qi qong, etc. where fairly new to us but some of those are now part of our lifestyle.

So was there a preparation required to join the fasting retreat in France?

Absolutely!  Indeed a week before the retreat, we received instructions and started a "food descent" - essential to tolerate the fast smoothly. The first day we had to remove coffee, tea, alcohol, meats and cold cuts as well as any processed foods.

Then we had to remove fish, starches, eggs, cereals and dairy products to end up, on the last three days before the retreat, eating only raw and cooked fruits and vegetables with water and herbal teas as the only drinks allowed.  In the instructions we were also explained that it would be better to start the fast on an empty gut as it would stimulate a more efficient regeneration and the normalization of the flora amongst other things. Therefore, we were advised to perform a purge with some Epsom salts the evening before the fast which caused a significant elimination of colon residues. At the end of our fasting retreat, we used the same approach as the preparation phase but in reverse, with a week-long gradual resumption of food eating bringing back meat and stimulants last.

Was my first fast difficult?

Yes definitely! Having never done anything like that before, sometimes I felt hungry, but it passed quickly.   You kept busy and had regular activities scheduled throughout the day. There were times when I felt tired, but the more I moved the better I felt and I was amazed I could find the energy to walk 10 to 12 kms every day in sometimes steep mountainous terrain. The most difficult was skipping breakfast at first because it was at the time, a meal that I personally enjoyed and I felt slightly frustrated.

How did the retreat go?

We were 14 motivated fasters. For breakfast it was organic fruit and vegetables juices diluted in water and in the evening a filtered vegetable broth. During the day we had water, and cleansing, purifying herbal teas at will.

Many group activities were offered to us including walking (10 to 12 km per day for the motivated ones and 5 to 7 km for the lesser ones) to avoid muscle wasting and “recharge our batteries” with magnificent sceneries and oxygenation. Yoga, qi qong, stretching, do-in or other gentle exercises were proposed each morning for an energised awakening.  All sorts of treatments such as massages, reflexologies, colonic hydrotherapy or irrigation, etc. where on offer, and a sauna and outdoor jaccuzzi were at our disposal.  The evenings were closed with a conference on various health topics, followed by a meditation and or a relaxation session for a restful sleep.

What were the effects of my fasting week?

We all lost an average of 5 kilos but that was not the main thing. In terms of "detoxing" the liver, heart, kidneys worked in synergy to flush out toxins. You see, the liver works particularly hard during a fast as it uses the glucose that we store in order to nourish our organs.   Part of the energy is drawn from fat reserves from which the liver produces small molecules called ketones which then becomes an alternative fuel to glucose. As for the mind, I came out with an empowering sense of wellness, more energy and a great feeling of happiness. I truly felt on top of the world!

How can I encourage those who are still hesitant to try the experience?

Many people are afraid to try this type of retreat because fasting is not in Western culture.

I was truly amazed by the adaptability of the body. From the second day, I no longer had a feeling of hunger. Certainly there were some symptoms of detox such as fatigue, tachycardia, disturbed sleep and a feeling of cold but this quickly passed and really did not matter to me in view of the other many benefits I felt in my body but also in my mind as the week evolved.

My sister and I have never looked back and continue to fast regularly, once to twice a year for 7 and up to 14 days (but keep in mind we have now plenty of experience and know our body’s capabilities).

Was this retreat well supervised?

Absolutely!   Experienced supervision is essential if you have never done mor ethan a 24/36n hour fast. We signed up at the time with the FFJR network (I now work with a different company - Fasting & Coaching Ireland, which is part of the Fasting & Wellbeing network).

The two supervisors Pierre and Dominique of “l'Amandier” in the Drôme region in France were extremely professional, attentive and benevolent to everyone and you could tell they had many years of experience behind them and therefore we felt safe and totally surrendered to their good hands from day one.

We stayed friends and have returned there many times since.  Pierre and Dominique were also my trainers for the practical aspect of my certification with ISUPNAT Paris, in order for me to supervise the fasting retreats I now offer in Ireland. 

A little advice: Only start a fast if you feel ready, in good shape and health - both physically and mentally. If you are considering doing a fast it might be a good idea to start with Intermittent fasting at home, a short fast of 12, 14 or 16 hours and then once you feel adapted, perhaps a 24 or 36 hour one. 

NB: I would like to add that what is written in this testimony is based on my own personal experience and therefore nothing that has been said should be interpreted as medical advice. If you have any doubts or any worries about your own health, you should consult your doctor.  In that case, do not attempt a wellness fast.  It is not a cure for ailments or diseases. Don't put your health at risk! 

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