It is statistically proven that there are more violent crimes during full moon periods, but also more births, more complications during surgeries, as well as interruptions of our otherwise perfect sleep patterns. On the other hand, the days surrounding the new moon are considered to be the easiest days of the months for the police force and the medical profession alike.
This article will only focus on seizing the power of the moon for cleansing and detoxing purposes. In the weeks and months to come I will expand on this topic, covering all aspects of lunar healing – just be patient

Ancient Knowledge
Nothing that I am writing here is new. It is age-old knowledge which has withstood the test of time for thousands of years and deemed an ancient truth – the influence of the lunar rhythms on our own bioindividual rhythms and the art of seizing its power at the right time.

Physical Forces
The gravitational force of the moon impacts everything and everyone on this planet: humans, animals, plants, and seas, all the way into the deepest core of the soul of Mother Earth.
In the course of its roughly 28-day orbit around the earth, the moon will go through these four distinct phases: new moon, waxing moon, full moon, and waning moon. Although of course the two main segments are the waxing and the waning moon, it is highly beneficial to know the moon’s special forces during the few hours of the full and the new moon as well.

1. Waning moon: during the approximately 14 days in which the moon travels from its fullest to its smallest it helps us to detoxify and to consolidate. Any activity that supports you with detoxifying your body will be doubly effective, and may it only be if you drink a detoxifying tea.
2. New moon: on the day of a new moon, the detoxification capacity of our body is at its highest as it gets the support of an “empty” moon that has just finished its 14 day long purging journey. Thus this would be the ideal time to start anything that you would like to “get rid of”, such as quitting smoking, or biting your fingernails or simply detoxifying your body. Withdrawal symptoms don’t appear as strong, helping us purge from our bad habits easier.
3. Waxing moon: during these 14 days the moon gets bigger and stronger by the day. The closer you get to full moon, the more effective its power will get in helping you to build up energy, to absorb and to store nutrition, as well as to fortify your body in general.
4. Full moon: precisely because our body absorbs all kinds of substances so well on this day – from medication and nutrition to all the toxins that we have in our foods – it is the ideal day to fast and detox for 24 hours giving our bodies a break from its routine

In summary: detoxify when moon is waning and fortify when it is waxing.

How to go about your cleanse:

1. The night before full or new moon, only eat a light supper – such as a soup or cooked veggies with rice. When going to bed visualize all toxins leaving your body (through sweating, going to the bathrooms, or breathing them out of your system) so that you can reclaim your healthy and strengthened body again.
2. Do only drink tap water during the day. If you have troubles refraining from food, then add some freshly squeezed lemon juice and some honey to your water. You can drink these as often as you feel like it during the day. If you still feel woozy, lightheaded or might even get a headache, then eat a banana and a handful of raw almonds.
3. Upon going to bed, visualize your body being healthy, strong and free of toxins.
4. Have a light breakfast upon waking up (such as fruits). Resume your normal eating habits with your lunch.

and all through the house, not a creature was stirring….because they were all sleeping off the food hangover from a day of overindulgence and gluttony.  Uggh.  I feel terrible right now.   It’s  times like this I’m really glad to be Orthodox and observing the Nativity Fast.  A return to moderation come Monday will do my gastrointestinal system some good.

Blessings to all who have tolerated reading this blog and find anything remotely meaningful.  Blessings to all who are going out today to face the Black Friday shopping madness, those who are recovering today from family-induced psychosis, and to all the Aggies who need some quiet alone time to ponder the loss yesterday to that university in Austin.

Have a great laugh with this turkey of a video!   And isn’t it always the case that the cat gets the blame for everything, when we all know it’s really the dog that’s guilty.  You just can’t trust an animal that will sneakily swipe stuff off countertops then lick your face and wag their tails to reinforce the facade of trustworthiness and honor.  Dogs -the real sleeper cell terrorists in our midst.

How is the Takbeer to be made for the Two Eeds and the Days of Tashreeq?

Question:

What has been authenticated from how the takbeer should be done during Eed and the days of Tashreeq, and is this specific for after the prayer.

Answer:

One can say:
Allahu Akbar Kabeera, wal-hamdulillaahi katheera, wa Subhaanallaahi bukratan wa aseela .

(Allaah is the Greatest, and an abundance of praise is due to Him, and glory and praise be to him morning and evening) .
We have passed by this in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree, this is authentic.

What is left now is if one says Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, and he doesn’t add to that, then he is correct (as well), because Allaah, may His name be sanctified said:

<< And the Budn (cows, oxen, or camels driven to be offered as sacrifices by the pilgrims at the sanctuary of Makkah.) We have made them for you as among the Symbols of Allaah, Wherein you have much good. So mention the Name of Allaah over them when they are drawn up in lines (for sacrifice). Then, when they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat thereof, and feed the poor who does not ask (men), and the beggar who asks (men). Thus have We made them subject to you that you may be grateful. (36) It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allaah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. Thus have We made them subject to you that you may magnify Allaah for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad) to the Muhsineen(doers of good). (37) Allaah is the Most Great) for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.>> Soorah (22) ayah (185)

So that you may magnify Allaah (saying Takbeer) Allaah mentioned the takbeer, and he said similar to this also
<<and so that you magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu-Akbar; Allaah is the Most Great) for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him>>. Soorah (2) Ayah(185)

Shaykh Yahyah Al-Hajooree
http://www.sh-yahia.net/show_books_37.html

The wording of the takbeer and the tahmeed for the Eid

Question: What is the wording of the takbeer and the tahmeed?

Response: That one says:

Allaahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, wallaahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar wa lillaahil-Hamd

or one says:

Allaahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar wa lillaahil-Hamd

Shaykh Ibn al-Uthaymeen
Fataawa Ramadhaan – Volume 2, Page 948, Fatwa No.936;
Fiqh al-Ibaadaat libni ‘Uthaymeen – Page 216

Oh, there’s no reason to rustle a newspaper
when someone who knows you bends trees
to understand the Rushmore of your jaw.
We’re all going to skylight soon enough with
no scarlet wool blankets. We’re all lost
in Scarborough. On the church steps I know
I was underfed, clown-faced, reading back-
wards the sign saying Come In. A convenient
guitar got paid to be the news. A dusk corner.

There was first the time we bent knives
and made it through Security, dressed in silk
that swayed like rain forests. Shh, we danced
with our backpacks. A rain stick rattles any
guard. I’m kidding- I was alone and made up
to look younger. Flammable mothers in tank-
tops yelled slogans. A boy rocket ran into
our banners, ripping a sunset in our tired fast.

By Shabbir Ali Khan

In the Name of Allah the Compassionate the Merciful

Dear Muslims

Today is the day our Muslim Brother and Sisters in Hajj stand on Arafat. And Tomorrow, they complete all the rites, symbols, and procedures of Hajj.

We take this opportunity to supplicate to Allah that He accept their Hajj, forgive their sins, bring them all to their homes safe, make their Hajj reach their hearts, change them into strong believers, and make them useful to our Islamic Ummah.

We also take this opportunity to supplicate to Allah to make us among those who will be blessed by performing Hajj in future years In’sha’Allah.

And, tomorrow, as our Brothers and Sisters complete their Hajj, we all celebrate Eid, Eidul Adha, the Eid of Sacrifice.

Two aspects of these holy days are worthy of our study and examination: The hardship of Hajj, and the Sacrifice associated with it.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, it is a must for the adult Muslims who can afford it both physically and financially.

Allah Says in Surat Al Imran (3:97)

The translation of the meaning is “Pilgrimage is a duty people owe to Allah – Those who can afford the way (journey)”.

In performing Hajj, a Muslim suffers many hardships. He takes out of his time, his money, his effort, and his health to perform this worship.

It takes at least two weeks or so to travel and do the pilgrimage.

Hajj expenses are costly and are beyond the affordance of most of the Muslims around the world.

Physical effort is required in performing Hajj: travel in itself is a physical hardship, Tawaf, walking and rushing between Safaa and Marwa, the Rajm (stoning) of Iblis, and you do that in an ocean of humans. An un paralleled crowd.

Many other hardships like those resulting from the codes of dress, and other restrictions.

And one wonders: How can a Muslim, in the midst of all these hardships and with all such suffering, devote himself to the worship of Allah and perform pilgrimage?

The answer to this question is simple if we consider the case of the other worships that Allah commanded us to do, also if we were to consider any meaningful action or task that we are to accomplish.

There is always a mission, a goal that we are to attain, yet there are always impeding factors that stand between us and that goal. And, those who are succesful, do not let these impeding elements from preventing them from reaching the goal and accomplishing the mission.

Success never comes easily whichever success we talk about.

In education and studies, one has to spend these long hours of reading, working out practices and exercises, and research to get the knowledge he seeks.

In professional life, it takes tremendous effort, trials and error, and many hardships and disappointments, before one reaches any degree of success.

In raising children, it takes out of parents time, comfort, money, and emotions, to do a sincere effort leading to a successful mission.

This is the way life is, and this is the way Islamic worships are as well. Islam is a way of life that makes worship part of our lives just like eating, studying, and raising our children. An integral part that blends with both aspects of our existence; physical and spiritual.

In our daily prayers, we take out of our time and effort to do them on time under all circumstances and conditions to strengthen our belief and our ties to Allah, as we worship Him.

In fasting, we struggle with hunger and thirst as we strengthen our belief and our ties to Allah, as we worship Him.

In Zakat, we pay out of our wealth, we help others as we help ourselves, and in this way again we worship Allah.

In all these are hardships, but there is a goal, and our objective is the successful achievement of the mission. And, in going through these hardships, we learn how to deal with them and how to overcome them. And that makes us better humans and stronger Muslims.

And, in Hajj, is a greater hardship, if we examine the fact that it is only mandatory for those who can afford it.

In Hajj, we see a great wisdom, as we struggle with all the hardships of Hajj, we are to sincerely worship Allah.

The goal is the worship and the impeding factors are those of our daily lives.

A concentrated dose of hardship we experience in this Hajj yet it is the same kind we have to deal with every day.

And we have to deal with it, overcome it, and successfully accomplish our mission of sincere and devoted attachment to Allah and His way, simply worshipping Him.

Yes, in the midst of all this life hardships like working for income and dealing with people, we have got to remember Allah at all times and worship Him sincerely, worship Him as if we see Him, because if we do not see Him, He sees us.

In Hajj, we live the same circumstances in a comprehensive, concentrated and intensified form.

And as we examine ourselves as we practice the other aspects of our lives and worships. As we achieve our goal and feel the rewards, benefits, and joy of success. We then feel that every effort that was put in the process was worth it.

In our prayer, as we take the time to do it, we feel the rewards of tranquility and humbleness in our soles, we feel the rewards of renewal and strength in our hearts, and we know that the ultimate reward of Allah’s Satisfaction is awaiting us.

And we know then that we did not waste our time or our effort in performing this prayer.

And in Hajj, the same happens. Those of us who have been through it know exactly that. Yes there are hardships in Hajj, but there are the rewards as well. Rewards in this life and rewards in the hereafter.

May Allah help us all realize these rewards and enable us to his way and to his satisfaction.

* Ritualistic worships in Islam such as Praying, Alms-giving, Fasting, and Pilgrimage too are to satisfy spiritual and physical needs. Again they are to profit from, and again they are to enjoy.

- Prayers in Islam is a communication between the human and his Creator. A communication in which the human soul submits toand communicates with Allah, at the same time the human body bows and kneels to Allah’s Greatness and Might.

- Other ritualistic worships also provide spiritual and physical benefits.

* It is from this perspective that one can see that Islam is a way of life. It honors and respects both sides of the human; and it works for the sake of satisfying these two aspects.

* A Muslim is to always seek the balance in satisfying both aspects, the spiritual and the physical.

* In other words, a Muslim as he worships, he is working for the life in the hereafter as if he dies tomorrow, and for his current life as if he lives forever.

* It is the sincerity of the worship that gives it its effectiveness and usefulness. Islam teaches us to worship Allah as if we see Him, since if we do not see Him, He Sees us.

What are you thankful for?

I’m thankful for the fact that this year, Muslims are given an opportunity to be way more thankful to Allah on this American holiday. It just so happens the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, referred to as the day of ‘Arafat, is the same day as Thanksgiving. It’s a blessed day where fasting is highly recommended.

Abu Qatadah reports the Prophet (may Allah’s Blessings and Peace be upon him) as saying:
“Fasting the Day of Arafat will be credited by Allah with forgiving one’s sins of the previous year and the coming year.”

I’m thankful to Allah for the enormous reward given for fasting on this day. Though, the irony of this year’s timing is quite hilarious, but also something to think about. My friend Abdullah, from Orlando, posted this interesting thought on Facebook:

So true.

A Muslim fasts in order to obey his/her Lord, and to appreciate what s/he has been given. It applies two very important concepts in Islam:

1. Sabr – the patience to deal with not eating or drinking from sunup to sundown, as well as refraining from vulgar speech, anger, and relations.

2. Shukr – thankfulness for the food, drink, and the other blessings that Allah bestowed on you.

The American way of celebrating is to cook a large meal (eating much of the day) for dinner where all the family comes together to eat. The Muslims stay away from even water all day, until the night when they can really “say grace” (i.e. Bismillah wa ‘ala barakatillah) and appreciate the meal before them (whether it’s large or small).

Thanksgiving is a beautiful holiday with honorable values embedded in it such as thankfulness (obviously) and kinship.

But the truth is, who’s really going to be celebrating Thanksgiving correctly? The Americans, or the Muslims (from America and even in foreign countries).

Keep in mind that this day upon us is here to serve a purpose and send one message: Allah is Dhul-Jalali-wal-Ikraam (translated as the Lord of Majesty and Generosity).

One day. One message. Even though it technically is two different ‘holidays’.

Enjoy this day, and try to remember about turkey!

Of course, I meant to read about the glory days of the Muslim Ottoman Empire in Turkey!

and an early Eid Mubarak to you all.

Share.

Add to: Facebook | Digg |  Stumbleupon | Twitter

Fasting 9th Dhul Hijjah-Yawm al Arafat removes two years of sin

It was reported from Abu Qutadah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah. He said, ‘It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.’ Narrated by Muslim.

Yawm al-Arafat:

The 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah is the day of Arafat. It is this day when the pilgrims gather on the mountain plain of Arafat, praying and supplicating to their Lord. The day of Arafat holds great importance in Islam since this is the Day when Allâh completed his revelation on His Messenger (sAllâhu alaihe wa-sallam). It is reported in the Sahîhayn (i.e. Sahîh al-Bukharî and Sahîh Muslim), from Umar Ibn al-Khattab (radhi Allâhu anhu) that a Jewish man said to him:
“O Amîr al-Muminîn (O head of the Muslims)! There is a verse in the Qur’ân, which if was revealed on us, the Jews, we would have taken that day as an Eid (festival). Umar asked: ‘Which verse?’ He said:

“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [Sûrah al-Maidah (5): 3]

Umar (radhi Allâhu anhu) said: ‘We know on which day and in which place was this verse revealed to Allâh’s Messenger (sAllâhu alaihe wa-sallam). It was when he was standing in Arafat on a Friday.’

Arafat is the day on which Allâh took the covenant from the progeny of Adam (alaihis-salâm), it was reported that Ibn Abbas (radhi Allâhu anhu) narrated: The Messenger of Allâh (sallAllâhu alaihi wa-sallam) related:

“(When Allâh created Adam (alaihis-salâm) Allâh took covenant from him in a place Na’mân on the day of Arafat, then He extracted from him all the descendants who would be born until the end of the world, generation after generation, and spread them out in front of Him in order to take a covenant from them also. He spoke to them face to face saying:

“Am I not your Lord?”

and they all replied: ‘Yes, we testify to it’. Allâh then explained why He had all of mankind bear witness that He was their Creator and only true God worthy of worship. He said:

“That was in case you (mankind) should say on the Day of Resurrection, ‘Surely, we were unaware of this. We had no idea that You, Allâh, were our Lord. No one told us that we were only supposed to worship You.”

[(Sahîh by Shaikh al-Albanî in Silsilah al-Ahâdîth as-Sahîhah vol: 4, no: 1623]

Indeed, the day of Arafat is a blessed day and there is no other covenant greater than this covenant! Arafat is a day of Forgiveness from sins, freedom from the Hell-Fire for the people who are present in the plain of Arafat. A’ishah (radhi Allâhu anha) narrated the Messenger of Allâh (sallAllâhu alaihi wa-sallam) saying:

“There is no day on which Allâh frees more people from the Fire than the day of Arafat. He comes close and expresses His pride to the angels saying, ‘What do these people (the Hajis) want?’” [Sahîh Muslim]

This Hâdîth mentions forgiveness for the pilgrims. In addition to this, fasting on the day of Arafat is a Sunnah and an expiation of sins for the residents. Hunaydah ibn Khâlid reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet (sallAllâhu alaihi wa-sallam) said:

“The Messenger of Allâh (sallAllâhu alaihi wa-sallam) used to fast on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, on the day of Ashûrah, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month.” [(Sahîh) by Shaikh al-Albanî in Sahîh Abi Dawûd vol: 2, no: 462]

It is reported in Sahîh Muslim that when the Messenger of Allâh (sallAllâhu alaihi wa-sallam) was asked about the fasting on the day of Arafat, he said:

“It expiates the sins of the previous year and that of the following year.” [Sahîh Muslim]

This fasting is Mustahabb only for the non-pilgrims and not for the Hajis (the pilgrims) because it was not the practice of Allâh’s Messenger (sallAllâhu alaihi wa-sallam) to fast on the day of Arafat during pilgrimage and in a narration he also forbade doing so. Imâm at-Tirmidhî (rahimahullah) (d. 275H) said:

“The People of Knowledge consider it recommended (Mustahabb) to fast on the day of Arafat, except for those at Arafat.” [Jâmi'ut-Tirmidhî (3/377)]

Saturday is part 4 of our series How to be Rich.

This has been an unbelievable series. Everything from the tithing challenge, to our church fasting this past week. It has been awesome to see the way God has been moving and challenging us as we think about how to be rich.

This week we’ll be looking at how saving, investing, what happens to our stuff and what is really important in this world and the next. Definitely appropriate the day after black friday.

If you want to send an e-vite, go here.

We are also starting the Advent season as a church this week. Really excited about doing this as a church this year and seeing how God uses this time over the next 4 weeks to prepare for Christmas.

See you Saturday at 5!

Fasting on Arafah for Different Moon Sighting Countries

As we in India are keen to fast on the day of ‘Arafah, but the Hijri date in India is different from the date in Saudi: when the date in India is the 8th of the month, it is the 9th in Saudi. Should I fast on the 8th – which is the 9th in Saudi – or should I fast according to the date in India?

Source : Muhammad al-Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen ,Majmoo’ al-Fataawa

These are the type of question arrive every time when Ramadan comes or the day of Arafah comes Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: what if the day of ‘Arafah is different because of the moon being sighted at different times in different countries? Should we fast according to the moon sighting in the country where we are or according to the moon sighting in al-Haramayn (the two Holy Sanctuaries)?

He replied: This is based on a difference of opinion among the scholars: Is there only one moon sighting for the whole world or does it vary according to when the moon rises in different places?

The correct view is that it varies according to when the moon rises in different places. For example, if the moon is sighted in Makkah, and today is the ninth, and it is sighted elsewhere one day before Makkah, and the day of ‘Arafah in Makkah is the tenth for them, it is not permissible for them to fast on this day because it is Eid. Similarly if it so happens that they sight the moon after Makkah, and the 9th in Makkah is the 8th for them, then they should fast the day that is the 9th for them, which is the 10th in Makkah. This is the correct view, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you see it (the new moon) fast and when you see it break your fast.” Those who did not see the moon in their own location have not seen it. Just as people are unanimously agreed that the times for dawn and sunset vary according to their own location, so too the months are also worked out by location, just like the daily timings. Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 20.

And he (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about some people who worked in the Saudi embassy in a foreign country, who said that they were having a problem concerning the fast of Ramadaan and the fast on the day of ‘Arafah. The brothers there had split into three groups:

One group said: we will fast with Saudi and break the fast with Saudi.

Another group said: we will fast with the country where we are living and break the fast with them.

The last group said: we will fast Ramadaan with the country where we are living, but we will fast the day of ‘Arafah with Saudi.

They asked the Shaykh to provide them with a detailed answer concerning the Ramadaan fast and fasting the day of ‘Arafah, whilst noting that for the past five years, in the country where they were living neither Ramadaan nor the day of ‘Arafah had been observed on the same days as in Saudi; their Ramadaan started one or two days after it had been announced in Saudi, and sometimes three days after.

He replied:

In the name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) differed concerning the issue when the moon is sighted in one part of the Muslim world and not in another: do all the Muslims have to act on the basis of that, or only those who sighted it and the people who live in the same region, or only those who sighted it and the people who live under the same government? There are many different points of view.

The most correct view is that the matter should be referred to those who have knowledge of it. If the moon rises at the same point for two countries they become like one country, so if it is sighted in one of them that ruling applies to the other. But if the rising points differ, then each country has its own ruling. This is the view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him); this is the apparent meaning of the texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah and what is implied by analogy.

In the Qur’aan it says (interpretation of the meaning):

“So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of
days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most
Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” [al-Baqarah 2:185]

What is implied by this verse is that whoever does not see it is not obliged to fast.

In the Sunnah, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you see it (the new moon) then fast, and when you see it, break your fast.” What is implied by this hadeeth is that if we did not see it we are not obliged to fast or to break the fast.

With regard to analogy, the times for starting and ending the fast each day should be worked out in each country on its own, according to the local times of sunrise and sunset. This is a point on which there is scholarly consensus. So you see the people in east Asia starting their fast before the people of west Asia, and breaking their fast before them, because dawn breaks for the former before the latter, and the sun sets for the former before the latter.

Once this is established with regard to the times for starting and ending the daily fast, it also applies to the start and end of the monthly fast. There is no difference between them.

But if many regions come under the same government, and the ruler gives the command for the fast to start or end, then his command must be followed, because this is a matter of scholarly dispute but the command of the ruler dispels that dispute.

Based on the above, you should fast and break your fast along with the people of the country where you are living, whether that is in accordance with your country of origin or not. Similarly on the day of ‘Arafah you should follow the country where you are living.

by Muhammad al-Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen, 28/8/1420 AH. Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 19.

I just discovered this delightfully-entertaining, half-hour episode comedy series about a diverse group of Muslims, set in a small Canadian town on on the prairie.  The 20-minute video above is the first episode.

The diverse group of Muslims in the town have the same disagreements among themselves that different groups of Muslims have in their own home countries, or even that different Muslim countries have with each other (between conservative and liberal views of Islam)–but all in an entertaining way.  Of course everyone in the town misunderstands things, in the same ways people misunderstand in real life.

Try this first video.  It’s a very cleverly done Canadian sitcom, filmed in Toronto, Ontario, and Indian Head, Saskatchewan.   The first episode (above) was filmed in Regina.  Little Mosque is the most popular sitcom in Canada and has been syndicated in France, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Finland, Turkey, Israel, the West Bank, and African countries.  It is light-hearted, and family-oriented.  Expats who have lived in Muslim countries will especially enjoy this humorous series!

Links to all Little Mosque on the Prairie episodes (Seasons 1 – 4) can be viewed HERE (scroll down the page).   The links are free.

The essence and power of abstinence is not in refraining from food, but in expelling from the heart every remembrance of evil and other such things. That is true fasting, and what–above all else–the Lord demands. – St. Leo of Optina

Client Reverses Diabetes with the Liberation Diet!

Dear Kevin,

First I’d like to personally thank you so much for coming into our lives with your Liberation Diet. We have seen miraculous changes thus far and it’s been less than a week! We’d like to share with you just how much success we are having because of the eating habits you’ve introduced to us.

My husband, Ed was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and had to take a pill every day to bring his sugar level down. Even with the medicine, his levels never once got below 139. Once we met with you and began the Liberation Diet, immediate changes started to appear. After about 4 days of eating the right foods and listening to your instruction, his sugar went down significantly. He tried reducing his prescribed dose by cutting his pills in half. Ed checked his sugar one day, after having half the dosage, and read a low 55. It was then that he realized that he could stop taking his medicine; all in less than one week. Since he has been following your diet and went off his medications, his blood sugar level is consistently averaging under 100.

Ed also has arthritis in both knees and has had an operation on his shoulder due to dislocation. He has never been able to be consistent, in his adult life, with exercise. The trainer, Patrick, whom you assigned him, has custom-fit exercises to his physical conditions. He now has a steady routine of stretching and exercising and I even enjoy doing them with him.

It started off as a desire for a cure to my husband’s diabetes and joint pain, and ended up being a huge transformation that exceeded our expectations. Aside from going off his medication and gaining flexibility again, Ed has lost 17 lbs in one week and I have lost 9. We are so excited. We enjoy what we eat, eat the way we now believe God intended us to, and are full and satisfied.

God bless you and your family, Kevin, as you are used to bring truth to others and teach them how to apply these beneficial changes to their lives.

Sincerely,

Sherry Wevill

This article is part of the HartkeisOnline.com Natural Cures blog carnival.

Liberation Diet Winning War Against Palsy!

Hi Kevin,

I have been following your Liberation Diet for over a couple of months now and have followed your supplementation recommendations.

In November ‘08 I had been hospitalized with a severe case of Bell’s Palsy. Even intravenous morphine barely touched the pain associated with BP. After 2 weeks on morphine and extreme fatigue, I was introduced to you by my good friend Brenda Cook. She brought hope back into my life with a Mangosteen Juice called Xango.

The Medical Specialists had told me that I would never get any movement back in my face because of the severe damage done to the seventh cranial nerve. I tried chiropractic, acupuncture and herbal remedies and even biofeedback therapies, to no avail.

In February 09 Brenda shared with me you and your Liberation Diet Program. I hired you as my nutrition coach and we went over the Liberation Diet program over the internet. I was amazed at the information and knew that although it was very different from what I was taught in school, I was a physical wreck and my own treatments and therapies were useless!

I became Liberated that day and started eating correctly right away. I began noticing an immediate increase in energy and stamina and knew I was on the right track. A few weeks later, with Gods help, I was able to locate some real dairy (RAW) and, now things really started improving. As you recommended, I started implementing fasting as part of the Liberation Diet, and beacause of my health problems, some extended fasting was encouraged.

In the last few weeks I have been able to feel, taste and move my mouth and chin. I can smile again. My eye doesn’t require eye drops hourly anymore. I don’t need to tape my eye shut at night and I can blink once again.

I was also going to the ophthalmologist every two weeks and since I have followed your regime, my eye sight has improved and I know longer have dry patches on my lens.

The fasting for 9 days presented most amazing results. The muscles in my chin are now working.

Side benefits have also been wonderful. My bowel movements are regular and easy. I had IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and only went once every 4 days, if that. I had also little control of my bladder and was unable to sleep through the night because of frequent bathroom visits. I am full of life now and there is no going back. God has been gracious to me through your efforts.

Thank you for bringing the truth to me.

Lori Ryan,RHN

Registered Holistic Nutritionist

647-828-7383

There is No Money in Fasting!

By Janet Marsh Demeter, Staff Writer

Fasting is an ancient techanique for healing and detoxification of the body from a variety of ills, and for maintenance of optimum health. Studies show that we are designed to fast and fasting is in part an evolutionary development of times of food scarcity.

As with other areas of the Natural Healing arena, general consciousness of its benefits are not well-known; in fact, people tend to be fearful of fasting. This fear of fasting is really the fear of feeling “hunger”, or what people think is hunger. More often than not, the sensations of withdrawal from irritating substances are confused with hunger and do not come from the absence of real, natural foods. What constitutes “real food” is well researched here with our Liberation Fitness staff and at westonaprice.org, but basically, sudden restriction from anything that is not natural and/or is super-refined with preservatives and other toxins, can create the lightheadedness, headache, cravings, stomach pains, and other symptoms that people mistake for real hunger. Actually, the willingness to “sit through” these feelings of withdrawal can eventually free a person, through fasting, from a bad eating habit, among other things.

Considering again the benefits and very basic physiology of the fast, the first 3 days are the most dramatic whether it’s a 4, 7, 10, 30 day water fast, because during the first 72 hours the body switches feul sources. During the first day, the body generally consumes all of its stores of glycogen in the liver(normal source of glucose), so then it must find another source. It begins to break-up fatty acids(ketosis) as feul, and also (catabolizes)breaks down amino-acids from the muscles to make glucose, about 2-3 oz of muscle on the second day. By the third day, the ketosis or breaking down of fatty acids becomes very efficient so that the body can begin conserving protein, thereafter catabolizing only 1/2-1oz of muscle per day. The conservation of protein was important for the protection of the organs and muscles when no food was available; over 30 days a person will go through 1-2 lbs. of muscle tissue.

Much like sleep, the body during a fast uses its energy to break down and expel toxins, and to heal itself. As the fast continues, the body will use-up everything it can that is not necessary for its functioning, such as microbes, fibroid tumors, wastes, inflammation, and stored fat of course. Generally, the body switches its fuel source in the first 3 days, when the most dramatic effects, if any, are felt. So fear not; the body is actually designed to do this–and can manage very well for quite some time. Some of the diseases and conditions that clinical studies have shown fasting helps either partially, or permanently, are: hypertension, chronic cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, obesity, epilepsy, acute pancreatitis, osteo- and rhumatoid arthritis, auto-immune diseases including lupus, severe toxic contamination(7-10day fast), poor immune function, psycho-somatic diseases, gout, bronchial athsma, allergies, MS, insomnia, and more.

There have been enough animal studies that suggest life-span enhancement through fasting, and also individual case studies, not to mention common sense. Cancer research is, of course, controversial with fasting(as with most natural approaches), however there is data to suggest it may help prevent cancer. Most people can safely fast, but there are special cases when one should not fast. Always consult your health professional for when considering fasting as to your goals, the length and type of the fast, etc… Starving people obviously should not, pregnant diabetic women, nursing mothers, those with anemia, those with porphyria should not fast. There is also a rare genetic fatty-acid deficiency which prevents the body’s switching to ketosis.

Knowledge of fasting should be available to everyone as a natural and safe (with some exceptions) healing and health maintenance technique. The more you know about health and wellness, what good things with which to fuel your body, the more sense it makes to take advantage of fasting to cleanse and heal. Often the fear of it is no more than a bad habit not wanting to lose his position of authority in the mind. Fast and be healthy; fast and be free, too!

Janet has had over 20 years experience as a distance runner; an exercise enthusiast, she has studied Martial Arts, Pilates, and dance. She has also studied nutrition and nutritional healing, most intensely following a biking incident with a car breaking both legs to ensure a complete and rapid recovery. Also a 17 year survivor of a very serious eating disorder, she has spent much time re-establishing a healthy relationship with food and reconnecting with natural instinct. She is a Wellesley College graduate and dedicated to the demystifying nutrition and the healing powers of Nature, which are available to all. Currently she lives in Kagel Canyon, CA with her husband Barry and daughter Sophie-Marie.

Last Sunday was Stir-up Sunday, when the traditional collect is “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” It is the last Sunday before Advent, almost the end of the church year.

Stir-Up Sunday is the beginning of the week when we also stir up the Christmas puddings and cakes, those traditional dense fruit-laden sugar, egg and butter bombs so beloved of the British people. The rest of the world does not understand fruitcake and plum pudding, but no true Brit, no son or daughter of British roots, would want to see Christmas pass without the rum soaked and flaming pud carried into the darkened dining room, nor see the New Year rung in without a few slices of brandy flavoured cake.

My last fruitcake of the week is in the oven now, slowly amalgamating into a delectable mass. It will be cooled overnight, wrapped in brandy-saturated cheesecloth, wrapped airtight, and stowed on the top shelf of the refrigerator until the festivities.

It is a lot of work, and it takes a strong arm to fold together the densest fruitcakes. Although we no longer have to candy the fruit, chop it fine, and grind the suet and nuts by hand, it stil takes a while to get a good steamed pudding or fruitcake assembled. We started with a long-distance trip to Bulk Barn to get the ingredients by the pound (or kilo, here.) Then there is the marshalling of pudding bowls, fruitcake pans, steamers and cooling racks, the hunting down of cheesecloth in the store, and the debate over the liquor. (Dark rum or brandy?) All the mysterious and exotic ingredients are laid out along with familiar sugar, butter and eggs.

The plum pudding must be stirred by everyone in the house, and I assembled it on Sunday afternoon. The stirring was enjoyed by the two-year-old, who got to sit on the kitchen counter with a wooden spoon. She had haunted the kitchen while preparation was underway, until I gave her a wooden bowl, a plastic spoon, and a dozen raisins to stir herself. She then showed off her work, stirring raisins around and around, and finally ate the raisins. She was enchanted with being allowed to do big girl work with the real bowl, though. It is her first plum pudding.

Honouring this tradition seemed to be vital to our starting the Nativity season this year. Perhaps it is Nicholas’s stroke and the thought that he almost didn’t see this season; perhaps it is a need to feel rooted in our heritage again, building a little sanctuary of memory and history away from a fast-changing world. Tradition roots us in the year itself, both the natural year of seasons and crops, work and rest as well as in the liturgical year of feasts and fasts, saints’ days and commemorations. “Here we are again,” can be a comforting thought, a home-place found each year.

So we are carefully picking up some traditions stowed away while we sojourned, antique treasures inherited from parents and great-grandparents. At the same time, we are dropping some recent traditions that are counter-productive to our spriritual life.

Christmas shopping is one of them. It was easy for me this year – we have absolutely no money. My gifts will all be prayers this year. I will ask the Lord to bestow His blessings on each of us, according to our needs. I refuse to speak gently of some of the horrors of consumer Christmas – Black Friday shopping (Canadians don’t have this) and Boxing Day sales (Americans don’t have this.) Greed and status-seeking are so far from the message of the Incarnation that it is truly horrible to contemplate this filth in the Season of Light. Please don’t be tempted by “bargains.” You simply do not need that stuff anyway.

Our Advent discipline this year is not fasting. This household is ill-equipped to fast this time; I do not want to set myself apart from the people I nourish daily. Meals are a little eucharist for us here, and we need to continue to share the common loaf and cup. After some thought, I proposed that our discipline would be using our food resources better; specifically, using up the surplus in the pantry and freezer. Generosity put some of that food there, and it would be in gratitude that we prepare and eat it. Rather than buy more, we will use what we have, even if on first glance it is not very appealing. But I have time to cook, read recipes and prepare good food from basic components; that is my gift to the house this season.

Perhaps others are in the same position. Are there goods in your house that need to be lovingly consumed before they spoil? Do you have a hoard or stash of something that you should share? If you do, will it be for the daily nourishment of your family, or in a big party for friends? Or do you need to move the surplus on to those in need this winter, donating to a food bank? Be extravagant in your hospitalityand generosity.

If your surplus is not in the pantry, do you have goods that are not being used – small appliances, clothes, furniture, books,maybe even a stack of firewood you won’t burn this year. Can these be donated to a charity to be given to a family without resources, or to be sold? Even better, have a sale of your own, in the garage or barn, or list the items on craigslist or kijiji, whichever serves your area. Donate the proceeds.

Preparing our loving hearts for Advent and the Festival of the Incarnation (Christmas, nativity) is of greater importance than preparing our homes by filling them with purchased junk.

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19)

We are in the midst of the first 10 days of the month of Dhul Hijjah. Doing good deeds in them is better than in any of the other days of the year. As Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The companions asked: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” The Prophet replied, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything” (Narrated by Bukhari).
 
It is highly recommended that we all increase in doing good deeds and extra voluntary acts of worship during these 10 blessed days so we can make the best out of them and gain Allah’s reward.
 
These 10 days are so important and blessed that Allah swore by them in the Quran in the beginning of Surah Al-Fajr. It is in these 10 days that all the pillars of Islam are being performed, because it is the time of the year for Hajj, along with the other pillars like Salah, Fasting, and Zakah also being performed. So insha’Allah, we should strive to start that month with sincere repentance to Allah and exert ourselves in doing as much good deeds as we can.
 
Here are a few of the possible good deeds that one can do, along with a few other things to keep in mind:

1) Fasting:
We should try to fast as much of the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah as possible, since fasting is a virtuous deed, and even more so during these days. As prophet Muhammad peace be upon him says: “Allah says: ‘All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.’” (Narrated by Bukhari).
It was the Sunnah of the prophet to increase in fasting during these blessed days. However, fasting all of the first 9 days is not compulsory, nor was it a constant sunnah that the prophet peace be upon him never dropped. But insha’Allah, increase in your fasting during these first 9days because the reward and virtues of fasting are numerous, such as the du’a or supplication of the fasting person is accepted, fasting is a means of attaining Taqwah, and it also is a protection from Hell-fire, as prophet Muhammad peace be upon him says: “Whoever fasts one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will keep his face seventy years’ distance away from the Fire because of it.”(Narrated by Muslim).
 
2) The Day of ‘Arafah:
The day of ‘Arafah is the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah (which will be on Thursday, November 26),and it is the day when the pilgrims (performing Hajj) stand in worship on the mountain of ‘Arafah.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of ‘Arafah. He comes close and expresses His pride to the angels, saying, ‘What do these people want?’” (Narrated by Muslim).
Whether you decide to fast most of the first 9 days, or you decide to just fast only one day out of the nine, make sure that you fast on the day of ‘Arafah which is the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah (which will be on Thursday, November 26), because when prophet Muhammad peace be upon him was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah, he said, “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.” (Narrated by Muslim). Therefore, it is highly recommended to fast on the day of ‘Arafah for those who are not going on Hajj. 
The day after ‘Arafah, the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, is the day of Eid Al-Adha which is also called the day of Nahr (slaughtering), and the next three days after Eid (the 11th, 12th, and 13th day of Dhul Hijjah) are called the days of Tashreeq. The day of Eid and the three days of Tashreeq after it are days of celebration and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) forbade fasting on these days and said: “Do not fast on these days, for they are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” (Narrated by Ahmad; Classed as Saheeh by Sheikh Albani).

3) The Udhiyah (Sacrifice):
One of the righteous deeds that brings one closer to Allah is slaughtering an animal for the sake of Allah, and this is highly recommended sunnah for those who can afford it (some scholars even said it is mandatory to offer the sacrifice for those who are able to afford it), because the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to offer a sacrifice every year for the 10 years while he was in Medina, as narrated by the companion Abdullah ibn Omar may Allah be pleased with them both. The time for slaughtering the animal begins after the Eid Prayer on the day of Eid and lasts until the end of the three days of Tashreeq after Eid.
For those who plan to sacrifice (usually, the head of the household), then they are prohibited to cut their hair or nails from the 1st day of Dhul Hijjah until they offer the sacrifice. This is only for the one who plans on performing the sacrifice and not for his entire family, and it applies the same to both men and women. As Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Once the tendays start, for those of you who have the intention to sacrifice, let them not cut any of their hair or nails (until they sacrifice).” (Narrated by Muslim).
[Note: If you have the habit of biting your nails, this might be the perfect way to help you break that habit during these great 10 days!] 
If you plan on performing the sacrifice, also make sure to pick a mature and healthy animal that is free from any flaws that you will slaughter. When slaughtering the animal, it is sunnah to say: “Bismillah, wa Allahu akbar” (which means “In the name of Allah, Allah is most great).

4) Other Deeds:
Some other good deeds that we can do during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are:
*Increase in Dhikr and remembering Allah frequently, like saying the Takbeer at any time throughout the day. One of the forms of the Takbeer is “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahi’l-hamd” (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise).  Keep in mind that the Takbeer should be done out loud but on an individual basis and without saying it in unision as a group as this is not from the sunnah.
*Doing Istighfaar and repenting sincerely to Allah from all our sins, and staying away from committing any more sins during these 10 days.
*Increase in giving charity.
*Do more of the voluntary acts of worship like extra prayers throughout the day and at night.
*Pray the 5 obligatory daily prayers early on time and with tranquility, and if you are able to then pray them in congregation at the Masjid.
*Any other good deed that you can think of !!
*Remember to attend the Eid prayer on the day of Eid (the 10th day of Dhul Hijja), as the prophet ordered everyone, men, women, and kids, to attend the Eid prayer.

As I travel on this journey to freedom, I am changing…evolving. I am being pulled into areas of growth, deliverance and healing. One of these areas is my health. I know that I cannot keep on the path I am on with regards to my health. I know that things have to change….and I have been asking the Lord what do I need to do.

My health must take priority. Losing weight, healing, deliverance and so on must be dealt with. After more prayer and research, I felt lead to use Intermittent Fasting as my approach toward losing weight, breaking bondage’s and healing. I am a binge eater. I have realized that more these past few weeks than ever before.

After my grandmother went into the nursing home it brought a sizable decrease in household income. It also brought a sizable decrease in available food. It meant that I had to admit that I am a binge eater and that this needs to be dealt with.

I have felt lead to fast for a while now but as a binge eater…I couldn’t even begin to think of life without food…even for an hour! This is an area of my life that is not surrendered to the Lord no matter how much I tried to deceive myself into thinking it was. Food is a crutch, an emotional comfort, a prison to me. That needs to change.

The Lord has been waiting for me to get in line with what He wants to do but I have been rebellious. I have not wanted to give up my source of false comfort….I have not wanted to change and let God overshadow me.

I realize that I am scared of losing me as I allow God to take my life, overshadow it, remake it and heal me. I am scared of God and change…so I remain in bondage. As I step out more into ministry, these things have to go. I can’t expect ministry to be effective if I am not walking the talk!

So….changes come……and Lord, help me completely surrender to you.

Jade Teta ND, CSCS

Many of our clients ask us about fasting and how that may impact weight loss vs fat loss.  I have blogged previously on how years ago I would “fast” (go all day without any food) once or twice a week as an aid to burning fat. This technique has recently gained support among many seeking body change and restored health. This is being promoted as a technique called “alternate day fasting”. The question is can this approach work to burn fat and optimize muscle for long term body change?

It is important to remember that fat  loss and weight loss are not the same thing.  Weight loss is usually about indiscriminately decreasing calories while fat loss is about manipulating hormones so that you eat less naturally. In general, long-term fasting is not a useful technique to use if you want to burn fat. This is not because it does not work, it is because it is not sustainable for most people. However, under the right circumstances you may be able to use fasting to your advantage. The problem is that many people will simply use this technique in the same way they use other crash diets.  They will ignore exercise and food quality and decide to fast to reduce calories.  This approach is playing the weight loss game and will likely end up causing you to lose muscle, creating the all too frequent YO-YO effect. In order to use this technique to lose fat and spare muscle, it would be wise to pay attention to food quality, exercise, and supplementation. If you are the type that just wants the skinny on what to do rather than all the details, skip down to the bottom.  Otherwise read on to hear metabolic effects take on fasting.

Brief history of fasting

One important thing to understand is that the idea that humans should eat three meals a day, or 6 small meals per day (as many in the fitness industry, including ME, advocate), is a completely made up construct.  In other words, it is not actually how we humans evolved.  Studies of modern day hunter gatherers suggest humans in natural conditions only ate 1 time per day after gathering or hunting for food all day (1-4). There was no breakfast, no lunch and rare snacking. I point this out because it is an often neglected insight in understanding the natural eating habits our metabolisms evolved with.  Another important point is that food was not always available and there were likely days where much less food was consumed. So the idea that food was eaten everyday, is also wrong. Our physiology evolved under feast and famine circumstances and even when food was available we had to work to get it.

Even with these considerations, we must not forget we live in an entirely different time.  Food in modern times is easily accessible all day everyday. It is likely true that if early humans were confronted with an environment where food was abundant and easily available without physical effort they would have had eating patterns more in line with what were used to today. The reason I believe, and often recommend, eating 6 small meals a day is because not many people in today’s culture can voluntarily abstain from food. Especially when it is cheap, abundant, tasty and just a walk to the pantry or a trip up the street away.  We are programmed through our ancient physiology to eat whenever food is available, and since food is always available, we eat almost constantly.  Eating 6 small meals per day of high fiber and protein foods can help us reduce hunger and cravings creating the key elements for fat loss 1) reduced calories and 2) Proper hormone balance. However, there is a way to imitate the fat-loss secrets of our ancestors while avoiding the binging scenarios that often ensue after haphazard fasting. It is called alternate day fasting, intermittent fasting, or night time fasting.

Understanding fasting and how to do it right

The vast majority of people who decide to abstain from food for the day will likely make it to early afternoon or maybe evening before they scarf down a whole pizza or inhale a fast food burger and fries while guzzling down a liter of soda. Once we get hungry and we know food is around all bets are off. The idea of fasting in this way will fail for most of those who try it.  There is a better way, but before I talk about that it is important to understand the physiology of fasting.  Afterall, body change is about fat loss, not weight loss.  Understanding exactly how the body partitions its fuel during fasting is key to doing it right.

During the first six to twenty-four hours of avoiding food, your body will use stored sugar called glycogen (gleye-co-gin). This fuel does not last forever, and once it is gone the body will spend the next two  to ten days using amino acids from your muscle tissue to make more sugar for the body. This is not a lucky thing since a loss of muscle means a less efficient metabolism overtime. This may be surprising to some who think fat is the primary fuel during times of fasting.  While some fat is being burned, it does not become the primary fuel until after a fast has lasted greater than ten days.  Only then will you begin to really ramp up fat loss.  This is an ancient survival mechanism of our ancestors that served them well.  However, for us it is a liability since long before 10 days have gone by, you will have likely already broken the fast by inhaling large amounts of sweets and/or fatty foods (this is what the body craves after it is deprived).

So, rather than fasts that lasts days or weeks, it is far better to engage in short fasts. Remember within one day of a fast you can begin stripping muscle off of your body which is something you will regret overtime as your body begins to sag. A soft skinny body “skinny fat” is a sure sign of chronic low calorie diets and/or fasting without exercise. I recommend fasting for no longer than 24 hours and doing this no more than three times per week. This technique has been shown to produce the same health effects of low calorie dieting while also giving you the energy and fuel to exercise and maintain muscle mass. However, even one day of fasting is something most people will fail at. That is where 3 techniques come into play:

1) Modified alternate day fasting- In this technique you dont completely abstain from food on your fasting day, but instead only eat 1 meal or maybe a meal and a snack.  In other words, the amount of food is still very minimal. This technique works better for most people who dont have an iron will to keep themselves from eating all day, but still want to reap some of the benefits.

2) Using supplements to control hunger and cravings- Another technique is to fast for the whole day but use non-calorie functional foods and supplements to control your hunger, cravings and energy.  A fiber supplement taken 3 times a day along with branched chain amino acids (BCAA) and unsweetened cocoa powder in water work great in this way. These items provide zero calories but balance hunger hormones and brain chemistry and work very well to shut off the hunger and craving mechanism that can sabotage any body change program.

3) Night time fasting- Perhaps my favorite variation of alternate day fasting is to give equal time every 24 hour period with and without food. I feel this is an even better option since during the day you eat normally and at night you abstain from eating.  The key is to break the day into two 12 hour periods.  12 hours for eating (during the day) and 12 hours for fasting (at night). In this regime, the last meal for most people will come between 6pm and 8pm, while the first meal will come between 6am and 8am. Research has shown this approach works and can provide the same benefit as alternate day fasting. IN my clinic I often adjust the timing of this “overnight” fast to the individual. Usually I prescribe 10 to 14 hours of a “night time” fast.

Why fast in the first place?

You may ask why fast in the first place. The benefits of short term fasting is its ability to reduce your glycogen stores forcing the body to tap into it fat stores more readily when you engage in exercise. The other point about fasting is it is a powerful detoxification mechanism. During times without food, the body can mobilize its resources away from the digestion of food towards repair and regeneration. Finally, short term fasting that lasts less than a day will actually raise HGH levels and re-sensitize the body to its metabolic hormones. When eating resumes the metabolism is far more efficient then it was.

For the fitness enthusiasts who is looking to maximize fat loss and is wants to be optimally healthy, this is a technique to consider.  A final warning however is that if done incorrectly (fasting for too long, fasting without weight training, fasting along with excessive aerobic exercise, fasting without adequate protein intake on eating days) the metabolism will suffer. This is not a technique that should entered into lightly.

1. Osgood, C. Ingalik Social Culture. Yale University Press, New Haven, 1958, p 166.
2. Clastres, P. The Guayaki. In: Hunters and Gatherers Today, Bicchieri, M.G. (ed), Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., New York, 1972, p.151.
3. Lee, RB. The !Kung Bushmen of Botswana. In: Hunters and Gatherers Today, Bicchieri, M.G. (ed), Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., New York, 1972, p.151.
4. Lewis ND. The Pacific Islands. In: The Cambridge World History of Food, Volume Two, Kiple, KF. 9ed), Cambridge University Press, New York, 2000, p. 1358.

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we’ve no place to go,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

The air is dipping from crisp to frigid.   The days are getting shorter and the nights longer.  It’s dark when I leave for work, and dark when I get home.

Abu Nu’aym (ra) records in his Hilyat al-Awliya that Ubayd ibn. ‘Umayr (ra) the beloved Prophet (saws) said*:

It used to be said when winter came: O people of the Quran, the night has become long so you can pray (more) and the day has become short for you to fast.

So with that I recind my prior griping about the winter (for the time being at least) and say – BRING IT ON!

*I am not sure of the sahih-ness of this hadith.  But, even if it isn’t sound, it’s still darn good advice.

When Nehemiah enquired regarding the state of the remant children of Israel who had been brought out of captivity, he received a negative report; they were in great distress and reproach (v3).  His response was:

Nehemiah 1:4-5 “4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said: “I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments,”

He goes on to cry out to God day and night for the sins of himself and the children of Israel (v6-10).  We read in verse 11 that God is attentive to the prayers of His servants who desire to fear his name.

˜  ˜  ˜

Daniel had been fasting for three weeks when he received a vision.  He was in a deep sleep with his face to the ground (v2-9).

Daniel 10:10-12 “10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.”"

We have been made righteous by the death and resurrection of Jesus and can add nothing to that.  I am not about to suggest that there is a certain way or time required for prayer, nor some scheduled fasting.  Our works done in the flesh do not impress God, however, these things can display our heart attitude. 

Are we hungering and thirsting for righteousness?  Are we pure of heart or do we harbour a love for something other than Him?  It is the pure of heart who will see God. (Matthew 5:8)

It seems that at some point, today’s christianity lowered the bar.  God did not humble himself and come in the form of a man, so that man could reduce their reverence of Him! 

As I read through the old testament, I see men and women humbling themselves, devoted to studying the Word of God, not out of obligation, but out of a consuming love for God.  It didn’t make them perfect (sin still entered their lives) but God heard their prayers because of their love and fear of Him.

It is the absence of the fear of the Lord, (i.e. the understanding of His all powerful, awesome greatness; His ability to destroy both soul and body in hell; His tender mercies, available to all who humble themselves before Him so we are not consumed) which is holding people in deception and is removing the reverence of His Holiness from people’s hearts. 

His word declares His greatness.  We must not fail to see it.  He will soon be seen in all His Glory – a glory that was too terrifying for the children of Israel in the wilderness.  We must know Him to the point where His glory revealed does not cause us to run and flee, but to approach (no doubt, trembling) but forward nonetheless.

Deuteronomy 32:3 “For I proclaim the name of the Lord: Ascribe greateness to our God.”

Eating disorder recovery is no easy task…

I feel very lonely and lost without my eating disorder. I want more then anything right now to have it back. It’s still there, waiting  inside me, but faded and has definitely dwindled…I don’t like this at all. I wish I was healthy enough to say, “GOOD, GETTHEFUCKOUT AND LEAVE ME ALONE” but I can’t. I don’t know what I’m doing. I want it back. I want it back so bad.

For awhile, I’ve avoided pro ED sites and things online but I find myself going back once in awhile, more and more. I miss the chat, I miss meal plans, life plans, schedules for myself. I miss goals. I miss scheduling every second of my life, based around food. Why? When I say it I’m like, “Why would anyone miss that?” and I still have no idea. I do though.

I can’t stand the way I look. 131 pounds. 131 POUNDS. It’s the most I’ve weighed in my entire life. I could I let myself get this way? It’s 20 lbs heavier then I’d like to be. I can’t believe I look like this. I can’t believe I look like THIS. My brother lifted me up the other night and carried me. He said, “Whoa, you’re heavy” when he has ALWAYS, ALWAYS said, “You weigh like, nothing!” every other time he’s lifted me. What a good fucking time to say that. When I’m doing so “well” and then he says that and it throws me off and I KNOW I’m heavier now then I was before. Why did he say it? WHY did he SAY IT?!!!

I’m so stressed tonight and sad and I don’t want to eat again. I miss being hungry. I miss being starving. I miss flat tummy and being dizzy. I want it all back. Again, why? WHY? Why am I so fucked up that I want to digest nothing but tea and diet pills? What’s wrong with me? There’s something wrong with me.

I don’t want to eat.

I don’t want to purge.

I won’t do either.