Spain Fast 1982

I flew to Spain and underwent a 15-day water-only fast at the famous Buchinger Clinic in June, 1982. Those who knew me thought I went there to lose weight. Years later I admitted that the primary reason was to firm up my gums because my dentist had given my teeth, which I still have most of, a death sentence. Three days into the fast, my gums firmed and have stayed that way for years. Further evidence fasting worked.

As they say, A funny thing happened on the way to the forum, the fast shut down my digestive system and a great calming overcame me. I credit the fast for my lack of cravings for cigarettes, coffee and alcohol. Having tried to quit cigarettes for twenty years I was amazed and happy from that moment driving into the clinic to this very minute I write this line I haven't had even one slight craving. That had never happened in the 20 years I tried to quit. Further evidence of the efficiacy of fasting.

More enlightening at the time was massages. This clinic, I assume, was no different than a lot of similar facilities---they had elaborate submerged and table massages. Arriving on a Friday night I missed signup for my massage. I had to wait until Monday to make an appointment on Tuesday. Then the most unlikely thing happened. As a person who loved massages, I was irritated the minute the therapist put his hands on me because as I later learned that even the short three days of fasting had eliminated any aches and pains that the massage would cure. With no pain, I had to suffer rather unwelcome massages for the duration of my stay. Further evidence that fasting does have penetrating effects.

My study of fasting told me that my physical condition and energy would improve with an extended fast. When I walked into the clinic I was breathing heavy every time I walked one flight of stairs. On the seventh day of the fast, I ran a local golf course and completly exhausted my teenage caddy. Proof to me that energy is not supplied by food, but rather an unobstructed internal system. More evidence.

I lost 24 pounds of my 219 pounds in fifteen days. I flew home and stopped off in London and gained back 10 pounds in one day. Since I wasn't concerned about dieting, I didn't give it a thought. Today, 22 years later, I know what a fool I was. However, I remained convinced that I would someday clean up my act(body).

Today is the third day of my present fast. I haven't had a trace of hunger. However, in trying to avoid food, driving around town is amazing. Everywhere you look, it is food. Every TV channel is advertising food. It is hard to escape, but that is what this blog is all about. It is my Habitmaker.

Excuse me. I have to go and have my first cleansing of the poisons and go to the gym.

1. Fasted Blood Sugar.............. 113
2. Weight ..........................220
3. Waist ............................44
4. Calorie Intake (6/1/04)........... 0
5. Prescription Drugs ................0
6. Vitamins ..........................0
7. Exercise-class hours ..............0
8. Exercise-weights ...................5
9. Exercise-treadmill, bike ...........5

Nothing unusual here. I've lost 9 pounds in three days. My blood sugar has only gone down to 113. It probably hasn't dropped further because I stopped my oral medication for diabetes. I have lost two inches on my waist. I have been going to the gym 3 to 4 days a week now for a month before I began this fast. I can already feel a new spring in my lower body.