Seven days without solid food – but with some ups and downs as well as a lot of learnings: Online and social media editor Janina tested our new Body & Mind fasting program at home and tells us how it went for her.
As a freelance editor, I've come across the topic of fasting quite a few times. I knew about the many positive effects attributed to abstaining from solid food and understood what happens in the body during this process. But fasting myself? As a passionate foodie, I didn't dare. I was too worried about constantly feeling hungry, envying others for their food, or doing something wrong while fasting.
Well! Here I am, writing a review of my 7-day fast. Why did I decide to do it? Firstly, out of curiosity and because I wanted to prove it to myself. Secondly, because the I·DO Body & Mind fasting program wasn't just developed with a health expert, but also comes equipped with all the essential information and helpful tools. This eased my concerns and gave me the confidence that I could adequately nourish my body despite the restrictions. So, the all-in-one package ended up in my shopping cart – and shortly thereafter at my home.
This was my fasting experience.
After storing the juices in my refrigerator and examining the included tools, I took a first look at the fasting instructions. These begin by describing what fasting actually is and its benefits – from intestinal cleansing to mental purification. The instructions also describe the accessories, their effects, and how to use them. The small journal would accompany me for the next week and make the fast considerably easier.
Relief day
On a Tuesday morning, things got serious: the preparatory day was upon me. The fasting instructions explained that this day was important to prepare my body and mind for the cleanse. The calorie reduction relieves the digestive system beforehand. For this, I was to consume four of the provided juices, as well as plenty of water and fasting tea. At midday and in the evening, I also had a warming vegetable broth.
I spent the day of the cleanse at the office, which, apart from the occasional stomach rumble, wasn't a problem. I felt hungry in the evening, but the broth made it perfectly bearable. Less pleasant was the subsequent bowel movement with Epsom salt. The solution tasted—as expected—very bitter, but a few large gulps followed by some tea quickly made me forget about it. For the next few hours, I made myself comfortable with a hot water bottle and let the Epsom salt do its work. Important: drink plenty of fluids!
Day 1 of fasting
In the morning, my intestines were still busy processing the Epsom salt, and I felt a little foggy-headed. It's best to spend the first day of a fast at home. A glass of celery juice from the handy 3-liter container gave me an energy boost, and I quickly felt better. I decided to do a yoga session, which felt great despite a slight dizziness – thanks in part to the invigorating effect of the included essential oils. It wasn't until around midday that I realized I wasn't feeling hungry at all. The bowel prep the night before had already paid off. I didn't start craving food until evening, which was easily satisfied with a cup of tea with honey. Apart from feeling colder and slightly tired, the first day passed surprisingly easily.
2nd day of fasting
I started the second day with celery juice , tea, and—to my surprise—a pretty good mood. I felt fit, did yoga, and went to the office feeling motivated. Unfortunately, I celebrated too soon. In the afternoon, I hit my first low point: I had circulatory problems, difficulty concentrating, and felt completely exhausted. I took the advice from the fasting journal and decided to get some fresh air. I did indeed feel significantly better afterward. After using the scented candle, the gua sha stone, and the dry brush in the evening, I collapsed into bed.
3rd day of fasting
I was really starting to enjoy my new morning routine: getting up, oil pulling, using a tongue scraper, drinking celery juice, and moving around. Yesterday's slump was almost forgotten. I generally noticed that I needed less sleep and felt lighter. The third day passed without any major problems, and I was able to concentrate better at work again. I didn't think much about food; only an occasional twinge in my stomach reminded me that I hadn't eaten any solid food for four days. To wind down the day, I ran a bath and used the alkaline bath salts, which are supposed to draw out toxins through the skin. Super pleasant and perfect before bed!
4th day of fasting
According to the fasting instructions, my body had officially entered fasting mode by that day. My stomach was flatter, my circulation had stabilized, and my mind was (for me) quite calm. Even the hunger pangs that arose couldn't dampen my good mood. With some broth and plenty of fasting tea, I managed to get through the day comfortably. Also, today I used the Redondo ball for the first time in a Pilates session – a pretty cool tool that I definitely underestimated!
5th day of fasting
I spent day five relaxing at home, giving my body time to recover. I reflected on my experiences with the fasting program – how strong and adaptable our bodies are! I felt good, balanced, and a bit like I'd been "recharged." A wonderful feeling that I hope to carry with me after the fast.
Rebuilding day and breaking the fast
Wow, already the last day of the Body & Mind fasting program! Time flew by, and I felt like I'd only just arrived when it was already over. Even though I felt generally well, I did notice a lack of energy, so I took it easy that day. I was happy to be able to have four juices again—not because I was hungry, but because I was looking forward to the taste and to recharge. To aid my digestion, I made sure to get plenty of exercise and continued to drink lots of tea. With the last sip, my fasting experience was already over. Proud and happy, I filled out the final entries in my fasting journal—what a fantastic experience!
What were the results of the fasting cure?
A week ago, I didn't believe I'd be able to complete the fasting program without any problems. But thanks to the perfectly coordinated all-in-one package, abstaining wasn't so difficult after all. Sure, there were ups and downs, my stomach rumbled now and then, and my mood fluctuated. Despite everything, the program was a fantastic experience that demanded a lot of perseverance from me, but gave me just as much in return.
For me, sticking with it was one of the greatest achievements of the fast. I haven't been so disciplined about something in a long time – even though there were quite a few temptations. So the feeling of pride afterwards is absolutely justified. In addition, the fast helped me break my old routines and establish new ones. I'm taking away some valuable lessons, both regarding my eating habits and how I treat my body. For example, that hunger is different from appetite and that one should consume food much more consciously and with greater appreciation.
Thanks to accessories like the Gua Sha stone and essential oils, I also did a lot for my mental well-being during the fast. Combined with exercise, fresh air, and daily meditation, it almost felt like a mini-retreat. A balanced mind probably describes it best.
There have been some physical changes as well. The scale shows five kilos less, and my waistline has shrunk by six centimeters. Of course, it's important to remember that during a fast, the body primarily loses water, and weight usually returns afterward. Nevertheless, I can see the difference, not just visually, but I also feel lighter and healthier overall. It's almost as if I've reset my body and started fresh.
My conclusion about the Body & Mind fasting program
With a proud smile and a good feeling (in my gut), I look back on my fasting journey: The experience was incredibly valuable for me – both physically and mentally. My initial concerns quickly vanished, as I felt guided by the journal and the daily emails from I·DO. The program was easy to integrate into my workday (except for the first few days), which was particularly important to me. A major highlight is the many practical tools that round out the package and make the fasting experience truly holistic.
For those who want to challenge themselves and are looking for a holistic "reset," the Body & Mind fasting program provides everything needed for physical and mental cleansing according to the Buchinger method . All you need in addition are a few fresh lemons, plenty of water, and a dash of perseverance.
Text: Janina Widhammer-Zintl
