Seven days without solid food – but with some ups and downs and a lot of learning: 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 encountered the topic of fasting a few times. I knew about the many positive effects that abstaining from solid food is said to have, and I understood what happens in the body during this process. But trying fasting myself? As a passionate foodie, I didn't think I could do it. I was too worried about constantly being hungry, envying others for their food, or doing something wrong while fasting.
Well! Now I'm sitting here writing a review of my 7-day fasting program. Why did I decide to do it? Firstly, out of curiosity and because I wanted to prove it to myself. Secondly, because the Body & Mind fasting program from I DO was not only developed with a health expert, but also comes with all the important information and helpful tools. This allayed my concerns and gave me the confidence that I could nourish my body adequately despite the deprivation. So the all-in-one package landed in my shopping cart – and shortly thereafter, it arrived at my home.
This was my fasting experience
After storing the juices in my fridge and examining the included tools, I took a quick look at the fasting guide. It begins by describing what fasting actually is and the benefits of the regimen—from intestinal cleansing to spiritual cleansing. It also describes the accessories, their effects, and their use. The little journal would accompany me for a week from now on and make the regimen a lot easier.
Relief day
Things got serious one Tuesday morning: The detox day was approaching. From the fasting instructions, I learned that this was important to prepare body and mind for the cure. Because the calorie reduction relieves the burden on the intestines in advance. To achieve this, I was supposed to consume four of the provided juices today, as well as drink plenty of water and fasting tea. I also had a warming vegetable broth for lunch and dinner.
I spent the day off work in the office, which wasn't a problem except for the occasional stomach rumble. I was feeling a bit hungry in the evening, but the broth made it completely bearable. Less pleasant was the subsequent bowel movement with Epsom salts. The solution tasted – as expected – very bitter, but was quickly forgotten after a few big gulps followed by tea. For the next few hours, I made myself comfortable with a hot water bottle and let the Epsom salts do their work. Important: drink plenty of fluids!
1st day of fasting
In the morning, my bowels were still busy with the Epsom salts, and I felt a little foggy. The first day of fasting is best spent at home. A glass of celery juice from the practical 3-liter box gave me an energy boost, so I quickly felt better. I decided to do a round of yoga, which, despite a slight feeling of dizziness, felt very good – also thanks to the invigorating effect of the essential oils included. It wasn't until around midday that I noticed I wasn't feeling hungry at all. So the bowel movement the night before had already paid off. It wasn't until evening that I felt like eating, which I remedied with a cup of tea with honey. Apart from a feeling of increased cold and a slight fatigue, 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 had gotten my hopes up too soon. In the afternoon, I hit my first low: I had circulatory problems, trouble concentrating, and felt pretty worn out. I followed the advice from my fasting journal and decided to get some fresh air. I actually felt a lot better afterwards. After using the scented candle, the Guasha stone, and the dry brush in the evening, I collapsed into bed exhausted.
3rd day of fasting
By now, I was really enjoying my new morning routine: getting up, oil pulling, using a tongue scraper, drinking celery juice, and moving around. Yesterday's low was almost forgotten. In general, I 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 stomach ache reminded me that I hadn't eaten anything solid for four days. To end the day on a relaxing note, 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 reached its fasting metabolism by that day at the latest. My stomach was flatter, my circulation was stable again, and my mind (for me) was quite calm. Even the onset of hunger couldn't dampen my good mood. With some broth and plenty of fasting tea, I got through the day well. Today was also the first time I used the Redondo ball during a Pilates session – a pretty cool tool that I had clearly underestimated!
5th day of fasting
I spent day five relaxing at home and giving my body time to recover. I reflected on my experiences with the fasting cure—how strong and adaptable our bodies are! I felt good, balanced, and a bit "recharged." A wonderful feeling that I hope to carry with me into my post-fasting period.
Rebuilding day and breaking the fast
Wow, it's already the last day of the Body & Mind fast! The time passed surprisingly quickly, and I was just beginning to feel like I'd arrived when it was already over. Even though I was feeling generally well, I noticed my lack of energy and so I took the day slowly. I was happy to be able to drink four juices again—not because I was hungry, but because I was looking forward to the taste and to recharge my batteries. To aid my digestion, I made sure I got enough exercise and continued to drink plenty of tea. With the last sip, my fasting experience was over. Proudly and happily, I filled out the last lines of my fasting journal—what a fantastic experience!
What did the fasting cure achieve?A week ago, I didn't believe I would be able to complete the fasting program without any ifs, ands, or buts. But thanks to the perfectly coordinated all-in-one package, the abstinence wasn't all that difficult. Sure, there were ups and downs; my stomach rumbled from time to time, and my mood fluctuated. Despite everything, the program was a fantastic experience that required a lot of perseverance, but also gave me so much.
For me, sticking with it was one of the greatest successes of the fasting regime. I haven't stuck to something so rigidly in a long time – even despite some temptations. So, the feeling of pride afterward is absolutely justified. Additionally, the fasting regime allowed me to break my previous routines and establish new ones. I've learned a few things both in terms of my eating habits and in 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 Guasha 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 is probably the best way to describe it.
There have been some physical changes as well. The scales show five kilos less, and my waist circumference has decreased by six centimeters. Of course, it's important to remember that the body loses mostly water weight during a fast, and the weight usually returns afterward. Nevertheless, I not only notice a visual difference, but also feel lighter and healthier overall. It's a bit like I've reset my body and started afresh.
My conclusion on the Body & Mind fasting cureI look back on my fasting journey with a proud smile and a good feeling (in my gut): The experience was incredibly valuable for me – both physically and mentally. My initial concerns quickly vanished as I felt supported by the journal and the daily emails from I DO. The program was easy to integrate into my daily work routine (except for the first few days), which was especially important to me. A major highlight are the many practical tools that round out the package and make the fasting experience a holistic one.
If you want to challenge yourself and are in the mood for a holistic "reset," the Body & Mind fasting cure provides everything you need 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 pinch of perseverance.
Text: Janina Widhammer-Zintl
