On Dieting

On Dieting

*Please note...Since first discovering this detox, fasting diet, Victoria has since done further research and now adds 3 TBS of unrefined Coconut Oil to her diet, not only during the diet she describes below, but every day, even on the fasting days.

There exists a serious health epidemic in the United States, and that is obesity. Each year the percentage of overweight Americans increases. We may be tempted to blame it on genetics, lifestyle or the constant bombardment of food advertising…Our excuses are limitless. The fact, however, remains that we simply eat too much of the wrong foods and exercise too little.

There is a Chinese legend that tells of how one of their gods had requested that the Ox-God find a man to spread the message that people need only eat one meal every third day. This Ox-God, however, confused the instructions and told the man that people needed to eat three times each day. This, of course, was nine times more food than the god had intended, and since it was determined that mankind could not possibly produce such a quantity of food alone, the god punished the Ox-God by turning him into a beast of burden to help man produce all that additional food. It is interesting to note that the ox is considered to be sacred in most Eastern countries to this day. 

Mythology aside, the problem of overeating is a serious reality for many people, and it is a grim fact that the more overweight a person becomes, the more their health is put at risk. 

The following plan is something that many of our Moontide people have tried with success and that Victoria follows once or twice every year. You should, of course, check with your physician before trying this plan, as some individuals may have other health complaints that could make this plan ineffective or dangerous. This system involves fasting, and the plan is as follows… 

1. For the first month, you will fast (eat NO food) one day each week. Any day of the week will do, however, you must adhere to your chosen schedule, fasting on the same day each week. During these fasting days, you may ingest only water or Guarana tea* . Guarana tea acts as an appetite suppressant as well as being very energizing. Please note that Guarana contains three times more caffeine than your average cup of coffee, so if caffeine is a problem for you, you may be able to follow this plan, however you must not drink the Guarana, instead substituting any other type of non-caffeinated  herbal tea that you enjoy. (Ginseng Energy Tea by Celestial Seasons is a good choice.) It is also a good practice to keep a journal reporting any physical or psychological changes you may note.
2. During the second month, you will fast in this way two days (but not consecutive days) each week.
3. During the third month, you fast three days a week every other week (again, do not fast on consecutive days.)

The caffeine contained in the Guarana tea will speed up your metabolism and work as an appetite suppressant, however, long-term or excessive use of Guarana will alter your blood sugar, causing nervousness, insomnia, and it will become habit forming. You must, therefore, use no other form of caffeine during your Guarana fast and discontinue the plan at the end of the three months. You may begin the plan again after a two-month break. If at any time during this fasting regimen you begin to feel unwell in any way, immediately discontinue the program and stop using the Guarana. If you are able to stick with the program, you will find that it becomes increasingly easier  and that on your non-fasting days, you'll  start consuming less than your normal amount of food. Additionally, you will find yourself further energized, which will surely lead to an increase in your level of activity and exercise and therefore significant weight loss.

Again, let us remind you that it is best to consult your physician before beginning this or any other dramatic form of dieting. We at Moontide are not medical professionals and can take no responsibility for any problems that may occur as a result of your following any of our herbal or medicinal suggestions, even despite our extensive research. We do, however, only offer information regarding herbs that we, ourselves, have found effective and feel to be safe. 

Guarana tea may also be used as a tonic nervine against hangover, menstrual headaches and neuralgia. 

*To make Guarana tea…Using powdered Guarana, prepare as you would coffee in a drip coffee maker. (You may re-use the “grounds” to make a second pot.) Two powdered Guarana nuts are recommended per cup, or if already in powder form, use one level coffee scoop per cup. If you do not use a coffee maker, be sure to only use simmering water, rather than fully boil ed water, for better taste and to prevent the volatile oils from completely evaporating. Alternatively, the powder may be put into capsules and ingested. The amount of Guarana that you use is entirely up to your own specific physiology. If it begins to make you anxious or fidgety, cut back. Just as you shouldn't drink excessive amounts of coffee, the same applies, but even more so, to Guarana.