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As a technology and fitness professional, there is never a moment when something can be getting done. Whether it’s an email, proposal, client update, or programming, there’s always something I can be working on.
In the past, I would be so eager to say “yes” to projects (especially in fitness) not knowing what it fully entailed. This would be anything from time spent, physical strain, or mind sharing. Recently, I’ve learned how to say “no” to projects and/or commitments. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to do certain things or found them valuable, it’s that they required mental strain. I view mental strain as something that requires me to ingest information, analyze, and produce an action item to move forward.
I’m at a point now where I’ve laid the foundation for the next chapter of my life and need to create time to re-center to soul. One of the habits I’m introducing this year is around fasting. Not only will this include fasting with food but with devices. Devices include phones, televisions, computers, and tablets. My goal is to create a time that I’m removed from external factors and give my body the break it deserves. I’ll be doing this by not taking in food or exposing myself to devices for 24 hours once a quarter (every three months).
In this article, I will cover:
• Food Pre/Post Plan
• Device Time frame and Plan
• Final Thoughts
As a resident of Chicago, we are limitless when it comes to food options. I love food and appreciate everything this city has to offer. As a fitness professional, I also need to have perimeters that I play within. There is a time that I allow myself to eat whatever I want and there is a time I view food as fuel. I’m coming up on my second year as a fitness professional and I feel like my relationship with food hasn’t been the best. I have found myself in binge stages where I overconsume processed or sugary foods to the point that my body hurts. I deplete the work I’ve done all week and take a few steps back. While I do believe in allowing yourself to enjoy food without guilt, I am looking for a settle approach to the enjoyable moments versus the binge. I’m viewing fasting as a way to help me gain control over my food craves versus it having control over me.
From a religion/spiritual standpoint, you see fasting practices all around the world. From Buddhism, Christianity, to Hinduism. I’m not a religious person but I think to myself, “There’s gotta be a reason why these people have some type of fasting practice.”
Food Fasting Framework:
• Time – Saturday, 7:00 PM until Sunday, 7:00 PM
• Saturday Meal – Whole food Mediterranean
• Sunday Meal – Whole food Mediterranean
For me, the Mediterranean diet is what fits my nutritional needs. To find out what fits your needs best you can read my article “Everybody Poops” as it dives into gut health. This was an area I focused on in 2019 and it’s impacted the foods I choose. The time frame works perfect (in my opinion) because by the time you wake up on Sunday, you’re about half way through.
Earlier this year, I made the decision to eliminate phones from the bedroom. I did this by purchasing the Philips HF3520 alarm clock which emulates a sunrise to wake you up versus a tone. This has been a game changer for me with staying asleep. With this quarterly fast, I am now looking to re-center my soul and give my mind/eyes the rest they deserve from blue light.
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Device Fasting Framework:
• Time – Saturday, 7:00 PM until Sunday, 7:00 PM
People have brought up the thought of an emergency occurring during this time and I need to be contacted. What I think about is how many emergencies (real emergencies) have happened in the last year. Most chances, slim to none. Regardless if they do happen, there probably isn’t anything you can truly do as the emergency has already occurred and you have to address as is. I would rather be in a complete level state of mind to address an emergency versus overstimulated… don’t you’ think?
The other topic that comes up with eliminating devices is on what to do. It’s currently the Winter in Chicago so time outside is limited but that shouldn’t discourage anyone. Chicago is not only known for it’s food but also it’s museums. Maybe I’m boring or an old soul but sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday. Ingesting history about our city’s past and/or science. I also enjoy reading and writing during my downtime so that could be something of interest. Ask yourself, what is something you’ve been wanting to learn or try?
Final Thoughts:
Regardless of what you do or who you are, I believe everyone should take some time to re-center with their soul. This could also be dedicated time to enjoy your children or spouse (be truly present). Give the body rest from food and devices to truly be with yourself. We live in America, we have too much food and guess what, it’s not going away. Devices will still turn on or be there at 7:00 PM on Sunday.
I believe that boredom drives creativity. If you’re looking to elevate your life, sometimes it just takes some time to chill and be with your thoughts. Let your mind take you to that place you want to be and work backwards from there. I’m not saying it’s going to work but if you’ve never done it, what do you have to lose?
-Omar
Disclaimer:
I am not a dietitian or nutritionist. I am not recommending any dietary or nutritional plans. I am sharing a framework that I am implementing into my life. These are theory and opinion base.
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