Feasting + Fasting


There's an essay in Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist about this topic of seasons of feasting and seasons of fasting. I reread it this week so I could get motivated for a time of fasting. Today Devin and I are starting a 30 day "fast" of sorts. A modified whole 30, which we're referring to as our Asheville 30 because it's the 30 days leading up to our trip. Basically we're cutting out sugar, wheat, dairy, and alcohol. With 3 cheat evenings during the next month for plans that we had that will be much more fun if we can eat/drink whatever we want.

Honestly, I'm not good at restricting myself in these areas. I don't like rules, even if they are self-imposed. I've never been a huge rule-follower and, even with eating, I want my freedom. If I decide to have cereal for lunch than cereal it is. If I want to have a beer three nights in a row, then I can. Thankfully, due to genetics and the fact that I really do enjoy eating and cooking healthy, I've been able to get away with not limiting myself in areas regarding food. So for me (and Devin too), this whole fasting thing is not about weight. And it's not a ton about health either because, in my opinion of what is healthy, we eat healthy the vast majority of the time.

So for me, this fast is about discipline. Sure, cutting out sugar and not having an IPA while I cook dinner will both be good for my body. But overall, I think this is a great way to simply practice self-control. The things I'm cutting out are the things I look forward to or the things I go to when I'm stressed or sad or happy or feeling any sort of elevated emotion...so I think it's great to have a time of saying no to the things that can pacify me at times.

I mainly post this for accountability. Devin and I are so very good at talking each other in AND out of stuff like this...and when it's just the two of us and we both feel like cheating, we can easily give each other an out. Also, I'm hoping to post some of the meals we have during this times. I have a few simple and healthy meals I've made lately that have turned out to be delicious and this could be good motivation to share them. So, here's to the next 30 days of proving that I can, in fact, say no to my desires and stick with something for once. :)

6 comments:

sandra said...

This is good. To deny the flesh, whether that be through food, drinks, activities, etc. we need to be able to do this very much so!! When things get tough pray and read drawing closer to God. Hope it goes well for the two of you.

smw said...

Jaret and I are 'awesome' at giving each other outs, too. It's really bad. So I get it! I also am bad at rules I put on myself. Better at rules that others put on me, but we can save the psycho analysis for some other time. :) case and point-my internet rules. Not really succeeding. :(

Sara Huber said...

Ha, your comment that you guys are good at talking each other in AND out of stuff cracked me up. Keep us updated on how this goes!

Daveana said...

Way to Go! I wish I was way more motivated to do something like this.

leah said...

good for you guys! Good luck :)

T and M said...

Looking forward to hearing about some of your menu ideas!! now I want to go back and re read that Shauna essay, I can't remember a thing about it