Water Fast, a fad or future.
Most of you reading my blog today, will know I have been on a self healing wellness journey my entire life. Today I want to share with you why I am fasting and educate you around the world of fasting. Water fasts have been around for centuries and have been done in a number of different ways and for varying lengths of time, usually five to 40 days. There are many fad ‘ diets ‘ in todays world which I don’t pay too much attention to as I feel deeply passionate about finding balance in your body and staying true to no processed foods, eating live grown foods, minimizing sugar and alcohol as much as possible, and choosing your protein, carbs and fats wisely. Not everyone wants to be a body builder competitor. The beginning of my real transformation was in my mid 20’s after running ½ marathon, 5km, 10km and 14km races. I became hungry and passionate to work my own body. I was always a runner as a child, but as I aged I found myself wanting to run, for WEIGHT LOSS. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy it at the time, it helped me through teenage life to switch off my busy mind, get out and about with nature and stay fit as I entered adultery life.. But what I started to notice was I was choosing to run the next day after a heavy night out partying and drinking. Or run to burn off over eating bad foods, for me it was mainly sugar. It was a viscous cycle, I would be so hungry after running I would end up over eating and then the cycle repeated it self. I wasn’t eating raw enough or a well balanced nutrition plan. Back then I had no idea what I was doing when it came to nutrition, unitl I studied it and immersed myself in text books, often holistic and natural healing therapies and often ancients practices. I was on the path from an early age in regards to the mind, with reading books like Andrew Mathews and Louise Hay. Louis Hay Books, tapes and videos became part of my everyday practice. But the nutrition was another whole journey for me. I worked out in my own body that after a hard night out partying , it was best for my body to get up early and run or do Yoga. I would literally fast my way through the day after hangover. I noticed it made me feel better. Exercise and no food. I would re hydrate my body with loads of water and try to re align the damage I had done. I hated how this always made me feel. Most of my friends would be off to get the best pie in the world named ‘Jimmy’s Pie’ plus a powerade and sleep the day away. They use think that the pie would soak up the alcohol and take the hangover away. I couldn’t bare a hangover. I still remember a hairdressing weekend away to Christchurch and getting home so late and so drunk, I got up early and went running around Hagley Park. I am a girl who needs her sleep. I was fighting tremendously with my body, my lifestyle and feeling so pulled to part of me wanting to break away from a toxic lifestyle, but my circle of influence all partied. We were in our 20’s and isn’t that all you know, or perhaps some would think that’s what you should be doing at that age. I badly wanted to break away from it. So in 1998 I studied a Personal Training Course in QSLD while taking some time out from ending a very toxic relationship and my busy hair salons I had built owned and operated. I was fortunate enough to have a great team of talented hairdressers and the perfect manager in place, while I seeked this new way of living. It wasn’t easy. I was away from home, my family, my friends, away from my salon, my staff, I loved. Thankfully my bestie later joined me and we kept each other company while she was also on a soul seeking journey. While on my training I learnt that body-building wouldn’t necessarily make me bulky and muscle but could make me leaner, stronger in mind and body and happier. That is wasn’t in a female body to build extreme bulk, unless of course you are taking drugs or enhancements. That was the beginning of my weight training. When I returned home with my new personal training certification I found my self back in the groove of running my salons, falling in love but with a whole new focus on health and wellness. My cousin John, a successful body builder took me under his wing and inspired me to compete in my very first Figure Shaping Show. I learnt so much about my body, mind and nutrition. After competing successful and intensely for 3 years, it was time for me to have my family and become a Mother. This was a life changing time of my life as, I set my body building competitions aside and invested all my time in being a healthy happy mum, health, wellness and Yoga. I was already practicing Yoga and Meditation but made it part of my daily life. I wanted my baby to be healthy and calm, so I had to become that. I explored every holistic therapy from Hypnotherapy to Reiki, NLP, essential oils, +meditation. I was so passionate I even filmed a pregnancy DVD with all my top tips on keeping healthy throughout pregnancy. Later when my eldest daughter started school I decided it was time once and for all to follow my true passion, become a Certified Yoga and Wellness Coach. It completely transformed my body and life. Sixteen years on from giving birth I haven’t felt so happier, healthy and joyful in my life. After I became certified in different styles of Yoga, I started to facilitate Retreats all around Australia, New Zealand and Bali with a big emphasis on Detox. I lead hundreds of people through their very first Detox while using recipes, tools and techniques from my published books and own personal experience. I spent hours on end writing my online program and providing content for my new clients. Leading and educating others on health and wellness is my soul purpose and something I take very serious about, I will do it unitl I die. I know that your body is your TEMPLE. The transformation in my own body and mind was incredible, I was on the path and becoming more and more passionate about learning how the body can be a self healing mechanism. While spending long extensive time in Bali and leasing my own villa so I could brining clients from Sydney to stay with me while we would detox together and practice Ashtanga Yoga. I took my own raw vegan detoxing program to a new level and did my first 5 day water fast. It was not long after my return of Bikini Competitions in 2016 where I successfully placed in every event and at National level. One thing I noticed after returning to competing in Bikini Competitions was the weight gain after coming off the comp prep diet. I didn’t like how I felt after each show. There was a common repetitive pattern. My tummy would often bloat while doing a show, and after, weight gain, craving sugar, bloating, and fluid retention. This use to happen to me in my 20’s. I wanted to get deeper in to the body and learn more about my internal health, digestive system. I also use to notice skin breakouts around competing and after, from what I know now this was to do with my digestive function and gut health. Remember you skin is your largest organ, and skin conditions are trying to tell you something. My very first water fast I used fresh coconut water from the coconuts in Bali and filtered water, some soups at night if I needed it. I felt incredible, my skin was glowing, my energy increased and I felt an over sense of peace and joy within, even though at the time was being challenged with some family maters, losing a few loved ones close and dear to my heart. I then lead my members through their Detox and colonic cleansing at Fivelements, where I still take corporate clients to today for complete rejuvenation and healing. Fivelements provides me the prefect luxury resort for leading my clients through their detox and often first fasting. Last year 2018 I returned to the competition stage as Fitness and Sport model, finishing the year at ICN Worlds as Bikini and Sports Model. In 2018 I had un finished business to do, I wanted to achieve a first place on the ICN stage. That goal was finally achieved in Sept last year, before going on to the Worlds placing two 4th's and 5th. I wasn’t quite sharp enough, mind you I was competing with ladies half my age. The competitions are not about beating others, they are about learning and bettering your self, to become your best version of yourself and bring your best package to the stage. The beauty and fashion is defiantly one of the things that I enjoy, but on a deeper level every time I compete I learn something new. After my last comp in October I spent Nov and Dec realigning and readjusting my calorie intake. But something just didn’t feel right. I got to March and realised the body fat and sluggish energy was increasing, all while eating relatively clean and routine. I had terrible pain in my feet, and inflammation building up in my joints. It was diagnosed as a from of Morton’s Neuroma, a painful condition that effects the ball of your feet. I had dropped a 10 kg weigth plate at the gym on my toe, lost the toe nail and not long after that the foot pain occurred. I am not sure if that is related, as I do seem to remember the foot pain beginning prior before I dripped the weight. I thought I had arthritis. I spent all summer soaking my feet in the ocean water any chance I could get, I couldn’t walk like I use to, it was effecting my life. Near the end of March my immune system became weak through to allowing the odd drink or wine to sneak back in to my life, my social life increased more as I was struggling to find balance between being social and healthy. Until I woke up feeling sick. I haven’t been sick for many years. I automatically did what I know, that was to drink olive leaf extract oil and rest. While the flu symptoms resided straight away I developed a serious bloated and sensitive tummy. See the hideous photo below. I can’t remember my belly bring that swollen since I was pregnant. Knowing what I know with gut health and wanting to take the natural self-healing path, that I have spent my entire life, I decided I had no choice but to FAST. I didn’t want to go to the doctor and I didn’t want to take medication. Everything I do is nautural. I also didn’t want to ruin all my hard work with my new coach so I started blending all my food meals into soups, but my tummy was still irritable and bloated. I then eased into the Water Fast. The bloating took about 3 days to go down. But this is what I also noticed.
There are so many other health benefits noted from Holistic Doctors research and articles such as
I wasn’t too concerned about the weight loss because at the time I was doing this to heal a virus or flu from my body. I made it to 10 days as I had to keep fasting until my gut health felt 100% healed. So one month on… I have found myself back on another water fast all through my Easter. I had noticed a slight bit of pain still in the feet, and slight bloating, and body fat still around my core. I didn’t realise at the time how a couple of extra kilos to my body can make me feel, after my fasting I was able to see clearly that this body fat around my tummy had to go. Things were feeling tight for me in my clothes. Note this is abut inner health not weightless, weight loss comes with a fast. I am currently on Day 7 and want to share with you more insights I have noticed in this fast. Now before I jump in, please note there are specific things I do to make my fasting easy safe and enjoyable. I now offer this in my 1-1 private coaching mentoring service, for people who are new to this way of life and want to do it the safe and supported way. It is important that a fasting is NOT for everyone. There are things I do prior a fast, while fasting and post fasting it is crucial that you know what you are doing. You would not come off a fast and pig out on heavy processed foods, nor drink alcohol. There is a period of time on the post fast that you no exactly what you are doing. I was very happy last month on my post fasting plan and eased my way back into my eating plans. Warning: If you don’t have a healthy relationship with food, a Bulimia or Anorexic, Pregnant woman, child or have type 1 or 2 diabetes you should NOT under go a fasting. If you have an eating disorder you have to begin to love yourself and start a self seeking journey of nourishing and healing your body from these diseases. Your first place to start is to honour and love and accept your body. If you are a binge eater, you should not do a fasting, it could potentially make it worse for you after. What I have noticed in my second fasting
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Raw Vegan Chocolates 1/2 cup coconut oil, organic
1 Tbspn cocao powder, organic 2 tsp 100% peanut butter or almond butter 1/2 cup frozen blueberries (or use goji berries, cranberries or raspberries) Method in a small bowl Melt coconut oil, add peanut butter, mix well, add cacao powder mix well. Lay out baking paper in a small dish, allow the paper to go up the side of the dish, pour the chocolate sauce on, then add the frozen blueberries and set in freezer. Sometimes you don't need to freeze it as the frozen berries sets the chocolate fast. It will make a slab of chocolate and you can enjoy by breaking pieces off as you need over Easter or enjoy with your family and friends. I discovered my Raw Food Journey well over 10 years ago. It was around a time of my life when I was pretty much a full time Mum and wife , spending time baking, cooking and creating new recipes in my kitchen always with my girls dancing at my feet or getting involved.
One of my recipes I created was a raw vegan crisp bread, around the time when I gave up eating Gluten, and bread. I want to share this recipe with you over Easter so you can have some time in your own kitchen exploring this creative, yummy healthy path of living a raw food lifestyle. Remember the main goal is to eliminate all processed foods from your life. Ingredients 2 cups pumpkin seeds 1 cup sunflower seeds 1/2 cup almond meal (opt) 1/4 flaxseeds or meal (opt) 1 cup kale shredded - no kale use spinach 1 inch ginger finely chopped (opt) 1 Tspn coriander powder 1/8 Tspn cayenne pepper or Chille flakes 1/2 Tspn sea salt or Himalayan salt 1 Tablespoon Olive oil or coconut oil 1/3 water - use a little bit at a time, you are looking for a dough like texture, so be careful not to make it too wet, or runny. Method
Keep in a sealed container Dress with avocado or your fav dips fresh herbs salad. Warmest regards Nicky Arthur 🙏🏻 Live life with passion, health & vitality |
AuthorNICKY ARTHUR A world renowned Fitness & Yoga Coach who started her journey 20 years ago in a hippy and rustic Ashtanga Yoga studio in Dunedin, New Zealand. Now a Certified Iyenger and Bikram Yoga Teacher and Fitness Coach has helped lead thousands of people to Yoga. https://nickyarthur10weekmbt.blogspot.com.au
Mood BoostersHi there, Have you had a massive week! Restoring your temple and your mind is everything for living life with passion and VITALITY. We all need a little mood boosting from time to time. These Tips are practical and they work. Mood Booster Techniques Control the direction of your thinking- choose to identify and eliminate negative thoughts from your mind. 1. Choose your peer group wisely-they can either lift you up or tear you down. Be bold and be honest in your assessment of your circle of influence. 2. Get plenty of quality sleep- invest in a comfortable mattress, pillows, soft sheets and tranquil thoughts. Use the mediation CDs to help you relax and to clear your mind before sleep. 3. De-clutter your space- an organised environment at home and at work results in an increased sense of calmness. 4. Keep your work and home environment bright and airy- light increases serotonin levels and lifts mood. An airy environment helps increase oxygen flow and energy levels. 5. Listen to uplifting music- Music is the ultimate mood changer. It can take you from the depths of listlessness to the heights of exhilaration. Invest in an ipod or MP3 player with your favorite mood booster play lists on it. Try Wilson Phillips 'Hold On', Savage Garden 'Affirmation', your favourite band, or embrace some yoga music such as 'Deva Premal', spiritual, sensuous and relaxing. 6. Stay aware of your body language- posture and facial expressions are powerful influences on the brain's neuro-transmitters, so walk tall, sit straight and smile! 7. Take a break and do something different- just doing something different will help break the state that you're in (e.g. if you've been working on the computer for a long period, just get up and walk around or try having a fresh glass of cold water or telling a joke). 8. Use the power of visualization- we can re-live a previous highlight or future utopia (and its associated positive emotions) at any stage by using the creative energy of our minds. 9. Look for reasons to laugh- the act of laughing, or even faking a laugh can elevate mood levels significantly. It is my mission to make people laugh again and be happy! 10 Aromatherapy-when lavender and rosemary scent oils are emitted from an oil diffuser, people tend to feel more contented and relaxed. Try my blend at night of geranium and lavender oil. 11. Massage-touch creates measurable changes in brain wave activity. Treat yourself to a professional massage or get your partner to stimulate energy flow and mood through massage. 12. Engage in acts of kindness- helping others not only makes us feel good, but it helps other people to feel better, because they see that you care about them. 13. Nutrition- You are what you eat. A healthy diet will provide you with more energy and vitality. 14. Get out and about around Nature. Research has noted that spending time at around trees helps increase good quality oxygen to your body. For me this is my number one too along with yoga & meditation. 👌🏻🌾 Archives
April 2020
Let me introduce myself, I’m Nicky Arthur International Author, Yoga and Fitness Coach, Vegan specialist, & Fitness Model Competitor, above all a mother of two beautiful healthy energetic young girls. For me that’s my most prized accomplishment. However, being a Mum and juggling it all can be challenging. But it doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop setting your own goals and dreams.
I love physical challenges and yoga has taught me the power of your mind. Often the mind stops you from doing the exercises than the body, are bodies are much stronger & flexible than we think and our minds are even more powerful. My work is based on helping women and mums transform their body and life. The 10 week Body Transformation program is aimed to help you look fit & healthy but more importantly feel good in the inside. I have the right recipe ticking all the right boxes for living a holistic, drug free, pain free happy exciting satisfied life. It is not just about weight loss, or fitness, it is about internal health and happiness, learning how your body works. In 10 weeks. I provide you with a plan, the tools and help you to you dream body so you can live your own dream life. Categories |