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FASTING 101

Fasting is the oldest therapeutic treatment known to man.

For over 10 years I’ve been seasonally fasting. I believe that it is one of the most preventative ways to insure that the body will heal itself. If you have any pets consider the first way that you can usually tell that they are sick and in the process of healing.

They simply stop eating.

In combination with my diet and overall lifestyle I have used fasting to maintain my general health, youth, weight and provide a seasonal “reset” mentally, physically and spiritually.

These days we may be living longer, but we’re riddled with illness and disease. From cancer to insomnia, nearly all sickness in industrialized countries are due to toxic build up in the body.

I’m the first to agree with fasting critics, our bodies are incredible machines that do an incredible job of detoxifying themselves.. however this make total sense under NATURAL circumstances of which we are very, very far away from. The truth is our bodies are obviously working overtime to keep up with the toxicity around us and its manifesting itself in the form of chronic dis-ease…so its pretty obvious we’re not doing too good of a job!

In many cases fasting can literally reverse the symptoms of illness and change your life. It also helps to:

 

reset tastebuds, helping you to make better choices
rest the digestive system, giving your body extra energy to repair
clear your mind and spirit
jumpstart weight loss

No cocos? No problem – get the 411 on green juice fasting (and detailed info on fasting here) 

COCONUT WATER FASTING

Coconut water is the most ideal plant based hydration beverage. It’s antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti- fungal and before it’s opened, is the purist water on earth!

For these reasons and more coconut water is ideal for a fast.

The ideal place for this of course is at the source. Consider the many retreats that are offered in tropical locations for the ultimate in wellness. I offer retreats throughout the year. Visit www.livelynnette.com/retreats for more details.

Since running to a retreat isn’t the easiest thing to do there are a few brands out there that can provide raw, organic, unpasteurized, young coconuts so that you can successfully fast wherever you might be!

COCONUT WATER NUTRITION

1 Cup of Coconut Water

500mg potassium
10%vitamin C
6% calcium
6% magnesium

45 calories
11g carbohydrates
6.3g sugar
1.7g protein

THE SCIENCE

Although its natures oldest drink, the physicochemical composition of coconuts are being discovered all the time but below are a few important points.

Coconut, Cocos nucifera L., is a tree that is cultivated for its multiple utilities, mainly for its nutritional and medicinal values.

Coconut water’s unique nutritional profile gives it the power to balance body chemistry, ward off disease, fight cancer, and retard aging.

Pure coconut water is a natural beverage with no artificial additives or sweeteners. It’s cholesterol free, 99 per cent fat free, low in carbohydrates and naturally occurring sugars.

Dubbed “nature’s Gatorade”, coconut water is a natural isotonic drink that provides many of the same benefits as formulated sports drinks, including the electrolytes calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium, but in their natural form.

It has 15 times more potassium as most sports drinks and energy drinks yet it’s cardio-protective makeup helps to regulate blood pressure from high potassium and also improves the blood circulation. Despite very light consistency, its water has much better composition of minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc than some of the fruits like oranges. It is also a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine, and folates.

It aids the kidney functions including those related to kidney stones and it provides nutritional support for those people who suffer with urinary tract/ bladder problems. Research from the Philippines found drinking coconut water up to three times a week may reduce stone size and the need for surgery.

Unlike other beverages, it is completely compatible with the human body, in so much that in an emergency, it can be infused directly into the bloodstream for short-term intravenous hydration and resuscitation fluid. Get the science here.

THE ANECDOTES

Fans say coconut water can promote smoother, more youthful-looking skin. They claim it’s a natural source of cytokinins, a group of plant growth hormones that help regulate cell growth, development and ageing.

Rich in potassium, antioxidants and lauric acid, cytokinins are said to balance pH levels, strengthen and hydrate connective tissues and even reduce the risk of age-related diseases. Dab it onto skin and you may also reduce acne, cellulite, eczema, stretch marks, wrinkles, age spots and sagging skin.

HOW MUCH COCONUT WATER PER DAY FOR A FAST

In addition to plenty of filtered water, on average you should be drinking at least six 16oz servings of coconut water per day, which is 3/4 of a gallon.

Since coconuts vary in size, the amount of water will vary from 1 to 4 cups. On average, young coconuts contain 1 to 2 cups of water.

3/4 gallon = 6 to 12 coconuts per day

 

HOW TO BUY A COCONUT

Unless you are in a place with cocos, there are 2 kinds of cocos, young and old.

For the purpose of fasting young cocos are ideal. The younger the coconut, the more water (and nutrients) they contain. To save on shipping and ease in opening, young coconuts are stripped of their outer green shell, leaving the white core. They are usually wrapped in plastic and can be found in the produce section of the grocery.

The most common coconuts around are older, which are brown and “furry.” These cocos have been stripped of their outer shell even more and because of their age are brown. The older the coconut the less water (and nutrients) they contain. This older water (although tasty) is higher in sugar. These cocos are best for cooking and coconut milk as the water has been absorbed and there’s lots of meat.

The benefit to buying whole coconuts is that the water stays pure in its original “package” away from oxygen and other contaminants. The other benefit is that you get the young meat (which you can freeze and save).

Once exposed to air and warm temperatures, coconuts quickly ferment and lose their nutritional value.

 

WHERE TO BUY COCONUTS

These days coconuts of all kinds can be found in most health food shops. They can also be found in many Asian restaurants (although at a much higher price). They can also be ordered by the case online, and of course in tropical zones all around the world.

 

HOW TO BUY PACKAGED COCONUT WATER

Although water from fresh coconuts are ideal, packaged coconut water is easier to find – and usually less expensive. Unfortunately most packaged coconut waters lack in nutrition due to factors such as:

concentrates and added sugars
water taken from mature cocos for sweeter flavor (less nutrition)
heat pasteurization
coconuts are dipped in formadahylde/bleached prior to shipping/bottling

As of this writing the brand Harmless Harvest is the only commercially bottled brand that I recommend for fasting (and for drinking.) Waters found in independently owned shops like Liquiteria (NYC), Kreation Juicery (LA) are great as well. What you are looking for most importantly is raw and unpasteurized so that you receive the proper nutrients.

Rather than heating their coconut water to pasteurize it, Harmless Harvest uses a high-pressure, low-temperature method that produces coconut water that’s completely safe to drink, but is still 100% raw while maintaining the nutritional values of freshly cracked coconuts. Many of their bottles have a distinctly pink/purple hue thanks to high levels of antioxidants.

At $5.00 for a 16oz Harmless Harvest is by far the most expensive coconut water but well worth it.

Below are a few brands that I would never buy for a fast let alone to mix in a cocktail.

One Coconut Water
Vita Coco
Cocozona

Don’t see a familiar brand? Check this post for more info

QUICK COCONUT FACTS

• Coconut trees can be found in over 80 different countries throughout the world.
• According to legend the coconut gets its name from the Spanish and Portuguese explorers who thought the 3 eyes of the coconut’s inner shell looked funny or “coo-coo.”
• The Philippine San Ramon variety produces one of the world’s largest coconuts known to man.
• The Philippine Macapuno variety has no milk cavity and the jelly-like flesh that fills the middle is eaten with a spoon
• In general, young coconuts are harvested when about 5-7 months of age for the drink
• Naturally, their taste and flavor of water show variations according to saline content in the soil, distance from sea shore, mainland, etc