We had a lovely little brunch with all of our kids in Calgary on Saturday, so my fast mimicking diet began (again, haha) yesterday. I had some beautiful brazil nuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, avocado with salt, vegetable broth, and a few herbal teas as we were traveling home. Today, I am looking forward to a stewed pear with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and clove for breakfast. For lunch vegetable soup with cashews and 1/2 avocado and for supper some vegetable broth. How is everyone doing? What day are you on and how are you feeling? Days 1 - 3 can be a little tricky sometimes but by day 4, you will feel amazing. 🙌 Here is why we do this: 🔥 1. Gives Digestion a True Rest In Ayurveda and many traditional systems, constant eating weakens agni (digestive fire). A fast-mimicking approach: • Lightens the digestive load • Allows the body to redirect energy from digestion → repair • Reduces heaviness, bloating, and stagnation When digestion rests, the body can finally catch up on maintenance. 🧹 2. Supports Natural Detox Pathways Rather than “forcing” detox, FMD creates the conditions for the body to do what it already knows how to do. Benefits include: • Mobilizing stored waste from tissues • Supporting liver and cellular cleanup • Reducing buildup of ama (metabolic toxins, in Ayurvedic terms) People often feel lighter, clearer, and less inflamed afterward. ♻️ 3. Encourages Cellular Renewal (Autophagy) When calories and protein are reduced, the body shifts into repair mode. This can help: • Clear out old or damaged cellular material • Support healthier cell function • Promote longevity pathways Think of it as cellular housekeeping. ⚖️ 4. Improves Metabolic Flexibility Most people are stuck burning sugar all day. FMD helps the body: • Relearn how to burn fat efficiently • Stabilize blood sugar swings • Reduce constant cravings This leads to more steady energy and fewer crashes. 🧠 5. Mental Clarity & Nervous System Reset When digestion quiets, the mind often follows. Many people report:

Made er to day 5! I didn't get too creative with meals, but I definitely will next time. Feel lighter, clothes fit better, and I'm surprised how much energy I've had with no caffeine.

During days 2 and 3 of the fasting-mimicking diet or any gentle detox, the body shifts from digestive focus to repair and cellular cleansing — and it’s very normal to feel that transition. Here’s what’s most common: 🌿 Physical Effects Lower energy / fatigue: Your body is adjusting to using fat (ketones) for energy instead of glucose. Mild headache or lightheadedness: Often due to caffeine withdrawal, lower sodium, or dehydration — sip warm water with a pinch of sea salt or lemon. Digestive changes: Gas, bloating, or mild nausea as your gut microbiome recalibrates and detox pathways open. Body aches or heaviness: Toxins stored in fat tissue begin to mobilize for elimination. Increased urination or bowel changes: Your kidneys and liver are doing extra clearing work — this is a good sign of detoxification. 💫 Emotional & Mental Shifts Irritability or brain fog: As blood sugar stabilizes, the brain temporarily gets less glucose. Gentle movement and hydration help. Emotional release: Detoxing isn’t just physical — emotions can surface as your nervous system down-regulates. Journaling or rest are key. Heightened sensitivity: Smells, sounds, or emotions may feel more intense as internal “noise” quiets. 🌸 Positive Signs Emerging Hang in there, around day 3, many people notice: 💚Clearer skin and eyes 💚Reduced bloating 💚More stable mood 💚Deeper sleep 💚A sense of lightness and calm 🌞 Supportive Tips ✨️Warm water with lemon or CCF tea throughout the day ✨️Light movement — stretching, walking, gentle yoga ✨️Early bedtime to allow liver regeneration ✨️Abhyanga (self-oil massage) to soothe and support lymph flow ✨️Grace and compassion — your body is doing deep work If any of these are coming up for you, give yourself a nice big hug and show gratitude for the release. These toxins do not belong stored within us; journal and reflect on the process.

Today we begin together — a 5-day journey of nourishment, release, and reset. 🍵 As the seasons shift, so do we — softening into slower rhythms, letting go of what we no longer need, and choosing foods that comfort and restore. Communities that grow together create ripples that reach far beyond what we can see. 💫 Each mindful choice, each shared intention, strengthens the collective field of wellness around us. Let’s move gently, breathe deeply, and remember: we’re doing this together. Here’s to cleansing, connecting, and creating ripples of radiant health. 🤍 Fun wellness challenges done together, is exactly what we are here for ✨️