Fasting Journal : Fasting Center International

FROM THE DESK OF JACK BIESEK. . .
A CLIENT'S 40-DAY PROGRAM DIARY:

[FCI NOTE: As Founder/Director of Fasting Center International, Inc., I've spent over 35 years responding to prospective clients' questions about skillful juice-fasting: Will I be hungry, or weak? Can I work, or exercise? How much weight can I expect to lose? Will I regain the energy I once enjoyed? Will my mind become clearer? Will this enhance my spirituality? And perhaps most importantly, will I be able to do this on my own, for the rest of my life, after your skilled supervision teaches me what to expect, and how to deal with what arises in my own, unique body-mind complex, physiologically, psychologically and spiritually?
It's easy for me to answer these questions, but perhaps it's more instructive for you to actually 'listen' to all these questions being answered, by an FCI client who is not all that different from you and I--a veteran environmental graphics designer with offices in Los Angeles and two other southern California cities. . .a 48-year-old who first came to FCI nearly seven years ago, with a number of the usual high-stress, sedentary-life problems: unnecessarily overweight; 5-to-10 lbs. of toxic chemicals locked into tissue structure; no longer capable of the energy he'd once enjoyed; too busy, tired and stressed to exercise, and wanting to reconnect with that heightened clarity of consciousness and spirituality he could barely even remember from his distant past, as though now seen through a toxic haze.
Jack Biesek originally did FCI's 40-day Program, with five days to skillfully enter the fast; 30 days of actual fasting, taking fruit and vegetable juices, an alkalinizing vegetable broth (designed to help rebalance one biochemically, as well as maintain one's electrolyte balance throughout one's fast, so messages, or nerve impulses, continue to be transmitted from one brain nerve-cell to another in proper sequence. . .those neurotransmitters, fed by minerals, which need to jump synapses in marvelous arabesques, as perfectly-timed as Japan's magnificent bullet-trains, so one never feels unnecessarily weak or out-of-sorts), and specific detox teas.
Each year since, Jack has repeated our 40-day Program, on his own. And this year, he's chosen to fast during the Lenten season so many, many FCI clients annually tie into. But this time, Jack decided to share his entire experience, in hopes it might aid the journey of some "kindred souls" who'll follow him into what he's long described as "this marvelous, self-improvement technique."
Here, then, is Jack's manner of giving back, for the benefit of myriad others also on this journey to regain their well-being. . .their birthright of optimum-health which, as his own example bears testament to, takes both time and disciplined effort. We did not get ourselves into these deleterious conditions overnight, and if Jack's experience is any example, it will take a series of prolonged juice-fasts, plus moderate exercise and more intelligent eating, to finally move ourselves back toward the optimum health which most all of us still have the potential to regain.
As always, there can be backsliding or setbacks along the way, but as this candid DIARY clearly shows, those missteps can be quite quickly overcome. . .with a little discipline and active self-respect. What follows is Jack's 40-day Program, during which time he shed 29 unnecessary lbs. in this magnificent cleansing of stored toxins and accumulated metabolic wastes.]

JACK'S '96 JUICE-FAST DIARY

(Prior to Transition/Fasting)
Here are some of my personal thoughts (from Feb. 1 to Feb. 25, 1996) and reasons for doing a juice-fast:

-- I love to eat, but am finding it unfullfilling and ungratifying. . . . I seem to fool myself: I think the food is going to taste really great, but somehow it doesn't. Is there a message here?

-- I am unsure if I can really handle a fast at this point in my life. . .but I think I should try; after all, I can stop at any time, if I choose to do so.

-- Ugh, do I really need to do this? Isn't there a better way? Why do I keep gaining weight? My clothes don't fit and I am starting to buy XXL shirts. This is not a good omen. Ugh. . . .

-- I think I should do a 30-day juice-fast. Yes, that seems like it would whip me into shape. My body is going to pot...I need to discipline, detox and lose weight (all at once--in one fell swoop, as I have done in the past). What if it dosen't work again? What if I get sick from it? What are the risks? I think I'll try, and be ready to quit if I need to (at any time).

-- Fasting has been a shortcut to maturity (if that is possble); by this, I mean that I've been able to quit smoking, drinking, drugs, sex-addiction, and cut way back on caffeine and sugar. In general, I lose desire for those visceral vices in my life. When I fast, I begin to focus on things that need attention in my life (personal, business, philosophical, etc). It is a very Zen time for me, and I get proud of my accomplishments (facing responsibility, etc), which spurs me on to do more.

-- Fasting seems to be a fountain of youth for me; my health improves (skyrockets). Will it work again? Got to try.

-- OK, here I go; I am gonna do it! I am making a commitment to myself that I'll give my health a priority this month. If I need to take it slow (rest up) or put in extra time for my health (exercise), then fine...I will give this a priority over everything else in my life (hoping that I can fend off work-stress, beyond my control--which one usually can do, if one desires it enough. I don't have to be superhuman this month; only human).

Feb. 26 / Transition-Day One (T1)
BODY WEIGHT TODAY: 221 LBS.
I began the day with a brisk walk (1.5 mile / at 8 a.m.). I have some doubts about doing a thirty-day juice fast: Can I do it again? Is this the best thing for my body? Is this the best way to improve my health? When I look in the mirror, my mind says to my body: "You are changing; you are gaining weight and it dosen't look good. This is not good for your health. Other people who let themselves go to seed, seem to subject themselves to undue health risks. Do you want to do this? Do you want to risk living a shorter life, or a life of doctors, hospitals and daily pain and suffering?" My mind replies: "No way! Do something! Exercise heavily; change your diet; do a juice-fast" (which somehow gives you guidance and vision to exercise and eat better). I feel that I must follow my mind, because I just don't like the way I look. And furthermore, fasting has given me a powerful boost in the past. It has taken away my desire for caffeine, alchohol, sweets and heavy foods (all in one swoop). I realize that there is some risk in abruptly changing my diet, but thinking back about man in the jungle, and my former biological make-up which I inherited through genetics, there must have been times of feast and famine, and the time for famine has come for me! At least during the next month or so. I am also bolstered by the fact that it is the Lenten season and that traditionally, many people do a fasting or giving-up (Ramadan, Catholics, etc.). I am going to follow my instincts and JUST DO IT!

Feb. 27 / T2
BODY WEIGHT TODAY: 220
I began the day with a brisk walk (1.5 mi. at 8 a.m.). Feeling a bit spacey today (afternoon). A bit of payback for all the toxins I've injested in the last year, I suppose. I am going to do my typical office work today and get through the day; then, relax and rest this evening. That's what I feel I need to do. I do feel focused today, but light-headed and spacey (wouldn't be a good day to do heavy phycisal exercise).

Feb. 28 / T3
BODY WEIGHT TODAY: 219
I began the day with a brisk walk (1.5 mi. at 8 a.m.). My doubts are evaporating very quickly now. I feel like my body is starting to tune itself. Some kind of power is emerging from my bones and cells, which I can feel, like an awakening of my body-mind (as opposed to my spirit-mind). Still just a little spacey, but very focused on my work, and my mind is starting to feel clear. I did another walk at 1 p.m. (1.5 mi.), just to get my blood pumping and give me an energy boost. I guess moving about helps pump up the oxygen, energy, and stamina. My sedentary lifestyle (sitting in an office chair and behind a computer for 6-to-8 hours a day) is a tough one; I'd much rather be out of doors, but alas, one is not remunerated by society for anything less than responsibility and diligence. Perhaps one day, I can find a better balance of freedom and work (even though... but that's another story).

Feb. 29 / T4
BODY WEIGHT TODAY: 218
Traveling to Los Angeles on business (200-mile drive); full afternoon of errands. Took some organic fruit, for lunch-on-the-run. Hectic day of errands (look for a new office space, meet with architect, interview a potential employee, do some site work at UCLA). My day ends at 10 p.m. as I pull into the motel for a crummy night's sleep (as it turns out, I had to stay at a new hotel, right adjacent to the freeway...noisy and somewhat seedy place). Good thing my meeting on Friday is at 10:30...allows me to sleep in until 8 or so (even though I woke up for an hour--4-to-5 a.m.--which I do not like to do; maybe it's the new location, or maybe too much on my mind, or maybe I didn't get a walk in today).

Mar. 1 / Fast-Day One (F1)
BODY WEIGHT TODAY: 217
While I am not prepared with my organic juices and broth, I am going to just start my fast anyway (the local organic foodstore in Santa Monica--a fixture for many years--seems to have closed its doors, which leaves me in a bit of a pinch, but I manage to find a healthfood juicestand for a carrot juice in the morning, and then go to an important meeting at UCLA (with several campus architects and planners to discuss master-planning issues related to wayfinding). The meeting went well; much new work is discussed, which means we may get some nice new contract work. This gives me a good feeling of validation, that my firm and my skills are of value to UCLA--a prestigious client by any standards. This is good news. In the afternoon, I drive home, with a stop in Santa Barbara at the healthfood store for sustenance (bottled organic cherry juice), plus I get my broth supplies for the evening and the next few days. Now, I feel launched and on my way. I arrive home at 4 p.m. in San Luis Obispo, and find the weather to be a nice, winter, balmy dusk...so I get in a nice, brisk walk (1.5 mi.). I go to bed early (9:15 p.m.). Got a great nite's sleep.

Mar. 2 / F2
BODY WEIGHT TODAY: 216
Today is Saturday--up at 7:30 a.m. with a positive attitude and a casual day planned...a chance to collect my thoughts a bit. Started the morning with a walk (2 mi.) to clear my head and get my engine running. Am updating my diary for the last couple days, and plan to spend the day with my son. It is now 10:15 a.m., and I have yet to do my morning shower or daily enema (since I've stopped regular BM's, I know I need to start this cleansing routine and do it daily). In general, I am beginning to feel very clear-minded, and starting to focus on external stimuli, like the beauty around my home (in a rural canyon not far from the Pacific Ocean). I saw several willow trees sprouting along the creek (out my window from my upstairs bedroom/bathroom). I noticed that there are old willows (20+ years mature), young willows (sprouted in the last few years) and adolescent willows. This seems to be a metaphor for my family (my children are entering the teen years, and I think about what their lives will be like/how I can help them/how I can not help them). All the trees are sprouting, but the adolescent ones are sprouting much more than the young/old willows. The energy and strength of youth are apparent here in a powerful way. I see my age as a recurring issue in my life; I so want to live a full life. The enjoyable times seem very attractive and romantic (travel, deeply in love with family, self-approval and stature amongst my peers). Yet, I know that I am going to seed (at 48 years of age, I see the handwriting on the wall that my body is changing, and I must accept middle age). I feel torn between having great opportunities ahead of me, and an instinct to slow down and do other things besides work. In fact, I recently thought to myself that my career started with ten years of inspiration and enthusiasm; the next twenty years were persiration, and now I am ready for work as recreation (i.e., you work when you want to because you are motivated to do so by choice, not by financial pressure). Being a self-taught professional and a boot-strap entrepreneur (have to earn every dime), it is very difficult to get work out of my life. Yet the stress of my work is enormous (being responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars of my clients' money). I guess the answer is to get to a point of self-finance (one where there is enough money to live very frugally, so as to take only the quality work--nice projects, nice clients, nice profits). Enough about my personal ramblings; I am outta here (don't want to be behind a computer on Saturday).

Mar. 3 / F3
BODY WEIGHT: 215
Today is Sunday. It is mid-afternoon and I've walked (1.5 mi.) and biked with my son (3 mi.) and putzed around the house fixing things. I feel better today than I did last week. In fact, I feel like I am heading for the "clear" state that fasting brings--a focused, clear mind and a feeling of a fullfilled self. Other awarenesses run through my mind, too, but I try not to let them be larger than life (thoughts are just thoughts, but they can become emotions if one needs them to be as large as life); after all, I am just trying to help my body. I feel my mental prowess focus outward, instead of inward (less ego, more cosmo-awareness), and the fun- ny thing is that this feels like it is coming from my body, directly (quantum-soup awareness?). One last thought: I don't miss food, whatsoever; even had to remind myself to take my broth this morning.

Mar. 4 / F4
BODY WEIGHT: 214
I feel great today! Seems like I am building some cumulative health improvements (continuing to build health-credits from my last-year's fast), because I am already feeling a clear state of mind (usually takes ten days). Did two walks today (1.5 mi. each)--one at 8 a.m. and one at noon. Worked a full day in the office.

Mar. 5 / F5
BODY WEIGHT: 213
Couldn't feel much more focused. Seems like I am able to handle every stress in my life, and deal with it head on; no problema. I have to control myself, though; one could get a holier-than-thou attitude with this kind of power. Did two walks today (1.5 mi. each), one at 8 a.m. and one at noon. Worked a full day in the office.

Mar. 6 / F6
BODY WEIGHT: 212
Feeling like I am drinking from the "fountain of youth," and can't believe how much healthier my body feels/looks. Worked a full day in the office. Having very little appetite, and am not at all distracted by food. Can sit down with the family at dinner and chat (drinking my broth), and enjoy the smells of their food and the contentment they receive from their nourishment.

Mar. 7 / F7
BODY WEIGHT: 210
Took two walks today (1.5 mi. each) and one bike ride (3 mi.). Feel exceptionally fit. Minor spacyness when I get a little tired, but highly focused, energized and very happy with myself. Starting to put my shoes on while standing up, instead of sitting on the edge of the bed; hmmm...that's a pretty good improvement. The extra excercise must be helping, as I lost two pounds yesterday. Worked a full day in the office.

Mar. 8 / F8
BODY WEIGHT: 2O9
Took two walks today (1.5 mi. each) and one bike ride (3 mi.). People are starting to notice that I am looking better, and my clothes are beginning to fit again. I can even bend over to put my shoes on without feeling like I have a spare tire. Worked a full day in the office.

Mar. 9 / F9
BODY WEIGHT: 208
Started the day with a walk (1.5 mi.) and bike (3 mi.). Very active errands day, but also a chance to rest a little, late in the day.

Mar. 10 / F10
BODY WEIGHT: 207
Started the day with a walk (1.5 mi.) and bike (3 mi.). Spent the day with my son, working on a science project. Late in the afternoon, I had a chance to rest for an hour. Then I barbequed shrimp and salmon for my family (a typical end-of-the-weekend treat and family dinner). I have to admit it was tempting to taste these delicacies, so I took a tiny bite (quarter teaspoon) of salmon, and tasted my fine work--chewing it for five seconds, then spitting it out. I then sat with my family for the duration of dinner and enjoyed the smells (immensely), but was content to know that my health program was more important than eating (at least for the next few weeks).

Mar. 11 / F11
BODY WEIGHT): 206

Started the day with a walk (1.5 mi.) and bike (3 mi.). Also walked (1.5 mi.) with my wife at lunch time. I am more than one-third of the way through my juice-fast (wow; already!). This week, I'll reach the halfway point, too. Worked a full day in the office.

Mar. 12 / F12
BODY WEIGHT: 205
Started the day with a walk (1.5 mi.) and bike (3 mi.). Also walked (1.5 mi.) around six o'clock (at dusk). Feeling a bit tired today (in fact, exhausted), and pretty low on energy. Maybe all the exercise is catching up with me (maybe I'm not Superman at 49 years old). Took it a bit easy today, especially in the afternoon, but still worked a full day. Went to bed early and got some extra sleep.

Mar.13 / F13
BODY WEIGHT: 204

Started the day with a walk (1.5 mi.) and bike (3 mi.). Had a very focused day: prepared photos for a presentation during the morning; outlined my presentation; picked up an assoc- iate at the airport at 2 p.m., and drove 30 mi. to meet with client. Gave a presentation to a group of twelve persons. Took some photos (project-related) for about 45 min.. Then, strategized about the project with my associate on the ride back. Feeling strong the entire day and into the evening. Worked a ten-hour day today.

Mar. 14 / F14
BODY WEIGHT: 203
Long drive today (200 mi., round trip). Met with client at a university, and spent the entire day walking the campus to assist with planning issues. Felt extremely healthy all day, and just powered through the day--alert, alive and vital! Feels very good.

Mar. 15 / F15
BODY WEIGHT: 202
Started the day with a walk (1.5 mi.) and bike (3 mi.). Feeling GREAT again today--focused, alert, alive and well! I am halfway through my Program, and I couldn't be any happier with my health improvements! I don't want to brag about my accomplishments; I am very happy inside myself, and that is what is important to me. People around my office and my clients do NOT know that I am doing a juice-fast, and I am enjoying the privacy (albeit this diary may want to be part of FCI's Webpage information...if it can help others, that would please me).

Mar. 16 / F16
BODY WEIGHT: 202
Weekend errands (took my bike to the bike shop), so I just did a short walk today (1 mi.). Had a dinner party for nine of our closest friends, and presented a slide of our family's recent vacation in New Zealand. Helped with preparing and cooking the food a bit, and smoothed my way through dinner without getting into much of a coversation about fasting (although my friends know that I do this, periodically). The smells were pretty tempting, but I didn't even taste any of the food. I helped with the clean-up and had an enjoyable evening, even though I was off in my own little corner of the world.

Mar. 17 / F17
BODY WEIGHT: 201
Walked a couple miles today. Did lots of yardwork. Felt quite good. Wish I had my bicycle back.

Mar. 18 / F18
BODY WEIGHT: 200
Started the day with a walk (1.5 mi.), and ended it with a bike ride (3 mi.). Worked a full day in the office and attended a men's group meeting until ten p.m. Feeling a bit of stress in my upper back (that seems to be where my stress goes, from sitting in a chair all day ). And sometimes, I feel like I can't get as deep a breath as I'd really like. I can feel my work-related stress and I don't mind it, because we all have to stretch our muscles (be they mental or physical), in order to give of ourselves in toil and labor (although it'd be nice to have more of a physical and relaxing day-to-day experience in my life, but that's another story. . .changing workstyle???).

Mar. 19 / F19
BODY WEIGHT: 199.5
Worked a full day in the field today--exhausting, but rewarding. Feeling super-energized, balanced by feeling a bit spacey. Overall, I am very proud of where I am going with my self-control and self-improvement. My clothes fit very nicely now, and my exercising is better than I've done for years. Maybe that is my grail from this experience--exercise. I have had a vision of myself exercising every morning (first thing) for years now, and it seems that I am taking a stab at really trying the dream. I hope I can learn this new habit permanently, but also know that I can accept myself if I don't. Time will tell.

Mar. 20 / F20
BODY WEIGHT: 199
Started the day with a walk (1.5 mi.) and a bike ride (3 mi.). Worked until 3 p.m. today, then drove to L.A. (200 mi.) for business meetings tomorrow. Feeling focused and energized, albeit a bit tired at the end of a day like this.

Mar. 21 / F21
BODY WEIGHT: 198
Walked in the morning (2 mi.),. and had a hectic day of meetings, as follows: met with the president of a community college where I am doing master-planning work; next met with four executives from the Foundation at the college, to discuss planning issues; drove across town and met with my new landlord (closed the deal on a new office space I am sharing with him--took him to lunch; I had chamomile tea); met with five people at UCLA to review planning issues on a project under construction; met with an architect at UCLA and presented a proposal for a major new project; drove into downtown L.A. to meet with six people to discuss issues related to my profession (two had flown in from Washington, D.C., and New York to attend this meeting and other meetings at the Getty Center), after which we all went to dinner. I had water and excused myself just when the main course was being served (at 7 p.m.), so I could drive to Santa Barbara (100 mi.) for the evening.

Mar. 22 / F22
BODY WEIGHT: 197.5
Met associate to do a bicycle survey of bike paths in Santa Barbara. We rode most of the morning and part of the afternoon (22 mi.), stopping to look at planning issues. Today was a pleasant endorphin rush. I feel great! Drove home (100 mi.) and spent a nice evening with my wife and family.

Mar. 23 / F23
BODY WEIGHT: 197
Started the day with a walk (2.5 mi.) and ran errands all day. Feeling great from yesterday's bike ride. I've decided that I will end my fast two days earlier than planned. I've been thinking about this for the last week, and feel that I have acheived my goals (mental clarity and weight loss) ahead of schedule, and as a reward to myself, I am going to jump off a few days early. I also have a dinner party I've been invited to on my fourth day of transitioning out of the fast (this coincides with my early-out plan). I am very pleased with the results of my fasting so far. I feel that I'm building on my health improvements from the last few years (as I have fasted during each of the last four years). I also feel that a four-week juice-fast is a big accomlishment for me and I am proud of what I am doing, but will be happy to resume eating again, although with a renewed spirit of watching what I will eat and making an effort to eat healtfully.

Mar. 24 / F24
BODY WEIGHT: 196
Did another bike ride today (12 mi.), with my son. Also did a bit of yardwork. Feeling super healthy! The only time I really notice any affects from this fasting is when I stoop down to work and then stand up quickly. Seems like the blood doesn't flow to my head quickly enough, or there isn't enough energy in the blood to maintain the brain processing; therefore, I feel a bit dizzy-headed for about ten seconds, then I feel fine. So, I am careful about standing quickly and darting off. This has been noticeable during my fasting from the beginning week, so I am alert to it. (Editor's Note: FCI's supervision explains this phenomenon, its etiology, and how to skillfully deal with it, including how to preclude it.--D.P.)

Mar. 25 / F25
BODY WEIGHT: 195
Started the day with a walk (1.5 mi.) and a bike ride (3 mi.). Worked a full day. Am extremely focused now--very intense power of attention. Sometimes, I do feel a bit light-headed or spacey, but nobody around me notices this at all. I also feel tension in by upper back, which I believe to be the stress of workday responsibility. Walking has helped improve this (previous fasts, without as much walking, made the work-related stress in my back even more noticeable).

Mar. 26 / F26
BODY WEIGHT: 194
Started the day with a walk (1.5 mi.) and a bike ride (3 mi.). I am feeling totally fit! Also, I'm feeling a bit private, and not motivated to write much today.

Mar. 27 / F27
BODY WEIGHT: 193
Started the day with a walk (1.5 mi.) and a bike ride (3 mi.). Worked a full day, after staying up pretty late last night (11:30 p.m.) and waking up pretty early this morning (5:30 a.m.). Seem to be extra-energized now, even a bit wired. I am very proud of my health improvements. Many people have said things to me like "you scrub up pretty good" or "wow, you look great," etc. In fact, I do look great! When I look in the mirror, I now say to myself: "You're an important person, destined for a life of self-approval, happiness and respect from your family and peers." This incredible process has restored my confidence, and made me look about five years younger. . .all in less than 30 days. I am happy, again.

Mar. 28 / T1 Begin Transition Out of Fasting Today
BODY WEIGHT: 192

Started the day with a walk (1.5 mi.) and a bike ride (3 mi.). I have lost nearly 30 pounds (29, to be exact), and since my goal was to lose 20 pounds, I feel that I am ready to transition out of my fast today. I know that I will gain a few pounds in the next month (as I will have food digesting in me). But overall, I feel like I have exceeded my goals, and am ready to resume normal eating habits. Studied my transition-out Program a bit to remind myself of these important guidelines which will help me complete my fast properly. Also did a walk at noon (1.5 mi.), as a bonus exercise. Had a very productive day, and am feeling great! It's also nice to be eating again, although I hope I've learned that eating is not such a big focus for me, anymore.

Mar. 29 / T2
BODY WEIGHT: 192
Worked a half-day. It's a beautiful Summer day. Started it with a walk (1.5 mi.) and a bike ride (3 mi.). I am enjoying exercise now, more than I ever have in my life. Just simple walking and biking seem to be keeping my body tuned and focused. I have never been this regular on my exercising (usually did just a couple walks a week). I want to keep this up. My body looks and feels good. I am enjoying the transitioning-out diet very much (am inspired to keep this as a dietary influence).

Mar. 30 / T3
BODY WEIGHT: 193

Walked (1.5 mi.) and rode my bike today (3 mi.). Rested in the afternoon. I'm letting my body move back into a normal routine, with a sensitivity to these changes going on inside me, physiologically.

Mar. 31 / T4
BODY WEIGHT: 194
Walked (1.5 mi.) and rode my bike today (8 mi.). Played baseball with several families in the afternoon. Feeling and looking good now. Am 1000% pleased with my efforts!

Fasting Program Complete; follow-Up Thoughts:

--I have completely reset my self-value standards. This is like a fountain of youth; it is really an incredible experience!

--I think anyone who would like to do major self-improvements of any kind (lose bad habits, improve health, lose weight, improve one's spiritual vision), would benefit highly from this Program.

--It felt like an insurmountable task to do this fast (at the beginning); now, it feels like it was an easy accomplishment. While I don't want to take away any credit for my accomplishment, it really was not difficult to stop eating entirely. It would have been far more difficult to eat very little and walk away from the table--that, I don't think I could do--but leaving food out entirely was really bearable for me.

--Before my fast, I exercised (walked) once or twice a week. Now, I walk and ride my bike daily. It is because of the fast that I have found motivation to do this. I hope to continue this exercise routine, because it feels so good for my body.

--Now, I am thinking about what program I should do "after the fast." I am reading Dr. Dean Ornish's book about eating healthy foods (no fat, no sugar, no oil, but everything else is OK). It would be nice to adopt a post-fast program of healthy vegetables and fruit; some hybrid of the transitioning-out diet might be nice. It would also be good to have this "back-up diet" ready, should any pounds find their way back into my body. (Editor's Note: FCI's LIFETIME OPTIMUM-HEALTH PLAN provides the latest nutritional biochemistry, as well as the oldest wisdom from the healthiest, most long-lived cultures on Earth--what they're doing we're not. This IS the intelligent follow-on missing from most 'diet' programs, worldwide, and Jack is simply adding to what's there, for his own, personal tastes. Interestingly, Jack would later tell FCI he now intends to BECOME our LIFETIME OPTIMUM HEALTH PLAN.--D.P.)

--I've an infinite respect for this process, and I thank Dennis Paulson for teaching me this marvelous health regenerator.

Sincerely, Jack Biesek

(Editor's Comment: All those reading Jack's DIARY can see why I believe I have the coolest job on Earth! It's an absolute pleasure watching each of FCI's clients, worldwide, take back a greater degree of control over her/his precious body-mind complex. And that pleasure's only magnified when my dream of teaching others this magnificent, self-improvement technique--for LIFE--is manifested in kindred souls such as Jack Biesek, who first did FCI's 40-day Program seven years ago, and repeats it annually on his own. I delight in his accomplishments, just as I do in those of every single woman and man who follows us on this magic-carpet ride to improved physical, psychological and spiritual well-being. Since my first 40-day fast nearly four decades ago, I've chosen to do what is necessary to achieve and then live at optimum-health. And when others regain so much more of their own birthright potentila, in such a short period of time, I am both humbled by their effort, as well as filled with admiration by their accomplishments. In fact, I have no doubt that I'm the luckiest being in this Milky Way Galaxy!--Dennis Paulson)

Please come back soon for new additions to our FASTING JOURNAL,including client testimonials, comments, and the Director's responses (when appropriate)!

Any questions, email or phone FCI. Email: FastMaster@fasting.com; phone: 818-590-2536 (know that the best time to catch Founder/Director Dennis Paulson, himself, with the least interruption, is between 10-4, California time). For the Fasting Center International home page, click here: www.fasting.com

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