AN 'AVERAGE' FASTER TAKING THE ESSENCE OF FCI'S MOST POPULAR, TOTAL DETOXIFICATION PROGRAM. . .IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC!

   [NOTE: Demographically, the following testimonial is from an 'average' FCI client with some unnecessary weight to lose, but more importantly, wanting to gain the many other benefits which scientific fasting confers on all who do it--removing a lifetime's accumulation of chemical toxins, drugs, uneliminated metabolic wastes, etc.; cleaning the bloodstream of excessive cholesterol and triglycerides; removing arterial plaque; strengthening the immune system; heightening clarity of consciousness, and enhancing one's innate spirituality.

   At 35, Jan Dvere, a 35-year-old telecommunications consultant and small business owner in Prague, Czech Republic, represents the 'average' FCI client, and his post-fast testimonial is representative of the myriad, POSITIVE changes our clients have experienced during the past 35 years we've been blessed to supervise our world's largest, nonresidential fasting clientele--with clients continuously on all major continents and in all time zones--vis a vis their physiological, psychological and spiritual health, including intelligent changes in their nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, business, personal relationship and intellectual (study/reading/contemplative) habits.

   Here, Jan is speaking from the benefit of experiential knowledge, having recently completed FCI's most popular, TOTAL Detoxification Program--63 days, in his case, including 53 days of actual juice-fasting:]

    "Dear Dennis/FCI: In brief, everything your web page, literature, and the information passed on during our discussions prior to and during my fast, has come to fruition. The mental clarity, energy, and overall calmness and sense of well being were all part of, and continue to be, my experience. Suffice it to say that If I could fast every day for the rest of my life, I would be a happy man. As promised, below is a detailed list of my observations and experiences:

HEALTH:

¥ I wake every morning with absolute clarity--no morning fog, no mid-morning fog, no afternoon fog, etc. . . .just unbelievable focus--ready for the mental gymnastics of the day. The absence of, and desire for, this clarity was my main catalyst for entering into the fast. After the initial and worst toxins in my system had run through my brain and body (the first eight days), my clarity was remarkable, and I didn't once fall back into any sort of fog or lack of clarity, whatsoever, during the entire fast (and, as of today--12 days post-fast--I still have no complaints).

¥ My energy level has never been higher than during and post-fast (my mom and dad may disagree with that, having witnessed and been subjected to my somewhat hyperactive childhood). I woke every morning between 4:30-5 a.m., and was to bed around midnight. I didn't take a single nap during the fast, even when working out five and six days a week, for up to two hours per day. This amazed me, as I'd had to take two, 20-minute power-naps each day, prior to the fast. Post-fast, I am still up early and have no feelings of tiredness throughout the day. In fact, one time I tried to nap, but simply stared at the ceiling for five minutes, and realized it was just in my mind.

¥ I lost 47 lbs. Considering that I felt, pre-fast, I was carrying only 20 extra pounds, this is amazing. It just started falling off, from all parts of my body--arms, legs, shoulders, abs, face, etc. Two weeks into the fast, I started working out with an emphasis on weight-lifting, to ensure no muscle loss. I found (via a detailed workout log) that I was working out more frequently for 1.5-to-2 hours per day, and was increasing the number of repetitions or the weight being lifted, every single workout. I obviously experienced no loss in muscle mass. Going from 185 to 138 during the fast, then back up to 146 (12 days post-fast--my natural body weight, maintained during my first two years of high school), has left me feeling and looking younger and, I'm sure, contributed to my high, post-fast energy level. Physically, I feel like I'm in high school again. Hell, I can even smell the commons area lockers and cafeteria!

¥ As you know, I recently purchased a new road bicycle (during an end-of-fast visit to Italy), and have found that I'm in substantially better riding condition than I was when I'd stopped riding two years ago. . .a pleasant surprise! Carrying less weight, having detoxed my system, eating better food, and exercising regularly all contributed to this, but the fast was the catalyst for all these events. In fact, my increased cardio capacity is huge! I'm sure that some of it is due to being 40 lbs. lighter (still can't believe I had that much to lose). I jump on my bike or go for a run, etc., and feel like I borrowed someone else's lungs. It's funny how my mind will tell me I should be getting tired (my old bod), but my heart and lungs just keep on accelerating. It's great!

¥ With the fast's elimination of toxins and loss of unnecessary weight, I found that minor aches and pains I'd had, pre-fast, disappeared. I didn't really notice that until I discovered I could do squats in the gym with no pain (during and after); sit for long periods with no lower-back discomfort, etc.

¥ One thing the fast left me with is the knowledge of what a fine-tuned Ferrari (to steal your term) feels and handles like. This is very important, as it is soooooooooo much easier to maintain this perfectly-operating machine, than it was to slowly try to fix up the old model. My desire to quickly see and feel results was satisfied via the fast, and my need to maintain this level of operation make it a snap to eat right, exercise, and otherwise treat my body the best I can. It's simple: now that I know how great optimum health is, it's easy to stay motivated to maintain it.

¥ I've come to the great realization that the mind is a tremendous tool which can both help and hinder me. This, too, I attribute to the fast, you and your coaching, and much of the information/reading during the fast. I don't know how many times my mind told me I was tired when I wasn't; that I had a good reason to miss a workout when I didn't; that there was something I needed to be worried about when, in fact, there wasn't, etc. I'm learning more, all the time, about how to control my energy levels, stress levels, state of mind, and how simple it is to outsmart yourself!

¥ Understanding and appreciating the willpower behind completing a prolonged fast has emphasized the fact that I can now do anything I set my mind to. This has undoubtedly always been a trait I possessed (major kudos to mom and dad for that, through upbringing and example). The fast was simply an outstanding reinforcement. (True to form, both my parents were completely supportive of my fast.)

¥ I now feel more stillness, less anxiety/stress. Call it whatever you want; it's just an overall sense of well being, feeling that things are just fine.

¥ My attention span, concentration, focus, and retention of information have increased noticeably. I can't count how many times I've looked up from what I was doing, and realized that what felt like 20 minutes of concentration was actually a couple of hours.

¥ I've now an increased ability to roll with life and not sweat the little things. This is not to be interpreted as apathy; it's just the ability to quickly assess what is important and not.

¥ I've also a greater appreciation of the here and now. I find myself worrying less about what happened this morning, or what will happen in the meeting tomorrow afternoon. Just enjoying the time and space I'm currently occupying, has become easier and a more frequent occurrence. While this is not always simple, I find it easier to tell myself that what is distracting me can wait, and that I won't be any better or worse off by thinking about or rushing off to take care of it. Nine times out of ten, I realize I can handle whatever it is just as effectively, later.

¥ Nothing now riles me up. The understanding and patience which had disappeared over the last two years, are back. Problems I encounter during an average work day (large and small) are no longer huge inconveniences or reasons for panic, but instead, are part of doing business--challenges to be sorted out reasonably, with no need for alarm. The simple realization that I cannot control others' actions, but can react reasonably and sort out any problem or perceived emergency, is very calming. Same goes for my reinstated ability to not jump to conclusions, not make negative assumptions, and simply assess each situation with an open mind.

¥ My ability to listen has increased dramatically (goes hand-in-hand with patience). This renewed ability to sit still and listen to what people are saying, eliminates so many problems and misconceptions (mainly associated with business). [FCI NOTE: Studies demonstrate that the average adult does not actually listen to 50% of what is communicated to her/him.] Just the act, itself, seems to sort problems out effortlessly. In addition, I find myself listening much more at parties and dinners; I simply enjoy, and am content with, not being heard, but drawing others out.

¥ Thus, I now have an increased interest in other people, their experiences and lives. I feel I have become a little less self-centered, and have enhanced my ability to see things through others. This obviously goes hand-in-hand with the increased ability to listen.

¥ I realize that I like the ritual of the early morning read, journal entry, body scrub, workout, hot/cold shower, creation of my morning meal (very similar to your "Breakfast of Real Champions," Dennis), and have contined these post-fast. This ritual allows me time to think; come up with my best and most creative ideas and decisions; organize my day, and feel less stress and anxiety during same. When I miss this a.m. ritual (which I do, on occasion), my day is far less productive, and more stressful.

¥ I now better understand the need to make time to eat properly, exercise, read, be distracted, and otherwise take care of myself. This has resulted in a significant shift in my priorities and schedule, every day. In short, I won't miss a workout to meet with a client, or work the entire weekend when I'd rather take an afternoon off to log some miles on my bike!.

¥ Note: One item I feel I need to watch, post-fast, is becoming self-centered by thinking only of me, my diet, how healthy I feel, how great my skin looks, how many new books I've read, and the feeling of being slightly superior, due to my fasting experience, etc. Thus, I now lean toward the tendency of forcing people to draw me out, if they are curious about the fast, what I do, or me. It's just a little item I now keep in my subconscious, so I don't become boring or too one-minded, or lose or overlook some of the great things I've gained.

NUTRITION:

¥ I've experienced a complete shift in my food-and-consumption reality grid, meaning that my food awareness and knowledge have quadrupled, thanks to this fast, FCI's LIFETIME OPTIMUM HEALTH PLAN, and to many of the books you've referenced in it. I now read food labels and am amazed, even at my novice level, at the amount of white sugar and other junk put into the average, off-the-shelf food items.

¥ My pre-fast desire for desserts, sweets, white death (white sugar and flour) and rich dairy foods has disappeared entirely, replaced with cravings for fruit juice, trail mix (organic fruits, nuts, seeds, etc.--combos I easily now create), soy milk, salads, tofu, wheat pastas, and other organic, whole foods. The old cravings are gone; they've been unlearned! It's great to feel good, as well as slightly knowledgeable about what I'm stuffing down my neck every day!

¥ I use the words "slightly knowledgeable" because the fast and the documentation you provided me have catapulted me into a quest for greater food knowledge and understanding of what I put into my body. The fact is, prior to this fast, I knew very little (although I thought I knew some), and what I did know was often confused, due to hype and differing opinions in the media, including health and nutrition mags. . . .Whole, unadultered, unrefined, natural foods; it doesn't get much easier than that.

¥ My body's ability to process, digest, utilize and expel what I've ingested has increased significantly, post-fast. I eat less, enjoy what I am eating more, and feel better. [FCI NOTE: Scientifically, prolonged, therapeutic juice-fasting leaves all who do it with FAR more efficient digestion, metabolism, assimilation and elimination, so that one can actually utilize more nutrients from less food.]

¥ My alcohol consumption, which has always been moderate, has dropped to a glass of red wine two times per week, during dinner. Even this is just to be sociable, when dining out. It's not intentional; I've simply found that I have no desire to again cloud my head, or lose the mental clarity I've worked so hard to attain.

¥ I've also learned to relax while eating, enjoy my meals, and chew every bite (enjoying my increased sense of flavor). More importantly, I've learned not to eat too quickly, or shove a quick grease bomb (burger) down my neck while racing to the airport. I'm sure this plays an important part in my previous observation (ability to process and digest). I must admit that a small portion of my new ability to enjoy my meals came from watching others 'graze' at the table, and appear to get no enjoyment, whatsoever, from what appeared to be a great meal.

¥ I've inadvertently moved into eating four or five smaller meals per day. . .bigger meals at breakfast and dinner.

¥ My sense of smell increased dramatically during the fast. In fact, I often found that I got as much satisfaction from the smell of certain foods, as I had from previously eating them. I believe I've retained a greater sense of smell, post-fast, but not to the same degree as during it.

GENERAL:

¥ As a result of the fast and daily body scrubs, my skin is healthier in both appearance and feel. The difference is substantial. The daily scrubs, plus saunas I added three times a week, will remain a part of my routine, post-fast. In addition to healthier skin, the moles on my body--many of which were slightly raised--have gone completely flat and smooth to the touch (you can't feel them).

¥ The whites of my eyes are cleaner and less bloodshot, even wearing contacts (which sometimes irritate).

¥ During and post-fast, I sweat less during the day; sweat less while working out, and break a sweat faster during my workouts. And, what I do sweat is void of the normal, heavy salt (for obvious reasons), and is virtually odor-free. I can even wear T-shirts for two and three days, with no notice of odor. With this has come less need for deodorant. While this is not a substantial observation, I thought it interesting.

¥ The habit of recording my thoughts and observations in a daily journal, which FCI recommended, is one I've retained, post-fast. I've grown to enjoy it, and have actually expanded it from its original 'fasting journal' to an observation, drawing, photo and 'whatever' journal.

¥ I've noticed a profound increase in my interest in things outside my 'normal' realm--an increased thirst for knowledge, especially in the areas of food, nutrition, the human psyche, etc. I've also noticed a renewed interest in previous hobbies. In other words, the desire to be well-rounded, and focus on things outside my normal interests, has grown substantially.

¥ My creative side has resurfaced, after being submerged for two or three years. Part of this is due to the fact that I've been looking for loft spaces and toying with their potential design, and part to the fast. The clarity which the fast provided triggered the decision to actively look and find a such a space. Either way, it's been a welcome distraction.

¥ I now experience less need to be accepted and liked by others. While I identified, long ago, my desire to please and be liked--a trait we all possess to varying degrees--I've felt mine was a little too strong. One thing the fast has shown me is that I can sit back and evaluate a business and/or personal relationship, and quickly decide whether or not it's worth putting any effort into. More importantly, I feel no remorse or anxiety about not cultivating anything or, in some cases, avoiding someone. In the past, I was always willing to give it the old college try, and sometime regretted it. Making these decisions now is not necessarily a conscious effort; it's more subconscious, in fact. The bottom line is that the fast has brought on a new level of comfort with myself, and a lesser degree of patience for persons I don't want to be around, feel uncomfortable with, or annoy me. Granted, not many people I meet fall into this category, but it's nice to know I can happily and almost unconsciously not allow them to waste my time.

¥ Inclusive with that is the fact that my instincts about situations and people have always been good. Every time I've doubted them, I've regretted it. The fast has made my ability to assess and read situation and people, slightly more acute. I think today's media, business and educational systems drain people of their instincts and inner gauges, which made the fast and the clarity it brought that much more important.

¥ My interest in Eastern medicine, culture and religion has grown during the fast. I'm not one to believe everything I read, but I do find what I've read interesting and, in many cases, very enlightening (either by substantiating something I've felt, or opening my eyes to something entirely new, which is more often the case). Amazon.com has become my best friend, of late. While the CZ [Czech Republic] is a great place to live, the English-language book selection here has left me wanting. I guess stating here that I've experienced an increased interest in reading goes without saying.

¥ I've also gained a greater appreciation of my surroundings. Prague is a beautiful city; it's funny how much I've missed over the last two years here, and even funnier that I now realize I missed it! This applies to people, as well; I've learned to appreciate a lot more of individuals' good qualities and, as a result, cultivated quite a few new friendships.

¥ I've thought about, and been in touch with my family, more during and post-fast than at any time in recent history. With them being in the U.S., and me spending a lot of time working abroad, had resulted in sporadic communications, at best. This has now improved, and just the fact they've moved up my chain of importance, and take up more space in my brain (I think of them more), is very cool.

¥ My previous bad habit of biting my nails has been squashed. In fact, my nails are well on their way to recovery. Hell, if I can fast, I can surely kick that habit.

¥ Prior to the fast, I snored regularly, if not all the time, while sleeping. This has completely stopped, and I find I now sleep more soundly, and wake up more rested. Along the same lines, I've discovered that it's much easier to now breathe out of my nose, even while exercising.

¥ As a result of the fast and its rewards, I am certain I will fast 10-to-14 days per year, maybe even twice yearly. I'm still toying with the idea of fasting one day per week (if you can call it fasting).

BUSINESS:

¥ This fast provided me greater clarity and understanding of what I'm currently doing, and what I want to accomplish over the next three years. A number of very important business issues became very clear and simple (almost elementary) to me during the course of the fast. This having happened, it was very easy to make some very good decisions that I'm extremely happy with.

¥ I've become the master at avoiding stress through prioritization and proper scheduling, and have regained the ability to see things for what they are, and better understand what I should be concerned about (and more importantly, what I should not!).

¥ With patience and the eliminatino of stress, came a heightened ability to more effectively organize and schedule my private and business life. This has resulted in my getting more done each day, and making my personal time shift up on the priority scale! I feel no more guilt for taking long weekends and doing things not related to work. The importance of being healthy and fit, plus understanding how a life outside of work contributes to this, is no longer wasted on me.

¥ In short, I've gained greater ability to set priorities and understand what is truly important, in life. This means taking personal time, and exercizing my ability to say 'NO' (or, can we schedule that for another time) to people/customers who expect me to drop everything for what they consider to be an emergency, but throws my schedule into chaos. In essence, this means placing more importance on my time and priorities, whereas I used to put others' needs/emergencies (often merely perceived) before my own.

That, Dennis, is it. I'll keep a copy at arm's length, as well as sending you this one. Who knows when I'll need a little pep talk?! Thank you, again, for promptly answering my questions throughout the fast, and for contributing to this great experience. As you know, you can use this exit 'window' as you see fit. With a little luck, it might encourage someone else to partake of this great experience.--Jan Dvere

P.S. I would like to order a 40-day program for my mother, (confidential); please make all references in your intro. letter, etc., to her. I will get her hooked and then let her decide on any extensions she may desire. Charge my MasterCard.

    I would also like to put in the que a 40-day program for my Father (confidential) and his wife (confidential). That's two programs, one for each. Just keep this one in orbit for a few weeks. It will be a gift from me, but first I have to nurture the interest that has already been sparked. (I assume these latter two Programs will qualify for your 'Couples' Discount.')

[Received several weeks later]: Hi, Dennis: I received the fasting program FCI sent for my Mother. Thanks. In addition, I would like to order a second program for one of my Czech colleagues. She is a 25-year-old accountant who wants to give it a go. Please put her 30-day program on my MasterCard, and send it FedEx to my address. Is it safe to assume she can get this at half-price (taking my mother's into consideration)? I hate to ask for the discount (especially in light of the magnitude of the gift), but the Czech wage is very small, compared to the U.S., so I know she will appreciate it.

    Hell, while I'm at it, can you also prepare two additional 30-day programs (same as above) for my father and his wife. Their names and shipping address are on their Juice Fasting Agreements I'll send. Please charge them to my card as well. Also, can you please send me a quick mail with the total amount FCI charged my card for all four programs? Talk to you soon, Jan

[My response]: WONDERFUL, JAN When time permits, FCI will send ALL the necessary emailings to your ISP, in her name (prior to her arrival, of course). What a beautiful thing you're doing for your closest loved ones, my brother--giving them all a gift no amount of money can buy on this Earth: FAR greater health, happiness and healing power, as you've discovered. Big Love, as always; your humble and admiring friend (on F36 of my own mini-fine-tuning of my inner Ferrari), Dennis

P.S. Synchronistically, Jan, I thought you'd enjoy reading these from two just finishing their Total Detox. Programs, here in today's email lineup just before you:

[FCI NOTE: To date, understanding that the greatest gift one can give a loved one or close friend is the incredible gift of FAR greater health, happiness and healing power, Jan has magnanimously given 40-day Programs to his mother (who extended to a 92-day Total Detox. Program); his sister; his father and his second wife; his childhood best friend; his Czech girlfriend and her brother, plus to a half-dozen Czech colleagues, having "run out of relatives!" Additionally, he continues to refer still others.]

Fr: an office manager, 48, of a Port Angeles, WA, firm, on F62 of her 75-day Total Detox. Program to lose 40 lbs., detoxify ("smoked for 13 years, until a decade ago"), and "be able to concentrate better": "Hi, Dennis: I feel wonderful! I feel like a new person! I have three more fasting days to plan, for when the program is over. Talk to you soon. As always, thanks for your support! Much Love, (confidential)."

Fr: a Lewiston, ID, sales manager, 28, of a firm whose boss, also 28, located at the company's Folsom, CA, headquarters, is doing a 60-day Total Detox. Program with him. They were college roommates, and both began between 270-280 lbs., wanting to trim down a tad. . .here on F52: "Hello, Dennis: I am just now completing my last day of my fast. This morning, I woke up feeling so good that I pulled out and dusted off my scales. On this fifty-day fast, I have lost approximately 60 lbs.! I have even more noticeably lost inches of flab, and firmed up my whole body (not to mention the way I feel mentally)! My mind has not been this clear for as long as I can remember. Thanks, Dennis, for the wonderful life you have helped me to find again. It means all the world to me. Take care. (Confidential)."

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