Why Mini-Fasts Are Good For You

By Cal Orey,

The Writing Gourmet

“Kitchen wisdom: Count your blessings but count your calories too.”

-- Anonymous

During the research and writing of my new book The Healing Powers of Chocolate, I enjoyed chocolates, all kinds--truffles, barks, biscotti and lava cake. At 5'5" I maintained a size 4-6, low 120 pounds. (Blood pressure last night: 121/72/55.) How do I do it? I took a clue from the French women who are known to not get fat. I practiced portion control (smaller is better), ate 5-6 mini meals daily to boost my metabolism, swam (almost daily), and walked my energetic Brittanys (with French roots). But as fall approaches, I've been bit by the baking bug and don't want to gain unwanted pounds and body fat. Welcome to the wonderful world of good for you "mini-fasting"...

• "We take vacations from work to relax, recharge and gain new perspectives on life," noted Elson M. Haas MD, author of The Detox Diet (Celestial Arts). "Taking vacations from food does the same thing." And that is exactly what I'm going to do for a few days. Why? Yesterday at the store I bought stuff to make homemade fudge (with quality dark chocolate) and casseroles (stuffed with veggies, whole grain pasta, cheese, and fish). Plus for my upcoming birthday I splurged and purchased new, improved baking dishes and pans. I am excited like a kid with fun toys as I continue to detox-feng shui the kitchen inside and out. But, I also want to cleanse my body inside and out.
• So, I stocked up on fresh raspberries (late summer sale priced two for one baskets) and fresh greens to create spinach, tomato and cucumber salads drizzled with balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar and sprinkled with herbs. I've decided to "vegge out" and eat plenty of nutrient-dense vegetables--such as cruciferous veggies and whole grain brown rice, and fruits such as raspberries and blueberries, as well as drink lots of herbal tea (chamomile is my fave) and bottled water.
• Nutritionists will tell you that cleansing diets help flush impurities from your system and detoxify it. And a detoxifying mini-fast can "rev up" your body as you slim down. Some perks include: gives your organs a rest, cleanses body, purifies, relaxes, rejuvenates, promotes regularity, and so much more.
• So, as I continue to deep clean my kitchen (i.e., the curtains have been washed and professionally pressed; today I'm washing the outside windows with vinegar and water; cleaning the outside wood cupboards, I'll use vinegar and olive oil)--I'm going to detox my body, too.
• Oh yeah, swimming is on the agenda at 1:00 P.M. Note: As colder climate moves in, don't give up your exercise routine. I made arrangements to move on into the indoor spa pool--in a few weeks--complete with pampering perks: hot tub to steam) and I've gotten back into the treadmill at home teamed with my go-getter pooch, 3 year-old Seth.

In a cocoa bean shell: Recently, I read "Don't trust a skinny chef." I disagree. Since I've been watching "Food Network"--I've noticed that some of the pro chefs are sporting too many pounds. Not a good thing. I believe you can make mean and tasty dishes and also maintain a mean body machine, too. It's a challenge to create and eat scrumptious food and stay lean. It takes work but it's worth it to keep you healthy and happy. A toast to the mini-detox diet--the route to allowing you to have your chocolate and eat it, too!