Fasting done right. Q&A with Professor Gregory Schwartz the planet doctor
This isn’t the first time and probably won’t be the last time that I write about fasting. It’s a many faceted topic with views and information dating back hundreds actually thousands of years ago. People engage in this practice, including myself for many different purposes. It can be extremely beneficial yet still controversial. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Gregory Schwartz, a professor of environmental science and a former pro athlete. He is a speaker and author dedicated to transforming the earth as well as human health.
I asked Greg a series of questions maybe a little different than the norm. *Mind you he is not a medical doctor, although he has a PHD in academics and does not speak on any subject without an enormous amount of research and life experience . Let me tell ya, after meeting in person you all would be as intrigued as I was to know what this gentlemen is doing to maintain his health and well being.
Fasting benefits (to name a few)
There are so many toxins in our air, food, soil, mind! One of the most ancient practices to cleanse our bodies is fasting. It reduces inflammation, increases insulin sensitivity. It releases growth hormone! It shifts your body into autophagy, our body’s way of cleansing out damaged cells to regenerate new and healthy cells. https://www.instagram.com/theplanetdoctor/
Questions and Answers
Jennifer- How often do you fast and for how many days?
Greg- Every couple weeks I do a 24 hour complete water fast. Then once a year I will d a 3 day water fast. I’m typically always intermittent fasting, as in going around 18 hours before breakfast but not following hard rules.
Jennifer- Do you ever fast just for the purpose of slimming down?
Greg- The answer is no! I fast for the sake of cleansing my body. I am definitely not an expert on eating disorders or disordered eating of any type. I did manage a juice bar in Berkley and for those who are worried they might take a fast too far then juice fasts are safer than water fasts. They keep you “eating.” Just be mindful of juices that aren’t organic or filled with sugar.
Jennifer- What are your days and meals like directly after a fast? I’m always worried I’m going to “ruin” the work I did.
Greg- Your first couple of meals are really the only ones that matter too much. ( of course this is considering you are already a healthy clean eater) I don’t go heavy. No animal products and not too much fiber! Soups are a perfect transition.
Jennifer- Are you still active while you are fasting?
Greg- I definitely ease up on my workouts. No weight training or anything with a lot of intensity. I walk, light jogs and a lot of yoga and stretching. Fasting is the perfect time to experiment with hot/cold therapy. It’s the new frontier! Try 20 minutes in a sauna followed by 3 to 5 minutes in a cold shower or dunk tank.
Jennifer- Can you responsibly use fasting as a means of weight loss?
Greg- I would not recommend fasting to lose weight because you are playing with your metabolism. Most of the time it is counterproductive. Your body can shift into starvation mode. This means as we’ve heard time and time again that you will most likely just gain the weight right back. Against the popularity of “diet culture” I do recommend the old school method of calorie restriction to lose weight. EVERY individual will be different depending on so many different factors. But not actual fasting!
Jennifer- Can fasting be addictive? I ask personally for myself. I have an addictive personality and I do experience a rush from fasting.
Greg- * ABSOLUTLY for so many different reasons. The first red flag would be as mentioned those with a history of eating disorders or disordered eating. Also people fasting for spiritual reasons can get addicted to the feelings that come along with fasting. On a physical level fasting can be addictive due to hormones alone altering due to food restriction.
Jennifer- I’ve seen a lot (on social media of course) “experts” say that out bodies are designed perfectly to take no breaks. Do you agree with this?
Greg- It is only in more recent modern times that people ( money provided) do not take breaks from eating. Ironically now would be way more beneficial today than in ancient times when people were dealing with far less toxins and pollutants. As mentioned fasting can cleanse out these toxins at a cellular level so when you come back to food and your daily activities your body is running with a cleaner system.
I can’t emphasize enough that although very safe and effective, fasting is not for everyone. Things like diabetes, pregnancy and eating disorders are the main indicators that this method of cleaning your body is not best for you.
I highly recommend following Greg on Instagram. His page is full of incredible information! His education and own life experience create a factual and reliable space for ways to not only improve our health but our planet as well….after all he is the planet doctor ❤️ https://www.instagram.com/theplanetdoctor/
