So I just signed up to participate in a research study that one of the Health & Sport Science students at U of M is conducting for his master’s thesis. For the study, I’m going to go on the “Daniel Fast” for 21 days- the purpose being to look at what chages occur in the body in response to this (see link for what this diet entails- it’s generally a vegan diet with some extra restrictions). Measurements include a full blood chemistry panel as well as bodymass/composition measurements before and after the 21 day period. It’s going to be tough, but, as you, the reader, know, I don’t mind things that are “tough.”

Now for the “rant” part of this post.

When I started looking for internet information about the Daniel Fast, I realized that it’s a religious practice. Ok, fine, whatever floats your boat or finds your lost remote… However, the more I searched, the more peeved I got. Nearly every website on the topic offers some sort of “guidebook” that you can download or get as a hardcopy for some sum of money. It’s pretty disgusting, because most of them advertise it in a way that makes it seem as though purchase of said guide will assist you to a higher plane of spirituality that you could not achieve otherwise. Bleh.
Along with that, I’m generally amazed at what a difficult time people have giving up “precious” parts of their diet like meat and sugar. Granted, I’m in for a hellish bout of caffeine withdrawal, but I don’t feel the need to seek out the assistance of a higher power to assist me in the process. Some of the accounts I’ve seen from people, though… you’d think they were on a true fast rather than one where the quantity (of a somewhat restricted type) of food is unlimited.
To each his own, I suppose. I mainly just take issue with the selling of salvation that is being passed off as righteous on most of these websites. Doesn’t seem right… but what do I know? I’m just a heathen…

Of course, I’ll post some updates as to how it plays out. It’s going to be interesting considering I’ll be doing a fair amount of travel and racing during the 21 day period.