Health & History

Hello history enthusiasts & martial artists

30 years ago, I picked up sword-fighting. And regular fasting. Initially, there was no specific intention or correlation, only curiosity and fascination. I had no idea how deeply either one would affect both body and mind. In retrospect it is obvious: martial arts and health belong together.

Today’s newsletter will include a review of my spring fasting, plus new research results regarding pre-historic diet. If you have missed my previous mailing on the stunning effects of fasting, you can find it here.

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Why Fast in March?

In the northern hemisphere, March is a time of year, when provisions ran short in agricultural societies. Pre-historic clans depended on fortune in hunting before April and May would finally bring back copious supplies of fish, eggs, and fresh plant foods. So it is no coincidence that the 40 days of the catholic fasting period preceding Easter falls into this period. Actually, March (named after Mars, the God of War) used to mark the start of a new year. It was the first month in the Roman calendar (hence October, November and December, meaning the eight, ninth and tenth month). Its Germanic name is Lenz which still is a synonym for spring in modern German.

In early spring, the cycle of life begins anew, and despite being a period of shortage for all beings, it is never-the-less the mating season for most animals with all its physically demanding challenges such as courtship rituals, territorial fights, nest building etc. And all of this when the body is still in ketosis, that is primarily running on what is left of its fat reserves.

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BreakFast

As some readers asked for it, here are few more details on how I fast. Usually, my cure consists of two preparatory days of eating lightly, 5+ days of actual fasting, and about 3 days of cautiously starting to eat again. During the fast, I primarily have water and herbal tea. Plus, a glass of orange juice in the morning, vegetable broth for lunch and a glass of tomato juice for dinner. When you eat, you get about 30% of your water needs from your food. This means that you have to compensate by drinking more. However, no milk, no coffee, no black tea. Caffeine stimulates digestion, which would be counterproductive. And, of course, no alcohol, no smoking, no drugs!

On the last morning of my fast, just before first breakfast, I woke up fresh, and felt very agile and energetic. I am still in this state and mind set which is great. First breakfast consisted of half an apple and a slice of roasted bread with some olive oil, and finally coffee – hurrah! The level of enjoyment that comes with the first meal is invaluable. The newly won appreciation of food and eating is one of the prizes of fasting. I still take small bites and chew long and slowly, and thus I have sufficient time to notice when I am actually satiated. Thus I still eat very little.

At the moment I need only 6–7 hours of sleep, and I wake up like being switched on and ready to go. I have probably remained in ketosis for a few more days because I had no refined sugar, ate comparably little, yet did my usual workout plus gardening. My body feels more flexible and very strong, I can actually do more reps and weights. I am full of energy and feel very positive – just like the spring birds in our garden! So it was definitely worth it.

Weight loss is not the original intention of fasting, however, I understand that many are interested in this aspect, too. There are huge individual differences, and apparently it also depends on factors such as duration of the fast and physical activity. In my case I lost 3 kg. I know that I will hardly gain it back before winter because fasting is a great way to optimise eating and drinking habits which is the key to effective weight control.

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The Truth about the Paleo Diet

Inspired by a project for a local museum I am currently working on , I created the above epic illustration of Late Ice Age hunters for my enjoyment – and yours, I hope. Said project has me researching periods which I am not an expert for. This is a very enjoyable way to learn indeed. As an illustrator, researcher and living history enthusiast, I have a very particular way of thinking about and creating reconstructed scenes. You simply ask different questions when you have repeatedly had to light a fire, prepare food or make your bedding without the amenities of modern civilisation.

Anyway, I came across latest research results concerning Early Stone Age nutrition, namely the examination of charred food remains from the Neandertal site of Shanidar in Irak. They date from 70.000 years ago, and other than the disciples of modern so-called paleo diet believe, they contained legumes such as pea and lentil. The ingredients were prepared in several steps with wild nuts and grasses, spiced with wild mustard. By comparing their results to finds from the Franchhti cave in Greece, which was inhabited by modern type humans 12.000 years ago, the researchers could confirm a more or less consistent form of diet.

Amazing what research and science can do, isn’t it? Find more information in the respective paper.

Go to paper

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Finally a request: If you can think of someone who may enjoy reading this or other newsletters of mine, please forward it to them. They can also sign up here or on my website. Gaining more subscribers would be very helpful for my cause. Thanks for your kindness.

If you have questions or other feedback, feel free to get in touch. If you want to try a fasting cure, get sound information first, and when in doubt, consult a doctor.

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Also, if you feel like dropping a coin into my tip jar today, you can do so here. Thank you for your time and your interest.

Yours,

Roland

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