Eating in Rhythm With Nature...

I stumbled across an interesting concept today regarding eating in rhythm with nature. The idea is to plan your eating according to the phases of the moon. The theory behind this is that when the moon is changing phases the gravitational effects that take place not only influence oceans and rivers but, also the body. It is thought that perhaps the changing phase of the moon makes it easier for your body to let go of excess stored fluid. So how does it work? Here is the lowdown...

According to Johanna Paungger and Thomas Poppe in their book Moon Time: "The waning moon detoxifies and washes out, sweats out and breathes out, dries, consolidates, prompts to action and the expenditure of energy." During the waxing moon, conversely, the body is better at taking in than it is at letting go. Whenever you have any choice in the matter - i.e. unless a health crisis means you must start immediately - always schedule your longer detoxes to happen when the moon is waning. You will get much better results.

According to this theory the body's capacity for detoxification is at its highest each month on the day of the new moon. Choosing to consume only juices or light meals of raw fruit and vegetables every new moon is a great health habit to get into. It is also advantageous to do this, or at least eat a very clean diet, on the day of the full moon, for the opposite reason: this is the day on which the body's capacity for absorption is at its highest.

Lunar calendar

More moon theory - two opportunities for super detox
Each year there are two periods when your body's capacity for detoxification is greatest of all: the two equinoxes, spring and autumn. This knowledge has existed in all civilizations since ancient times, but it is largely lost in the modern world where it's possible - and not unusual - to live as if seasons did not exist. If we are living in tune with nature, our bodies will always go into intense detox mode during the transition between seasons, especially winter to spring and summer to autumn. If you want to help this process, at the very least make the equinoxes themselves - March 20 and October 22 - detox days. And if you are feeling extra motivated, remember that according to Chinese medicine, the window of opportunity extends ten days before and after each equinox. Can you schedule a 20-day period of extra-light eating and living during these two periods each year? For many people this (coupled, of course, with a consistently healthy lifestyle) is all that is needed for year-round well-being, radiance, energy and vitality.

Finally, if you are dealing with serious health issues, or you have tried to detox before but haven't been satisfied with the results, you may benefit from seeing a good naturopath, natural nutritionist or other appropriate professional. It is very common to feel great for a few days and then to feel terrible, and it is not always wise to dismiss this as 'detox symptoms' and soldier on. Especially if you find that it happens every time and is only relieved by stopping the detox. It may be a sign that toxins are becoming backed up in the lymphatic system, blood, liver or colon - all of which they must pass through before they leave your body for good. In such circumstances, continuing the detox without clearing the blockage will only be counterproductive. However, various treatments such as lymphatic massage, castor oil packing, colonics, hot tubbing and cold wraps can be very effective in getting things moving again.

(taken from the article how to get the most out of your detox by Sarah Best)
http://www.fresh-network.com/acatalog/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-detox.html


If you intend to do even more for your nutrition you should incorporate the nutrition suggestions of the moon calendar in your daily meals. During the fruit days (aries, leo, sagitarus) for example you should prefer beans, peas, eggplants and rice instead of carrots, red beets, spinach and potatoes. Moreover the majority of people can do with less alimentation - corresponding to the respective day - a welcome side effect. By now we have almost reached the moon diet. Following it you have to keep consequently to the recommendations of the "chief-cook" moon. This way you almost automatically take care of a healthy and diversified nutrition - this even confirm otherwise "moon - skeptical" sources."
(source http://www.moonsigncalendar.net/lose-weight.htm)

is this a wee bit over the top - I'm not sure. I believe the moon effects people (just pay attention the next full moon to the way people are driving) but, I'm not sure about structuring my eating/fasting around the phases of the moon. However I know a lot of people who garden/farm by the phases of the moon and produce amazing results. So maybe? An interesting concept worth looking into further.

FYI The Lunation Cycle Each lunar month the Moon passes through four phases – New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon and Last Quarter. The number of days between each change of phase can vary from 6 3/4 to 8... The next full moon falls on November 2, 2009.