I think I am addicted to Iranian dates (Day 24)
Today my weight dropped 0.6kg to 67.7kg. My Body Fat dropped 0.8% to 17.2%. My body water increased to 56.9%. My Body Muscle rose 0.5% to 43.1%. These are pretty good results considering I haven’t done any exercise since Monday 23rd August (Day 19).
I continued to consume mostly liquids during the day. Today, instead of vegetable soup I snacked on red lentil, sweet corn, green peas and whole grain basmati rice soup. I figured it would be good to have a continuous source of protein in my diet.
A regular pack of Tunisian dates
I have a confession to make. For the last couple of days I’ve been breaking the rules. I think I’m addicted to Iranian dates. The slightest thought of them has me reaching for the fridge to grab myself a treat. I know I’ve committed to only consuming liquids during the day, however every now and again I can’t help myself but to grab a couple of these dates. They taste so good. As it’s Ramadan there are a large variety of dates being sold in Asian and Middle Eastern grocers at the moment. Muslims consider it a Sunnah of Muhammad (a practice of Muhammad that should be imitated as doing so will result in being rewarded in heaven) to break one’s fast with dates. As far as I am aware Tunisian dates are very commonly used in this country to break one’s fast. They are readily available during this time of year. However to understand the difference in quality and delight of consuming Iranian dates compared to Tunisian dates: a pack of Tunisian dates cost from 50-60p, whereas a pack of Iranian dates will set you back £2.50-£2.80. And trust me when I say that the £2.00+ mark up is worth it! Tunisian dates tend to be coated in glucose syrup to make them appear moister. Such a procedure is unnecessary with Iranian dates. They are dry on the outside but melt in your mouth. They are a lot squishier and have such an addictive taste. Tunisian dates on the other hand have a dry and stringy texture to them. Eating them in comparison just feels like you’re eating a date filled with air. They simply don’t compare! Just the thought of Iranian dates as I am writing this is tempting me to go out and buy some! Perhaps I should make the most of it as Ramadan will be over in about ten days after which finding these dates may not be so easy! Be right back!
My new pack of Iranian dates
Right, I’m back. With a brand new pack of Iranian dates. I can’t read the box properly, but I think they are from Bam, Iran. I think. It seems Muhammad’s practice of breaking his fast with dates has sound wisdom in it. When you’ve been fasting all day your body will be depleted of carbohydrate energy. Eating some dates first thing will provide a source of quick digesting high GI carbohydrates to give your muscles a quick source of energy. It seems this fact may also be part of the reason why I am addicted to Iranian dates. High glycaemic index (GI) foods can be addictive like drugs. Consuming high GI foods causes blood sugar levels to rise quickly. Apparently this sugar rush stimulates the same part of the brain that drugs and nicotine addiction do. It really does feel like a full blown addiction to Iranian dates. I feel a very strong impulse to break the rules for them. I have not felt a similar craving for caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, meat, or anything else that I have banned for the detox. Then again I’m not sure the high GI of Iranian dates is solely to blame, as I don’t feel the same addiction for say mangoes or any other high GI fruit. Perhaps there is an element of convenience with dates. They are the same size as sweets. I don’t need to wash them or cut them, like I would need to do for a mango. And maybe because they are small I may feel as though it’s just a minor sneaky break of the rules.
In the evening I ate buckwheat with moong dal chilka and snacked on a handful of mixed nuts and mixed seeds.