Cocoa Instead of Cookpot – An Unexpected Fasting Experience

Something quite peculiar has happened. I stopped eating. Just like that. And instead, I'm drinking – cocoa.

What?! Only for a while, of course. But it wasn't planned.

How it came about

Perhaps you know: I am very fortunate to be married to a woman who is triply blessed culinarily – and who also enjoys cooking for me (most of the time). Her creations not only taste delicious, but they also look appetizing.

But right now, I'm spending two weeks without her. And with that, my daily feast à la Anka also comes to an end.

So: I'm a self-starter. I thought. My attempts to conjure up something delicious for myself? Well. A planned salad turned into a stew. The muesli overflowed. I did get full – but it just wasn't… sexy. Not like hers.

So I sat there on an early Friday afternoon, hungry – my breakfast consisted of a cocoa – and asked myself the question:

Make something to eat? Or just have another cocoa? The cocoa won. And has been winning ever since. (As of now: Sunday, 2:37 PM)

My Spontaneous Cocoa Fast

As you might know, I regularly drink ceremonial cocoa. What I have never tried, however, is living solely on it.
Intermittent fasting is familiar to me – with cocoa as a gentle companion in the morning. But this time, all solid food is omitted. Whenever hunger strikes, I drink a cocoa.
After 6 PM? Nothing anymore. Not even cocoa.

How am I doing with it?
Surprisingly well.

I feel: The emptiness in my stomach – normally I like to eat a lot – combined with the mind-opening effect of the cocoa, creates a very special flow. And because I have no appointments this weekend (except with our dog Ruby), I can fully surrender to this state.

I feel like a child. Only with the advantage that I don't have to ask anyone for permission.

Cocoa as a Companion

Cocoa acts like an adaptogen for me – sometimes stimulating, sometimes grounding, but always nourishing. Physically, I lack nothing.

My sleep is restful – if I observe the 6 PM rule and pay attention to light.
Moderate exercise works wonderfully.

And my nervous system is astonishingly sensitive: I am more introverted, avoid large social contacts, and feel comfortable with a few close people around me.

But even that – can change at any time.

A Look Through the Consciousness Researcher's Glasses

Cocoa contains high-quality fats. It feels like my body has switched to fat burning (instead of carbohydrates) – keyword ketosis. This probably explains my stable energy level, mental clarity, and the consistently pleasant feeling in my body.

The theobromine in cocoa does the rest: gently stimulating, without pushing. The neurotransmitters tingle joyfully in my stomach – and motivate me to do things that make sense right now. And to stop when it's enough.

I feel an enormous zest for life.

PS: I'm fasting with our Chuncho cocoa – I love its mild, soft note.

Is this something for you too?

Well, Mischa…
If my daily life were scheduled or externally determined – I don't know how well I could enjoy this process.

But I clearly feel: My body and mind are benefiting enormously.

Perhaps you'll give it a try? And if your system says after 6 hours: "That's enough" – then perhaps it is enough.

I'm going to see how long the cocoa sustains me (as long as no one cooks seductively for me) – and I'll add a bowel cleanse for the next four days.

What comes after that?
Nobody knows.
hehe.