Lately, my mind has been consumed with thoughts of my health, and the pressing need for change if I intend to sustain my journey through life. The trucking profession, while fulfilling in its own right, carries with it a host of health concerns that cannot be overlooked. Hours upon hours spent behind the wheel, coupled with the ever-present allure of quick, unhealthy meals along the road, present a stark reality—a reality where the risk of developing conditions like diabetes, gout, or various cardiovascular issues looms large.
For far too long, my well-being took a backseat to the demands of the road. The erratic schedules, the relentless grind—they made it all too easy to neglect the very vessel that carries me through each journey. But as I recently crossed the threshold into my 39th year, the specter of 40 cast its shadow over me, a stark reminder of the need for change. At nearly 280 pounds, I feel like a change needs to happen, sooner rather than later. I refused to allow myself to enter this next chapter burdened by poor health choices, resigned to becoming yet another statistic—a heavy-set man grappling with the consequences of neglecting his well-being.
This realization struck home with even greater force when a close friend, younger and seemingly healthier than myself, received a sobering medical report after going for his CDL med card. It was a wake-up call—an urgent reminder that health is not a given, but a fragile gift that must be nurtured and protected. If he, with his youth and vitality, could face such serious health issues, then what did that portend for my own future?
In the midst of this existential reckoning, I turned to intermittent fasting—a practice I had dabbled in before, but never with the seriousness it deserved. Yet, as I delved into the research and heard the success stories of others, something clicked within me. Here was a tool, a lifeline, that could potentially reshape the trajectory of my health.
With a determination born of necessity, I embraced an 18:6 fasting schedule, complemented by a ketogenic diet. The results were nothing short of transformative. The weight began to melt away, revealing a version of myself that had long been obscured by layers of neglect. But it wasn’t just the physical changes that astounded me; it was also the newfound energy, the mental clarity, the sense of vitality that infused every aspect of my life.
Yet, as I embarked on this journey of physical transformation, something unexpected happened—I found myself drawn back to the spiritual practice of fasting within my Orthodox Christian tradition. Fasting, I discovered, was not merely a means to an end; it was a deeply spiritual discipline, a way of aligning the body and soul in pursuit of a greater purpose.
For the first time, I began to see the parallels between the two forms of fasting. Both demanded discipline, sacrifice, and a deep sense of purpose. Both required a willingness to confront one’s limitations and push past them in pursuit of a higher goal. And in that realization, I found a profound sense of connection—to myself, to my faith, and to something greater than myself.
In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches about fasting: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” This passage underscores the importance of fasting with the right intention and heart, focusing on our relationship with God rather than seeking the approval of others.
If I can commit to fasting for the sake of my health, why can’t I extend that same dedication to fasting for the church? It’s a question that’s been weighing on my mind as I navigate this journey of physical and spiritual renewal. As I’ve experienced the benefits of fasting in improving my health and well-being, I’m beginning to realize the profound connection between physical discipline and spiritual practice. Just as I’ve found strength and resilience in adhering to my fasting regimen for health reasons, I believe I can harness that same strength to honor my faith through fasting. It’s not just about abstaining from certain foods; it’s about cultivating a deeper sense of discipline, devotion, and connection to something greater than myself. So, as I continue on this journey, I’m inspired to embrace fasting not only as a means to improve my health, but also as a way to deepen my spiritual life and strengthen my connection to my Orthodox faith.
Isaiah 58:6-7 further highlights the spiritual essence of fasting: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” This passage reveals fasting as a holistic practice that extends beyond personal piety to encompass acts of justice, compassion, and mercy.
It hasn’t been an easy journey. There have been days when my hunger gnawed at me, when the temptation to break my fast was almost overwhelming. But in those moments of struggle, I turned to water, to tea, to prayer—a reminder that the path to spiritual and physical renewal is often paved with obstacles.
As I continued on this journey of physical and spiritual renewal, I began to see the fruits of my labor—not just in the numbers on the scale, but in the way I carried myself, in the way I interacted with others, in the way I approached life itself. I was no longer weighed down by the burdens of poor health; instead, I felt buoyed by a sense of purpose, of vitality, of life lived to its fullest.
Joel 2:12-13 calls for a return to God through fasting: “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” This invitation to return to God with a sincere heart through fasting reinforces the idea that fasting is a path to spiritual renewal and deeper communion with God.
And as I stand on the threshold of my 40th year, I do so with a renewed sense of hope and possibility. No longer do I fear the passage of time; instead, I embrace it as an opportunity for growth, for transformation, for becoming the best version of myself.
So, if you find yourself on a similar journey—toward better health, deeper faith, or both—I invite you to join me. Let’s walk this road together, sharing our stories, supporting each other, and finding joy in every step.
And to those who are just beginning their journey, who may be feeling overwhelmed or discouraged, I want to offer a word of encouragement. In just two weeks of fasting and five days of keto, I’ve already noticed improvements, and that’s incredibly encouraging. Starting any new regimen, especially one as transformative as intermittent fasting and the ketogenic diet, can be challenging. But remember, every small victory is a step in the right direction. So keep pushing forward, one step at a time, and know that with each passing day, you’re getting closer to the best version of yourself.
Until next time my friends, stay safe out there.
— Orthodox Trucker
Orthodox Trucker 