I’ve been requested to provide a little bit more information about this juicing/detox thing.
First of all, if you’re thinking about doing a fast, check with your doctor. Especially if you have any kind of special health condition, such as diabetes. I will admit that I’m a bad girl and did not do this. My opinion is that most doctors do not know a whole lot about homeopathic things. They’ve been taught only the minimum. But, you should still keep them in the loop if you’re on any kind of medication or anything.
There are a lot of books out on the market that are dedicated to juicing and fasting. You can find out info for free simply by googling.
Here is one site I just found when I googled. After reading it, I have to say that I couldn’t find much to argue with. It explains the basics of how the body works during a fast. I need to let Soccer Chick read it as she proceeded to tell me how bad it was for my body, yada, yada, yada. Of course, she is a teen who doesn’t know as much as she thinks she does. But, her attitude typifies much of what I’ve seen from people.
Try telling people you’re on a juice fast. They look at you like you have two heads. Well, in my case, with my wild hair, it’s possible that there’s another head hiding under there somewhere.
Regardless, juice fasting is an amazing experience. Here’s an excerpt from the link I posted above:
Cells are like tiny sponges; they absorb what you breathe, eat, drink and apply to your skin. Over the years of poor eating and exposure to environmental toxins, there is a buildup within the body. During water fasting, these toxins are released at a rapid rate creating great discomfort. Water fasting becomes a hellish experience where more time is spent gagging on toxins than enjoying deepened fellowship with God. The juice of fruits and vegetables are filled with healing and cleansing properties that allow the body to gently and safely detoxify.
Very good stuff, I tell you.
Now, how do you go about fasting? Well, first of all, you really need to prepare your body beforehand. You should stop the intake of sugar, caffeine, alcohol and red meat at least one week before you plan to start your fast. Try to increase the amount of raw fruits and vegetables you consume during the week before. That helps your body adjust a bit more easily to the detox program you are about to put it through.
What portions are you looking at? How much should you drink? Drink one 8oz glass at a time, of either the fruit or vegetable juice. I recommend sticking primarily to the vegetable juice simply because of the sugar and acidic content contained in fruits. Allow yourself at least an hour between glasses of juice. Feel free to drink water anytime. Water is extremely cleansing and will make you full as well.
Nutritionally, vegetable juices will satisfy all requirements. You would actually be surprised to learn that you need far less protein than the “experts” say. Your body levels itself out, using all of the good stuff God packed into the produce.
How long should you fast? I recommend a very minimum of three days. Try that for the first time, if you want. Then try going longer. I read on one site that you should fast ten days every six months. You can also fast longer. I’ve read of people who did 40 day fasts.
Will your energy level decrease? Initially. But then, as your body normalizes, your energy level actually picks up. You find yourself getting rid of less waste (i.e. you poop less). Essentially, your body is using what your putting into it (the juice and water) quite efficiently.
Should you eat anything during a juice fast? I say no. Make a commitment and stick with it. Your hunger pangs subside and do go away altogether. You’ll find yourself thinking of food less often, although you’ll have moments. Push through. You’re teaching yourself self-control. Trust me…the benefits are totally worth it.
A few additional tips about what to do during your fast:
1. Don’t take vitamins and other supplements. These are manufactured in a laboratory. The goal is to get your body as close to its natural state as possible.
2. When you experience a headache, as you’re sure to do during the first couple of days, don’t take pain medication. As a general rule, headaches are a sign of thirst. During a fast, they indicate the beginning of detox. Allow your body to push through.
3. Do not use body lotion or perfumes. Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Lotions and perfumes only add more toxins to it. Allow your body to “breathe” out the toxins.
4. Try to stay away from teas during your fast. We have a tendency to sweeten our tea, and that’s a no-no during a fast. You do not want to elevate your body’s sugar level this way.
5. Do not chew gum. Again, the gum has sugar (whether artificial or not).
6. Get out and exercise. You might not be able to do so during the first few days of your fast, but as your energy level increases, you’ll find yourself able to do more. Exercise will push the detoxification process along.
Coming off of a fast very carefully is important. You’re not supposed to jump pell-mell into a hard-course meal. It’s best to spend several days eating mostly raw foods such as salads and raw fruits and vegetables. You’ll find your taste buds very sensitive, and these things will actually taste delicious! I remember two years ago, when I first started eating again after my fast. I think I ate a piece of pineapple first. Let me tell you…it was almost as good as my favorite chocolate drink (Caramel Choco-lixer) from the Godiva store. It’s gotta be good to beat that!
Ok, so now that I’ve armed you with all of this knowledge, pick a day on your calendar and do it! I’ll be here to support you.
Now, I’m off to drink a glass of carrot juice. I woke up feeling noticeably better today. My taste buds are actually able to distinguish a few things. Yippee!
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: juicing | 2 Comments »
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