I was recently at a dinner party and noticed that one of my friends had lost some weight and was radiant…this led me to him letting me know about the juice fast that he had been doing for the last 5 days….
So this led me to do a juice fast for 2 days and experience what he was experiencing…
Juice fasting is one of the most power natural treatment for any health condition. It’s also a great way to lose weight. The reason it is so effective is because fasting prevents the intake of any food or beverage that has a negative effect on health. These include all animal products, refined sugar and white flour products. Avoiding solid food allows the body to have more energy for detoxification and cleansing.
Juice fasting removes waste products and toxins stored in tissues, cleanses the colon, and revitalizes the nervous system and organs.
Firstly: Purchase a high quality Juicer
The best kind of juicer to buy is one that chews up the plant pulp to extract all the juice. One type of juicer that works well is a centrifugal juicer which are available with pulp ejectors. They are very popular and reasonably priced. Be sure to get one with a steel cutting blade and a sleeve that isn’t made of aluminum because it can react with the acids in fruit. It is best to drink the juice as soon as it is prepared. However, you can make as much juice as you need for more than a day and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Secondly: How Long Should a Juice Fast Last?
To receive the full benefits of a juice fast, it is recommended you continue the fast until you have been free of detoxification symptoms for two days. In the case of disease, it is necessary to remain on the fast until there is evidence of good recovery. This can take from several days to several weeks. If the fast continues beyond seven days experienced guidance will be required. I only did 2 full days here.
In the case of severe illness, practitioners may provide a juice fasting program or 3 days a week juicing and the rest of the week eating selected fruits and vegetables. After the fast is concluded meat is not allowed by many practitioners during the recovery period. Some practitioners allow patients to have a couple of ounces of SOFT protein from white fish or egg per week. Concerns about protein deficiency are unwarranted because the bodies protein reserves will supply the needed protein for the duration of the fast.
Thirdly: How much juice should be consumed during a fast?
There is no limit to how much juice you can drink. You will find that on busier days with increased physical activity you will need more juice. It is common to consume more juice near the beginning of a fast and after a few days find the need for juice decreases. I had 8oz every 2 hours, however, this may vary from person to person. Avoid drinking any bottled juices because they lack the needed nutrients and have been found to increase hunger. It is best to avoid large amounts of the more acidic juices in the morning. The best juices for drinking in large quantities are vegetable and melon juices.
Juice fasting is one of the most powerful forms of natural cleansing and healing for the body. It is also ideal for disease prevention and life longevity when done periodically. Following the guidance of a natural healthcare practitioner is important for individuals with serious conditions requiring extended juice fasts. The long-term health benefits of juice fasting are much more desirable than temporary relief with unpleasant side effects offered by conventional medicine.
The verdict:
The most challenging thing that I experienced about the juice fast was the lack of eating; or the OBSESSION that I had over eating a meal/s. As a society we are driven towards the next meal, coffee break, protein shake etc. Just to have a glass of juice and carry on with your day was really strange for me. But once I got over that, my energy levels peaked, my sleeping patterns improved and I tightened up A LOT! I lost 4lbs in 2 days.
My goal was NOT to lose weight here – only to experience the fast. I would HIGHLY recommend a juice fast. Not only are there health benefits, but it gives your digestive system a ‘time out’, you cleanse not only your body but for me, it seemed to be a spiritual / holistic experience as well.
GO FOR IT!
Coach Marc
Get Well. M-Fitt.
#1 by Ahmed Zee on November 9, 2011 - 6:19 pm
You sold me on the Juice fast. Well put, and good call on the Al reaction w/ acidic liquids…