Fasting Facts & Tips

 Those who should not fast are:

• Underweight or malnourished
• Prone to eating disorders
• Anemic or prone to anemia
• Have tumors, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood diseases, heart disease, or weakened immune systems
• Have chronic internal organ problems
• Are diabetic or hypoglycemic
• Are pregnant or nursing
• Are children
• Have had recent surgery
• Fear fasting

 
A few benefits of fasting are:

• Anti-aging effects
• Better resistance to disease
• Better sleep
• Clearer skin
• Toxin detoxification
• Improved senses
• Mental & emotional clarity
• Reduction of allergies
• Rest for digestive tract
• Revitalization

~Taken from Staying Healthy with Nutrition by Elson Haas, M.D.

Options for the fast:

• Water fast
• Bone Broth fast
• Juice fast
• Fruit fast

 
Preparation

• 2-3 days prior reduce consumption of caffeine, white sugar & meats
• 2-3 days prior increase intake of raw juice, fruits and veggies
• 2-3 days prior increase intake of water
• Plan activities for the day of the fast

 
Fast               

• Begin fast with the last food intake at dinner. The earlier you eat dinner without any additional snacks, the quicker the fast will be complete. Do not gorge in this meal. Gorging will make you more hungry the next day.
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Wake up (you are now 1/3-1/2 finished with the fast)
• Drink two glasses of water or green tea without sweetener (green tea is an appetite suppressant). The tea can be warm or room temperature
• Engage in normal activities, but avoid physically demanding exercise
• Mid-morning-drink two more glasses of water or unsweetened green tea
• Continue with daily activities
• Mid-afternoon-drink two more glasses of water or unsweetened green tea
• End the fast with a light meal of raw fruits and veggies. Do not eat a heavy meal

 
Tips

• Light exercise only
• Be prepared for doubts and second guessing, this is normal
• Create ways to distract yourself (reading, meditating, music, yoga, movies, writing, walking, etc.)
• Hunger pains are normal as are lightheadedness and possible headaches
• Whenever you feel any of these, slow/sit down and drink water or unsweetened green tea

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