Fasting questions

[*SunChild*]

I have decided to do a fast as mentioned on the Lent thread.
But at the moment, I don't have money to buy books but I was hoping to get some questions answered by people who have real experience and knowledge with fasting.
I am only comfortable enough to fast with juice and water.
I'm just not sure how how long the fast should be, keeping in mind the maximum days I have done is only 3 but I would like to go longer. And I want to know what is realistic for a newbie.
My questions are, how do I prepare? What are the best ingredients for juicing during a fast? How long should a fast go for a beginner? What am I to expect during a fast? Should I be resting or active?
Thankyou to whoever has the time to answer these questions.

~Blessings~

[Miranda]

here is a helpful link. i'm sure others will have great suggestions!!!

http://www.freedomyou.com/fasting_book/Fasting%20Tips.htm

[susanne]

I have done the master cleance once a year since 1986, and I can't recommend it enough. It is easy to Google alot of information, or try this link http://www.bc1.com/~vitagem/Master_Cleanser.hthttp:// or www.neerasupercleanse.com/

It is cheap and easy and I have been working fulltime during fast without problems. Gives you lots of energy and alot of free time. Kitchenwork is done for the day after 15 min.

[michigan roman]

sc , my fasting experience is about 11 fast over past year of from 3 to 16 days , furthest ive got on only water has been 9 days . one thing to keep in mind when reading of my experience is that i have an undiagnosable severe gi tract illness that has been draining my strength for like 4 years so if your healthy you shall be able to go beyond my limits . that said concerning length of fast for you my first was 3 , 2nd 3 , 3rd 5 , 4th like 7 , 5th like 10 , you get the picture - its getting conditioned to it mentally (building up confidence ) and its your body chemistry (in my mind but am only a novice ) adjusting to not eating . during my early fast i was always desperate to eat , fearing i would collapse if didnt . ide also get lightheaded sometimes when i got up from laying down or kneeling , but you just focus through it . it helped me to punch in fasting on my browser and start going to web sites on fasting all the time which gives you knowledge and thusly confidence . i found some good info at www.falconblanco.com , you have to dig into some pages to find fasting page there . also www.drbenkim.com . on how to prepare to me it doesnt matter , its just when the time is best for you to have to deal with possibly being low on energy . best juices - im very high on wheat grass now , its said to be a good detoxifier/blood cleanser and is full of vitamins and minerals plus protein , i just look at all the grazing creatures surviving on it and determine its a nutrient rich fuel . i also like apple for its sweetness i crave on fast and its vita c . and also lemon juice squeezed into warm water for its cleansing /internal scrubbing action and vita c . on what to expect beyond what ive already said is , to me its going to depend on persons health status . if your healthy its going to be a mental battle more than anything , but some things for me are needing less sleep once you get like 3 days in because your gi tract is empty so your saving energy which you would of been using for digestion so its a bonus . other thing is ive been getting white coating on tongue thats salty and bad tasting so i always have extra toothbrush that i soak in peroxide to clean that i use to brush my tongue clean every morning . and i get chilled on some fast but i believe its summer for you so wont have that . and there wont be dishes to clean :) and youll save money not eating :) , . and on activity i have worked , ran , biked , lifted through all my fast , its a matter of keeping your attitude up when your dragging . but youll see many people say you should rest when fasting , so its like alot of things , you have to dive in and find what suits you . in closing i say ive determined that fasting should be habit for everyone to acheive and maintain optimum health so its that goal i keep in mind every fast which keeps me determined , every fast im working towards the goal of becoming an expert at it . good day :)

[*SunChild*]

Thanks for the link Miranda, I'll check it out! Thankyou~

Susanne I have heard of the master cleanser, I just didn't want to spend any money...but I'll have a think abou it.

Michigan roman, special thanks for sharing your experiences and things you've learned. I think common sense and determination is the key, and I will aim for 5 days. Next time I can do more. I wont push myself too far. Thanks!

[greeninlosangeles]

Most books say, that noone should water fast unsuperwised more than 3-5 days. Juice is probably easier. You also could do coconut water fast, which I am now on the second day(planning 3 days only since I have a nursing toddler.
The most I did was 3.5 days(water fast), the fourth day I got sharp pains in my stomach, got scared and stopped. But I did not do enemas and I was not raw at the time.