Fasting before starting Raw?

[berrymarymac]

I don't know if this topic has been brought up. But I was wondering, is it best to fast on say juice or water before starting the Raw Diet? And if so, what is the best way to fast and how long?

[DavidZaneMason]

Opinion:

-I think it's best to only institute practices that you intend to (relatively) maintain for your lifetime. Don't do something 'good' with an unconscious 'out time'! Ha! ha!

-So: I think that light fasting (perhaps leading to longer fasting in the future) is always a great thing. But normally I would say that just the progression of eating what YOU think is healthier....will achieve the desired effect.....and that fasting, juicing and other things should flow along with that.

-Just my opinions.

-David Mason

[Shan]

Ok, well how disciplined are you? My personal thoughts are if you are ready to go 'gung ho' and feel the possible higher discomfort you may feel by detoxing on a fast, then great. I personally did not fast before I started Raw 40 days ago. I knew that I would not be able to stick to a fast and that I didn't want to feel guilty by failing. I also didn't want to get discouraged about going Raw if things didn't go well with a fast. I wanted to take it slower. I'm getting better and better at raw every day and having less and less slip-ups. I think in a couple of more months I will try a fast. Hopefully then my detox symptoms won't be as uncomfortable since I will have had a few months of slower detox from going raw. But whatever works for you!

[Sunshine9]

I agree with DavidZaneMason..

also my personal experience has been that while cooked, fasting was rigorous and often challenging for my body. since raw, it is MUCH easier.. I have found also that fasting is something I only do when i'm feeling compelled to do it physically or spiritually, because otherwise it's work, and i don't like that.

I do think that cleansing by eating all blended foods can be a great transition in, because it is cleansing and not as rigorous as a full out fast.

[Brianna]

I started my raw food diet with a ten day water fast. I had been doing mostly raw before the fast and went 100% raw after. I was very low on energy for a couple months after the fast because it took a long time for my metabolism to pick up. I feel it did help me to stay committed to an all raw diet though because I felt like I had a new start and I was all cleaned out.

[stiletto]

I found it was much easier for me to give up my addictions Cold Turkey and to flush out my system. Also, after 10 days of the Master Cleanse, I was dreaming of tomatoes, cucumbers, oranges and other wonderful raw foods. These were my cravings and it made going raw not only a breeze but a reward! I have absolutely no cravings for cooked foods, for now. We'll see how it goes after the summer. Last year I went off raw during the holidays and it took me months to get back on. I hope I can do it this year!
Good Luck to you,
Doreen

[swingbolder]

I started that way, did a veggie/fruit fast for about a month then went right into raw food from there. I wasn't intending to go raw, but when I tried to eat cooked a few times my body was like "no way." It also didn't help that I was hanging out on this board being corrupted by 100% raw fooders!

Seriously though, I was really sick from asthma and that's why I did the fast. Raw food just progressed naturally from the juicing, but they just fit together. However, I wouldn't recommend fasting into raw unless one is really INTERNALLY motivated to do it. Bc otherwise, feelings of deprivation can kick in, which may lead to backsliding, bingeing etc.

But if you are truly motivated to fast first, then go for it. Your body will see so many good results that much more quickly (and detox maybe too!)

[Tombi]

I actually started with a Master Cleanse. I was not as disciplined as I wanted, could or should have been. I was an emotional eater. I started with the MC to aid me in discipline. I knew from experience that it tasted good, it stops cravings and that it would jump start my weight loss. The MC is a minimum of 10 days. I had learned a long time ago that it takes 15 days to cultivate a habit, no matter what it is...quit smoking (for example), good habits or even bad ones. The principle was once you have done something for 15 days consistently it then becomes a habit. So I did the MC for 15 days, came off the fast with fruit and then added vegetables. Then rolled into the Raw lifestyle with vengence and have been raw eversince. I have now cultivated a Raw Lifestyle Habit!!

It worked for me obtaining raw and it also helped me with my discipline. I can't think of too many things right now that I can't do because of the discipline I have gained by committing myself without over thinking what I am doing.

This may sound arrogant but it really isn't meant to be. It doesn't matter if you do a fast first or if you just go on and commit to a 30 day challenge. This is meant for encouragement. I am no different than anyone else. The only difference is that I did it and there are no reasons, only excuses for others not to. Just do it. Alissa's book, this board and it's members are here to help you through. You just need to know not believe you can do it. There is a big difference in knowing a thing and believing a thing. ;)

(The you in this post is for all those who are having problems going and maintaining raw and it is in this case personal because each of us need to go within ourselves first to find the answer to who we are and who and how we want to be) Peace and One Love



Enjoy and Embrace your Journey!!
Ntombi

[konmai]

Hello there! I'm new to the board but can identify w/ your question. :D

I kind of just went cold turkey & decided to do a water fast for 14 days. Not sure which day this is after my fast, but I haven't eaten anything cooked yet. Fruits are tasting great, & I find when I eat raw...my appetite is very little. I feel like I should be eatting more, b/c that is what I'm used to in the past.

Goodluck in whatever path you choose!! :)