Never fasted before

[jenimac]

I'm very new to the raw lifestyle and have only been lurking around the boards for a few days, but I'm trying to mentally prepare to go 100% on Monday. I'm excited! My big question is should I do a fast first? I admit I am completely addicted to the SAD and have been having a sort of "separation anxiety" this past week. I WANT to go 100% raw but at the same time I'm going out eating all my favorite foods before I can no longer eat them, so I'm torn. I've been trying out at least one raw recipe a day and eating raw for breakfast and lunch so that's a good start. Would a fast be beneficial to me at this point? If so, what's a good fast for someone who has never fasted before? My main reason for wanting to know more about this is so I can force myself to break any addictions. Thanks!

[Sharon in Colorado]

There is no need to do a fast, unless you really feel led to. Plus if you are coming off the opposite of a raw diet, the fast might kick up some huge cravings. It is usually better to be raw for some time before attempting a fast, based on personal experience.

[star1919]

Hi... Welcome to this site! :D

Going raw can be a process... like what you have been doing. Congrats with that! And, fasting can be part of the journey... however it feels right to you. Perhaps you could do some shorter fasts... along your continuing raw path. I think fasting can assist with helping to diminish some cravings... but it probably varies with different people.

Perhaps there are other ways to deal with your cravings... For example, many cravings are activated by our sense of smell... which is part of our sense of taste. There is something simple... you can smell... that helps decrease cravings... Anise Extract . You can buy it in a grocery... and just carry the little bottle with you. I've done this in the past and it was effective for me.

Also, you can rub your ear lobes... accupressure points there that will help curtail cravings and hunger. Drinking a glass of water is great too... often hunger pangs are signals of thirst. And, drinking a glass of water 20 minutes before you eat can help with you feeling full sooner.

Deep breathing for a few minutes can help... or getting up and taking a brisk short walk. Getting plenty of sleep can help too... often if people are tired they will tend to eat more. Meditation is helpful. Hypnosis cd's may be beneficial... especially if you listen to them often. There are a variety of things that can help... and a combination may be the most effective.

These are some things you might consider... whatever feels right for you. Change is a process... and most of the things we do are simply habits. In time your new habits will be a much stronger pull for you... and become easier over time.

Brightest joys and blessings...

[mershwista]

I have to add that I never would have been successful going raw in the first place if I didn't start it off with a short water fast. It was only a few days, but I needed that to "restart" my system and be able to truly view the rest of my life as a new chapter in raw/living foods.

[spicyfull]

Cold Turkey worked for me. Again it is your Journey and you travel as you choose. I will stress, not to let it STRESS you out. TAke it slow and keep it simple. Are you sure this is what you want to do?