Fasting Help! [Archive] - Raw Food Talk

thunderdancer

09-24-2004, 05:26 AM

Hiya Analeah,

One thing is sreaming to get out...

**Listen to your body**

If you are feeling towards a fast then it's what you need, examine your feelings and reasons and really get in touch wihth your body I would say. When we are sick we lose our appetites, when animals are sick they stop eating, I believe fasting is natural - when done in accordance with your body's messages.

I've fasted on water for 5 days a few weeks ago now. I've been raw quite a while and it was still a powerful experience, I learned a lot from it and detoxed lots too.

I would say (from my experience) leave time for yourself - I was very weak and needed rest, my body asked for it - it didn't want to 'do' anything at all. Some people say they get a tonne of energy - they must be very clean I say :) good on em. Be prepared to be laid up you may need lots of rest, I believe that all the rest and the digestive system rest was what benefited me the most - I learned soooo much from the fast, it was very valuable, I don't believe it would have been such a learning and healing experience if I had had to force myself to work during it. For those times I have juice fasted in the past. I really feel like water fasting is an intense experience (in boy, mind AND spirit) and needs to be taken as such.

I did lots of reading too before I did it, but like I say - the biggest thing I could reccomend is to get in your body and talk to it, let it talk to you, really get in touch, explore any mind games you may have too (I had a few!), be as conscious in it as you can and trust your body's instincts all the way through.

And don't foget to come in for support :D I had great support and it was sooooo welcome, physical support would be wonderful too - I was alone for that time which was great but physical support = great if it's available I say :)

We're here to support you!!

Curtis

09-24-2004, 08:01 AM

Analeah,
With a water fast you need a lot of rest, can't really work or much else. Some folks can have a successful juice fast and still go to work, etc. Any fast for longer than a few days when you break the fast eat only soups and maybe raw salads first to let your system start up again slowly.
Fasting in not dangerous if done correctly. Folks have used it for spiritual and health reasons for many hundreds of years. And some folks get rid of cravings for the wrong kind of food doing a fast to.

Analeah

09-24-2004, 09:16 AM

Hi Thunderdancer and Curtis, thank you for your advice. I think I remember Kirk posting somewhere once that the hunger sort of goes away after the third day. I think a five day fast is a good amount so I think I am going to aim for that. I thought about doing a juice fast but I think it's not quite as cleansing and also I couldn't stand to waste all that good pulp! At first I thought well I could make veggie burgers out of it or something but I don't think I am capable of making food without tasting it so I don't think that would work for me. I totally agree with what you said about listening to your body. I think that is the most important thing and right now I just feel like I need to do some kind of fast. I haven't really had any detox symptoms at all so far so I am hoping if I do a fast it will speed along the process. One thing I am worried about is getting exercise while doing the fast. I usually do bikram yoga every day for about 30-45 minutes and sometimes go running and work out a little. I am willing to cut out the running and working out but I would still like to continue to do yoga if possible. Do you think that will be possible while fasting? I don't think I will be able to not work at all but I think I will be able to handle working for a few hours at a time. What kind of exercise if any did you guys do while fasting? Thanks again for the advice and I welcome anything else anyone else has to say!

rawjojo

09-24-2004, 09:25 AM

Hi Analeah!

I think that Yoga would be wonderful for you to do while fasting. Although I mean restoritive yoga that will help to massage your organs and replenish your body. Definitly not bikram or power yoga or anything to strenuous. It will do wonders in helping you through your fast. It will also be a great way to clear unneccesary junk out of your mind that your body will be getting rid of. Best wishes furing your fast! Let me know how it turns out.
Namaste'
rawjojo

rawfasting

09-24-2004, 10:09 AM

Hi Analeah!

Congrads on seeing the value of fasting. If you look at some of my other posts you'll see some tips. I don't have a lot of time to type but did have to answer because it's easy to get confused. The first rule of thumb when asking about fasting, and maybe other advice as well, it to ask from someone who is a hygienist and does a lot of fasting. Someone who has experiences and has taken copious notes along this journey. I have done the above things along with several fasts. Two of them have been 14 days. I would rather speak to you on the phone before you do this so you have a full understanding of what you may experience. There are differences between juice and water and I can tell you what they are. They both serve a purpose and I have seen many gain benefits from both. You have to work from a foundation and that means being very close to 100% raw for at least three months. If this is not the case then you should do very short fasts no longer than 3 days. There is SO much to learn about this. May I recommend Paul Braggs book "The Miracle of Fasting."

Let me know when you are available to chat and we'll set up a time. I'm leaving for CA tomorrow but have long layovers so we could do it then.

Warmly,

Steven

smasty

09-24-2004, 12:50 PM

I'm very interested in more info on fasting. I started my raw journey with a 21 day juice fast...coming off of feasting on junk food.

It changed my life, and I'm really anxious to repeat it again. I knew for sure I would do that once a year. I felt so amazing on my fast! I had lots of energy, I felt like I was walking on a different plane. I thought staying raw would continue that feeling, but because I don't properly combine foods, it hasn't. I feel drawn to do another fast, but juice fast, definitely. Maybe we could do a live chat with Steven sometime, for those of us interested in this.

Sue

Analeah

09-24-2004, 01:21 PM

Hi Steven, thanks so much for your post. That is SUCH a generous offer of you to be willing to talk with me on the phone about this! I would love to set up a time when I can call you or Smasty has a wondeful idea of doing a live chat. If you can, post when you would be available or private message me or email me at analeah@gmail.com. It sounds like you sure know a lot about fasting and I would love to talk with someone who has a lot of experience with fasting and can answer a few questions and give some info etc. Thanks Again!

rawfasting

09-24-2004, 04:42 PM

Hello friends!

I will ALWAYS make time for people who recognize the element of fasting. Too often it's ignored as just some other way to get healthy or some healing tool. Most don't realize that without a certain amount of fasting we just keep getting dirtier on the inside. Paul Bragg lived to the ripe age of 96 and would have gone further had he nit been killed in a boating accident. Norman Walker, another advocate of fasting, lived until 118 I believe.

Anyway, I would love to do a conference call wit the two of you. I'll contact you both via e-mail so we can choose a time thats good for all of us!

Warmly,

Steven

ConsciousCuisine

09-24-2004, 05:06 PM

Steven, I agree with your posts on fasting...I too have done extended fasting since I was a child. (My longest was 14 days of only water and herbal movers/cleansers after 4 months of 100% raw and frequent periods of only juicing complete with enemas and skin brushing etc.) It seems like we have even more in common than I originally thought :) I am sure we'd have a lot to talk about... as far as guidance goes, I have always offered it and continue to do so, so if more help is needed, I am open to email, letters, telephone, whatever. But you already know that, Analeah :) The same goes for anyone else who needs more intensive aid. :)

Analeah

09-25-2004, 01:11 AM

Awwe thanks CC, that is very sweet of you to offer your guidance too! I private messaged you a couple days ago I think but you haven't read it yet probably because you didn't know you had a private message lol. Click on the User CP then go down and click the link that says "list messages" and you should see it. Other than that I don't know how to get in contact with ya. :p Thanks again for the help you guys it really means a lot to me!

Kristi

09-25-2004, 09:04 AM

I've always wanted to try fasting. I think water fasting wouldn't work due to my work schedule and the fact that it is so intense plus training. Is a juice fast ok for this level of physical activity? I fear failure due to the fact that I still cook for the family.

rawfasting

09-25-2004, 09:36 AM

Leaving for CA and will be back in one week but would like to address some of what CC said.

PEACE

Steven

don't do anything till I get back...ha ha

Analeah

09-25-2004, 09:55 AM

Hehe, okay I will try to hold off on my fast! I am already doing some preparation and haven't bought a lot of food for the week. I want to try to eat up what I have stored so it will be less likely to tempt me when I am fasting. I too wonder about the physical aspects. I would really still like to continue doing SOME yoga even if it's not as intense as what I am used to. I can easily stop running and working out but I usually have to take the dogs to the forest for a walk a few times a week. It's not at all strenuous for me now but I don't know if it would be okay to do while fasting? I have heard of people fainting or passing out while fasting and doing some kind of exercise but I hope this wouldn't be the case for me. Anyway I look forward to your message Steven and I look forward to hearing from you too CC!

Analeah

09-26-2004, 02:34 PM

Okay well I think either Monday or Tuesday I am going to do a fast. I feel like my body is screaming for it. I am going to eat up all the fresh fruit I have left tomorrow and then hopefully the next day will start on my fast. I have been talking to the family about it and they seem to be a little worried. They seem to think I will faint or pass out or something within the first day or two of not eating. Though I know this probably isn't true, I do understand where their concern is coming from. One thing I forgot to ask before is when you are doing a fast is it safe to drive and do things of this nature? As I usually drive to the forest to take the dogs on a walk every day and also help take care of the baby, I am wondering if I will be physically able to do this. I don't want to do anything that would endanger the baby or myself etc. What I am planning on doing is just going with it and listening to my body and if I feel like I am going to pass out or something I will give up the fast and eat something. I'm just not sure what the best thing is to do. Originally I wanted my goal to be five days but I think that might be a bit too long. I am thinking more in the range of a three day fast now but like I said before I want to make sure I am being safe about this! :confused:

Rawkinlocs

09-26-2004, 02:39 PM

Analeah, what kind of fast will you be doing? True/water fast, dry fast or what?

I want/need to do one as well!

Speaking of which, I'd like some help in that area too! Conscious, not sure if you got it or not, but I did send you a PM a couple of days ago. :)

Kristi

09-26-2004, 03:10 PM

I'll do a juice fast at the same time with you! I'm doing juice as my job is very physical. Annaleah, just take one day at a time. If you start feeling week.....add juice.

Re-found a cool quote.....thought it was fitting for the struggling raw foodist, like me......

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." --Will Rogers

Analeah

09-26-2004, 03:44 PM

Hi guys thanks for the support! That would be so awsome to do a fast together. Lol a cyber fast, I have never thought of such a thing but I really like the idea! Rawkinlocs, I think I am going to do a water fast. What is a dry fast? I thought about doing a juice fast but I think I am too lazy to make enough juice. Also the amount I think I would need in order to feel satisfied would be way too much and I think I would end up wasting a lot of the pulp from the veggies. Were you thinking of doing a juice or water fast? I pm'd CC too but I don't think she has read the message because I didn't get a confirmation. I think like most people (including myself up until a few days ago) she doesn't know the pm part of the forum exists. Kristi I like what you said about taking it one day at a time and adding juice if need be! I think that's a great idea, especially if I feel dizzy or something and I know I will have to drive or take care of the baby. I'm a little worried though as I am some what of an "all or nothing" person and I am afraid if I don't do a complete fast I will fail in my attempt. It's like the raw food thing for me, if I don't do it completely and try to do a certain percentage then I usually just end up saying screw it and just go back to eating most everything. I am hoping my body will be able to handle doing just a water fast though. I am usually constantly eating and I eat a lot lol so it will be quite the change but I think it will be a very nice and healing rest for my digestive system and body in general. Anyway, at this point I'm thinking of doing maybe a 3 or 4 day fast if I can. I usually go to the open market on Saturdays to buy my food for the week so I want to time it so that I will end my fast on Saturday if possible. I still want to eat up all the fresh fruit, so I am thinking of starting the fast either Tuesday or Wednesday. How long of a fast were you guys wanting to do and did ya have a preferance on when? Yay, I'm excited guys thanks again for the support! And anyone else is welcome to join in on the cyberfast :D

Rawkinlocs

09-26-2004, 03:53 PM

Kristi

09-26-2004, 03:54 PM

You said something about Monday.....works for me.......I'm trying not to be the all or nothing person that is usually me. How long? I think we'll each have to determine that ourselves. Our activity levels could very greatly plus how we each feel on it. I like to say I'm a recovering perfectionist.

Analeah ~ I put you on my AIM list.....I'm lunar719.

Kristi

09-26-2004, 03:55 PM

I think CC is busy on the weekends because she caters.

Analeah

09-26-2004, 04:27 PM

A dry fast is nothing at all...not even water. Most do this only a day or two at a time from what I've read.

I was thinking a juice fast...at least for a day or two or three LOL! I have a watermelon here and may just do a watermelon "diet" (since you can't really consider eating watermelon a fast..not technically) but I just know I NEED to do something.

I hear you on the waste of pulp, but couldn't you just refrigerate or freeze it until ready to use in some crackers or cookies something?

I only wish I had a better juicer...I HATE my juicer so I'll probably end up just blending and straining through a nut bag as I did before.

Wow I've never heard of someone fasting with no water! Is that even safe to do? Well I guess I do believe in breathatarians but I think fasting in a normal every day environment without any water could be unsafe? Do you gain any additional benefits from fasting without water as opposed to with water? I have thought about doing a watermelon or other melon fast too. It's almost just like juice as the water content is so high. I think I remember Kirk saying something about how if you do that it might be harder because the pulp would make you hungry. That's a good idea about freezing or refrigerating the pulp. Originally I had just thought I would have to make pizza bread or crackers or something with it which would be fine except that there is no way I would be able to make it without tasting it so it wouldn't be so good for my fast hehe. But, if I freeze it then I can always do the making later. Only thing with that I would be concerned about frost bite and flavor and nutritional loss. I think refrigerating it would probably be the best solution. My juicer is not so good either, it's one of those food processors with a juicer attachment all in one thing. So I really feel for ya on that one but it sounds like you maybe have a harder time with it because you have to strain through a screen! What patience you have, I am way too lazy to do that! Hmm, now I can't decide if I should do a juice fast or a water fast....I think I'm going to start out with a water fast and if I feel like I am going to pass out or get dizzy or something I might try to do some juicing instead of giving up on the fast altogether. Thanks Kristi for the tip on CC hehe, hopefully she will rescue us all when the weekend is over! Tomorrow (Monday) I'm going to eat everything that would otherwise spoil before fasting is over and then on Tuesday I will start (but of course anyone can start whenever they wish). I think I am going to try and do just water on Tuesday and Wednesday and then juice Thursday and Friday. I really want to do yoga still though! I have been doing it every day for the last couple weeks and I feel so wonderful after. Do you do martial arts every day? Anyway, we'll all be sure to keep in touch through the board and post when we are going to start!

Sweet lips

09-26-2004, 04:32 PM

I am interested as well - I will doing apple juice and lemon juice on Tuesday and Wednesday - let you know how it goes.

;)

Rawkinlocs

09-26-2004, 04:56 PM

yeah, I suppose that is why most folks who do dry fasting only do it for a day or so at a time. But from those I've read who've done it, they said they felt GREAT.

I'm game for starting on Tuesday! Tomorrow, I'll avoid nuts and seeds and try to do only fruit and veggies and then perhaps Tuesday, juice; Wednesday, water; Thursday, juice and then Friday break it with solid fruit/veggies.

I'll play it by ear as I don't want to plan it and then set myself up for failure! Then again, I NEED to learn to plan and be disciplined.

We'll see...but I'm game to do SOME sort of fasting this week as my body is crying for it as well (especially after eating something really bad today :eek: )

Analeah

09-27-2004, 04:32 PM

Okay, I just completely ate way too much lol. I just made really yummy soup with cucumber, spinach, manioc root and a bunch of other leftover veggies I had laying around. Now that I have gorged myself on food this evening, I will be ready for my fast tomorrow! I think I am going to do a water fast for tomorrow (Tuesday) and see how I feel. The dry fast sounds interesting but I don't think I know enough about it to try it out yet. Anyway I'll report again tomorrow and let me know how all of your fasting goes!

Analeah

09-29-2004, 10:20 AM

OKay just wanted to give a little update. Yesterday was my first fast day and it went pretty well. I didnt eat a thing but felt okay though it got harder near the end of the day. My headache was a lot worse than usual for some reason but I can only assume that is some kind of detox symptom? This morning I woke up and felt pretty good which was cool. I have been trying to drink a lot of water so I think this is helping. I ended up eating a very small amount of coconut oil because I bought a new kind at the store and wanted to compare it with the natures first law stuff. I really hope this doesn't interfere with my fast! Well it's about 5:30PM now and I haven't noticed as much rumbling in my tummy today which has been nice, but I have felt a lot weaker. Either tomorrow or Friday I will add some juices. I am hoping to hold out tell Friday or Saturday before adding juices but I think if I continue to feel so weak I might have to tomorrow. Anyway how is everyone else doing? Sweet-Lips and Rawkinlocs, hows the juice fast? And Kristi and anyone else, how are things going?

Analeah

09-29-2004, 10:23 AM

Okay just another quick little question. I read somewhere that swallowing whole soaked flax seeds while fasting can be really beneficial and help clean out the digestive system. Has anyone tried this before or have any info about this?

Rawkinlocs

09-29-2004, 10:28 AM

Hi Analeah,

Sounds like you're doing wonderful!!

I'm doing okay...feeling a little weak right now. I'm actually doing a modified "fast" because I PM'd ConsciousCuisine and she advised me that I shouldn't do a total juice fast because I'm nursing. So, I'm adding smoothies and raw soups and minimal (starting today they're minimal :o ) amounts of raw wholefoods (such as fruit or veggies, etc.) as to not detox too heavily.

But the details will be in my journal if you care to read.

About the swallowing of whole flax seeds during fasting, I have no knowledge about that, but it'd be interesting to hear if anyone else does!

flutterfly

09-29-2004, 12:32 PM

Good luck on your water fast. Every time I tell someone that I will fast that is when I over eat for some strange reason. No will power at all.;(

tglasco4

09-30-2004, 05:09 AM

Hello Analeah,
Water fasting is so efficient at removing toxins from the body that it does cause people who are not used to it to sometimes get sick (from detox). I suggest starting off with a juice fast. Then doing a water fast. I have just completed a 30 day juice fast. I did a 14 day juice fast at the beginning of my raw journey in May of this year (that was all fresh squeezed OJ from organic oranges). In late August I did a 10 day Master Cleanse and immediately followed it with a 20 day fast of fruit and veggie juices (fruit in the morning, veggies at lunch and more fruit in the evening). I just completed that fast on September 21. I did a 40 hour water fast this week (which I intend to make a regular habit), I am glad I did the other fasts first because they helped prepare me to understand what my body was dealing with. For example, I learned that hunger pains are not necessarily because I was hungry but that my body was detoxing. By the way from the day that I began the 30 day juice fast to the day I ended the 40 hour water fast, I lost 19lbs. I feel wonderful in both body and mind. I hope this helps you friend. You may want to check out this web site where I got alot of information about fasting, www.juicefasting.org
it was a great help to me.

Peace and Blessings to you on your journey.

Todd

I want to do a fast and just thought I would ask some advice first. I have read a lot of controversial things like some sources I have read say that more that a day or two of water fasting can cause serious damage to your body while other sources say that is the only true fast and juice fasts aren't as good. I definately want to do just a water only fast and for as long as possible or to be more specific for as long as it is healthy to do so. Is it better to wait a certain amount of time on an all raw diet before attempting a fast or is it okay to do at any time? Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Analeah

09-30-2004, 07:01 AM

Hi Todd,
Thanks so much for sharing all this info! Today I broke my fast because I was feeling so weak and I didn't want to put myself or others in danger while driving a car. I was planning on doing just juice today and tomorrow but after making some juice today I don't know if I will be able to do just juice for an entire day or more. Some juices are easy for my juicer like orange juice, apple juice or carrot juice but today I tried doing green juice (Mostly spinach and chard) and it took FOREVER. I think until I get a better juicer my only option is to do a water fast :( But I love drinking fresh juice and try to make it whenever I can. Wow, I can't imagine doing a fast of any kind for 30 days! Were you at a retreat or did you do it on your own? What is a 10 day master cleanse? I think I could do a juice fast on apples and oranges for a pretty long time but I don't know how healthy that is? I would think the body needs green juice? I could easily do lots of apples and could do green juice every now and then but not regularly. Do you think it would be okay to try something like that and would I still get the detox and other benefits from fasting this way?

Kristi

09-30-2004, 07:27 AM

Todd,
Thanks for the info. What amazing willpower! Do you live alone? I think that's the only way I could ever do it. How was the 14 day orange juice fast. I have read about that. What about nutrition during that length of time? I tried to juice fast yesterday but ended up being away from home unexpectadly so I wasn't prepared. I ate very little. I'm hoping to juice more today. I have a busy day though which concerns me. I have a yoga class (strenuous) then my taekwondo class, then I teach 2 classes. I drink tons of water during that time. I tried master cleanse for about a day and couldn't take the cayenne. Yuck! May I be nosey and ask if you had a lot of weight to lose? I didn't know if that much weight came off because there was a lot to lose. I know when there's a lot of weight to lose it comes off in big chunks, so to speak, in the beginning and slows as your closer to your ideal weight. My next goal is another 16 lbs away, then the next and I think the best I can do is another 14 lbs.....if that's even possible. I'm getting close so it coming off very, very slowly.

Thanks for the info! And congrats on your success and willpower?

tglasco4

09-30-2004, 07:33 AM

Hi Analeah,

You can certainly do a fast with apples or oranges or both. It would be greatly beneficial in 2 ways. One, it would start to clean you out and revitalize you at the same time. Two, if you do it for at least 20 days (30 would be even better), you will be well prepared for a short water fast that will really get into cell-level cleansing. The items you mentioned that you can juice sound like enough to juice on for as long as you can. Green juice is great for the body but as you stated they do take a little while to prepare (I have a champion juicer and while I have had no problems the greens always clog up the thing a little and I have learned to following them in the juicer with either tomatos or cucumbers to clean them out). But you don't have to have it at this stage. In other words, you won't die without having green juice for the next 20-30 days. Oranges, carrots, apples (I wonder could your juicer handle other high-water content veggies like cucumber, celery and tomato?), these would be plenty for you to get great results. As far as the Master Cleanse. It is a fast that is done by having 2 teaspoons of sea salt in 2 quarts of spring water early in the morning. Then drinking a concoction made from fresh squeezed lemons, cayenne pepper and pure maple syrup during the rest of the day. It really cleans you out. I can either email you the recipe, post it here or you can do a search on "Master Cleanse" and find it. But really, don't worry about the green juice thing and expect to feel weak for about 2 or 3 days, then it passes for the most part. The weak feeling is detox. Your body is usually all available energy to clean itself out hence the weakness.

Peace.

Todd

Hi Todd,
Thanks so much for sharing all this info! Today I broke my fast because I was feeling so weak and I didn't want to put myself or others in danger while driving a car. I was planning on doing just juice today and tomorrow but after making some juice today I don't know if I will be able to do just juice for an entire day or more. Some juices are easy for my juicer like orange juice, apple juice or carrot juice but today I tried doing green juice (Mostly spinach and chard) and it took FOREVER. I think until I get a better juicer my only option is to do a water fast :( But I love drinking fresh juice and try to make it whenever I can. Wow, I can't imagine doing a fast of any kind for 30 days! Were you at a retreat or did you do it on your own? What is a 10 day master cleanse? I think I could do a juice fast on apples and oranges for a pretty long time but I don't know how healthy that is? I would think the body needs green juice? I could easily do lots of apples and could do green juice every now and then but not regularly. Do you think it would be okay to try something like that and would I still get the detox and other benefits from fasting this way?

tglasco4

09-30-2004, 07:43 AM

Hi Kristi,

I live with my wife and 3 of my children. They ate normally and they are cooked vegans. My wife is a terrific cook so the smells the come thru my house made it tougn at times. But I wouldn't give credit to my will power. I believe its pure grace from above that sustained me. The orange juice fast was great. Oranges (and apples) are very powerful fruit. They have everything the body needs as far as nutrition. I didn't even feel like that was a fast at all because of how satisfied I was. As far as weight loss. I wasn't what is generally considered over-weight when I started my raw journey in May, I weighed about 212lbs then. When I finished the 2 week OJ fast, I weighed 200lbs and then fluctuated between 205-207lbs all summer. When I finished the 30 day juice fast I weighed 191lbs. When I finished the 40hr water fast this week I weighed 188lbs. My picture is posted on this site under the 30 day challenge. Also my progress from the beginning is on fromsadtoraw.com My energy level has steadily increased as has my strength. When I started the raw journey I could do about 3 sets of 10 chinups for example. Now I do 3 sets of 20. Its like that pretty much across the board for my workouts. I hope this all helps you Kristi.

Peace,

Todd
Todd,
Thanks for the info. What amazing willpower! Do you live alone? I think that's the only way I could ever do it. How was the 14 day orange juice fast. I have read about that. What about nutrition during that length of time? I tried to juice fast yesterday but ended up being away from home unexpectadly so I wasn't prepared. I ate very little. I'm hoping to juice more today. I have a busy day though which concerns me. I have a yoga class (strenuous) then my taekwondo class, then I teach 2 classes. I drink tons of water during that time. I tried master cleanse for about a day and couldn't take the cayenne. Yuck! May I be nosey and ask if you had a lot of weight to lose? I didn't know if that much weight came off because there was a lot to lose. I know when there's a lot of weight to lose it comes off in big chunks, so to speak, in the beginning and slows as your closer to your ideal weight. My next goal is another 16 lbs away, then the next and I think the best I can do is another 14 lbs.....if that's even possible. I'm getting close so it coming off very, very slowly.

Thanks for the info! And congrats on your success and willpower?

Analeah

09-30-2004, 07:49 AM

Hey thanks again for the wonderful info Todd! I am so excited to know I will be able to do a juice fast and not have to use so many greens. There are tons of apple trees around here I can get free apples from and oranges are not all that expensive here so I am excited! One other concern I have is the pulp from the juice? I have a citrus attachment for the food processor (bosch) I am using and it leaves a little pulp in I think but not much. Is it necessary to straing every last bit of pulp out or is it okay if there is a little? I read another post somewhere here which said something about if you leave any amount of pulp in the juice then it will make you hungry? It's nice to know that during a juice fast it gets easier after 2 or 3 days as during my fast it seems like I just go weaker and weaker though this was only my third day. The master cleanse sounds wonderful, and definately something I am going to look into. If you want you can post the recipe on the board so everyone can view it but I can also look the recipe up on google so either way is great. Do you think it would be more beneficial to do a juice fast on mainly oranges and apples or to do the master cleanse? I haven't yet tried to do celery or tomatoe but cucumber I have tried and it comes out pretty good. I think tomatoe would work great too but I think celery might be hard. (I just bought some today though so I will try later). Also, one more question about the master cleanse, is the maple syrup you use raw? Is it even relevent if you are just doing it for 10 days? I have heard opposite information regarding maple syrup, some claiming to make or have used raw maple syrup while others I have talked to say there is no such thing and that it is impossible.

tglasco4

09-30-2004, 08:16 AM

Do the best you can on the pulp situation, but after that don't sweat it. Also, make sure you drink until you are full. I was drinking 64oz, twice a day and 32oz at night. After awhile you won't need as much but let your body dictate that naturally. Don't mix apples and oranges in the same juice, they are 2 powerful juices and mayupset your tummy (it did to mine anyways). You can certainly drink them in the same day but do it a couple of hours apart since it really doesn't take long for either of them to get through the system. I did the master cleanse because I wanted to try it mainly and I thought it sounded like a thorough cleanse. So I started with that, it was during that 10 days that I decided to continue the fast with fruit and veggie juices. Maple syrup is not raw. The sap that comes out of a tree is raw, but in order for it not to spoil (which it does pretty quickly) it is heated at high temperatures. I disregared that as irrelevent during the Master Cleanse, focusing only on the cleanse as a cleanse and not being concerned about the raw situation. Here is the recipe:
The Master Cleanser, or
"Lemonade Diet"
How to make it:
2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice (approx. lemon)
2 tablespoons genuine maple syrup (not maple-flavored sugar syrup)
1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper (red pepper)
to taste
Water (spring or purified), medium hot
Combine the juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper in a 10-ounce glass and fill with medium hot water (cold water may be used if preferred). Use fresh lemons or limes only, never canned lemon or lime juice, nor frozen lemonade or frozen juice. Use organic lemons whenever possible.
Purpose:
To dissolve and eliminate toxins and congestion that have formed in any part of the body.

To cleanse the kidneys and the digestive system.
To purify the glands and cells throughout the entire body.
To eliminate all unusable and hardened material in the joints and muscles.
To relieve pressure and irritation in the nerves, arteries, and blood vessels.
To build a healthy bloodstream.
To keep youth and elasticity regardless of your age

I actually made 64oz of this at a time and drank it 2 or 3 times per day. Of course it all begins with the salt cleanse in the morning.

QUOTE=Analeah]Hey thanks again for the wonderful info Todd! I am so excited to know I will be able to do a juice fast and not have to use so many greens. There are tons of apple trees around here I can get free apples from and oranges are not all that expensive here so I am excited! One other concern I have is the pulp from the juice? I have a citrus attachment for the food processor (bosch) I am using and it leaves a little pulp in I think but not much. Is it necessary to straing every last bit of pulp out or is it okay if there is a little? I read another post somewhere here which said something about if you leave any amount of pulp in the juice then it will make you hungry? It's nice to know that during a juice fast it gets easier after 2 or 3 days as during my fast it seems like I just go weaker and weaker though this was only my third day. The master cleanse sounds wonderful, and definately something I am going to look into. If you want you can post the recipe on the board so everyone can view it but I can also look the recipe up on google so either way is great. Do you think it would be more beneficial to do a juice fast on mainly oranges and apples or to do the master cleanse? I haven't yet tried to do celery or tomatoe but cucumber I have tried and it comes out pretty good. I think tomatoe would work great too but I think celery might be hard. (I just bought some today though so I will try later). Also, one more question about the master cleanse, is the maple syrup you use raw? Is it even relevent if you are just doing it for 10 days? I have heard opposite information regarding maple syrup, some claiming to make or have used raw maple syrup while others I have talked to say there is no such thing and that it is impossible.[/QUOTE]

Rawkinlocs

09-30-2004, 08:26 AM

I wanted to give a big WELCOME to Todd, one of my biggest inspirations as I've been following his raw journal on http://fromsadtoraw.com

Also, Analeah, there is more of that conflicting information we spoke of in another thread regarding raw. A LOT of folks feel that green juice is the ultimate whereas, one of my raw food support persons who is into Natural Hygiene said it's kinda overrated. I agree with Todd that you could certainly fast on just fruit juices alone. It's not like you're trying to LIVE off of it, just a temporary fast/cleanse.

As for the Master Cleanse, you can find a lot of info on it at http://therawfoodsite.com I LOVE the taste of that lemonade drink and sometimes would even crave it. As to the relevance of the maple syrup being raw or not...I think that depends on how hardcore raw you are. A LOT of people have had much success healthwise and detox-wise doing this cleanse. I've never done the full cleanse, but I think one day I may. I know of some raw fooders who use maple syrup in some of their recipes which make the dish like 98% raw as opposed to 100%. It just depends on how (excuse my expression) "anal" one wants to be about their raw diet.

Look into and then make the decision for yourself. I personally think it's a good thing...just look at what it did for Todd! :)

ETA (edited to add): looks like we were posting at the same time! :)

tglasco4

09-30-2004, 08:45 AM

Hi,

I wanted to give you the recipe for the salt cleanse portion of the Master Cleanser. I made a mistake as it is only 1 quart of water for 2 teaspoons of sea salt. Here is the recipe:

There is a much superior method of cleansing the colonic tract without the harmful effects of customary colonics and enemas. This method will cleanse the entire digestive tract while the colonics and enemas will only reach the colon or a small part of it. Colonics can be expensive while our salt water method is not.
Directions: Prepare a full quart of luke-warm water and add two level teaspoons of uniodized sea salt. Do NOT use ordinary iodized salt as it will not work properly. Drink the entire quart of salt and water first thing in the morning. This must be taken on an empty stomach. The salt and water will not separate but will stay intact and quickly and thoroughly wash the entire tract in about one hour. Several eliminations will likely occur. The salt water has the same specific gravity as the blood, hence the kidneys cannot pick up the water and the blood cannot pick up the salt. This may be taken as often as needed for proper washing of the entire digestive system. If the salt wash does not work the first time, try adding more or less salt until the proper balance is found; or possibly take extra water without the salt. This often increases the activity. Remember, it can do no harm at any time. The colon needs a good washing, but do it the natural way - the salt water way.

tglasco4

09-30-2004, 08:57 AM

Wow Cherie, That is about as nice a thing as a person could say to another person. Thanks for the tremendous welcome. I am glad to be here with folks like yourself!

ConsciousCuisine

09-30-2004, 09:14 AM

I just wanted to mention that for those who are interested in being Raw *and* doing the Master Cleanse, Raw Agave Nectar works well in place of Cooked Maple Syrup.

(Disclaimer: this does not mean I suggest to anyone that the Master Cleanse is a healthy, good option for cleansing)

Analeah

09-30-2004, 01:19 PM

Thank you so much everyone for all this great info! After juicing some more today I have come to realize that it's just way too much vegetables and fruits etc for me to feel full after drinking the juice. I just made some burgers with the vegetable pulp but then I realized if I am doing a long juice fast there's no point in making so much. I am assuming it is not really a cost effective way to use food (though it is great for your body to juice). Still I would love to do just an apple juice fast maybe because I can get them for free so I don't feel quite as bad for wasting some of the pulp, and it has a high water content so I don't think as much would be wasted. My concern with the green juice is that drinking too much orange juice or apple juice etc would leech minerals out of the body or I wouldn't get enough calcium etc? I know it is just temporary but I don't know after how many days your body will begin to take vitamins and minerals from your reserve supply. I am also wondering about the teeth thing and if it will be too acidic for teeth? I know after eating many apples whole my teeth sometimes hurt in the past so I don't know if this would be the same as with the juice or not? Thank you for posting the info about the salt thing. I would definately love to give that a try. I don't know that much about iodized salt but I have celtic sea salt, does that mean it is iodized or not iodized? It sounds like you can do this without having fasted a long time and still receive benefits and cleansing of the digestive tract so I really like the sound of that. Conscious Cuisine, you don't think this is a safe or good way to cleanse or fast etc? What are your thoughts on this? Does the master cleanse work if you omit the maple syrup or any kind of sweetener altogether? I am curious if it is just to make the drink palatable or if it serves a purpose in the cleanse too. Thanks again everyone, you guys are awsome!

ConsciousCuisine

09-30-2004, 01:46 PM

Thank you for posting the info about the salt thing. I would definately love to give that a try. I don't know that much about iodized salt but I have celtic sea salt, does that mean it is iodized or not iodized? It sounds like you can do this without having fasted a long time and still receive benefits and cleansing of the digestive tract so I really like the sound of that. Conscious Cuisine, you don't think this is a safe or good way to cleanse or fast etc? What are your thoughts on this? Does the master cleanse work if you omit the maple syrup or any kind of sweetener altogether? I am curious if it is just to make the drink palatable or if it serves a purpose in the cleanse too. Thanks again everyone, you guys are awsome!

Celtic Sea Salt is not iodized.

I believe that consuming nearly 5,000 mg. of salt all at one time, or even in one day is *not* a good choice. It is hard on the kidneys, can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances (such as potassium loss, which can cause heart arrythmias) and causes high blood pressure and other health concerns.

Not that I put much faith in the FDA, but for reference, the total RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of sodium is a maximum of 2,400 milligrams per day. Most Doctors recommend that you consume closer to a total of 2,000 milligrams per day. Remember that this includes table salt as well as sodium that is already found and naturally occuring in foods.

The maple syrup (or other natural sweetener) is an integral part of the "Master Cleanser", providing calories for energy and to stabilize blood sugar levels. In addition, it keeps you from becoming too alkaline while "cleansing".

Hope this answers your questions, Analeah! ;)

Analeah

10-01-2004, 02:18 PM

Hi CC, thanks for the info. I just tried the salt thing this morning with two teaspoons of celtic sea salt and one quart of water. I did it first thing on an empty stomach like the directions said but I noticed nothing. No eliminations and no noticeable cleansing effect. I am wondering if I did something wrong or if this doesn't work with celtic sea salt?

tglasco4

10-01-2004, 03:36 PM

Actually, that means you should probably just do it again. It will go thru you. Oh and the water should definitely be room temperature. The whole thing should be consumed right away. I know celtic sea is good by what I have read. I have unrefined sea salt by some other brand. I don't think that matters. Did you do the lemon drink after it?

Analeah

10-01-2004, 04:02 PM

Oh okay cool. Do you think it would help if I put more salt? I used two level teaspoons, maybe I should have added more salt? Also, the water was not room temperature, probably a little colder as it came out of the facet. I can't usually take that much salt so I dont know if I can handle more than two teaspoons lol. It was hard to drink a quart of water all at once but I did consume it right after mixing the salt with the water and I managed to drink it all up. I didn't follow it with the lemon drink because I didn't have any maple syrup or agave nectar for it. Does this help with the cleansing process if you are doing it without the fasting? I drank two cups of fresh squeezed orange juice right after but I don't know if that was a good or bad thing to do?

tglasco4

10-01-2004, 05:20 PM

Hi Analeah,

No don't add any more salt. I would try to follow the recipe on this one. Try and get the pure maple syrup and the cayenne. Yes drink at least a 10oz glass (or more) of the lemon drink right after the salt water. You don't need to gulp down the lemon drink as you do the salt water though, you can take your time and drink that. It won't work unless you are fasting though as it is designed to clean out the digestive system while the system is not in use.

Peace.

Todd
Oh okay cool. Do you think it would help if I put more salt? I used two level teaspoons, maybe I should have added more salt? Also, the water was not room temperature, probably a little colder as it came out of the facet. I can't usually take that much salt so I dont know if I can handle more than two teaspoons lol. It was hard to drink a quart of water all at once but I did consume it right after mixing the salt with the water and I managed to drink it all up. I didn't follow it with the lemon drink because I didn't have any maple syrup or agave nectar for it. Does this help with the cleansing process if you are doing it without the fasting? I drank two cups of fresh squeezed orange juice right after but I don't know if that was a good or bad thing to do?

Jeanne

10-01-2004, 09:52 PM

I tried dry fasting for three days. The night of the third day my throat felt puckered. It felt starnage to swallow. So I broke the fast with some watermelon. The puckered feeling lasted for about two days...very wierd!
To start fasting I would go 24 hours after the last meal of the day. This way, you never go one whole waking day without food, but you get to experience fasting. You can do this once a week for a while. Next, you can go thirty six hours which means, instead of eating something at the end of the twenty four hours, which would be at night, you would continue to fast through the night. When I have done this I am never hungry in the morning so I usually go longer than the thirty six hours.
These have been easy ways for me to get used to fasting. This is with water, not dry fasting.