Fasting to lose weight?

[MusicalRawLady]

I know there is a board for fasting, but I wanted to ask you guys. I have about 12 lbs to lose and I was thinking about fasting for a little while and then continuing to eat raw.

Will I gain back everything I lost when I went through the fast?

Thanks! :)

:o

[EZ rider]

I have found that the best time to make food habit changes is after a fast so if you make some changes in your eating habits after the fast you can keep the weight off. However if you pick up right where you left off then you will most likely return to where you were before you fasted. I have found that after I have fasted my body is ready to make diet changes for two reasons.
1) The interruption in feeding has provided an opportunity to make new choices. I have read that most habits are formed and broken within about a three week period.
2) the addiction level or pull in addictive foods like chocolate or caffeine for example is much lower after a fast then they were when these foods were being consumed and are easier to avoid once the re-feeding starts.

[the_lab_rat]

Some people regain weight after fasting, some don't. I think in general fasting isn't an effective solution for long-term weight loss, but it can help you get a good start on a new diet or end unhealthy habits. Before I became 100% vegan, I fasted on water for 2 weeks. I've done tons of fasts, some short, some long, water, juice, master cleanse, etc. I love fasting for spiritual reasons and for cleansing, but for weight loss... eh... The only one that led to lasting weight loss was the 2 week fast, but that was really exhausting.

Overall, I'd say raw vegan food and daily movement and exercise are far better. But if you want to get a quick start and do a fast, the key is to be careful what you eat when you break the fast. If you go back to unhealthy eating, you'll probably gain the weight back--and more. Eat lightly for a few days after, simple foods, maybe some light exercise, and you might keep it off.

Also, be aware that some people's cravings get worse when they fast, so there's a huge temptation to binge on bad foods afterward. If you have problems with cravings, something like a green smoothie "fast" might be a better idea because your body won't feel like it's starving. Have you checked out the fasting section? It might help you to read about other people's experiences with fasting. Good luck! :)

[145ish]

I have done several fasts also and the weight did come off but it came back on too. I would not fast purely for weight loss, health and spiritual reasons…yes but not just to lose weight.

[DavidZaneMason]

-My experience/opinion is that fasting is the WORST way to lose weight. It tends to permanently clean you out and lower your metabolism. It is far better to eat small meals of vegetables VERY often (at least 4-6 per day) for the purposes of losing weight.

-And my experience is that I bottomed out at a low weight while transitioning.....then gained back about 10 pounds after eating raw for some time. While water fasting....I tend to lose about 3-5 pounds over the course of 3 days or so......which I quickly regain after eating for only a day or two....so no worries!

-David Z. Mason

[Nurse in the Raw]

I do lose weight when I juice fast and keep it off as long as I eat raw.