First fast

[RawSinger]

I'm thinking of doing my first fast. How long should my first fast be? I'm thinking maybe I'll try three days to a week to start. What do you guys think?

[isabelephant]

Hi RawSinger,
I think you should pick a number of days and aim for it and then listen to your body-when you are done, your done. Maybe pick 10 days and then see how far you can go. Maybe you'll go longer, maybe not.
Also examine your intentions for fasting. Why do you want to fast? Different lengths have different results.
Often the first few days can be challenging so it would be a waste in my opinion to only do a few days and then stop when things begin to level out for you if you are wanting to do a deep cleanse or have specific healing to do. However short fasts have their purpose too.

Good luck to you! Let me know how it goes!

[Aleesha Sattva]

I disagree. A short fast for a first timer is a good idea. During your first fast it's like quitting smoking. You have to let go of the habit of putting food into your mouth, going to the fridge or the pantry looking for food. It's a challenge in itself.

If 3 days feels like a good start to you, then make that your goal, but don't feel like it's an etching in gold ending to your fast. You can always end early if you wish or, once you are at three days you may want to go further and take it day by day until you are done. But doing a short fast... nothing wrong with it!

[isabelephant]

Seems I was misinterpreted :) I think we actually agree RecyclingGoddess! I hope I wasn't too inarticulate...I didn't say short fasts aren't good-just that if the intention is a deep cleanse, 3 days would be too short. Either way it's up to the individual as to how long a fast should be!
Be well!:)

[Blazin'Jane]

I went the conservative route and fasted a day at a time. Once last fall I fasted 3 days --water only, but that was hard. during this Lent, I've fasted two days a week, and that's plenty for me. That way I can keep up with my job, lots of exercise, etc.

[JEN]

It has taken me many short fasts to work up to a longer fast. I think small steps seem to work best for me. Its pretty easy to do a 1 day fast several times and then a 2-3 day, then a 5 day, then a 7 day, etc. I didnt start fasting until my body felt intuitively drawn to fast. I also find that I dont feel as hungry on the master cleanse but my body gets tired. I feel better doing lots of green juice but I never lose my hunger and tend to think about food more. Im on day 18 of the global juice feast right now and feeling wonderful for the most part. Good luck in whatever you do!

[RawSinger]

Good suggestions. Thank you!

[onlyraw4me16]

I say go for as long as your body says enough, my first fast i went 14 days, without a problem, its something you can set your mind on, without being hard on your self, just set and say right i am going to do a 7 day fast or 14 days fast and enjoy the journey, its wonderful.

i am currently on day 24 of a Juice fast and its been wonderful.

blessings and good luck

[StarFire]

All excellent advice... but -- bottom line is.... your body will decide.

The first fast I ever did (years ago) was a 40 day water fast... I did it without any problems. The fast was for spiritual reasons.

the second fast I did (years ago) was going to be for 1 week - I wanted to lose weight so I could fit into a dress.... I had a horrible time -- couldn't do it and gave up after 24 hours.... I felt like I was going to die if I didn't eat.... (I think the purpose of my fast was too superficial (for me) and therefore did not give me enough strength and foundation to make it work!

Years (and I do mean YEEEAAARRRSSS later) I am now raw. My fasts are for different reasons.... cleansing, honoring my body, getting in touch with me again... etc... etc.... and it's wonderful.

Be led by your spirit -- short fast or long fast -- only you can determine that. do what you are comfortable with and trust in the process. Also - really listen to your body and know when to break a fast .... the goal is not to be able to say ..."I fasted for 40 days"... but instead the goal is to be able to say ... "I feel good, my body is cleansed, rested and ready to move into the next stage of my journey..."

good luck... trust yourself lil Goddess.... You might even take it 'day by day' for a while... Read that information I posted with all the different websites about the Master Cleanse... there's some really great info there!

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/Summer.gif ... RAWk on!!