New To Raw/Fasts

[AIRchrist]

I'm new to the boards, but have skimmed through the topics and acquired some good info. I've been a devout meat/processed foods consumer for all 25 years of my life(sans 6 months when I was trying to impress a girlfriend). I was healthy up until the past year when I packed on pounds and hurt my back. Now I have to lose 20 lbs so I don't get fired from my job(military).

My doctor suggested a raw foods lifestyle/diet, and moreso, a juice fast. I'm very open to trying this and making this a big part of my life. However, I'm not sure exactly how to go about it. I've spent hours reading about the fasting/feasting/etc, but I can't find a whole lot of info on the success of fat, processed food eating, men.

I am looking to lose weight quickly, but I'm not looking at this as a diet. I know this is a lifestyle change, and I fully embrace that. I'm just looking to find out what I can expect as far as losing weight, excercising(how much SHOULD I do), and what I can expect as far as initial side effects.

Thanks in advance!

[donnyandcathy]

Welcome, AirChrist
That is really neat that your doctor suggested a raw food lifestyle.
I have been on/off raw since April '09, and when I'm on raw I feel a lot better, but when I slip back into my old ways it's hard to get back to raw. So if you can start raw, my best advice is to stay raw ;)

I'm on my 2nd day of a juice fast, and I'm so new to fasting that I really don't feel knowledgeable enough to give you any advice. The best thing to do is join in on our monthly fast challenge, and I know there are many people on there that can advise you.

All I know is that I can drink as much juice (veg. and fruit), and water as I want, but stay away from anything you would have to digest. The purpose is to let your digestion system take a rest/break while your body does the healing process.

Come and join us!!!

[sport]

Weight loss varies on the raw diet and not everyone will loose the same amount.
Your body will set its own priorities as to what it will heal first.

[Aleesha Sattva]

my hubby prefers to do green smoothie feasts... that way he doesn't have to shut down his digestion and he releases about 20 pounds in just over a week. men tend to release weight faster than women do.

a juice fast will totally do the same for ya, except you shut down your digestion. it's up to you as to what you want to do... but the green smoothie feast won't detox you as fast and i have a feeling... that'll work better for you if you've eaten as you say for the last 25 years.

;) all the best,
Aleesha

[AIRchrist]

I appreciate the prompt responses. I'll be starting my first juice fast tomorrow, and from everything I've read, I shouldn't have a problem losing the weight/feeling much healthier.

I've read some good juice recipes, but I'm honestly not a huge veggie guy(hence me being fat/eating lots of meat). I will try to throw in some celery and a few other greens here and there, but can I get away with mainly fruit juice? Also, am I not allowed to take a multivitamin while detoxing/fasting?

Thanks again for all your help.

EDIT: Should I be doing the intense colon flushing like the MC(saltwater, laxatives)?

[Aleesha Sattva]

you can choose to do enemas, colonics etc. it's your choice.

yes you can do primarily fruit juices. i did for many weeks... not a problem for me. watch your body and make sure it's working for ya. ;)

have a GREAT fast and surround yourself with love and support... it really assists us when we fast to do this.

oh multi... you don't need one when you are fasting... you are getting way more nutrition on a juice fast than you get in a week of eating SAD food... so don't worry about that at all.

[EternityRider]

AirChrist, why don't you come join us on the main fasting thread? :)

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=58079

[AIRchrist]

Thanks again for all the help. I'm on day 3 and actually feel pretty good.

I'll see you kids on the main fasting thread!