New to fasting

[JuicyMom3]

Hi Everyone! I'm on day 4 of what I guess is a juice fast...but since I felt like I needed the protein I have been allowing myself tea w/vanilla soy milk and a soy protein drink. Do I need the protein? and if I shouldn't drink those drinks, where do I get the protein? I started with the Master Cleanse fast but I quickly turned to juicing after 2 days of headaches. The juicing made the headaches go away. I have 3 young children (3 yrs old and 1yr old twins) who keep me VERY active and I go to the gym about every other day. I can't have headaches!
I started fasting mainly to lose my last few lbs of fat and I liked the detox idea but now it's also turning into a spiritual time for me as well.
Can someone tell me what are the "rules" to fasting? and how long should I fast? I feel great and my cravings are now for raw nuts instead of donuts! and do I still need the SWF?
Thanks!!!
~Dawn

[CathyA.]

I personally would not use soy milk. I've been fasting for over thirty days on juices and it never had any issues with lack of protien. As far as the SWF goes, if you are eliminating, you should be fine without it. I haven't been doing the SWF. Can't stomach it. Ugg reminds me of my MC days.

[JuicyMom3]

Hey thanks for the reply. I'm totally learning the hard way by winging it instead of educating myself first. I made it 8 days out of 10 and then I decided to eat everything in sight. I am in such pain right now!!! I know I'm supposed to re introduce foods slowly but I couldn't help myself. OUCH big mistake. I am now starting another fast...maybe 10 days. and I will end it the way I'm supposed to!

[Aleesha Sattva]

education is vital for fasting. would you drive a car without knowing how? fasting is the same. you need to understand it and how to break it successfully in order to not cause more harm than good.

i would suggest you read the fasting section of this forum. there is sooooo much info in there!

[bikediva]

Definitely second Aleesha's advice. Fasting is sooo not as simple as just drinking juice. You need to understand your digestive system, acid/alkaline balance, parasites, and physiological reactions to fasting. You will also have some detox symptoms for sure. Good luck! :)

[JuicyMom3]

Yes...I am going to do some more reading. Right now I am still in pain and still not eating because food just makes it worse....I think I cause some serious (hopefully temporary) damage. Guess I will be seeing a Dr soon if it doesn't go away. Any idea what it could be? The pain is center upper abdominal right below my rib cage.

[Aleesha Sattva]

sorry bike, i disagree. she doesn't need to have that much knowledge... but a good working start to what others experience is definitely a good place to begin. as you fast, you'll find you want some answers and can find them easily enough. the internet is vast and full of info.

juicy, your digestion was asleep and you put it into full gear without any warning... try to do just water for a day or two... nothing else and then transition into juices. stay away from the soy - that causes more damage than you are fixing with fasting in my opinion.

when you fast, stick with freshly made raw live juices (nothing from a bottle), water and perhaps some tea (nothing stimulating)...

ps when i break a fast in an unhealthy way... i get pain in the same area.

[bikediva]

Maybe that's just me...I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist. :) But too much knowledge never hurt anyone. For me, the more I learn, the more motivated I am to fast.

[JuicyMom3]

Thanks. I am going to try water only for 2 days.

[Aleesha Sattva]

oh i hear ya bike... just don't want her to feel like if she doesn't know it ALL she can't do this. cause you can do it... you just need the basics is all. ;)

and someone who's fasting on soy milk doesn't know the basics... (((hugs))) to juicymom3