Fasters Unite!

[Aleesha Sattva]

If you are fasting... one water, juice, green smoothies... then this is the thread for you. Come on in and post - give and receive support and above all... have a place where you can come where no food is discussed :)

Ahhhh the freedom within that. No food discussion. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x87/recyclinggoddess/smilie_meditate.gif

I'm fasting on coconut water mostly. I do make other juices or pick some up at my local juice bar - but I like the nutritional value and ease of coconut water and so does my body, so I'm enjoying this choice.

I'm not going for any specific amount of days, just going with the flow of my body. Fasting, eating and then fasting again.

So... wanna join me?

Bike, Dread... I know you are with me already... anyone else? http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x87/recyclinggoddess/ththsecret.gif Don't be shy... we love to have company while we fast! http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x87/recyclinggoddess/thsmiley_loveshower.gif

[FreedomSeeker]

You have my respect! Someday I hope to join you fasters, but right now my body can't do it. I read that you released 145 (did I get that right?) pounds your first year, and fasted buku number of days your second. Would you recommend about a year on raw before beginning to fast in earnest, or just doing what feels right? It sounds a little overwhelming to me, but also freeing. Again, I'd like to join you when I can!

[Aleesha Sattva]

oh i started my raw food journey with a fast... and did many mini (max 10 days) fasts during that first 9 months... then i got into fasting on an extended basis and haven't looked back! fasting is amazing... ;)

you need to follow your path, follow what you want for your life and body... my way works great for me but it doesn't mean it'll work for you (((hugs)))

[Katie P]

Aleesha, do you ever fast on smoothies or just juices/ water etc...?

[Aleesha Sattva]

i have in the past. i started my fast just before christmas last year with blended drinks but honestly my body gets into fasting mode and just doesn't want them... they feel too heavy for me now.

but... yes i have and i loved it when i did. ;) gentler detox and you feel full which is nice especially when you are newer to fasting.

[dread head vegan]

you know i am in :D and i will rember to take some tp with me today. (i didn't even think of that) hope everyone has a great day.

[Siovahn]

I am currently on a water fast, day number 16. Would love to tag along for support if that's ok since I already started.

[bikediva]

Coolio. Always love to hear the perspective of others. I'm on day 19 of my detox fast (day 5 on water) and I have the privilege of fasting at a tropical retreat! I know, life's hard LOL! I've released all kinds of parasites already.

Had a bad sleep last night; kept waking up and feeling like I was on TV. Even the crystal beside my head didn't help. But this is a new day and I feel joyful. Happy fasting and blessings blessings blessings! :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

well i've decided to start tomorrow instead... but i am in for tomorrow :)

had a great day today... and am ready, willing and able to get 'er done!!!

[bikediva]

I love it Aleesha---you are now so legendary you can start a fasting thread without even fasting LOL! :D

[Aleesha Sattva]

hahahahahahahahaha

well i'm here today... at least at this point that's my intention, we'll see how the day progresses *giggling*

[Ripe Avocado]

I'm in! This will mark my first official fast, it will be a juice fast.

I woke up just knowing this was what I needed to do today. My only concern is the evenings, when I tend to have cravings/want to stuff my face.

I am hoping to fast for 5 days but will play it by ear in response to how I am feeling.

[Aleesha Sattva]

Welcome!!! When you are feeling like you want to eat here's a few simple suggestions:

Go for a walk.
Clean a room.
Read a book.
Take a nice warm bath and relax.

Giving your mind something else to focus on will remove your desire/craving to eat.

I just enjoyed some yummy coconut water with the meat blended in. I'm taking this fast gently as I have two sep engagements this week where eating may be a part of them... so I'm going to blend my juices for a few days... ;)

[Ripe Avocado]

Thank you for the tips, Aleesha! It helps that I am re-reading a favorite book of mine so that will be my go-to plan.

Mmm, coconut water is divine.

[Aleesha Sattva]

oh isn't it though?

my hubby is so sweet. i'm working on the magazine and he's in the kitchen juicing for me. (((hugs))) i soooo love that man!

[Lukesgramma]

Thanks Aleesha for this thread. :) I'm too busy for a long water fast, but maybe a couple of days of water fast and then coconut water and/or lemon water for a week or so.

Fasting so far today. Good luck everybody.

Siovahn, please stay safe, and keep us posted!

[Aleesha Sattva]

i looooove my hubby so much. he just made me 7 litres of juice!!!

pineapple, apple, cantaloupe and celery were what he used... he did his own blends.

what amazed us both though...

he did some cantaloupe in the champion and then he did some in the greenstar. holy crapola folks... the champion juice was a muted orange whereas the greenstar juice was soooooo bright! i tasted each and wow what a difference in taste! the greenstar was clear and fresh tasting whereas the champion was ... the only words i can think of is watered-down tasting.

amazing how a juice can make such a difference!

[Aleesha Sattva]

oohhhhhh myyyyyy this is soooo good.

heavy on the celery with apple, pineapple and then the water of one young coconut... mmmm 2 litres of yummy goodness!!! i just had to come online and share... off i go again...

later!

[Aleesha Sattva]

so bike... what are they giving you that is yummy?

[bikediva]

To be honest, I can't say I've had anything that was super-yummy here. Fresh buko (young coconut) juice straight from the tree is good, but there is no fridge here, so every juice is warm. Still my all-time favourite (courtesy of...you!) is green apple, parsley and ginger, nice and cold. I'll keep you posted, because we're supposed to get a fridge soon, and there's lots of yummy stuff in the garden.

Otherwise, I'm doing well, pretty tired but happy. Lots of emotional work, which I find extremely draining. Oh, the crystal-infused spring water here is really good. :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

i like to infuse my water with citrine and blue flourite. ;)

no fridge? really? how about ice? i looooooooove chewing on ice chips when i'm fasting in the heat!

[dread head vegan]

lastnight i tossed and turned all night and this morning woke up with a sore throat:( but feeling a little better now

[bikediva]

dread head, I completely relate. After a few days here, I had a night of HELL. Tossing all night, waking up with sweaty sheets and feeling like I had a terrible head cold. My understanding is, when you fast, after a few days the parasites get mad because they feel they're being threatened, so they release a bunch of toxins all at once. That could explain your sore throat. I would take lots of vitamin C, and feel PROUD of yourself that the squirmies are throwing up the white flag!

MORE tapeworms again today, so that's 3 days in a row of MANY tapeworms, some I'd say 4 inches long!!! I feel fine, being challenged a lot personally, which is always hard to take.

I never realised how much tension I hold in my body when I talk about my stepdad. I HATE that guy. I got talking about him yesterday, and all night and all day I've felt irritable, anxious, headachey. Usually, food would numb those feelings, but now they're in my face! Astounding how anger can poison as much as any substance! :eek:

[Siovahn]

Oh no worries Lukesgramma, I am doing quite well. Had quite a few rough days but I'm mellowing out now at this point. I have been quite sleepy the past few days so I'm taking it as easy as possible. I am on day 18 and have lost 26lbs so really excited about that - the fat along with all the junk that was stored inside - good riddance!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

i'm off to work in a few minutes... taking a couple litres of juice with me. :)

i love fasting while i work at the rock shop... no food smells, no one eating around me. works beautifully!!!

[bikediva]

Wow, Siovahn, way to go! You must feel fabulous! Big congreatulations (and a twinge of jealousy LOL :))!

I had a great sleep, and am ready to take on the day. Feel MUCH better than any other morning since starting water fasting (today is day 7), so am I to take it I'm over the "feeling horribly sick" phase? Actually, I feel pretty anxious today, so need to figure out what that's about...TTFN...:)

[dread head vegan]

i am doing good. watching my DH drink a smoothie he says he is thinking about doing a fast in a couple of months or so :eek::D:eek::D i am exited!!!!!! hope everyone has a good night.

[Aleesha Sattva]

oooooh that's so amazing... it's great to fast with your partner. i love fasting with my hubby! (((hugs)))

well i'm leaving you all tomorrow. i'll be juicing during the day and then eating a raw dinner but i'll continue to check in here and offer support, love and any knowledge i can offer.

fasters unite!!!

[dread head vegan]

yeah i am exited too. woke up this morning felling good. have a weird pain in my lower back, and my ears feel like they are clogged. (when i was younger ad ear infection after ear infection and now have permanat holes in my eardrumbs.) so made they are healing or something. i desided last night to have a smoothie... big mistake i felt horrable and didn't drink all of it. so i guesss i should just stick with juices.:D

[Aleesha Sattva]

i have some lovely news. i took some juice with me to work today and the kids i care for wanted some. they've never wanted any before... well they tried it and fell in love!!! i'm going to talk to their mom about getting a juicer for them!!!

[CathyA.]

that is great news:D

[bikediva]

Hi all!

Well, I've decided to take a hiatus from the Internet (and hence this thread) for a while. I love the supportive community here, I just feel like I need to give up the 'net. However, I will be happily fasting alongside you all until the end of May, so we are not alone in our journey!

Many, many blessings to you! And HAPPY FASTING!!! :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

i totally support your decision.

remember... it's your body and your health... stay empowered.

;)

[dread head vegan]

good luck bike:D

[Siovahn]

Well I finished my 28 day water fast and lost 32.6lbs. I broke it with fresh OJ yesterday and today I'm eating watermelon. Starting to feel really good!!

[CathyA.]

great job!!!

[Rawcstacy]

Well I finished my 28 day water fast and lost 32.6lbs. I broke it with fresh OJ yesterday and today I'm eating watermelon. Starting to feel really good!!

WAY TO GO!! http://smileyjungle.com/smilies/angel9.gif (http://smileyjungle.com)

[Aleesha Sattva]

ohhhhhhhhh yaaaaaaaaaa. now on to the breaking. be super gentle with yourself. water fasts are very very very delicate to break. personally i would do a week of juice before even adding watermelon.

[bikediva]

Hey guys, just thought I'd give a quick update. My fast is going super-well. I'm on day 35, and just began passing mucoid plaque in my colonics today! That's after a looong bout with tapeworms. I ate dinner one day, because I was feeling horrible and just needing something to ease the malaise in my tummy I feel so much of the time. But I've been on mostly water otherwise, with supplements to clean my colon. Yes, this cleanse has been extreme, but the results have been fantastic so far.

I can't believe I've done so much, and I still have almost 2 months to go! Thinking of all my fellow raw foodies. :) Who is still fasting?

[Aleesha Sattva]

glad to hear you are doing so well bike. (((hugs))) to another 2 months in paradise!

[dread head vegan]

i am still here fasting :D about to head out to go for a walk and go to the sauna. is anyone else fasting besides me and bike??

[Aleesha Sattva]

how many days are you in for now dread?

[dread head vegan]

37 days :D so far. not really sure how long

[Aleesha Sattva]

ahhhh nice. i love it when i do an extended fast. i can 'imagine' how great you feel!!! how blissed out. how spiritually connected... how light and free...

ahhhhhh bliss!

[dread head vegan]

yeah, the longest one i have done was 40 days. and that was the master cleanse. yeah, i can't even stand the taste of the lemonade. i am feeling great. now that some the detox has passed. last week was kinda bad. i was kinda wondering, how long is to long to be in a sauna. i lost track of time yesterday. and was in there for 1hr. the heat wasn't that heat though

[CathyA.]

I'm with you in spirit. Glad to hear that you all are doing well.
Happy fasting.

[Aleesha Sattva]

i've stayed in my sauna for 3 hours (on a talk with a raw food client)... kept the temp on 110 degrees though so it wasn't that hot.

i'm totally in eating mode right now... but i'm looking forward to getting back into fasting mode soon. :)

[freelive]

I am back too! Today is my third day on juice fast. I will probably go about 7 days or so. I am drinking watermelon juice right now and enjoying it, because for some reason I am very thirsty during some days, and watermelon juice proabably has more water than most juices.Or maybe the name makes me less thirsty...

[CathyA.]

or maybe because its so darn tastey!!!;)

[dread head vegan]

i've been juicing a lot of watermellon and canalope juice. and a lot of coconut water:D

[freelive]

It definetely is tasty. I bought one more watermelon. This morning I am having tomatoe, purple cabbage, cellery, chickweed, and carrot juice. Also very very delicious!

[RawAngie4life]

..awareness of what I have control over!
Hi everybody!
My name is Angie. I am extremely excited to be a part of this forum. I'm really looking for a good community where I can share my thoughts, feelings, and journey to optimum health. I have been a vegan for just over a year now. I have done raw foods for about 6 months.. and I would really love to come from 75% raw foods to 100% raw foods. I know what is best for my body, and I am aware that I am in control of how healthy and strong my body is and will become. Now I need to DO IT!
Since starting my journey to optimum health, I have grown in many ways. However, I feel there is still a very UN-needed attachment to "the feeling" of comfort foods. Expecially at night. With the love of my life. Ugh. I know there are MANY of you who feel the same way, and if you are one who has acheived the wisdom and self control to see through the unessisary emotional eating, well damn, ROCK ON! I cannot wait until I get there!

Anyway, I have decided to do a fast. I don't know how long I am planning to do this for, and maybe some of you will think that's a killer, but I think it's the right way for me to do it. Surprize myself, if you will.
I plan on doing GREEN smoothies for 3 days. Water fast for 2 days after that. Then back to the green smoothies for 2 days. So there's 7 days, at leaste. I WANT to continue, honestly, and complete an entire 30 day fast, however I am very concious of my weight, health, and strength.. in other words I don't want to be passing out due to over exurtion.

So here I am, 7 day fast for health and mindfullness. Would anybody like to join me? I know using the whoel buddy system makes everything in life a lot easier.. =)

Starting stats:
Age:21
Height:4'11
CW: 94
Gw1:90
Gw2:87
Gw3:83

[Aleesha Sattva]

i wouldn't recommend the fast you are suggesting. water shuts down your digestion completely and going to green smoothies after water isn't a good idea. green smoothies need your digestion awake.

if you don't have a juicer and can't transition to juices... then make sure your first two days (after your water) are reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally watered down green smoothies OR strain your green smoothies and make it juice.

i would recommend the latter.

[freelive]

I agree with Aleesha. Or you could just do green smoothies fast all 30 days.

[freelive]

Fasters, where are you? Today is my day 5, and I am feeling great now, although I felt a bit weak earlier. I bought the third small watermelon this week, because for some reason I am craving watermelon juice very badly this time. Yesterday I felt a bit nauseated, but today it is gone. Feeling very peaceful, but no euphoria yet(last time I got it on the seventh day, so hopefully soon).

[bikediva]

Hi everyone!!! Big big hugs and smiles, as I am doing fabulously! I want to start by responding to some posts:

Dread, I think it's so great we're pretty much at the same time period. Today is...wait...day 39 for me, and I started with a plethora of shakes and supplements, moved to only bentonite clay and psyllium husks with water (to scour out the colon), then water only, then 3 days on pineapple juice, then back to the clay/psyllium/water, and today is only water. Whew. I did eat a little bit of fruit on 2 days, because I felt so sick. And I threw up a bunch of the clay mixture yesterday, which was a big sign it's time for H2O only. So I will do 40 straight days of water starting today.

Angie, don't think that because people have discouraged your fasting program they don't want you to fast. I think I can speak universally, that we all love fasting here. The problem is, you need to ease into it or you will be sick. Also, water fasting is extremely difficult for a first-timer; I was in bed for 10 days straight, and I'd already tapered off! My suggestion would be to just stick to green smoothies for 7 days and see how you feel. I bet you do fabulously! And be sure to post for support here. :)

Aleesha, I don't even need to keep track anymore, because if you're not fasting, you're planning to fast! ;)

freelive, I will do my best to post here more regularly now, as I'm feeling better. You go, girl!

Well, I just wanted to say you are all in my thoughts, and may fasting reacquaint you with your inner self, as it has done for me. Y'all will definitely be the first to see my before and afters!!! :D

[RawAngie4life]

i wouldn't recommend the fast you are suggesting. water shuts down your digestion completely and going to green smoothies after water isn't a good idea. green smoothies need your digestion awake.

if you don't have a juicer and can't transition to juices... then make sure your first two days (after your water) are reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally watered down green smoothies OR strain your green smoothies and make it juice.

i would recommend the latter.

I don't understand.. I have never once heard that water shuts down your digestion completely.. In fact, I'm convinced it AIDS in digestion.. is it only because I am not consuming solid foods? Educate me!

I will try straining the green juices, I unfortunately can't afford a juicer right now, I WISH I could.. I do own a wheatgrass juicer though.. If you could educate me on the difference between juicers that would be great too... I looked up the latter .. All I could find was that it had a stainless steal chamber, instead of plastic. Also, oxidization occurs faster with the latter? I don't know if I like that..

[RawAngie4life]

Hi everyone!!! Big big hugs and smiles, as I am doing fabulously! I want to start by responding to some posts:

Dread, I think it's so great we're pretty much at the same time period. Today is...wait...day 39 for me, and I started with a plethora of shakes and supplements, moved to only bentonite clay and psyllium husks with water (to scour out the colon), then water only, then 3 days on pineapple juice, then back to the clay/psyllium/water, and today is only water. Whew. I did eat a little bit of fruit on 2 days, because I felt so sick. And I threw up a bunch of the clay mixture yesterday, which was a big sign it's time for H2O only. So I will do 40 straight days of water starting today.

Angie, don't think that because people have discouraged your fasting program they don't want you to fast. I think I can speak universally, that we all love fasting here. The problem is, you need to ease into it or you will be sick. Also, water fasting is extremely difficult for a first-timer; I was in bed for 10 days straight, and I'd already tapered off! My suggestion would be to just stick to green smoothies for 7 days and see how you feel. I bet you do fabulously! And be sure to post for support here. :)

Aleesha, I don't even need to keep track anymore, because if you're not fasting, you're planning to fast! ;)

freelive, I will do my best to post here more regularly now, as I'm feeling better. You go, girl!

Well, I just wanted to say you are all in my thoughts, and may fasting reacquaint you with your inner self, as it has done for me. Y'all will definitely be the first to see my before and afters!!! :D

Thank you for reply.. I am far from a first time faster... I understand that people who fast regularly have plans and programs, due to a better understanding of how their bodies work.. however, I am not afraid of the side effects, I'm fine with feeling like I should be in bed for 10 days, that doesn't mean I will be in bed for ten days. I will be at the gym every other day, and doing yoga on the other days.
I am looking to gain knowledge from you lovely supporters, and I look forward to your suggestions.. just please don't assume I'm a fasting idiot just cause I'm new, thanks. =)

[freelive]

[QUOTE=RawAngie4life;601287]I don't understand.. I have never once heard that water shuts down your digestion completely.. In fact, I'm convinced it AIDS in digestion.. is it only because I am not consuming solid foods? Educate me!
QUOTE]

I believe that water or juice fasting(where you completely strain out the pulp) does stop your digestion in a sense, that your body stops temporrily using enzymes for digestion and uses energy for repairing problematic areas in your body. That's why refeeding slowly is very important - to wake up your body back into making digestive enzymes. Otherwise you will feel like you have a stomach flu, when you break a fast. I am speaking from experience here.;) I actually use digestive enzymes on the first days after my fasts, and it helps a lot.

[debilana]

remember when you are liquid fasting with no fiber, you are in cleaning mode. Once you add fiber, you start the building mode. We are sorta like houses=)

I am on day 5 of a juice feast. I feel great- but I recommend a colonic a few days in- I would have felt a lot worse if I had not flushed all that out. :eek:

This is my first true juice fast of this nature, tho I have done smaller ones and have been warming up to this for some time. I am hoping to go a month!

[dread head vegan]

yeah i i am on day 42 i think. deen doing good. verry tired and sore today. walked all day at a vegitarian festival today. hit kind of a wall the past couple of days. seems like the juice is not filling me up. so i think i am doing to do some green smoothies for a couple of days. hope everyone has a good day. and happy fasting :D

[Aleesha Sattva]

ah transitioning is a good thing...

it'll be interesting to see if you go back to juices or break your fast... keep us posted!

congrats on 42 days!!!

[bikediva]

I'm on day 41 total (day 3 of pure water) and I'm past feeling hungry at all. Tapeworms are still coming out in clumps, and I can feel when an extra-large load will exit by the unease in my colon. I feel like I'm just coasting now. I forget how many days I've been fasting most times.

Dread, good on you whatever you do. 40 days is a deeply historic fasting time. Sounds like the festival was a blast!

I'm truly amazed the amount of work my body is doing to clean out. I can just imagine the little intestinal bacteria singing work songs in unison and making cute noises as they weed out all the poisons. Hi ho, hi ho... :)

Many blessings to all!!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

wow you are still passing parasites? holy crap batman you were full of them eh?

(((hugs))) on your continued journey

[bikediva]

Yup, I was a nest. Shocking.

I have to make a confession, Aleesha. I showed the woman who owns this place your before & after pix on your website. Her jaw DROPPED! And this is a woman who has been helping people fast for years. So pat yourself on the back, girlie!

Had a great morning. Meditated, dry brushed, did Pilates. My mind is clear and alive, and I'm full of joy. Feeling proud of myself today, I must admit. :o

Fast on...

[Aleesha Sattva]

ah shucks *kicks the dirt*

[dread head vegan]

feeling better with the green smoothies. drinking one a day. with a lot of juices and water. in a couple of days i'll see how i feel and swich back to juices:D

[bikediva]

Good for you, dread! So great you're listening to your body! That's the whole point of this--respecting what our physical and spiritual selves are really craving.

Well, I've been sick in bed all day yesterday and today. Can feel the battle with the worms raging in my gut. In fact, I puked during my colonic...twice! My body is just beside itself trying to get rid of this stuff! Good news is, lots of worms are coming out, which is the goal. OK, so this is very extreme, but I didn't come halfway around the world just to suntan, alright?! ;)

I can just imagine the day when my body will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed...oops wrong speech. :o Anyway, any day now I will break through, and I can guarantee y'all will be the first to know about it!

So many hugs for all the support...I feel comforted just knowing you are all living your own journeys toward wholeness too. :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

i can't imagine having all that inside my body. i am soooo happy for you that you are getting them OUT!!!

did you suspect you had this kind of a colony within?

[Aleesha Sattva]

day 42 and day 41 eh? wow you two are closely connected.

today is day one for me. plan on doing a short three day fast... :)

this one is for the spiritually deep connection... ahhhh i love fasting!

[CathyA.]

wholly shmoley bike. you are so blessed to be where you are doing what you are doing. good job!!!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

super grumpy today.

started the day with 2 litres of water, followed by a litre of apple/parsley/spinach/celery/ginger juice from the local juice bar, then another litre of water and a warm cup of fasting tea (((love tea)))

i had a sauna which assisted my mood tremendously but i'm still not in the mood to deal with people...

fortunately i have a great hubby who is feeding and caring for the kids. :D

[bikediva]

It's called detox! Sounds like you've got quite a man! :)

I am sick and bedridden for the 3rd day in a row--SOOO many tapeworms are coming out! Kill them all LOL!!! :p I can't complain, though, seeing as I AM in paradise. I'll keep you all posted on any developments. THRiLLLED you guys understand! :D

[Aleesha Sattva]

yup, it sure is detox. this morning i have "stinky nose" as i call it. i can smell detox through my nose (ya i know i'm weird)...

get those worms OUT of their condo and renovate it bike!

[GoingtoRAW]

I have been working out diligently for about 3 1/2 months now. I do cardio 5 to 6 days a week for 40 to 50 minutes each workout and I do strength training 4 days a week, (2 days upper body, 2 days lower body), for 30 to 40 minutes each session. I am considering a 30 day fast of green smoothies and juices. Will I be able to continue my workouts?

[levamssg]

I have been on a juice/smoothie fast for the past several days ... don't know how many actually as I didn't really pay attention to when I started -- a couple weeks or so I'd guess.

anyway, I am having two teeth implants, and this Tuesday they put them in. so they told me I have to CHEW things for two weeks so they make sure all is well. ... so I broke my smoothie/juice fast over the past two days ... had some fruit chunks the first day, and yesterday more fruit, some pudding, and a tiny bit of salad type stuff.

Today I had a full blown salad for dinner and some flax crackers, and it felt totally strange to chew lots of stuff ... I didn't realize how much I liked the ease of preparing and consuming the smoothies and juices!! It seems like eating became a CHORE having to chomp down that salad. And I feel So full ... Does anyone else feel that way when ending fast?

I think after these two weeks of 'ordered chewing', I'll head straight back to smoothies and juice!

[sbaker]

I'm ending day 9 of the MC and plan to go about 40 days on something? (aleesha i asked you a few questions on the other juice vs. smoothie post). Anyway, just wanted to say hi! my 9 month old weaned himself and I have been pregnant or breastfeeding for about 3 years now so I FINALLY get to fast! I'm doing it mainly to lose some extra pounds and reset to a healthier diet.

[Aleesha Sattva]

Will I be able to continue my workouts?

You can if you want to :) I prefer to allow my body to use it's energy to heal when I fast but I have, in the past, worked out while fasting and did just fine. I tried on a water fast though... and didn't do well at all.

But GS and juice are good to consume while working out.


... Does anyone else feel that way when ending fast?!

Just a note... please don't discuss what you are eating in a fasting thread. The rest of us are still fasting and it's nice to have a place to go where food isn't.

And yup... fasting is soooooooo much easier and less time consuming than eating. Amazing how much time we think about what to make, what we'll eat etc. I love how much time I have when I fast... to meditate and do the things I love to do.


I'm ending day 9 of the MC and plan to go about 40 days on something? (aleesha i asked you a few questions on the other juice vs. smoothie post). Anyway, just wanted to say hi! my 9 month old weaned himself and I have been pregnant or breastfeeding for about 3 years now so I FINALLY get to fast! I'm doing it mainly to lose some extra pounds and reset to a healthier diet.

Welcome and congrats!!! I'll go try to find the thread you are talking about.

~~~

I had another grumpy day although a little shopping therapy did help to lighten my mood a bit. My smell is disgusting... at least the ones I can smell in my nose. I don't stink... my nose just smells toxins.

Anyway... it's been a rough day and I don't really feel like talking... so I'll post tomorrow.

[bikediva]

I'd say that on juice/smoothies you should have tons of energy for exercise. BUT please give your body a few days to adjust after you start fasting before you exercise. You will surely go through a detox, and forcing yourself to exercise if you don't feel like it will do more harm than good, believe me! I used to be a super-devoted exerciser (triathlete actually) but once I got into fasting I found my body actually did MORE work and got FIRMER if I listened to when it told me to rest. I believe the whole point of raw/fasting is to learn to hear what my body is telling me and be thankful for it, not impose an external program.

Aleesha has a point, too. If you're body is spending tons of energy exercising/recovering from exercise, it won't be able to do the deep restorative work that makes permanent changes. Oh, and with all the frech juice/greens, I bet you'll feel more enlivened than ever before!

WELCOME to all!!! Love to hear fresh perspectives!

As for me, I am sick sick sick today. A woman who has been working at this retreat for 22 years said she's NEVER seen someone with SO MANY worms coming out! Yesterday some were over 3 feet long!!! And I slept horribly! All I can say is it has to end sometime! And you can bet my entire view of nutrition has changed through this experience. :)

Oh, and Aleesha, sounds like you're moving something toxic, maybe some heavy metal. Totally normal. Of course you know to simply drink more juice if the reactions are interfering with your life! :p (I personally think you have been doing stupendously at maintaining an active life while fasting. I don't think I could do it. :D)

[GoingtoRAW]

You can if you want to :) I prefer to allow my body to use it's energy to heal when I fast but I have, in the past, worked out while fasting and did just fine. I tried on a water fast though... and didn't do well at all.

But GS and juice are good to consume while working out.





Thanks for the response. I want to continue exercising because I've been doing so well after not exercising for years and I don't want to stop. I guess I can take it a little easy though.

[Aleesha Sattva]

Bike,

I'm blown away by your experience... it is certainly a unique one LOL

Today is a really emotional day for me already... I won't be around much. Need to focus on me.

~A

[rawviveyourself]

Hi everyone....
Thought I would jump in here for some fasting buddy support...I am in such awe of all the cool things that people have done on this thread. Very empowering!
So I'm on the MC now, Day 6. Planning on 27-34 days, so we'll see!

And Aleesha - {{{BEAR HUGS & HOLDING THE SPACE FOR YOU}}}

[Aleesha Sattva]

thanks so much. i decided to break my fast this afternoon. the emotional detox was just too intense. i didn't want to live with myself and i can't ask my family to live with me when i'm that sad/upset/angry/emotional.

i'm glad i chose to fast... but i'm done now.

[dread head vegan]

i woke up this morning tired, been tired all day. (i think it has something to do with the rainy weather) my DH made me a Liter of carrot and barley grass juice.

glad everyone had Joined us. good luck to everyone :D

[MOTH]

Hey guys, doing some spring cleansing. I'm doing a juice fast this entire week. Day 2 went really well. I've been drinking 4 glasses (32 ounces) of fresh and strained OJ a day.

[Aleesha Sattva]

oh man i love love LOVE fasting with you. wish i was still fasting :(

[MOTH]

I'm so happy I get to talk with you and have support and companionship in this thread, whether you are fasting or not. :-)

Day three feels really lovely. It's funny how everytime I "plan" a fast or cleanse, I can't follow through. But when I *feel* the urge, it's like it just happens effortless. I'm very "feeling" oriented. I have six boxes of oranges and more is on the way. Today is a day of mostly water though. I'm losing my appetite as time goes on and my hunger signals dim. Just going with the flow now and it feels great. It's nice not having to eat.

[Aleesha Sattva]

I couldn't agree with you more. I literally forced myself to fast for three days and it was torture. But... at the same time I'm glad I did it cause some "emotional" stuff needed to come up and get dealt with (even though I thought I'd dealt with it already... another layer I guess).

(((hugs))) to YOU

[bikediva]

Hi MOTH (all smiles!). I'm thrilled to hear about people listening to their bodies! So encouraging. :)

Well...a little update. I'm on day 11 of water, and still throwing up all night and passing tons of worms. So I feel like poo. But happy to be moving forward. :D Things are definitely improving. Looking forward to buying myself a fabulous organic cotton dress as a reward when I'm all done!!!

Peace. ;-)

[bikediva]

Woohoo! Today is DAY 50 for me! Holla!!!

Feeling a little better, still the usual worm scenario...

Hope everyone is doing well, and don't be shy to update! :)

[MOTH]

Hey everyone! Yesterday I was very weak, but pushed on. Today I'm feeling MUCH better and I believe that the extra water I am guzzling is helping me out! I want to do some water-only days, but I have a festival I need to dance like a banshee at this coming weekend and need my juicy strength. I have stuck to 32 ounces of fresh OJ a day, but I'm not opposed to adjusting the amount. I haven't lost any weight that I can see, but I don't think I needed to either. Of course a reduction in body fat is always welcome.

Just checking in! Had a bowel movement this morning that was powerful.

[Aleesha Sattva]

day 50!!! oh you go girl!!!

moth... keep on keepin' on!

[CathyA.]

Bike---you are amazing. Too bad you've been ill. I know you will come out of all this tip top.

I think I will be fasting again soon. I've been feeling the urge again.

Happy fasting

[Aleesha Sattva]

I may be back later this week as well. We'll see.

[bikediva]

The more the merrier! I've been feeling better today, still bedridden and throwing up, but not as violently ill.

I feel like I need a bit of a disclaimer, because I sure don't want to be a downer by writing that I'm sick every day. Also, I feel badly I keep writing about myself. So please know that I am thrilled to have all these worms and other microscopic parasites leave, and I know the end will be well worth all the work. And I do think fasting is amazing. But I can't lie, it's been extremely difficult for me, and I am SO GRATEFUL for all the support and advice I've gotten here. I mean, I'm not a mom, but this is by far the toughest thing I've ever done, because it's taken so LONG...

So many hugs to all of you still dwelling in fasting land, and open arms to anyone thinking of entering. :):):)

[CathyA.]

we are with you. we love you.

[Aleesha Sattva]

bike... your fast isn't like other peoples fasts... at least not that i've encountered. i'm sure your 'guides' at your retreat are saying something similar.

the point of posting during a fast is to share your journey so others can learn from it... resonate with it (or not) and explore the world of fasting second-hand. so don't be apologizing for sharing with us.

on this fast... you are sick. you are detoxing. you are renovating BIG time... giving the eviction notice to those wormies who have happily shared your food, your blood and your body with ya for who knows how long.

so focus on you bike... and we'll send the love your way for you to continue doing what you are doing... and hopes and wishes that your fast becomes a journey of pleasure before it's done.

love and light,
aleesha

[dread head vegan]

been having some horrable detox stuff the past couple of days. my kidneys are detoxing.

[CathyA.]

Hope you are feeling better soon Dread!!!

Perfectly said Aleesha.

[bikediva]

YAY! (((smiles)))

It takes all kinds, I guess...

Well I have a headache for the first time today, but I slept really well. It's extremely hot here, and all I can do is lie on the wood floor with wet towels all over me. But every day I am one day closer...still the usual worms and vomiting.

Peace to all of you! You really made my day!!! :)

[Mary Kay]

BikeDiva...Just caught your thread about worms. haven't read your story anywhere, but am interested to know your history/what you're doing now. Got one anywhere?

I take it you're water fasting at a retreat? And that you've been having tapeworms come out for how many days?

Thanks for sharing your story.

Mary Kay

[soaringeagle925]

Wow - tapeworms - congratulations for getting through that so well!

I'm excited to be here, too. I am going to be doing a 7 day juice fast, and am open to it being longer if it seems like that what my body wants.

The most I've done in the past was 4.5 days. My body was NOT ready for it at that time and I felt absolutely dismal from Day 1.

I'm on Day 1 now (9 hours in) and going strong. I've been praying for support a ton, and I think this run is going to be significantly better.

Not only am I doing fruits this time too (last time was only veggies) but I'm drinking my raw chocolate energy stuff and teas with detox herbs and think I will also get some herbal blood formula and Vitalese.

Thank you guys for this thread. It's so helpful to read about other people's experiences and hopefully give and get support. :)

[bikediva]

I love how everyone's amazing fasting has been overshadowed by my worms LOL! :D Just for reference, the owner here says 70% of harmful human parasites cannot be seen, so I'm confident ANYONE who takes on a juice/smoothie/water fast will remove toxins and wormies.

Anyway, if you're interested in my story, look back at the March fasting thread; I give a good account of how I got started. But the brief story is, I grew up ever since I was born on the worst possible SAD, processed food diet, and I also had an extremely stressful and tumultuous childhood. So all my cells held on to junk! I've had major, debilitating problems with bingeing for a good 9 years. Raw foods and fasting have undoubtedly saved my life.

So...I am becoming a poster child for the power of raw to heal. And the most important thing I've discovered is that physical symptoms cannot be healed in isolation; body AND mind transformation MUST go together. (There are obese people who have water fasted here for 2 months and lost no weight because they could not release deep-seated anger!)

No question in my mind: fasting allows the body to perform its own miracles by getting out of my own way!!! :)

[CathyA.]

anger is truely destructive.

have a great day everyone.

[Aleesha Sattva]

the most important thing for someone on a fast is love... jeremy safron said it so well.

[Aleesha Sattva]

Not only am I doing fruits this time too (last time was only veggies) but I'm drinking my raw chocolate energy stuff and teas with detox herbs and think I will also get some herbal blood formula and Vitalese.

Thank you guys for this thread. It's so helpful to read about other people's experiences and hopefully give and get support. :)

Just a note... congrats on your fast!!! The more 'clean' you keep your intake the more healing and cleansing you will do.

So if you can drop the raw choc energy stuff (don't know what vitalese is???) the more your body can get down to business.

Relax, breathe (amazing how many people really forget to do this... stop for one second here and take in a nice deep breath... hold it for a second and then slowly release it. Sit with this feeling for a moment and then take another deep cleansing breath in. As you release it, imagine all your worries and stressors releasing with it. How do you feel?)

As I was saying, relax, breathe and take time for you. Sit in silence and allow thoughts, feelings, emotions to emerge and release them. Cause fasting isn't just about what you take in for X amount of days... it's sooo much more.

Welcome (((hugs)))

[soaringeagle925]

Thank you Aleesha :) You are AWESOME.

I intuitively had decided not to do the chocolate jump at this time too, but for me, it's because it gives me a ridiculous amount of energy. Almost TOO much energy! :)

The reason I like it is because it lets me have tons of supplements without needing to do smoothies (right now my body likes juice a lot more than smoothies) - but it'll come later. :)

Vitalase (I spelled it wrong) is supposed to be excellent in conjunction with fasting. This is what my boyfriend said about it:

"Vitalase is a powerful enzyme complex made up of Amalase, Protease, Maltase and Lipase. It is powerful in breaking down undigested proteins, fats and carbs rapidly as well as cleaning out the built up mucoid plaque stored in your body.
*
*Amalase - Digests undigested sugars or carbohydrates
*Protease - Digests undigested proteins in your body (incidentally, I'm pretty sureundigested proteins are the cause of most forms of cancer - not 100% certain yet though)
*Cellulase- breaks down undigested fiber
*Lipase - digests undigested fats, breaks them down so your body eliminate them"

Doing Vitalase + herbal blood formula in conjunction with my body's amazing healing processes in itself will be phenomenal, I think!

You are SO RIGHT ON about the breath. I need to remind myself to do this more, and not only when I'm taking time out for meditation.

Thank you so much for being you. :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

well i don't agree with taking the vitalase but it's your choice. your body was able to create itself from a single cell... i'm pretty sure it can do what it needs to to cleanse and heal without the support of that supplement. ;)

getting tons of stuff done while fasting isn't really the point of fasting. fasting is a time for your body to focus it's energy on healing and cleansing. it'll give you prompts to clean your home and environment as well... and when it does you'll have the energy to do so (trust me, my house loves it when i fast LOL)... but otherwise your body knows where to put its energy... at least that's my opinion on the subject - certainly doesn't make me right. ;)

[soaringeagle925]

I hear you on the Vitalase. The more I was thinking about it, the more I was agreeing with you (without even reading the post until now). I think I agreed to it because my boyfriend was so passionate about it.

The universe always works though, and I think that the order isn't going to come in today (it was supposed to ship yesterday but apparently there was some problem). I paid a lot extra for delivery today so if it hasn't left, I'm going to just cancel the order.

I do think the supplement would help for sure, but for some reason I am feeling drawn to doing this myself.

As far as the point of fasting - I definitely see what you're saying and will absolutely honor my body if I need down time. Last time I did a fast, I was pretty much bedridden from the getgo. On this one though, I have had a TON of energy. I've been communicating with my higher self/angels/etc and making sure I'm doing the right thing, and getting confirmation. I think this may be because I'm putting a lot of effort into promoting that super-healthy chocolate drink I was telling you about. I think doing that right now is good for my soul because I've needed to be passionate about business again, and it really does help other people (won't go into detail b/c I don't want it to seem like I'm promoting). Again though - the minute I need downtime, I'm ready for it. I have my journal, my meditation, my Guilded Tarot deck, and books and videos at worst. :)

I'd actually been on a super-cleaning kick for a while and can't tell you how much stuff I've gotten rid of. I'm addicted to free space and NO CLUTTER! :) I actually plan on doing a little more cleaning now :)

Thank you so much for your thoughts. I apologize if this was too long of a response - I guess I feel so lucky to hear from you that I grab it by the horns. :)

[bikediva]

eagle, I'm glad you're feeling good.

Dread, how are you doing?!

Just a holla to say I'm hanging in, now on day 16 of water only.

I researched, and I think the vomiting is caused by a blockage in my small intestine. My liver excretes a lot of bile to try to digest it, and when it can't, the bile has to come up! Also explains why I've been so tired, because all the toxins from my intestine are moving all the way back up through my body. I've been drinking the soaking water from okra to get the ball rollin'! :)

So lots of resting right now, and not sleeping well at night, and always more worms...but at least I'm on the right track LOL!

Much, much love to you all!!! May your body heal in every way! :):)

[dread head vegan]

hello everyone been doing good. kidneys still detoxing. been drinking watermellon juice and water. getting a little better. other than that been good. hope everyone has a good night and good luck with your fasting:D

[bikediva]

dread, sounds like you've got a lot of housecleaning to do! Well, you're in good company.

As for me, apparently the worms that are coming out are no longer benign tapeworms, but aggressive ascaris, and they're causing the blockage in my bowel. So I definitely need to go back to doing juice and strengthen my system, because I'm totally wiped out and can't sleep or hardly move. Unreal...seems like the worm infestation will never end! I'm reminded of the battle at helm's deep in Lord of the Rings, when just when they're celebrating, another wave of even nastier enemies come out.

The owner here says I need to understand I've been poisoning my body for many years, and it may take longer than 3 months to clean out. This was just the starting point.

So only 16 days on water this time around...but I'm still fasting! :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

wow, your story is almost frightening... amazing how many you have inside you. (((hugs))) so tell us... what were you symptoms of this? how did you feel before you went there?

cause really... you must have had some side-effects of these guys inside you... :(

[Mary Kay]

BikeDiva,

I couldn't find the March fasting thread to hear your story, and I was wondering the same thing about your previous symptoms etc..

Pretty amazing what you're going through!

Mary Kay

[Aleesha Sattva]

Mary Kay,

Here's the first March Fasting Thread (http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=58604) and here's the second (http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=58716) one.

[dread head vegan]

yeah i have a lot of house cleraning to do.

bike, are you going to stay there and fast untill untill all of the worms have passed?

[Aleesha Sattva]

she's there for three months... hopefully she'll be done with wormies long before then! :O

[Aleesha Sattva]

I started a new thread... if you wanna come join me there ;)

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=59585