For the past two years I have gone on a 1 week juice fast. The fast consists of consuming nothing more than fresh pressed juice and home-made nut milk. I started this ritual a couple of years ago when regardless of the dietary changes I had made (were talking some extreme healthy eating here folks) I was still feeling sluggish and my weight was creeping up. Now, I’m naturally pretty thin (I know, I know, then why am I whining about weight?), but I have an “optimal” weight where I feel healthy. My clothes fit, my skin looks better, I have more energy and I just feel my best. When my weight shifts above (or even below) this weight, I just don’t feel right.
Before I started my first juice fast I researched A LOT. I read articles, reviews, watched movies (hello Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead) and discussed it with my doctor. When I started my fast I was prepared with an arsenal of juice recipes and a pretty good idea of what it would be like.
Even then I was surprised. Not surprised by how difficult it was – no, I was expecting that – but how much better I felt. The first couple of days were hell. I was constantly hungry, grumpy and on edge. But on day three things started to shift. My hunger pains went away. I developed a rhythm that was manageable and on about day 5 I started experiencing a sense of clarity I hadn’t felt in a while. I didn’t feel sluggish – I felt energized. It was like I had hit the reset button.
Sure, the pounds shed away. But the real benefit was how I felt. I was lighter (both mind and body) and when I did end my fast my sugar cravings and habit of stress eating was broken. Through continued healthy eating and exercise I maintained my optimal weight – until the next holiday season anyways :o)
So, starting tomorrow I’ll share my experience with you. I’ve already begun prepping by eating only whole foods and smoothies. Friday and Saturday I’ll shift over to only smoothies and Sunday I’ll take the plunge for a 7 day juice fast. To add to the adventure, my husband has decided to join me for the first time (I’ll see if I can convince him to offer his two cents on his experience).
While I don’t advocate a juice fast as the best option for everyone (certainly not if your only goal is to lose weight) I do think it is another tool in the toolbox for achieving optimal health and well being.
Stay tuned!
Photo Credit: “Juice” is copyright (c) 2010 Erik Forsburg and made available under creative commons 2.0
I have seen the same documentary and was really struck by it. I have considered starting to “juice,” am really looking forward to your chronicled experiences this next week! Thanks for sharing.
I share your story and love juice fasting for all the reasons you mentioned. It really gets me back on track to healthy eating. I just ended an eleven day fast yesterday. I look forward to your posts. All the best with the first couple days.
Also I’ll mention that I almost always have Stanley Burrows lemonade recipe in my fridge, fasting or not. I add three teaspoons of powdered super greens to a 2 litre container. It is an awesome addition to the fast and a nice quick liquid refresher any other time.
Good luck to your husband! I love a good fast and really need to do one but my new job as a dessert blogger might kill it. 😉 Looking forward to reading about your journey.
I don’t know if I could fast and blog about desert. Oh my that would be tough! Though, we do make some “desert” juices such as berries and cream (cashew milk with blueberry juice) that tastes pretty good.