Fasting is a means for cleansing the digestive system of impurities or it can jump-start a weight loss program. According to the HarvardGazette, short-term fasts help signal the body to activate enzymes responsible for burning fat and cholesterol during dieting. Waste from poorly digested foods or toxins absorbed in the body are also excreted during a fast. Using raw fruits and vegetables during a fast is a nutritious way to supply your body with calories, vitamins and minerals, which are normally depleted during a regular water-only fast. For best results, consult your physician before starting a fast to determine medical safety.
Step 1
Set up the juicing machine. Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables allows your body to absorb all the nutrients in produce. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which causes plant foods to move through your intestines and out of your body.
Step 2
Buy whole fruits and vegetables. Raw foods are those that you find in the produce section of the market. Do not choose canned, frozen or prepackaged fruits and vegetables. Find organic produce, which is typically free of pesticides. Pick celery, spinach and carrots to start your vegetable juices. Use fancier vegetables such as endive, various lettuce types and cabbage once you are acclimated to juicing. Fruits such as apples, cranberries and citrus are options; however, you can choose just about any fresh fruit or vegetable you prefer.
Step 3
Cut your fruits or vegetables before placing them in the juicer. After washing your produce, use a sharp paring knife to slice the whole item into smaller pieces. Dilute fruit mixtures with purified water to make juicing easier. Use one part fruit juice to four parts water. Apples are a good base for fruits, and then add berries or citrus. With vegetables, start with a base of celery and peeled cucumbers. Toss in half a lemon, half a lime or herbs such as cilantro or ginger for flavor.
Step 4
Drink vegetable and fruit juice throughout the day to replace solid meals. Three meals and two-to-three snacks a day will help keep you energized and nourished. In between juice meals, drink plain water.
Step 5
Use freshly prepared juice. Juice enough fruit or vegetables for one day. Do not store juice for over 24 hours because this decreases the enzyme value and nutritional compounds in the juice. Store your preparation in a tightly sealed glass jar and refrigerate.
Tips and Warnings
- For green, leafy vegetables, use a twin-gear juicer, and to juice harder vegetables, use a centrifuge juicer. You can mix vegetables with apples or carrots for better tasting juice. Green vegetables are the most nutrient-rich raw foods.
- Fasting for more than three days is not recommended unless you are under the care of a medical professional. Do not add presweetened fruit juices to your preparation.
Things You'll Need
- Juicer machine
- Purified water
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