1. Finding Your Focus to Fast
People fast for a number of reasons, such as religious tradition, detoxification of the body, weight loss, spiritual atonement and more. Before you begin your fast, take the time to write down your goals and expectations for your fast. Exploring your mind will help to prepare your body, so ask yourself ahead of time how you will react to hunger and cravings, to possible emotional outburst, to physical weakness and other stresses that your fast may bring. Have a plan of action which will help you succeed, whether it be prayer or meditation, yoga or simply a stack of books to distract your mind.
2. Fasting Can Increase the Effects of Medication
If you are taking any form of prescription medication it is extremely important that you speak to your doctor before beginning your fast. When no foods are introduced into the body, medications are absorbed at a much higher rate, and can actually do you more harm than good. It is also a good idea to cut any vitamin or mineral supplements in half about a week before fasting and then eliminate them when your fast begins. If it is not possible to stop your supplements, continue with a half dose maximum or ask your doctor for advice.
3. Get Things Moving
Exercise is an important part of fasting and should begin at least two weeks before the fast to help get your blood and body fluids circulating. Whether performing a juice fast or a water fast, restricting solid foods causes powerful detox of the organs which can cause unpleasant side effects. If you exercise as much as possible before the fast, you help your body to eliminate some of the toxins through sweat, reducing the effects of detox. Continue with gentle exercise while fasting, such as yoga or light walking.
4. Curb Your Cravings
One of the greatest benefits of a fast is that the rapid and powerful detoxification can help you eliminate those hard to kick habits, such as nicotine, alcohol and caffeine. While it may seem difficult, try to cut out these harmful stimulates at least 1 week before your fast to help your body detox without discomfort. You will find that after about 3 days of fasting your cravings will subside greatly.
5. Ease Into the Transition
One week before your fast, cut out all meat, dairy, processed foods and sugars and eat only raw, organic fruits and vegetables. Not only will this help to reduce the amount of toxins in your system before beginning the fast, it will help aid in elimination and prepare your body for a period of fasting. Remember to drink more than your average 8 glasses of water a day as well, as water is necessary for flushing toxins.
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