Fasting is a method used for purifying the mind, body and soul. If you are trying to lose weight, fasting once a week can help restore your body's balance and kick-start your metabolism the next day. Fasting isn't simply the act of not eating, there are several different ways to fast. Juice fasting generally uses freshly extracted juices to detoxify and improve immunity, according to the website Fasting. Water fasts are used to completely cleanse the body and encourage it to metabolize excess stored fat. Regardless of the kind of fast you choose, you can fast one day a week to help reset your body and continue towards your weight loss goals.
Step 1
Drink freshly-made juice and water throughout the day. According to Pureinsideout, although water fasting is used frequently, juice fasting is a popular way to initiate weight loss. Purchase fresh juices from your local health food store or use a juicer and make your own combinations of fruits and vegetables. Drink often throughout the day, in order to help the body remove toxins and maintain your energy levels so you feel energized.
Step 2
Avoid all foods for 24 hours. According to the website Fasting, avoiding food allows your body to channel it's resources to getting rid of toxins and replenishing cells. In reality, you are eating, but juices don't require the digestive processing that solid foods need. If during your fasting day you find yourself starving or your blood sugar level has dropped, eat a piece of fresh fruit. This should provide your body with the calories and sugar it needs without interrupting the cleansing process.
Step 3
Fast on the same day each week. By doing this, you can prepare for your fasting day in advance by buying or making fresh juices and placing a container of distilled water in the refrigerator. LightStream Productions explains that distilled water, also known as clustered water, helps your body to digest nutrients from the juices. Distilled water also helps in detoxification and replenishment of cells in your body.
Step 4
Emphasize raw fruits and vegetables and small amounts of high quality protein such as egg white, raw nuts and baked or broiled fish or poultry. After a single day fast, you should feel refreshed, not famished and it is important not to shock your system by resuming a normal eating pattern. Eat small amounts of food when you're hungry and gradually add increasing amounts of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Your caloric intake will be lower than it was prior to your fast, even on days when you aren't fasting, and you will lose weight.
Tips and Warnings
- Speak with your doctor before fasting or making significant dietary changes.
Things You'll Need
- Juicer
- Fresh fruits and vegetables for juicing
- Distilled water
- Eggs
- Raw nuts
- Fish or poultry
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