5 Things You Need to Know About Juice Fasting

1. You Are What You Eat ... and Drink

The modern diet is packed full of fats, excess protein, artificial and processed foods and chemical preservatives, slowing down our digestion and elimination and in turn compromising both our immune and nervous systems. Juice is full of vitamins, minerals and living enzymes which help to detox the body, aiding in weight loss, working as a colon cleanse and helping to sweep out excess fats leaving us feeling light and renewed.

2. Timing is Everything

Many fasting enthusiasts claim that a fast can be extended up to 40 days without harm; however, speak to a doctor if you plan on fasting longer than 8 days in a 30 day period. After 7 to 10 days your body uses all of its protein stores and may begin to use muscle as an energy source. A good beginner fasting cycle is a 21-day routine in which 3 days are spent eating raw foods in preparation for the fast, 8 days are spent drinking only juice, followed by 3 days slowly beginning to eat, and completed with 7 days on raw food to break the fast.

3. Give Your Body All it Needs

In the days leading up to your fast eat as many raw fruits and vegetables as needed to feel satisfied. During your fast, whenever you feel hungry, drink as much juice as you like. If you are concerned about caloric intake, increase your vegetable juice and decrease your fruit juice; however, it is best to keep a nice balance of the two. The first day breaking the fast you can include the pulp in the juice. Day 2, eat a fresh fruit breakfast and on day 3, fresh fruit for breakfast and veggies for lunch. By day 4 you can begin eating three solid food meals each day, but only raw foods for one week.

4. Making Juice That Curbs Your Cravings

The pulp, or fiber in your fruits and vegetables will stimulate digestion and make you feel very hungry. In order to avoid extreme feelings of hunger it is important that you use a quality juicer or fine strainers which remove all of the pulp. Try to drink your juice as soon after it is made as possible, as it quickly begins to oxidize and loose nutrient value. Only when necessary, you can store juices in the refrigerator or in a thermos when at work or on the go.

5. Put Your Health First

You may be raring to try a juice fast, but you must remember that fasting is not for everyone and can carry some side effects. Juice fasting should not be performed by pregnant or lactating women or those with diabetes. Additionally fasting is not for those with eating disorders, malnutrition, compromised immune systems or infection. If you have a medical condition and/or are taking prescription medication it is extremely important that you discuss fasting with your doctor before jumping right in.