When you want to lose weight and cleanse your body, fasting is one option to consider. It's important to fast safely so as not to deprive your body of the calories and nutrients it needs to function. Fasting typically involves consuming only liquids, not solid foods, to keep your body hydrated and give it limited calories. Some fasting diets allow the consumption of some vegetables and fruits. Fasting allows the intestines and the body to be purged of unhealthy foods, promoting weight loss and good health.
Step 1
Drink water, juices and other fluids. Instead of solid foods, a fasting diet generally requires that you drink a juice or other fluid as a meal replacement. Invest in a juicer and create your own juices from fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink a vegetable or fruit juice at each mealtime, and drink plenty of water throughout the day--at least 7 to 10 8-oz. glasses.
Step 2
Take a daily vitamin to get the nutrients your body needs. Although you're fasting to shed pounds and cleanse your body, you don't want to end up ill from a nutritional deficiency.
Step 3
Limit solid food consumption to fruits and vegetables. Whole fruits and vegetables can offer more fiber and nutrients than juices alone, according to EveryDiet.org. These natural foods, while extremely low in calories, are full of fiber--which is great for your health, cleansing your body and helping you to feel full. EveryDiet.org also notes that eating whole fruits and veggies can keep your metabolism up, speeding weight loss.
Step 4
Break your fast with a day or two of eating healthy foods. If you start to feel hungry, weak or overly tired, fast only for about two days at a time. Then have healthy, solid foods--lean proteins, vegetables and whole grains. Start slowly and eat only small amounts to help your body get used to solid food again. Stick to short-term fasting (around 48 hours) for safety; any fasts longer than that should be discussed with and supervised by your doctor, as they may not be safe, according to Vanderbilt University.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your doctor about the safety of your fasting plan and the healthiest way for you to fast.
Things You'll Need
- Multivitamin
- Scale
- Juicer
- Fruit or vegetable juice
- Fruits and vegetables
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