Fasting requires that you drink only water, or light juices, for a set period of time. No whole foods are permitted during a fast. Most religions include a fasting ritual of some sort to symbolize piety and sacrifice. Some use fasting diets to eliminate toxins that the body accrues through exposure to pollution, chemicals, pesticides, preservatives and additives in foods. If you are new to fasting, one or two days is a sufficient amount of time to embark on such a cleansing ritual.
Step 1
Ease up on your intake of caffeine, alcohol and added sugars a week or two before you begin your fast. Decrease your dependence on these additives so that you will experience less intense withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches and extreme cravings, when you forgo all food.
Step 2
Eat lightly for a few days before beginning your fast. Go for fresh fruits and vegetables, a small serving of whole grains and only a few ounces of meat or fish for one to three days. Easing into your fast will prepare your body and your mind for detoxification.
Step 3
Lie low on the days you fast. Choose less-stressful work times, reduce personal obligations and avoid exercise or physical exertion. Try not to clean house, or if you do, use natural cleaners that do not expose you to man-made chemicals and toxins.
Step 4
Drink only water for the duration of your fast. Add lemon to provide flavor and help with the flushing of waste from your system. Alternatively, you may follow a fast that includes freshly squeezed juices to provide some energy and nutrition.
Step 5
Return to your regular diet gradually. For two or three days following your fast, eat lightly and focus on vegetables, fruits and brown rice. Add in meats, dairy and wheat in small doses to allow your body to readjust to whole foods.
Tips and Warnings
- If you plan to fast more than a few days, consider seeking the supervision of a medical professional.
- Certain populations should never fast: children under the age of 18, people with wasting diseases (such as HIV-AIDS), pregnant and nursing women, those with liver or kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, eating disorders or psychosis.
Things You'll Need
- Lemon
- Fresh juice (optional)
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