The main benefit offered by a fast, to those who wish to lose weight is the speed of the weight loss. To see a person drop 30-to-40 pounds in a 30-day juice fast is to see a person totally transform his life. Self-esteem is given a boost and for the first time in their life, discipline becomes a lifestyle. The fast becomes a catalyst for a total life overhaul. People lose more that weight they can lose 100 lbs of emotional baggage and distorted toxic thinking. People start dressing better, showing more confidence, becoming more organized, more dedicated in relationships and more at peace. Old passions and dreams are rekindled. Completing a 30 day juice fast can awaken a new life and a new you.
Dry Fasting Weight Loss Rates
Fasting weight loss rates are highest with dry fasting. Using an enema then dry fasting for 2 days can drop, 8 lbs. from the colon, 5 lbs. in water and 2 lbs. in body fat. The detoxification is powerful and you can feel health surging through your body as soon as you go back to juicing but the weight loss is really only 2 lbs.
Fasting Weight Loss Rates Using an Enema
The rate of weight loss is always more when using an enema. Anything in the colon such as the pulp from juice will be used for calories. When the colon is empty there is also a reduction in bulk that flattens the stomach. This weight loss from have an empty colon is not permanent.
Fasting Weight Loss Rates Vary According to Metabolism
The slower your metabolism is, the slower the weight loss. I have seen a person lose over 100 lbs. on a 44 day juice fast and another person lose as little as 4 lbs on a 10 day water fast, and they were walking 5 miles a day without any fatigue.
Weight Loss Rates Reduce as the Fast Continues
Initially, weight loss can be as high as three-to-four pounds per day, but as the fast continues, the average loss can be one pound or even as low as 1/2 lb per-day. If you are juice fasting and not losing weight, the juice is supplying all the calories you need. You may have to cut down on the juices or alternate between water fasting and juice fasting to increase weight loss.
Body Fat vs. Nutritional Fat
A gram of fat contains 9 calories. At 454 grams in a pound, and 9 x 454 = 4086 calories per pound Body body fat, or adipose tissue, contains not only fat, but also other substances including protein, connective tissue, and water.
Looking at it another way, 3,500 / 454 = 7.7 calories. Thus a gram of body fat contains only 7.7 calories versus the 9 calories found in pure fat. It’s easy to see that there should be a difference when you consider that body fat contains water, which has no calories.
Because of the differences in the two types of fat, it is appropriate to use the 3500 calories per pound figure when discussing fat “burned” by activity, and the 9 calories per gram figure when discussing the nutritional content of food.
| Unit of Weight | Approximate Calories | Approximate Kilojoules |
|---|---|---|
| Pound | 3,500 | 14,644 |
| Kilogram | 7,716 | 32,284 |
A pound of body fat equates to approximately 3500 calories. So if you have a calorie deficit of 500 calories (meaning that you burn 500 calories more than you eat each day) you would lose approximately one pound per week:
500 x 7 = 3,500
It’s easy to see that a calorie deficit of 1000 calories would mean that you’d lose approximately two pounds per week. And that’s a good number to remember, because two pounds a week is commonly accepted as the maximum rate of weight loss that is healthy during dieting but juice fasting can safely exceed that rate of weightloss.
Permanent Weight Loss
I encourage everyone to develop life long healthy disciplines such as exercise, periodic juice and water fasting, and a diet high in raw fruits and veggies. With a discipline thought life this possible and the weight loss is permanent. Anything less than that is a band aid. You will do better if you focus on the destination rather than the scale.
When you are new to fasting there is a tremendous excitement and enthusiasm that boosts disciple but it will not last forever.
When that enthusiasm ends, you will naturally regress to your regular patterns of living and if they are unhealthy you lose all the benefits gained by fasting.
Try to stay focused on the healthy things you are doing to improve your life rather than being consumed with the number of pounds lost each day. Water retention can vary your weight five pounds so watching the scale can be frustrating. The best motivation to fast is for physical and spiritual health. Be patient; the fasting process is slow. Be thankful the toxins are leaving your body. Do not have unrealistic expectations. Give your body the time it needs to do the work of cleansing.
Weight Loss Support Books
If you have wrestled with weight gain and feel frustrated, Fasting to Freedom is tool for you to achieve permanent weight loss. You will never regret buying this book. Most people read it over and over again to support them with their fast. If you buy Eating in Freedom you will be able to increase your discipline through some simple techniques that work. Extreme Health Recipes and The Perfect Diet will help you develop a life-long diet that will support your weight loss.
By Tom Coghill of Fasting.ws Articles may be copied or reproduced as long as the back links to fasting.ws are intact and the author’s name is included.
Hello Tom and a Blessed Christmas to you and your family! I quickly report the last 3 days of my water fasting diary before I move to juice today.Have a joyful holiday season!
Here we go:
2/22/08 Monday 8th day of fasting
AM – all in norm, woke up early by a slight pain in the eyelids
Mid day – moving around is easy, all in norm
PM – feeling light but tired
Eight day of fasting lost 0 pounds
2/23/08 Tuesday 9th day of fasting
AM – all in norm, slight headache wakes me up
Mid day – medium physical activity feels great – so easy to move
PM – an increasing pain in the bottom of the ribcage or liver makes it uncomfortable to sit; stretching helps some but it’s persistent; it occurred first in late afternoon but went away quickly
Ninth day of fasting lost 1 pounds
2/24/08 Wednesday 10th day of fasting
AM – all in norm, slight lingering headache
Mid day – cooking holiday dinner like a mad man lol and smelling, and moving, and it feels great!
PM – same “stabbing” liver/rib cage pain – no idea where it pops from – usually in the evening hours, can live with it; an abundant dinner table with salads, veggies and rice yummi!! And me with a water glass! Christmas Eve for you
Tenth day of fasting lost 0 pounds
Conclusion: for 10 days of water fasting I have no physical function”disorders”, no mental “blurry”; I had better moments and worse moments but all manageable; quite pleased to observe on a daily basis how my body changes and becomes lighter and happier; I had no “high” moments either probably because I don’t have the “ heavy food baggage”; total weight loss for 10 days water fast is 16 pounds.
So today I break the water fast with juice fast for 3 or 4 days, and when I’m done juicing – I’ll back to water. Diet diary of juicing to follow upon completion!
I guess I can say “Cheers” with juice now
))
HI TOM.
Ok I am starting my fast today…. ive got through it and I usuraly always fast for 3-4 days normally its something ive always done before I discoverd this website…Now I want to fast for atleast 3 weeks but Im going to start slowely first Ill do about 1 week with only water and then if I can make it ill go on to 2 weeks and then 3 weeks and if I can still make it ill go for the 30 day challenge. Any fasting buddys care to join??
I am on day 4 now on a juice fast, the day before the fast I was on 81.7Kg and from the on I gained weight up to 82.2 and have not lost a single gram. I went running twice for an hour. No weight loss at all. I am drinking mostly water, tea and about 0.5 liters juice throughout the day.
Did anyone here have the same experience? If no change tomorrow I will start eating again.
Cheers,
Makrus
Hi Murkus,
You have a very slow metabolism but 4 days is not enough to detox the body or see results. Fasting demands patience.
do you recommend a salt water flush?
Hi Tom
I have done juice fasts before and they are fab the only thing is this time I think I may be two weeks pregnant! Can you please tell me if it’s safe?
Thank you
A
Even on juice you body has ample protein reserves at this stage of pregnancy. You can do a modified fast with protein and essential oils and a supplement for the B vitamins. It is more of a diet than a fast but you will increase the health of your body and baby.
Hi there..
I weigh around 100 kilograms, and 27 years old and 5’6 in height.
I am interested to give the juice fast a try, but would like to know during my fast programme, can i take in meat items? at least once or two times a week, and starch items such as rice or pasta or noodles.
thank u
Juice fasting is not eating. Eating rice, meat and pasta, will not allow your body to heal or lose weight.
Hey there,
I was just wandering if fasting stops the contraceptive pill working… ive been told it does?
Thanks
Not sure on that one. If you do get pregnant during a juice fast the baby will be very healthy. Try the rhythm method. It does work. It is safe to have sex 7 days before and after your period.
i have just started a juice fast, along with the blessed herbs colon cleanse. I have been using organic apple/pear/strawberry bottled juices, which cotain the added vit C to retain color. Is this ok? Am i better off using pasteurised juice instead? Its hard getting organic fresh friut and veg where i live.
Also, i know you shouldnt really be giving out medical advice. Ive seem doctors and they seem to think im in good health. I still have the suspision that i have an underactive thyroid. I know i did have, but not sure if thats what it still is. I certain that my metabolism is messed up tho. i have been on my fast for 2 days now. i felt find during the first day, had a throbing headache at night tho. the second day i seemed to be feel the usual. I think its because of my extremly low metabolism that makes fasting not so difficult. Will this help correct my metabolism or mess it up more? I am 22, should i keep at it?
just a question about the weight loss- is the weight you lose on a water fast real weight? what i mean is, because on a water fast you lose so much weight so fast, are you really losing fat and is the weight loss actually noticeable?
if you lose 20 pounds water fasting in three weeks will you look the same as if you had lost 20 pounds through diet exercise over the course of three months?
Hi. Great website. I am on the 10th day of my water and juice fast. I have alternated first 4 days water and other 6 days just grape juice with no sugar. During my first few days of fasting I had average bm like once each day. But for the past 7 days theirs no bm! Is that ok? Oh, yeah and i started taking physillium husk with achipolidis (surely mispelled), still no bm! Is physillium husk good to take as a colon cleanser while fasting? Why aren’t I seeing Major results? I am a 5’9 woman start weight 176. So far I have lost 10 pounds. I consider myself as a healthy person–is it that my colon was not bad or is something as going on?
Thanks in advance for the help
Good luck to everyone!
Hi Dana Dee
No BM for a week can be normal for juice fasting. Nothing in nothing out. Physillium husk will create a BM after a few days but I find it mucus forming and slow the detox.
Hi there Tom!!! I’m planning to do fasting by next week, will it be ok if im going to do it ever other day? or it has to be everyday? thanks and God bless!!!
Hi Rown,
You can fast alternate days but it take more discipline and the fast never gets into a deep state of cleansing. You will compensate by eating more on the second day so there will be no weight loss. But it will give you a tune up and feel better if you do it for a week.
Ok I got it!! Thanks so much for the info!!!
Ok you said you find physillium husk will create a BM after a few days–but it hasn’t. I’m at the end of day 3 using it and on the start of the 11-day juice fast. What aoubt the mucus forming and slow down the detox? Should I not take the husk now? What should I do to further detox. I’m getting discouraged about not seeing results from my “detox”. At 35 should i see results anyway if if think I wasn’t such an unhealty eater?
Hi Dana,
If you are not using the enema the best is to wait for the system to purge to fiber that is in the juice which can be 5 to 10 days.
Hi Tom,
Great site.
I am on a 30 plus day water and juice fast with enemas. What are your thoughts on coffee enemas and frequency?
I am on day 12 and have released 10.6lbs.
Hi Tara,
Caffeine slows detoxification and a coffee enema fills the blood with caffeine. Water is best.
Hi Tom. I have been fasting M,T,W, everyweek since Thanksgiving but I said that after the new year, I was just going to make it M and T and begin eating Wednesday afternoon. My main goal is to gain self-control but I would like to have some weight loss. I have lost some weight but now that I have been on this site and read various posts, it seems that 2x a week may not be any good for a fast and that anything less than 3 days is a waste. What do you think?
Hi Gina,
Fasting 2 days a week will give the body a tune up and you will fell better as well as break some unhealthy ties with food. You will not see any physical healing but fasting 2 days a week is good.
Hi Tom.
I Plan to start a 40 day water fast i have been doing a lot of search on fasting i have tried fasting before but binge at night i weight 235 and I’m 5’7 around how much weight do you think I can loss on a 40 days only water fast.And Is it true the weight you loss during the fast comes back on easily?
HI Kimberly,
The weight stays off if you change your diet. Same bad diet…. same problem. Your goal may my out of your ability for a first time faster. Do a shorter juice fast first and tell us how much you lost.
Hi Tom- I want to know if a juice fast could eliminate some of the medical problems I may be having. I went through a divorce and lost 35lbs in 6mo. I assumed due to stress, but in the past 3mo. I gained 15lbs. back. Could I have a tyroid problem? I have developed an enlarged lymph node gland in my neck and a month later it is still there and a second one has enlarged. My doctor is running blood work and scheduled a cat scan but is not saying much. Probably not to scare me but of course I researched on my own and am scared to have lymphomia or something. Can a fast help me? Besides wanting to loose 10-15lbs (I am currently 5’3 120lbs) I want to get these medical symptoms to disappear, such as night sweats drenching my sheets and tremors and twiches in my body at night with shaking hands throughout the day, what would you recommend?
Hi Carrie,
We just had a lymphoma patient with enlarged glands head home after 30 days on the juice program with normal lymph and feeling good.
Tom,
I’m in the second day of a juice fast and I’ve been having a lot of dizzy spells. I almost hit my head on a filing cabinet at work this morning. What am I doing wrong?
thanks,
Anna
Hi Anna
That is normal for many people. To stop blackouts.
1. Drop your body by sitting back down or kneeling.
2. Breathe deeply a few times before you get up.
Hello I am new to this forum but find it very interesting. years ago my husband and I changed our diets because our children were always sick. We swore off fast food and went to fruits and veggies and fresh juice every morning. Our children thrived and we did too. We went through lots of ‘dumping’. My one daughter that had been on tons of antibiotics went thru the toughest time but became fully cured…she even got the mumps and I was told it was her vaccine coming out. (another controversy -We chose not to vaccinate out other children). We have 5 children. Now that they are grown (the youngest is 20) we have found ourselves back to the same old garbage (for about the last 5 years) and have gained weight..me especially. I decided in December to practice what I’ve been preaching and planned to start a juice fast in January.
Please note we have always had our fresh glass of juice in the morning or we would probably be dead:) last summer we were binging so bad I ended up in the emergency room with high blood pressure peak of 210/105 and they immediately put me on bp pills…I knew the cause but even after a week of juice fasting then i went right back to eating stupid.
So as of Jan. 1st 2009 I have been doing fresh juice. I first had to have a complete mental evaluation with myself to decide that for once and for all I was going to get healthy and the time was now so I could enjoy life again. I had ballooned to 250 lbs and was totally unhappy with myself and it showed. I searched the internet and found excerpts from different place, printed them off and use them as my inspiration and information. I have to tell myself every day that this is the beginning and I will be over with the fast as soon as I get myself in good shape. I make a plan every week and go a day at a time. I have fallen two days and eaten something..altho little it was eating..I then started back the next day and called it day 1. I write in a journal every day..nothing great,,just how I feel and what I want out of life. That has helped tremendously. Also my husband is a cheerleader and if there is one bit of advice I can give you is to share what you are doing with someone. This is the first time I have actually told him what I weigh and have been completely honest with him. He has made a huge difference. I am now at Jan 30th and feel so great…as I write this I believe I am going thru a little ketoacidosis..super weak and backache and all the signs but I know it will be gone in hours or tomorrow. I have a 16oz glass of carrot, beet and celery juice every morning. (I also use green and red pepper and cucumber – all organic) Because I’ve been so cold I then have hot water with a fresh lemon…sometimes lots of cups! Not every day but some days I have another glass of juice in the afternoon. I just listen to my body to see what I need. At first I had fruit juices too but found out for me they make me crave food. After I stayed with vegetables I am never really hungry. My addiction to food comes out and I am trying to realize that this is a lifestyle change so I visualize what I will eat again and I think of only healthy food. I have some weeks planned with a few fruits because of things we have going. I find the key is planning and deliberately dealing with food so there are no passionate binges. Now for the good part…I have lost 35 lbs this month (and I am a person that holds weight). I walk on a treadmill whenever I have the energy because my secondary goal is to lose weight and some exercise helps that end.
I am fitting into lots of clothes and have decided to extend my fast until I get to the weight and health I want. I have weeks planned to break the fast (like Easter) but like i said PLANNED menus. I plan on going until the end of april and then start my new life and lifestyle. I tell people I am 57 going on 40. My skin is clearing up, wrinkles are going and it appears there will be hardly if any loose skin. That I will have to see to believe! I apologize for taking up so much space. I hope my story will help someone. I struggle everyday but as you get through the first week or so you will get motivated. I would be happy to be a fasting partner to anyone out there…my email is rebeckyann@gmail.com. Good luck to all of you and like my motto is (from the Biggest Loser) SHUT THE … UP AND DO IT! No offense intended to everyone but it sure hit home with me!!!
Sorry forgot to tell you I am going in on Monday to get my BP pills reduced for a week or two and then taken off of them…my BP has been low since the first week of the fast…..again good luck to all of you. there is so much information out there. After my 99.9% fasting journey is through I will still have juice every day and plan on doing a 1-3 day fast every week to stay healthy. Planning is the key and I never have done that before. Thanks for the forum to get all kinds of good info! PS my husband is not fasting but we have added juice 2 times a day instead of one and lots more veggies to his diet and of course he loses 10 pounds right away and his bp has gone down…but he didn’t do as much private bingeing as I did so he started out healthier…………
Well here I go again…There’s so many things that come into play with a juice fast. Just a couple of tips when you just have to have a bite of something…. Make a pot of fresh vegetable soup – no salt just some seasonings….then have a cup of broth…I did that the first two weeks. Now when I want something I cut a very fresh organic sweet orange into smaller pieces and suck the juice out of each piece. It’s faster than running it thru the juicer and is a quick fix so you don’t grab something else. It also helps any nausea or blood sugar low. You will find out that you’re never hungry just old habits coming into play…be ready and you will succeed…thanks for listening
Hello to everyone,
Tom, my question to you is: How long would I have to juice fast to lost 70 pounds? I have been reading about water fast and tumble across juice fasting and decided to do a juice fast. Being as though I have so much weight to lose, I was thinking that a 30 day juice fast is not enough time to lose that kind of weight. My weight is now 195 and I am looking to get back to normal weight of 125 or 130. Should I do juice then water and what is the lenght of time for both to accomplish my weight loss goal. Thank you in advance.
Lynette
Lynette,
The question ” how much weight will I lose” has been asked a few hundred times on this site and I no longer answer as the formula is complex at best a guess and the best way is to fast and see what you lose.
Hi Tom,
I have been on a single juice and water fast for 24 days and have lost 16.4lbs. I feel this is low. How can I speed up my slow metabolism while fasting. Is it possible?
Thanks,
Tara
Hi Tara,
If you can exercise that will increase the weight loss. Walking or swimming are good.
I just want to say you are an inspirations. Keep it up and keep us informed.
Tara
Hi, i just bought a juicer and two books you reccomended on this site i’ve never juiced before but I’m very determined to complete 30 days. I hope to lose 30 lbs or more and I hope to last more than 30 days! I’m a little nervous about the enema is it difficult to do your first time by yourself?
I am on day 15 of a water fast and have lost only 18lbs. The past 2 days I have not had any weight loss. I am 5’9 and started at 186. Should I be doing something different? I do try to walk every day but I get out of breath easily. Any suggestions to speed up weight loss?
Hi Tom,
Feel a little pathetic as it’s only my second day of my juice fast but I feel really ill already, I have a really bad cold, I’m completely congested and I’m lying in bed with a box of tissues feeling rather sorry for myself!
Is this normal? I’m just a little concerned because I plan on doing another day of straight juice then 3 days of a liquid diet to include soup and broth and then another 3 days of raw fruit and veg (and liquids). I don’t want to break it but I don’t really want to feel like this for the next week either!
Hi…..I had a few questions about this juice fasting. I have fasted before but not a long term juice fast. I am 19 and about 170 at 5’7. I have some important things going on in about a month and a half or so. I was wondering if with juice fasting, exercising, occasional enemas, etc….if I could lose 70 pounds in about that amount of time. Also, what kind of fruit is best to use for juicing?! So if you could just let me know about how long it would take to lose 70 lbs and what kind of fruit is the best, I would appreciate it! Thanks and I look forward to continuing this juice fast (I started yesterday)
I plan on starting the master cleanse because I don’t have the means to buy a juicer at this time and I want fresh juice to receive some health benefits. Can you tell me what the effects are on the body in terms of loose skin and cellulite. I want to do 30-45 days I have about 100 pds to lose but I dont want to look flabby when I’m done.
Bridget,
You are 5’7″ and you are at 170 trying to lose 70 lbs??? That would put you at 100 lbs!!! I am 5’6″ and I range from 115- 120 and people say I am thin. Aim for healthy sweetie. Your Body Mass Index would have you probably more so between 120-135 as a healthy weight. Fasting is great but just try to be safe!
-Bells
The point is I used to be uber thin surprisingly 100 or less. then my thyroid went crazy and i gained a ton of weight…..im only trying to get back to how i was so 100 is healthy for me because i had been that way for forever…….so its ok
The thyroid can regain natural function on an extended juice fast, which is better than just losing weight as you are repairing the root cause of the weight-gain.
So about how long will it take me to lose 70 lbs then? I’m on my 4th day of the juice fast…..
Bridget,
I saw a man loose 100 lb in 40 days of juice fasting but it was mostly from the liver healing and losing the water held due to water retention.
That depends on the metabolism of your body and and even then it is a guess.
Sorry I also forgot to ask if I can chew an occasional piece of gum while on this juice fast…..
Hi Bridget,
I tried it and chewing gum did not work for me. I chewed hard and it made me hungry and I always wanted more gum. Better to not chew gum.
Thank you so much Tom!! This all helps a lot!
I had one last question, I know I have read that you shouldn’t have caffeine while on juice or water fasts. But I was wondering if I could have an occasional can of diet caffeine free soda, such as sprite zero or sierra mist free or something. Just let me know because if it will make me not lose weight or affect something, then I definitely won’t do it. Thanks! (BTW, going on seventh day of juice fast
Hi Bridget,
You cannot gain weight if there is no calories. If you drink too many you will be on a diet soda fast. You will lose weight but lose the health benefits.
What’s the longest you can go on a water fast. I was wanting to switch my juice fast to a water fast for a while then finish out the rest of my fasting days on the juice fast. I was thinking of doing a 10-14 day water fast. Would this be ok, could I go longer….what are your thoughts.
Hi Briget,
How long can a person can water fast depends on metabolsim and fat content. Here is a quote from Dr. Isabelle A. Moser. The longest fast I ever supervised was a 90 day water fast on an extraordinarily obese woman, who at 5″ 2″ weighed close to 400 pounds.
You will be fine water fasting for 14 days. But take it one day at a time.
Hi Tom and goodmorning. A few days ago I conducted a water fast. On the 3rd day when I woke up my nose was extremely stuffy, my sinuses hurt, and I overall felt like I had a cold. I stopped the water fast, was that a normal reaction?
Well I gave myself a break for a day or two, then I began a fresh juice fast, I juice fruits and veggies, and I dilute it with water. This is my 2nd day in and I’ve lost a total of 4 lbs. Does this mean I have a fast metabolism?
Thanks so much.
Hi Eris
You may have had a cold and the body beat it or you were having a normal detoxification reaction. If you do not gain weight easily then you have a fast metabolsim.
Hello Tom, hello everyone
.
I don’t have any questions, I’ve researched my butt off before starting my fasting endeavor, I just thought I’d share my experience thus far. I thought it’d be nice to have a place to talk and find encouragement.
So here goes, the hard part (thank god this is anonymous). I’m 26, 5’5, and at the height of my weight struggles have weighed 210 lbs. I went through a pretty rough 6 months recently and just let myself go, and have been feeling terribly uncomfortable and unhealthy, and I thought fasting would be a good place to start getting things in order.
I’ve been going great so far and I’m so proud of myself. In the last month I’ve lost 23 pounds (down to 187 last time I weighed in). Some of that was before my fast though.
I started my fast last Monday (Feb 23rd) and I’ve had nothing but water for about 9 1/2 days. Well…had a mint here and there last week, but they were sugar free! >< The occasional hunger pang rears it’s ugly head from time to time, but other than that, I’m feeling great! I would say I lost at least 13 pounds the first week. (Trying to show some restraint and only weigh myself at the end of every week).
I couldn’t go to the gym the first week due to my body adjusting to the fast. I felt week, dizzy, headaches, some back pain, but I knew that was to be expected, so I pushed through it. And now, I feel amazing. Perkier, happier, excited at my success thus far.
This isn’t merely for weight loss (though you won’t here me complain!). I suffer from asthma and some pretty rough allergies. I want to be a healthier person, and the benefits of fasting sound amazing. I think this is somthing we should all keep in mind.
Don’t start this journey merely as a crash diet…think of it as revitalizing your whole life. Use it as a starting point to becoming a better you. The beginning is very rough, but if you rest, and fight through it, the rewards are well worth the struggle, and it only becomes easier.
I’ll update next Monday after I weigh myself next. It won’t be as long a post, I promise, lol. Best of luck to all of you, and remember, LISTEN TO YOUR BODIES!
~Jenny
Teresa, if you’re still checking these forums, it all depends on your metabolism, and from the sounds of it yours is more than likely slow (and I feel your pain, so is mine). The bad thing about that is that you will lose weight more slowly. The good? You can fast longer, which will ultimately further better your detox. If the walking is too much, walk more slowly, for shorter amounts of time, build up your strength. Practice stretching and deep breathing exercises, maybe yoga or pilates, or check out the “standing abs” video by Jennifer Galardi. Exercise will help if your body can take it. The more muscles mass you have the more calories your body burns doing regulary daily activies, including while it’s at rest.
I’m no expert, just my 2 cents.
~Jenny
Hello Tom, I am a male 6 foot 1 19 year old 288 pound teenager. About 2 and a half years ago I discovered fasting and was eager to use it to lose weight. Before I had known about fasting I was at a weight of 205 pounds.
Unfortunately, my eagerness and lack of education when it came to fasting caused me to do what is known as yo-yo fasting. This consisted of me fasting for 1-2 days and then feasting on junk food the rest of the week. This is where the problem starts. That continuing process of yoyo fasting caused me to lose alot of lean muscle tissue over the years. As you know a loss of lean muscle tissue causes a slower metabolism.
So, as the years went on I gradually gained weight as my metabolism became slower. So right now as I type this im 83 pounds larger in body fat and have a slower metabolism with hardly any muscle to boot. I decided 2 days ago I was gonna do a long fast of say around 30-40 days and do it right. Not really for weight loss this time but mainly to detoxify my body before I begin lifting weights to add back the muscle I lost all throughout the years.
Now this is where my concern begins. I know a long fast of say 30 days would use a small amount of muscle and after the fast my metabolism would be even slower and more efficient. Thing is after I break the fast correctly over the next couple weeks I want to get into lifting weights to regain all the muscle I lost over the years because of my yo yo fasting.
Problem is to build muscle you need a calorie surplus. Thing is im afraid if I eat a calorie surplus to build back my muscle I am going to get even fatter in the process and destroy all the benefits of the fast. My intentions are to do a major house cleaning(with the water fast) to start off on a clean slate and then build back muscle to speed up my metabolism and use that muscle and excersize to lose weight slowly.
Is this the right way to go about this weight loss Tom? Please put my concerns to rest thank you
Hi Howard,
Your weight gain may be due to an under-active thyroid or damage liver among other things. Did you have a thyroid and liver function test …would be the first on my list? But there are may factors such as water retention due to poor liver function. You cannot water fast and build muscle. You would be the first. The weight lifters do a 10 day water fast after they put on the muscle to reduce fat and get cut. Muscle mass only comes from exercise and mostly working out with weights. You diet may be the first factor. If your diet is high in oil, fat, sugars and refined starches with a slow metabolism you will gain weight. Fasting is part of the answer for you in that it can heal damaged organs, but only juice fasting with a juicer has that power. Without exercise and a healthy lo cal diet, your fasting will be just riding on a bigger yo yo.
What is your diet and calories? Generally?
Well my diet is usually of junk food and around 3000-4000 calories a day. But I think you misunderstood me. I’m not trying to build muscle during the fast but after it. Right now I’m in the process of a 30 day water fast(to detoxify) and after I break the fast I am going to start lifting weights and attempt to eat a cleaner diet to build some of the lean muscle tissue I lost over the years.
Thing is to build muscle I know I need a calorie surplus. What I’m concerned about is after the fast my metabolism is going to be even slower and I’m worried that the calorie surplus will add even more body fat and destroy the benefits of the fast. Is this the wrong way to go about this or after the fast should I hold off on weight lifting and just eat a low calorie diet? What I really want is to speed up my metabolism and lose the weight slowly but one of the main ways to do this is to build muscle which requires a calorie surplus, a complete contradiction to someone who needs to lose weight.
Well my diet is usually of junk food and around 3000-4000 calories a day. But I think you misunderstood me. I’m not trying to build muscle during the fast but after it. Right now I’m in the process of a 30 day water fast(to detoxify) and after I break the fast I am going to start lifting weights and attempt to eat a cleaner diet to build some of the lean muscle tissue I lost over the years.
Thing is to build muscle I know I need a calorie surplus. What I’m concerned about is after the fast my metabolism is going to be even slower and I’m worried that the calorie surplus will add even more body fat and destroy the benefits of the fast. Is this the wrong way to go about this or after the fast should I hold off on weight lifting and just eat a low calorie diet? What I really want is to speed up my metabolism and lose the weight slowly but one of the main ways to do this is to build muscle which requires a calorie surplus, a complete contradiction to someone who needs to lose weight.
Sorry, forgot have mentioned great post! Waiting for your next post!
Hi Howard,
95% of all humans would gain weight on 4000 cal of junk a day. The problem you may have with a 30 day water fast after a toxic diet is neausea and vomiting as years of toxic living is dumped into the blood. And if you have any compulsive eating issues, they will be come a bomb that can destroy all the benefits of fasting. Step one is to buy a juicer. Step 2 do a week on juice and some oatmeal for breakfast and fresh salads and fruits only. So if you can do that you are ready for a short juice fast of 5 days. If you do that you are ready for a longer fast. Start with juice, go to water then end with juice. You will find this to be doable and practical. The best way to speed metabolism is cardio exercises, like tennis or running. The best weight loss program should be your lifetime diet, exercise with periods of fasting for a tune up.
Thanks Tom
hi i’m 14 and weigh 154 pounds and am honestly sick of it i tried a diet but ended up binging on the third day i’ve researched this juice fasting but still have some questions
1 what kind of juices should i use and how much weight might i lose in a week pls you may be my last hope thanks
Hi Tari
Fasting was my last hope. For weight loss use more cucumber apple, celery, lemon and lower calorie juices. Weightloss would take an hour with your personal info, diet, and weight and hight, just to make a guess. Better to fast and see what happens. If you can, build one pattern or behaviour at a time. Try drinking juice every morning having a salad for lunch. You need to build a healthy rhythm of when and what you eat. Do not try a longer fast as you do not have enough discipline built up to complete the goal. Blowing fasting can make your life worse. I will gladly support you in your program.
Hi Tom,
I am planning on starting a 40 day water fast, however, I want to make sure I will be able to lose weight. I am a little discouraged in that I won’t be able to lose any weight for some reason. Is there a time when the metabolism can speed up after a while? Because I don’t know of anyone who has not lost any weight while doing such an extensive water fast.
Hi Christina
I have seen people lose only 10 lbs on a long water fast and others lost over 100lbs. juice fasting.
The only thing that can speed metabolism, without stimulants is exercises. The more you exercise the faster your metabolism.
You never will see a fat long distance runner. For weight loss that is permanent, you will have to rebuild your diet, thoughts, and activities.
Yes, I have to remain sedentary but I can have a few stimulants that can help me with the weight loss in case my metabolism slows.
I notice that I get dizzy rather quickly when I begin a fast. Does this indicate that my metabolism may be fast? I just want to make sure I am successfull at this fasting and I will not be wasting my time without losing anything. I cannot move around a lot or I get too dizzy which is why I have to remain relaxed and more so still than active.
Christina,
Getting dizzy during fasting can be stopped by sitting or kneeling. Lowering your center of gravity will stop the black out. Try breathing a few times before you stand, and move slowly. If you gain weight easily you have a slow metabolism and weight loss during fasting is slow. Blackouts “may” mean your metabolism is fast.
hi again can i use juices from stores and if so which types and pls what did you mean by’Weightloss would take an hour with your personal info, diet, and weight and hight’ pls can you elaborate i didn’t really understand thanks a million
Hi Tari,
TO calculate a weightloss estimate would require, height, weight, average calories, type of fast, enema or no enema, medical history, health status, age, past diet attempts and about 10 other factors. That is why I never do it. That is a lot of work for a guess that can be answered by fasting for 2 days. Store bought juices work but do not give the same results as fresh juice.
hi i’m just completing my first day and it’s bin fine just a headache i have another question do you have to drink a limited amount of juice or do you just drink as much as you want thanks
Hi Tari
Just follow your body. Water does not flush toxins. So the more you drink after the point of need serves no purpose.
I drink lots of juice when working for the energy and very little water when water fasting.
You can download a free ebook on fasting at http://www.NaturalBodyHealth.com
ClydeBe
I am wanting to start a fast tomorrow, but am concerned by something I read in the comments. Tom, you said that as long as someone doesn’t have problems with compulsive eating then a fast would be no problem. Well, I have had issues with self-esteem and emotional eating most of my life. I was always under constant scrutiny from my mother, and now I can’t pass by a mirror without judging myself. I don’t have much weight to lose (I’m 5’6″, 132 lbs), but I usually feel tired, sluggish and stressed out. One more thing: I don’t have a juicer and can’t afford to buy one now. What would you suggest I do about juice? How long should I fast? How should I break the fast? And do I need to take acidophylis/bifidus when I break the fast? (sorry that was a lot of questions)
Hi Catherine,
Most people with low self esteem break their fasts. I would do a shorter fast 3 to 5 days and rebuild your self-image that you can read about on http://www.compulsive.ws Fasting can empower compulsive behaviour or self-discipline depending on what you think about during the fast.
You can use refrigerated supermarket juices but your body will need the healing the comes with fresh juice from an extractor. Yes I recommend lacto bacteria after fasting.
Thank you for your considerate reply. One other thing that is important for me to know is how to properly break a fast. What exactly should I be eating for the few days after I stop fasting. I don’t want to undo my progress or make myself ill. Thanks!
Hi Catherine,
Breaking a fast can cause a toxic reaction due to the food removing the mucus layer from the intestine. I recommend soft fruits for 2 days, then in 2 days go to salads both fruit and veggies. Then add some oatmeal for breakfast. By day 6 you can add some whole grain starches. Drink juice every day.
Hi Tom! I am currently on day 4 with my 40 day water fast and I can say I am doing quite well so far but I do feel a bit weak, nauseous and I get dizzy every now and then like I’m going to pass out. I am extremely motivated and I know I can do this no problem. However, the killer question that I have to ask that may kill you a little inside lol. But, will I be able to eat and enjoy ALL foods, including the not so healthy foods, after I am done with the fast without gaining weight? Please know that I will carefully break my fast properly but I would like to be able to eat ALL foods again and not just live off of vegetables and fruits my entire life. Please also know that when I say the not so healthy foods I mean I would eat all foods in moderation and stop eating when I feel full and I will always incorporate cardio exercize every week as I always have. How would you recommend I avoid gaining weight while being able to enjoy all foods again? I started my fast, however, I’m afraid I won’t stop doing the fast because I may fear the re-bound of weight gain but yet I want to be able to enjoy and eat all foods again, IN MODERATION.
Please also note that my fasting is NOT strictly for weight loss but for OTHER personal reasons and not much over coming food addiction, however, I do not want to gain the weight back but I want to be able to enjoy eating all foods again as I did before I started the fast. Note that exercize is not a problem for me as well.
Basically, I am not afraid that I’m going to overeat, I am afraid that I won’t be able to eat the foods I want to eat again without weight gain. I don’t want this to happen even though weight loss was not my reason for fasting.
Is there anyway that I can eat all foods like I did before without weight gain? Does this have to be done gradually? If so how do I do it without weight gain?
Hi Christina,
Sure you can eat the foods that caused weight gain if you exercise enough to burn the excess calories. You can jump into juice fasting without any preparation.
Would taking Isotonix after my fast help in digesting the foods better and help maintain my weight so I do not gain any weight?
I would truly appreciate your help.
Thank you.
I doubt Isotonix would help with weight loss or digestion is it is mostly a vitamin with anti oxidants. But there are several products in the line so I am not sure what one you are referring to.
Ok. That is good to know but will my metabolism return to normal after a while after the fast or will it be forever damaged? In addition, how do you recommend that I break my 40 day water fast and for how long do I need to continue breaking the 40 day water fast? I want to make sure I do this correctly and safely.
Christina,
Your metabolism changes by the day, if not by the hour. Running around the block or missing a meal will change your metabolism. Metabolism type is genetic. But even those with a slow metabolism can lose weight.
A 40 day water fast for a first fast is way too much. I here is all the time but never see one post that they made it.
Anyone who states they are going to do a fast that long send up red flags, as the motivation is mostly desperation and that does not increase self discipline as emotion disrupts discipline.
I would break a 40 day water fast on 10 days of juicing and mostly fruits and veggies.
I recommend a 10 day juice fasting first and break it correctly.
If you are looking at boosting your metabolsim….. 4 simple food choices that can ramp up your metabolism and get that calorie burning furnace operating at peak efficiency.
Ok this first food type may not be considered food per se, but it is a nutrient. In fact it is probably the most important nutrient – Water.
Now yo know that you need to consume lots of water to keep your metabolic processes working. But did you know that water with one simple twist could jump your metabolism. The twist? ICE.
Adding ice to your water cools your core temperature to the point that it forces your body to stoke the furnace to get your body temperature back up to snuff. This simple act of warming up your belly will burn up to 100 extra calories.
How’s that for a simple and free metabolism booster?
Herbal Honors
Do you like it spicy?
If so then you’ll want to pile on the pepper and enjoy an nice boost to your metabolism. Consuming spicy foods causes in creased blood flow to your gut lining, and the byproduct of this blood flow is a nice metabolism bump. Simply adding spices to the meals you already eat is an easy and effective way to burn some extra calories throughout the day.
The spices that get top honors are peppers (any that are hot), horseradish and mustard. They are simple supplements to boost your metabolism for up to 2 hours after you eat.
MMMM Spicy!
Citrus Concentrations
It is a commonly known fact that Citrus fruits contain vitamin C. But did you know that Vitamin C can boost your metabolism by more efficiently using the glucose that you get from eating carbs?
Its true and Citrus tastes great too. From a wedge or two of lemons in your Iced water to a simple Orange as a desert, citrus is about the easiest supplement to add to your diet. And it comes in a handy prepackaged container – its called the rind ; )
Tea Time
Last but not least, is tea. Often used in China for its medicinal and curative powers Tea is also a useful aid in burning fat. The gentle form of caffein in teas like Green tea can be used to raise blood flow,and burn off a few extra calories.
Caffeine is the same stimulant that us used in most diet aids on the market today. However Tea provides this stimulant it in all its natural glory, just the way God intended it to be taken.
So sip a cup and enjoy the burn… the fat burn that is.
Fat Burning Bonus
There are a set of foods that do not necessarily raise metabolism but are useful for fat loss none the less. These fall into the catabolic category. Catabolic food are fibrous vegetables that require more calories to digest than they provide. In other words they take more than they give. Nice.
Foods that are high in fiber like apples, broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage burn more calories than they contain. Thus making these prime choices for the dieter looking for the extra edge in the battle of the bulge.
Hi Tom,
I’m planning on doing a 20-30 day juice fast while quitting smoke, after doing a 10 day fast last year. I have a couple questions this time round:
1) I take a natural “fat loss” pill – which basically just enables the body to break down fat before it absorbs. Is it okay to take this while fasting?
2) I’ve read multiple articles on nutrient supplementation for smokers and was wondering if I should focus on fruits and vegetables that enable me to receive them and/or vitamin supplementation/other natural alternatives:
B3, B1, B6 and B12 important to cell regeneration — zinc (600-100mg) L-cysteine (500mg) thiamine (120mg)
– consume about 1 gram of vitamin c every 1-2 hours (helps to saite nicotine cravings)
Other than that, I know that fasting is healthy for the body and I have no qualms about losing weight but realistically, I’m 5’2 and 120-125 pounds – could you give a rough estimate (I know it depends on metabolism and other such things)? I’d prefer not to look skeletal but 10 lbs gain or loss on someone as short as I am is quite noticeable.
Allayna,
I would take the vitamins during the fast that you recommended. You will get skinny on a prolonged juice fast but normal weight returns quickly. The ” natural weightloss pill’ I am not sure on as I do not know what it is. If it is not a stimulant then it should be fine.
Thanks for the quick response. : )
The “fat loss” pills contains 1000 mg Tonalin CLA (Safflower oil) and 800mg Conjugated Linoleic Acid.
As for the vitamins, even though I’ve read extensive articles on Fasting and they’re not reccommended – they won’t interfere with cleansing? If so, that’s extremely positive. The Vitamin C I can get from natural sources such as fruit, but other than some of the B12 vitamins I’m fairly sure I’ll have to go the actual pill-form vitamin route to get these..
Anyways, thanks for your response! : )
- A
Hi Allayna
The supplement is excellent and will assist the body to heal. I will have to study it more. I would love to add it to the program here at the hospital but ……we work with the poorest of people so that may be a dream for a while.
I’m fairly certain that there are generic forms that you can purchase – I saw 100 pills today for about $35.00 – I’m not certain of the other brand I saw but the one I use is from Swiss Naturals. They do have a website and respond to questions.
Is it the Safflower oil that makes it healthy for the body? And sorry, but I do have one more question. I read about Spirulina and the health benefits of it but am wondering – do you have to take it in powder form or will pills do the same job? I’ve been unable to locate it in powder form, only finding it in pill-form (they contain 500mg of Spirulina per pill).
Thank you again,
Allayna.
P.S – I would love to do more research on things that could benefit fasting and heal the body – if you’d like any assistance researching these types of things I’d be more than happy to be of assistance. I’m a bit of an information/medical junkie. : )
Hi Allayna,
You offer to help would be great. Can I call you. Use the contact link on this site. Spirulina works the same in pill our powder. As it is a food, you could take 5 to 10 a day. It is perfect for fasting and you can fast only on it. It sustains energy almost as good a juice.
Hi Tom,
I just started my Fast today. I attempted to start it yesterday, and did good up until “Easter Dinner”. I felt rude not eating. So anyways, I have done good today. All I have had is water, and 160 calories worth of “Trop 50″ which is orange juice made with 50% sugar and calories than normal orange juice and also has lots of Vitamin A, C, D, E, calcium, Iron, Thiamin, Nacin, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, and Riboflavin. I’m a college student so I don’t have enough money to go buy a juicer, so I was wondering what SPECIFIC juices from the store would you recommend me trying? and Also, Is switching between water and juice in one day okay for a fast. I drank juice around lunch time because that is when i need a little more energy to get through the day.
Please let me know if you think me drinking “Trop 50″ in moderation will be okay? And also, when making drinks with a mixer, how many calories would you say you consume from a juice fast?
Thanks,
Randee
hey, i have a question…i am IBS really bad and everyday i have the bloating, upset stomach (especially after i eat) i noticed that when i dont eat after like 6 pm and not again til late morning my stomach is flat but then once i eat i have terrible stomach ache (no matter what i eat) i am going to try the bentonite clay and the juice fast, any other helpful tips on IBS?? i want to get rid of IBS for good!!
Hi Katie,
A 30 day juice fast using the enema and replacing your intestinal bacteria after the fast is you best choice for recovery. The bentonite clay is good too.
Hi, I want to start the juice fast to lose weight since I’m overweight! I don’t know how long I’ll do it for but I’m going to try. I’m 20 years old and weigh 175 lbs and 5’4. Is it safe for me to do the juice fast? how long should I do it for if I want to lose around 15-20 lbs? are there any dangers in this? will I die? I just want to make sure this will help me and not have the opposite effect! please reply soon.
Hi clare.
You can drink juice, herbal tea, water or frozen juice as a popisical. If you are afraid of dying you need to read more. Most people are getting a new life. You could easily do 30 days if you are healthy and without compulsions.
also, I wanted to ask
for the juice fast…do you have to drink juice only? can you also drink water? because I heard water is very, very important for your body. Also, can you drink milk too? or does it have to be juice the entire time? write back soon.
i have been juicin now for 1 day i weight 300 pounds well maybe a little less i stop eating meat,diary only veggies and fruit about 45 days ago .
i feel good but today was harder than givin up meat lol
i havent had a BM in two days please help
DANYELLE,
You do not have normal bowel movements during fasting. Nothing in nothing out. So that is normal. You will have and rear end explosion on breaking the fast. That is also normal. On fasts over 5 days I use and enema.
Tom, i started a water fast and messed up so i ate for 5 days and started again! It has been 5 days of just water fasting and i have not lost a lb. My goal is to do a water fast for 14 days and lost atleast 20lbs. I really hope to lose more than that because i do weigh 219lbs. Can you please give me some advice on what to do??
Hi Shante
People with a slow metabolisms which you must have as the weight is coming off very slowly. I recommend exercise such as swimming or walking for an hour a day.
I also noticed that I’m barely drinking water I mean it is a little bit….
I hope this is OK because I’m just listening to my body moreso. Seems to be working since I’m not getting sick or anything.
Hi Tom!
This is the same post I posted on another part of the site by accident I do apologize! Just know when it comes to posting anything on the net I’m am plain ignorant lol.
But here it is again if it helps ya..I added a few lines too!
I’ve started my second week of pure water fasting and everything seems to be going fine and no more black outs!But I do have a black, purple eye from the last black out I had and having to get stitches lol. Anyway, It just seems like my body has become used to not eating already and I’m worried that I won’t even be able to consume home made veg. juice after my second week is done. From before I mentioned I’m going to finish up the 14 day water fast and then do a few days of vegi juice then do another 14 day water fast in which I am completely fine with I have no problem doing. I am just afraid I won’t consume nutrients after my entire fast is done. I will say that I am already incredibly thin that my ribs are showing as well as other bones, my face is quite gaunt…but please know I’m fasting for all of the right reasons. My concern is that I just feel like I don’t have the desire to eat at all…no tempations. I know this no desire thing doesn’t really matter now but I would like to know if this is common or uncommon for when I get close to finishing the fast. I think another part of it is that I enjoy fasting..a lot.. Either way I probably shouldn’t be concerned about it now but it still is something I’d like to know in advance if you’re able to provide advice/ answers
. Thank you!
Tom,
I do a 30 minute walk everyday. Will exercising speed up the weight loss. I want to try and lose atleast 20lbs this month with the water fast. How long will you say someone with a slow metabolism would take to reach that goal. Again, i am 219 lbs and thought that the weight would fall off, but that seems to not be the case here. What would you recommend me do to reach this goal of 20 lbs in 2 weeks on a water fast?
Hi Shante,
I cannot guess. Rates change with many factors. But if you are losing fat very slowly up the exercise amount.
Okay, thanks Tom! Im starting again today and im shooting for a week right now and ill do 2 30 minute exercises a day. I will keep you posted. Thanks again.
Hi Shante,
Maybe try the cayanne pepper capsules that Lynden just posted.
Hi Tom,
Do i have to just use the capsules or can i use cayanne pepper? I have some at home. If you think the capsules may work better, where do you think i can find some.
Hi Shante,
You could take it in juice or in caps. The effect would be the same.
Tom,
Hello, i was wondering if i will gain my weight back when i decide to eat again? I know i gain 5-10 lbs from the colon filling, but will i gain weight just from eating again. How can i prevent this from happening, because i do not want this entire experience to be a waist of my time.
Also, i took the cayenne pepper this morning in powder form with warm water and it seemed to have given me a little kick. I am going to do this three times a day for about a week and then give you feedback on whats going on.
Hi Shante,
If you eat more raw foods, salads and avoid, white flours, bread, and processed food you are on your way to a lifetime weightloss program. Getting some exercise every day is important. You diet put on the weight and a new diet and fasting can keep if off.
Okay, thanks for the info. I love salads and grilled chicken so that will be my everyday life along with other healthy meals after my fast. I stepped on the scale this morning after doing the cayenne pepper 3 times yesterday and i have lost 4 lbs. Today is day 2 so ill post again tomorrow so you guys can see the difference that the cayenne pepper made. It burned my throat, but its well worth it. It gave me so much energy that i went for a walk yesterday and didnt return until a hour and a half later. Thanks so much Lynden and Tom for the boost to a healthier lifestyle.
Shante and Lynden
I think the cayenne addition during fasting for weightloss needs a post and some research. Clearly is has proven benefits. I will try to get it started today.
I am on day 5 of my first 30 day water fast…i feel great!..the 1st days were very hard..but it get easier..I am a 27 year old female, 5’5, and started the water fast @243 lbs…in the 4 days so far i hav only lost 8 lbs..but im determined to do the 30 days!..I have already lost inches in my hips and tighs!!!yay me
my skin is extra soft..hair extra shiney..and my teeth seem whiter!
Hi. I am planning on starting a water fast tomorrow. I am 5’2, I weight 163. I eat so much salt, its pathetic. I am doing a 12 day fast. I am hoping to lose 30 lbs on the fast? Is it possible? I plan on working out lightly, but multiple times a day? Short walks, ect. I am off of work for a while, so I have nothing but time. I know I carry at least 10 lbs of water weight. My hands are so swollen I cant get my rings off. I am 30 lbs overweight!!!! Will working out every few hours help speed the process of weight loss up, and help me reach a goal of 30 lbs in 12 days? Thanks!
Hi Joben,
You have edema, water retention that may be due to a damaged liver or kidneys. Use a beet, carrot cucumber, lemon juice and stick to juice fasting. Water melon is good. A liver function test would be good. Water fasting would be risky with a weakened liver.
also, i forgot to ask. Can I take laxitives on a water fast? I have been very constipated and bloated to the extreme!!!
Oh, and Tom. i wanted to just add… a little background about me. i DONT drink water. I drink anywhere from 1 to 5 bottles of pop daily. and i eat fast food everyday… So no water in and nothing but sodium and sugar consumed.
Hi Tom,
I would really appreciate if you can answer two questions for me. (1)What do you think of doing a long fast using a superfood, organic powders that you mix with water:
Organic Phytonutrient Fruit and Vegetable Blend 4.04 g
Organic Apple Powder, Organic Raspberry Powder, Organic Grape Powder, Organic Strawberry Powder, Organic Acerola Extract, Organic Cherry Powder, Organic Beet Powder, Organic Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis), Organic Mountain Cranberry Powder, Organic Mango Powder, Organic Date Powder, Organic Goji Powder, Organic Blueberry Powder
Organic Flaxseed (cold processed) 1.705 g
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (as Alpha Linolenic Acid) 40 mg
(2) What do you think of using a natural colon cleanser of a product with these ingredients while fasting? If not, do you recommend another natural product?
Cascara Sagrada (Bark), Senna (Leaf), Chinese Rhubarb (Root), Black Walnut (Hull), Aloe Vera (Leaf), Oregon Grape 9Root), Yellow Dock (Root), Valerian (Root), Slippery Elm (Bark), Cellulose Capsule, Magnesium Stearate and Silica.
I never used an enema before and really don’t want to try because I’m not good with that kind of stuff and afraid of things getting messy.
thanks Tom!
Hi blurverve
You can fast using the super food formulas that you mentiioned and the colon cleansing formula is good during a fast.
Hey. I started a ten day fast today! Water Fast
I wanted to post my progress on here each day, if all of you don’t mind. That way I know I am sticking to it, and have something to show for it! Starting weight 160!!! I wont weight myself everyday though, I know I would just get discouraged!!!
I want clearer skin, regular bowels, fresh start at healthy eating!!! i love this site!!!
I made it to day 6!!! Today i have lots of energy..& would like to start walking a mile or 2..but from every thing i’ve read..u shouldnt if ur on a water only fast as i am. Im wonderin if i have tons of energy..like i do today..if i could walk?.By the way I’m down a total of 10 Lbs..2 1/2 inches of my hips..1 off waist..1 1/2 off thighs. i dont know if these numbers r good or not..i feel like its not alot of weight loss for 6 days of nothing but water?..any advice on speeding up the weight loss??
Audra,
Good job on yout 10 pounds! I am hoping to lose tons of weight!!! I NEVER drink water, so I am hoping to get rid of a lot of water weight!!! I have read some testimonies on other pages about people and working out/walking. I am walking (Ok ONLY MY FIRST DAY BUT… lol) Don’t over do it, but do what you can.
Cool!!! i have tons of energy, but its only my first day
Oh, Audra, How much water are you drinking per day? Is 6 liters enough? Thanks!!
im drinkin around 3 liters a day..im not forcing it down just drinking it all day
Tom,
I just enexpectedly started my period. Could you pls tell me if this is normal?
Hi Audra,
Toxin release during fasting can disrupt hormone levels and cause irregular periods.
Nothing to be alarmed over.
Thanks Tom. Will fasting help me lose that wter weight then?
Thank you for your response back Tom, I appreciate it.
I forgot to mention besides the powdered organic fruits, berries and veggie mix, the superfood contains other ingredients, which are:
Other Ingredients: Natural Flavors, Organic Rice Flour, Organic Tapioca Starch, Unbleached Non-GMO Soy Lecithin.
The superfood mixes easily with water. Will the other ingredients cause any problems?
Hi Blurverve
The starches and rice flour may be mucus forming. You will tell if you sinuses clog up.
thank you Tom
Audra,
I wasnt having any weight loss at first until Tom suggested i tried cayenne pepper. I know, i know…. It sounds way too gross, but it helped alot and if you are all about the weight loss, you would do it. I only put a pinch of it in my water three times a day. When i started doing this, plus walking 30 minutes a day, i lost 2 lbs per day and still going. Try it and see if it works for you which im sure it will. Lynden was the one who tried it first and it worked for her. Give it a try!!!!! Post and let us know how it goes…..
HI Tom,
I want to start a juice fast .. can you tell me what is the minimum amount of juice and water you must drink per day
Hi Kat,
There is no minimum. A period of “dry fasting” can be very effective which is zero liquid.
Today is day 8!! So in the first full week i’ve lost a total of 13 lbs. I went on a walk yesterday..& felt as if my legs were to weak to walk..not sure if thas normal??
Shante,
Im really thinking about the cayenne pepper, but still didnt do it..mybe i’ll start that on week 3. I plan on going for 30 days, as I have alot of weight and toxins 2 lose. Im really hoping to get under 200lbs with this fast. And then with my lifestyle change the rest will come off…good luck with your adventure too!
Hi I want to juice fast but a few questions.
1) the minumum and maximum amount of juice per day.
2) the minumum and maximum amount of water per day.
3) I dont have access to a juicer, are bottled juices like V8 and OceanSpray okay to use? If so what would you recommend.
Thanks
Hi Kat
I tried V8 one time and I did not feel good on the fast. Too much salt and it it ferments in the intestine. Ocean spray is better but the acid can be hard on the stomach but cutting it with water helps. No minimum of max juice amount. Just follow your body.
Hi Tom, my height is 5”3 and I weigh 137.5 pound. How long will it take to lose 30 pounds? I am planning to consume 500 cals or less everyday. I saw you have a method of calculating how to loose the calories. I would appreciate if you can share. Thank you very much.
Hi KK
Weight loss depends on 20 factors and each are vague and how they combine make it more complex.
Fast and tell us how much you lose.
If you gain weight easily you will gain weight slowly.
Hi,
I am on day 3 of a juice fast. I started out at 207 and am now at 201 pounds. i am 5’4″ tall. i would like to weigh 130. how long do you predict it will take me to loose these 71 pounds if i continue on the juice fast??? i am 32 years old.
Hi Tammy
Your weight loss rate will slow each week. It can get down to 1/2 lb a day after 30 days. Cayenne pepper helped some faster on this site increase weight loss. Try to get some exercise daily. As the how long. There is no math or formula for weight loss and fasting and for that reason I never answer the question. There are endless comments and pages on this subject.
Tom. I am in awe of your commitment to helping us fasters. Reading your answers and seeing the dedication has got me through the hardest day of my fast. Thank you deeply!
Hi Freebird,
Thanks for your encouragement. It is a passion and commitment to a vision that keeps me going.
OK..i made it to day 11 !!…total weight loss so far…17lbs!! If you would know me you woulda never thought i could do this…neither did I..but I am!! And Honestly..it seem wierd but i have more energy than i ever had..after 10 whole days of nothing but water. That seems impossible..but its true.
Hey Tom. I cant begin to tell you how much fasting will help me. But for some reason I just can’t seem to resist the temptation. I’ve tried fasting more than once and have been successful for only about two times. The longest I’ve gone is 3 days. Every time i just give in to the food. I’m hoping that I will get rid of some toxins because lately i haven’t been feeling that well physically. I know that you answer these questions daily and must eventually get tired of these questions but I am desperate. So do you have any tips that will allow me to go longer and ways to improve the experience because drinking only water can really get frustrating and its not that pleasant sometimes on an empty stomach. Do you think lemon and honey or the cayenne pepper thing will be a better option for me?
Hi Susan
Lemon and honey with cayenne pepper is better than water fasting. The enema end hunger. Just use it 2 times on day one.
Juice fasting is better for healing the body.
Hey Tom. Thanks for the advice. But I’m really scared of enemas so I don’t think I’ll do that
. But I’m open to the cayenne pepper and the lemon. Thanks for the help! I guess I’ll just have to duke it out and try to overcome the hunger. I guess I’ll update you on my progress. I plan on doing a 5 day fast, but i have a bad feeling that I’ll fail.
Hi Susan
Mental attitude is very important on the fast. Feel good about every day you complete, mentally see yourself completing the fast and eating healthy. And do not dwell on foods. May break a fast by thinks about food and the energy builds to action.
Hi Tom and hello everyone,
3rd day on the juice fasting, 32, no serious health issues, 5′6″ and started with 150 lbs, 150.8 to be exact. I want to lose about 30 lbs. Have been reading posts on this site diligenty for hours at a time. I found answers to a few questions I asked previously but not the following ones:
Does the skin fall of your bones when you lose the weight? What happens with the skin’s elasticity, does anyone have any experience? Can I see improvement on cellulite under the skin? This is really important to me! Can I see any reversal of the aging process? I truly wish..
I am having a hard time with hunger and heavy food fantasizing/cravings but I read that for the first few days 3-5 it is normal, then the stomach shuts down with the hunger pangs. The terrible taste in my mouth since day 1 is probably normal too?
I lost 2 lbs first day and 2 lbs+ the second day (now 146.6 lbs) and I am aware it is not the real weight loss yet. Still makes me happy!
Thank you all for your comments. I very much appreciate them!
Hi Alexandra,
The food fantasies will cause you to break your fast binging. You have to force your brain to thing of fresh fruit salads. Build the ultimate fruit salad and see your self enjoying it when the food cravings come.
Let me add a bit details to my earlier posting:
Day 1: lack of energy but I have been shopping and walking around for over 4 hours outside. I had 6 ounces of fruit juice and 2 coffee mugs of organic store bought vegetable broth.
Lost 2 lbs. Down to 148.8 lbs
The aches and pains started right away.
Day 2: ups and downs with energy. Walked 2+ hours (not too brisk but not too shabby either) Severe attacks of aches and pains in the body. I had 6 ounces of fruit juice and 3/4 coffee mug of vegetable broth.
Lost 2+lbs. Down to 146.6
Hi Tom,
Well as I can’t eat anything at all, even having fruit salad fantasy is a deal breaker is it not? LOL! Thank you though for the suggestion. Cute!
When I was preparing the juice today I so wanted to bite those apples! God help me! When will the desire go away, I thought you said after a few days you don’t have any hunger issues, do I remember it wrong?
Please answer my previous questions about cellulite and sagging skin, will you, Tom?
Never mind, you already did on the other section, i just saw it. Thank you thank you thank you again!
One more question: I really truly do not know how to use enemas, I understand you make sure a certain amount of water gets in and I understand that part. but then what? What do you do? Do you just get up and go to the toilet and sit there for a while, does the water stay in, is it not messy, messing up your floors or anything?
Alexandra, Do a site search for enema. It is posted. For cellulite drink lots of grapefruit juice. The sugar and coffee scrub will help reduce stretch marks. The will never go away completely. A skin brush may be easier, found in health stores.
Hi Tom,
I want to do the Master Cleanse. I’m just curious, what exactly does cayenne pepper do? Does it have anything to do with your metabolism? Thanks
Hi Jen , I just did a post on it. Do a site search for cayenne.
OK..Im on day 14 of a WATER ONLY fast!!..& i think i hit a plateau..I have lost 18 lbs so far, but have been stuck for like 4 days @ the same weight! I do feel a little weak, but i think I’m going to have to start walking.I am trying to make it to 30 full days of nothing but water, then switch to juice. I started @ 243lbs, Im now @ 225lbs…still have a LONG way to go. I’m already scared @ the thought of breaking the fast.
Hi Audra,
Try the cayenne pepper, I just finished a page on it. I will increase your metabolism. Did you use the enema? Clearly you have a slow metabolism so walking will help. It will also help maintain discipline when you break the fast.
http://www.fasting.ws/juice-fasting/fasting-for-weight-loss/cayenne-pepper-weightloss-fasting
Continuing the diary:
Day 3: I only had 2 small glasses of freshly squeezed vegetable juice all day, dry brushed my skin, had steam bath at my gym but I did no exercise (which is not good) I only lost 0.8 lbs. I am down to 145.8 lbs.
Today I intend to walk the same 2 hour+ distance to help the process (I intend not to lose anything if I am sedentary), do the dry brushing not only once but several times a day and finish off with steam bath.
I woke up with a good feeling and felt energetic yet very weak on the legs.
I’ll report back tomorrow.
Question:
Hi Tom,
I have a new Omega 1000 juicer. I am concerned about the foam and the pulpish residue that comes up with the juice. I don’t want to engage the digestive system. What do I do, is it something to be concerned about?
PS: Still hungry but I will try to find that enema thingy and start using it too.
Hi Tom,
Another question…how do you hit a plateau, when I’m consuming NO calories?..It seems mathematically impossible.
Hi Audra,
You body will be losing weight if this is a water fast but a very small amount. If juicing go to water. Cayenne Pepper can help. Do a site search as I did a page on the benefits.
Day 4th’s report on day fifth morning/afternoon:
I had the juice of a pear, half apple, 1 grapefruit all day, when i went crazy hungry after workout and the steam I had a 3/4 cup of organic veggie broth with cayenne that calmed me down immediately. Now hopefully I know how to handle it!
I walked the same distance very briskly and did 2+ hour distance in less than 1.5 hrs, 2 steam baths and I lost 0.8 lb. only.
I am down to a round 145 lbs. today.
Hi Tom! I am 5’2, and I was 115 pounds before becoming pregnant, and I gained 80 pounds during pregnancy. Two years later, I am down to 130 pounds, but I am having a hard time losing the last 15-20. I really miss my flat stomach.
I have tried water fasting before, but failed miserably withing the first 24 hours. I am now on day 2 of a 10 day water fast, and I don’t feel as bad as I had expected. I really do believe I am going to complete it this time! I am experiencing just some slight nausea, and weakness, and I am not really having any bad hunger pains. I cut out caffeine before starting the fast, so I am not having any headaches from withdrawal.
I am expecting to lose at least 10 pounds or more from this fast, and I am hoping to break my addiction of smoking. How much do you think I should expect to lose, and how much do you think I will put back on after breaking the fast? I eat pretty healthy, and I plan on eating even more healthy after the fast. Thanks!
Forgot to add this question:
My son is type 1 diabetic, and I know how dangerous it is for him to have ketones in his body. How dangerous is it for someone who is not diabetic to have ketones? Thanks!
Day 5th Report (on the 6th day early early afternoon)
Today finally I woke up happy with almost no hunger pains. OH! What a relief!
Yesterday I took in a bit more than usual juice, 2 glasses to be exact and 3/4 coffee mug of vegetable broth with cayenne.
Jogged a bit around 15-20 minutes and walked (let’s not count that walking as it was negligable) Let’s say moved a bit but not much. Sorry! I was feeling low energy like you would not believe all day yesterday.
Today I weighed myself and saw I lost 0.6 lb.
I am down to 144.4 lbs.
Today feeling much better but a canker sore appeared on my upper lip
today is day 16 for me!! im thinkin about food alot today..still shootin for 30 days.
Everyone is doing well still
This is halfway through day five for me, 2pm. I feel fine and decided yesterday evening that I’d attempt some water fasting from today and see how I go.
I’ve had nothing but water all day so far and feel fine though my stomach is starting to complain now.
Lets see if I can at least keep this up for 24 hours, but really my actual aim is to keep it up for 7 days and then return to juice fasting for three days before ending the fast.
So it would have then been 4 days juice, 7 days water, 3 days juice and then blessed food, lol.
If I could even water fast for three days I’d be really happy though to be honest!
Good luck everyone today
Tom,
I broke my fast incorrectly by eating fast food. How can i make sure i dont gain too much weight? I know atleast8lbs will come back automatically, but how do i stay there. Is there still time to fix it?
Hi Shante
Blowing fasts are common if there are any compulsive eating issues. Go to juice for 2 days till you feel better then break it again. Try to exercise. Appreciate what you have achieved.
If I have a blender can I make a smoothie with fresh fruit and veggies I dont have a juicer yet times are tough or whats the best store bought juice? I been looking over the site and really didnt find anything. Please help want to start this fasting process
Hello Tom,
Perhaps this is a stupid question but what is an aenima?
Is eating Fruit rather then drinking Juice OK..
I have been fasting for two days now. I feel like I don’t have the energy to do any exercise. Is this normal?
I’m afraid mainly because when I was a lot younger, I went on a crash diet, eating nothing, Just drinking diet coke, after two months I lost, 50 lbs, I ended up fainting Because of lake of Iron. Do you suggest I take any vitamins, so this does not happen again?
Hi RebeccaXX
You must mean enema. It looks like a water bottle but has a hose to flush the colon with water to remove toxins that can build in the colon. I recommend juice fasting with a juicer and supplements. Fainting and weakness are normal during fasting due to low blood sugar. To stop a black out get down on one knee or breathe deep a few times before standing.
Hi Everyone!!..Today is day 19 of my water fast!! I still cant believe I’ve made it this far..never in my life would i have imagined this. I’m down a total of 23 lbs so far..and the weight is barley coming of now..but its not about the weight loss anymore for me. Its about a total lifestyle change, & if i can do this, i can do anything!!! GOOD LUCK to everyone else doing a fast! Its a great, life changing experience.
Thanks Tom,
On my first two days, I lost a total of 6 lbs. I’m so happy with that and although I’m very hungry and lack energy, It’s a lot better then the feeling I get then when I eat some of the things I eat. I’m just afraid of how I will feel once I got back to work today.
Hi Guys. I am planning on starting a fast tonight at 5! I am 5’2 163.8 pounds. I plan on curing severe dehydration edema, quitting smoking, weight loss/healthier eating habits,constipation and clearer skin. Eventually I would like to get down to 125 pounds and be able to enjoy my summer.
My question is, if i ate a small meal today, is it ok for me to start my fast? Thanks!
I plan on stopiing the fast Friday June 12th.
thanks
Hi Alecia
Please start with a juice fast using a juicer. If you ate a cheese sandwich it will sit in the colon dehydrating to become a rock.
Last meal should be fruit of veggies but is you use the enema, whatever it the last meal is unimportant.
Ok Tom, I will eat some fruits tonight, and just start in the AM. hopefully after a good 12 hours of not eating i will clear out.
Thanks
Hai tom
How r u?im 31 yrs old. im 5,1″.weight 107 lbs.i have stress from my childhood.because my father has o.c.d problem.i have loss of appetite problem from 2002.my tonsils removed in 2002.(i searched the symptoms in internet.i thought it was throat cancer.that may be reason for my loss of appetite.i was panic for almost for 1 month)i got repeated ear infections in 2004.in 2006 i got an ulcer.(doctor said its pre ulcer symptoms.)(again i thiught it was stomach cancer).from 2008 may im following nature cure diet.(im drinking 5liters of water,fruit for breakfast,brownrice,wholegrains for lunch,dinner.i have 2,3 bowelmoments per day.)my past weight was 120 because of diet change i was 112 in last november.mean while my stress is increasing because of busy life.and my father was sick.in november 2008 i observed change in my bowels.i thought again it was colon cancer.i went to natural treatment for my anxiety.ayurveda treatment.im doing fine now i dont have any anxiety or anything.(they gave me pure herbs to balance braincells,nervous system,to increase my appetite).
but still have loss of appetite.(in november i did 5 day fater fast 5 day juice,fruit fast.)so right now im 107 lbs.
because of loss of appetite problem whenever i fall sick im thinking like it is cancer.(im getting into depression,panic,anxiety increasing.before getting test results).they checked everything.my colonoscopy done.endoscopy,ultrasound(abdominal,pelvic.).evrything is fine.right now im happy.because of anorexia i want to do water fast.but im concerned about my weight.please advice.
thanku
Hi Shan,
I recommend starting with juice fasting using a juicer. It make the detox less intense and has greater therapeutic benefits. Then after 3 to 5 days you can go to water for a few day then back to juice. You will lose less weight. Enen so you body will normalize to a health weight within about 10 days after a fast.
Hi All!!
Today is day 21 of my water fast. I think I might start juice tomorrow. I’ve lost 27 lbs so far. Im also going to start walking 4 miles a day tomorrow.
Hai tom,
Thanks for ur answer.Im women.indian.thanks for ur answer.im having bloating after eating.im doing warm water enema daily.im having stomach pain after eating.so which juice is helpfull for my problem bloating.loss of appetite.how many days can i continue water,juice fasting.
thanku.
god bless u.
Hi Shan
I have heard of a guy the did a 3 year juice fast. Water fasting maximum duration for person with healthy organs is 40 to 80 days before it becomes damaging. A 30 day juice and water fasting alternation is the best for healing.
Hello Tom, I have started day 1 of my fast. I do not have a specific time period. In the past I have done a water fast the first few days and then moved on to drink a couple of V8′ with water for a couple of days. I feel great after and during the fast. I often fast every 3 months. Do you recommend any other time period and my longest fast lasted 6 days.
Hi Sjh
Some fast one day a week. Other 3 days a month. I like 5 to 10 days every 2 months and one fast over 20 day each year.
Hai tom
How r u doing? please tell me which juice is helpfull for my bloating,stomach pain after eating
Hi Shan,
Try some potato, with cucumber, celery and carrot. Could you give us more details?
shan
26 May 2009 at 12:42 pm
Hai tom,im attaching my post again
How r u?im 31 yrs old. im 5,1″.weight 107 lbs.i have stress from my childhood.because my father has o.c.d problem.i have loss of appetite problem from 2002.my tonsils removed in 2002.(i searched the symptoms in internet.i thought it was throat cancer.that may be reason for my loss of appetite.i was panic for almost for 1 month)i got repeated ear infections in 2004.in 2006 i got an ulcer.(doctor said its pre ulcer symptoms.)(again i thiught it was stomach cancer).from 2008 may im following nature cure diet.(im drinking 5liters of water,fruit for breakfast,brownrice,wholegrains for lunch,dinner.i have 2,3 bowelmoments per day.)my past weight was 120 because of diet change i was 112 in last november.mean while my stress is increasing because of busy life.and my father was sick.in november 2008 i observed change in my bowels.i thought again it was colon cancer.i went to natural treatment for my anxiety.ayurveda treatment.im doing fine now i dont have any anxiety or anything.(they gave me pure herbs to balance braincells,nervous system,to increase my appetite).
but still have loss of appetite.(in november i did 5 day fater fast 5 day juice,fruit fast.)so right now im 107 lbs.
because of loss of appetite problem whenever i fall sick im thinking like it is cancer.(im getting into depression,panic,anxiety increasing.before getting test results).they checked everything.my colonoscopy done.endoscopy,ultrasound(abdominal,pelvic.).evrything is fine.right now im happy.because of anorexia i want to do water fast.but im concerned about my weight.please advice.
thanku
Hai tom
How r u doing? please tell me which juice is helpfull for my bloating,stomach pain after eating
Hi Shan
Potato juice mixed with a veggie juice combo is standard. Juice fasting is better for curing health problems and has less weightloss if you are underweight. Most importantly you have to get your mind free of fear. Can you read http://compulsive.ws as it will help you.
Hai Tom,
thanks for ur quick replies.i mentioned my problem in my earlier mail.is loss of appetite cures with these juices?how to make potato juice?which veggies do i need to use?what about fruit juices?im having bloating,stomach pain after eating.somewhere i read that orange juice is good for anorexia people
thanks
shan
Thx Tom, I have read that minimal amount of water is best, but I always thought water helps flush the system, I do keep the juice to a minimal of 1 cup a day, usually in the early afternoon, and it is usually a V8 cause it is easy and convenient, do you recommend anything else.
Hi Sjh
I find V8 causes gas and it too salty. Fresh orange or grapefruit is better. Juicers in thrift shops are $5 and worth the investment. Water does not flush toxins. They are dissolved by the immune systems. Reducing water reduces the flow of inter-cellular fluid and that is an better environment for the immune system to function int. (my theory)
hi all,
just got home from the hospital…i was passing a kidney stone..HOW PAINFULL!!..i did 22 days of water only..been drinking juice & eating fruits and veggies..and last night the WORST pain ever..& urine in my blood..but i think im all good now..going for another check-up in 3 days
30 May 2009 at 11:50 am
Hai Tom,
thanks for ur quick replies.i mentioned my problem in my earlier mail.is loss of appetite cures with these juices?how to make potato juice?which veggies do i need to use?what about fruit juices?im having bloating,stomach pain after eating.somewhere i read that orange juice is good for anorexia people.please reply
thanks
shan
Hi Shan,
Just add a small potato to the juicer with carrot, beet, cucumber,… etc… to taste. Fruit juices are good. Experiment and see what works for you.
I have been taking glucsomine for 4 years,I have arthritis in the knees, should I continue taking them during the fast or should I stop, how about multi’s, I take them too.
Hi Sjh,
Yes glucsomine and a multi vit are good during juice fasting. With water fasting is is better to take nothing. You will need a very long fast to have a longterm benefit for arthritis. But even a few days will reduce inflammation and pain.
Hello Tom,
In your book you say that vegetable broth is ideal for the first day of breaking the juice fast. Does that mean that vegetable broth shouldn’t be used during the fast itself? Thanks so much for your time!
- Rose
Hi Rose,
You can have a vegetable broth every day of the fast. It is a bit of a change and feels like eating soup. It is good for breaking a water fast. Acid fruits can cause a intense detox reaction.
Hello again,
I thought that since I’m posting I might as well give some of my information. I’m 5’4″, and am on finishing up my 4th day on the juice fast. I started off at 158 lbs, and am now 151 lbs (as of this morning). I’ve been consuming between 16-48 oz of juice a day. I have not been using an enema however, I’ve been using flaxseed instead.
Last night I drank 8 oz of Simply Orange juice, and I’m uncertain weather that was the wrong choice. It says 100% juice, but I noticed almost immediately a headache when I began drinking it. Perhaps it really doesn’t count as fresh? I started it over the weekend, so for the most part drinking fresh juice was doable, but I’m approaching the school week again and need an alternative for something that’s more convenient and on the go.
So in addition to the question I have above, I also have:
- Will using flaxseed going to suffice for my fast?
- Is Simply Orange not an option for on the go juice? I recently went to an organic food store and discovered a brand called Lakewood that claims to be fresh pressed juice. Are any of these options that won’t stunt the healing process? Or do you have another brand that is a better option?
- Would you say I have a slow or fast metabolism? I’m just curious so that I can anticipate reactions to the fast as I proceed further into it. I have finals the following week. So far the only symptoms I’ve had was on the second day, intense stomach pains, and this morning I woke up with a fairly intense migraine, but I waited it out and it passed.
Thanks so much again for your time.
- Rose
Hi Rose
Your juices sound good to me. I am in the Philippines so some canned apple juice is a treat. We have to juice it to have any juice. Flax in small amount is good like a tea spoon a day. I find it mucus forming and slows the detox. But flax has essential oils and that is good on a juice fast. You symptoms are normal and usually do not reoccur after the beginning of the fast. Losing that much weight would suggest you are a medium metabolism.
Hai Tom,
Thanks for ur quick replies.sorry for too many questions.can i add fruits to potato,carrot,beet,cucumber juice?i have sluggish digetion,sluggish bowels too.
thanku somuch
So, I’ve never fasted before, sounds interesting, going to try it. I am going to do a water fast, and im aiming for 30 days. It’s going to suck, but work keeps me busy. Just to be on the safe side, I am sure my body is extremely toxic, as I easily go through a case of Red Bull in 2-3 days. I drink, smoke, and pretty much everything else I shouldn’t do. It’s going to hurt like hell I am sure, but the pains are nothing to fear, right? I can fight through them without worrying about not waking up in 10 days? I understand it probably isn’t recommended, but neither is 75% of the thing I do on a daily basis. Basically, Am in danger of causing severe long term harm by abruptly stopping what I’m doing?
Hi Rawr
When fasting from a toxic lifestyle it is better to juice fast first using a juice extractor. The go to water when you stop feeling like hell. I have guided cocaine and heroin addicts that juice fasted the day after getting high. And from a massive drug intake over years. The result was astonishing. Do a search on this site for “wineberg”
I suppose it should also be added that I already eat MAYBE one time a day, with a possible sandwich some other time. That being said, it is obvious my metabolism is extremely slow. I hear this makes the fasting process easier for me, is this correct?
Rawr
Tom always suggests a juice fast for first timers. Especially if you are working, and very toxic! A water fast might make you quite sick.
Try starting with a doable goal. Then increase from there. Failure sucks!
I am just finishing a 30 day juice fast. Believe me, it was very rough for a week or more, and at various times throughout. But, the benefits are well worth the pain.
Good luck! Ron
P.S. Read some of the “older” posts, there is a wealth of info there!
See, I haven’t eaten fruit or vegetables in probably 5+ years. Infact, when I try to eat them, I start gagging. I don’t have access to fruit or vegetables in liquid form here, But there are billions of bottled water around. So far, only a grumbling stomache. =)
I don’t believe 30 days to be that unrealistic. I’d rather not go into my personal life, but I assure you I’ve been through things far worse than I imagine this being. In all challenge, it’s mind over matter. I’d be glad to keep ya guys updated on how miserable I will be during this process. I guarantee I will make the 30 days, so it’ll be interesting to see how my body handles hitting a 10 inch thick wall going 120 miles an hour.
shan
01 Jun 2009 at 5:50 am
Hai Tom,
Thanks for ur quick replies.sorry for too many questions.can i add fruits to potato,carrot,beet,cucumber juice?i have sluggish digetion,sluggish bowels too.is potato means sweet potato
thanku somuch
Hi Shan
Sure add fruits to veggie mixes. The best are apple, lemon, pineapple to carrot based mixtures. In 10 days you will lose weight depending on a complex metabolic factors and you digestion will be increased but use the enema, take probiotics after the fast for a week. White potato is used for stomach problems. 1 or 2 juiced with veggies.
Hai,
How r u?im having dark green stools once in a while.not all.but some of the stool.this especially happening after using warm water enema
thanks in advance
Hi ran,
I wouldn’t be too concerned about “green” stool. It sounds like your gall bladder and liver are getting cleaned out!
Good Luck with your fast! Ron
Hi Tom,
I am breastfeeding my 13 month old. He does eat other food but has a milk allergy so he is limited on what he eats and this has caused him to eat smaller amounts and nurse more than a regular 13 month old. I gained 100lbs during my pregnancy and need it to come off. it is affecting everything, I feel terrible physically as well as emotionally. I did a water fast a few years back for 18 days when I stopped smoking because I gained weight then as well. I lost 60 lbs in that 18 days. (it was soooo hard) I want to water fast again but am afraid toxins will get into my breastmilk and hurt my baby. Is there a way I can do some sort of fast without hurting my baby?
Hi again Tom. I’ve fasted many times and just recently failed and eating. I don’t know what to do anymore. I would really like to do this fast to see if I have self-control. I want to complete a fast at least for one day but I really want to try for 10 days. I really need some tips and suggestions to complete this fast and not give in to the food. I go to school and there is food all around me and my friends are always offering me food. I have to say no but when I come home I always give in. I really need help and hope that I’m not addicted to food
Hi Lia,
I had to weight lift for one year to develop my self discipline enough for fasting. I decided if I did not have self discipline I would have to develop it. But here are a few tricks to get you started. 1. buy a juicer and take juice with you where ever you go. 2. On the first three days of a fast use the enema. 3. Pray for discipline. 4. Visualize your happy completion of the fast a few times a day. Try this first before the year in the gym. Reading from http://compulsive.ws will help with compulsive eating disorders.
Hai Tom,
How r u? can i use natural yogurt(indian curd) instead of probiotics.today is 3rd day of juice fasting.i lost 2 pounds.can i use sqash,lefy veggies for juicing?
thanks in advance
Hi Shan
Yogurt with acidpholus cultures are good but regular yogurt bacteria cannot live in the intestine. Sure squash is good as it has some omega 3 and leafy veggies are high in minerals.
sorry i forgot that im having acid coming up to my throat
sorry again,im having bloating after drinking the juice.how long it will take to stop bloating.anyways i decided to juicefast for 30 days.yes im doing warm water enema daily.today mucus like thing came in my stool.can i drink orange juice,mango juice? sorry for too many questions,too many comments.
thanks
Hi Shan,
You may want to do a few days of water fasting to let your digestive system heal. Try just veggie juices, or adding lemon. Could be fermentation as your stomach is not secreting the right digestive juices.
Hai Tom,
How r u?sorry i didnt get ur point.do i need to use only veggie juices?
“Could be fermentation as your stomach is not secreting the right digestive juices.”is this means because of acid.
thanks a bunch.