What do you know about "juice fasting"?
unmitigatedbadassery
Posts: 653 Member
I'm interested in doing a 100% all-natural juice fast for a week. From what I understand as long as you keep a healthy diet afterward (which I plan to do anyway) it can give you a real boost in energy and nutrition to help you get started.
Has anyone had experience with it?
Has anyone had experience with it?
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Replies
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Personally, I wouldn't do it because there's no way I can get enough protein during such a fast. Plus I haven't found any logical, scientific explanation for how and why it works the way it's supposed to work. I mean, when I think about it, I can't see how it would be more beneficial (even for a short period of time) than a healthy normal diet.
I'm definitely a skeptic, one who always needs a logical explanation0 -
I have. There's MANY recipes that you can make. It's not bad & after the first day, I wasn't hungry for anything.0
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My vegan friend has done this several times. She gets a severe headache the second day then all is well. She also poops alot, 4-6 times a day. She usually looses between 10-15 lbs but gains between 5-8 lbs back within a couple of days. She does it 3-4 times a year. I wouldn't do it, but it works for my friend and it may work for you.0
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Here is my major gripe - if you intend to keep a healthy diet afterwards, then why not just start the healthy diet right away, and skip the whole juice business?0
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I got interested in this after watching Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead and started doing more research, but I am with withchaco... I can't really under why juice fasting would work any better than a healthy diet. I wanted to try it and have considered a couple of times trying it for 7-10 days, but haven't really given it a go yet. The other alternative (for me) is to just incorporate it in my daily diet. I have a hard time eating veggies on my own, so I thought juicing them might make it easier for me to stomach.
I understand all the theories behind it, but I have also come to understand that you have to be pretty careful about returning to solid foods after such a fast, especially if it is prolonged. I mean, there's really no harm in trying. If you notice adverse effects just switch up what you are doing to something else.0 -
I think since you're beginning, you might want to check out www.jointhereboot.com. There's a program for beginners which allows you to still eat food while juicing. Honestly, I think it's great. I haven't done an actual fast, but I drink juice every morning for breakfast, and I personally love it. It's a great way to get in all of the micronutrients you need, and it's also great for trying out vegetables you probably would have never eaten before. I'm always experimenting with different flavors, and I'm constantly surprised with the combinations I mix together. Try it out for a few days and see what you think!0
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The point of fasting is to clean out your body of toxins and fecal matter which is just sitting in your colon. I recommend it, but only if you it the right way. There are books and websites that can guide you.0
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The point of fasting is to clean out your body of toxins and fecal matter which is just sitting in your colon. I recommend it, but only if you it the right way. There are books and websites that can guide you.
Your body does this normally. Food passes from stomach to exit in 24 to 48 hours. We don't all walk around with 10 pounds of fecal matter in our colons that just waits for a fast to finally leave. To Taso42's point, eat a healthy, balanced diet, and your body will do just fine ridding itself of toxins, waste and anything else that doesn't belong.0 -
The point of fasting is to clean out your body of toxins and fecal matter which is just sitting in your colon. I recommend it, but only if you it the right way. There are books and websites that can guide you.
Oh, I've got a system for that. We all do. It's called the excretory system.0 -
As expected there is a 50/50 divide between people that think it's wonderful and people that say not to do it.
My reasoning is this:
going on the juice fast for 10 days does a couple things:
-helps detox your system faster than just changing your diet would. This seems helpful for someone like me that has 28 years worth of toxins from processed foods built up.
-quickly gets nutrients in your system that you've probably been deficient in (I know I have unless "bacon" is a vital nutrient".
-gives you a jump start in dropping SOME weight quickly, increasing your energy so that you can work harder toward your goals.
-All of the above seems like it would make someone feel better after the initial "OMG, I'm not going to eat for 10 days".
-How can it hurt to load my system with tons of natural nutrients?
Several responses I've seen:
"there's no way I can get enough protein during such a fast."
-Depending on your specific goals that may be true. My nutritionist put me on a 35g/day limit for protein until I shed more fat. I can get 35g with my eyes closed.
"She usually looses between 10-15 lbs but gains between 5-8 lbs back within a couple of days."
-I understand this is a common factor. However it does seem to be different for everyone. At the end of the week she's still lost a net 7 -10.
"if you intend to keep a healthy diet afterwards, then why not just start the healthy diet right away, and skip the whole juice business? "
-This is to be a kick start to replacing the junk in my body with nutrients. I feel that this would do that far faster and more efficiently than simply changing my diet.
"We don't all walk around with 10 pounds of fecal matter in our colons that just waits for a fast to finally leave"
-No. Not ALL of us do. Some of us do though. I did a cleansing years ago in which I lost 10+ and did not immediately gain them back. They had to have come from somewhere inside me.0 -
I think since you're beginning, you might want to check out www.jointhereboot.com. There's a program for beginners which allows you to still eat food while juicing. Honestly, I think it's great. I haven't done an actual fast, but I drink juice every morning for breakfast, and I personally love it. It's a great way to get in all of the micronutrients you need, and it's also great for trying out vegetables you probably would have never eaten before. I'm always experimenting with different flavors, and I'm constantly surprised with the combinations I mix together. Try it out for a few days and see what you think!
Just signed up. thanks.0 -
I got interested in this after watching Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead and started doing more research, but I am with withchaco... I can't really under why juice fasting would work any better than a healthy diet. I wanted to try it and have considered a couple of times trying it for 7-10 days, but haven't really given it a go yet. The other alternative (for me) is to just incorporate it in my daily diet. I have a hard time eating veggies on my own, so I thought juicing them might make it easier for me to stomach.
I understand all the theories behind it, but I have also come to understand that you have to be pretty careful about returning to solid foods after such a fast, especially if it is prolonged. I mean, there's really no harm in trying. If you notice adverse effects just switch up what you are doing to something else.
I agree. If it could improve my health and doesn't seem to have any real negative effects then why not?0 -
I would love to "hear" some of your favs, especially the ones that pack the most benefit0
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As expected there is a 50/50 divide between people that think it's wonderful and people that say not to do it.
My reasoning is this:
"We don't all walk around with 10 pounds of fecal matter in our colons that just waits for a fast to finally leave"
-No. Not ALL of us do. Some of us do though. I did a cleansing years ago in which I lost 10+ and did not immediately gain them back. They had to have come from somewhere inside me.
Sorry, nobody walks around with fecal matter that won't pass. Your body moves things along, constantly. Go ask your doctor, not the internet. While your are there, ask your doctor what they think of drinking just juice for a week, ignoring fiber, complex carbs, protein, essential fats, and other nutrients. Their answer is the one that matters.0 -
Is this a form of procrastination? I'm going to change my dietary habits... not now, but in a week or two, after I do this juice thing.
I'm going to quit smoking... next week.
I'm going to clean the kitchen.. later on today, or maybe tomorrow if i don't get to it.0 -
Here is my major gripe - if you intend to keep a healthy diet afterwards, then why not just start the healthy diet right away, and skip the whole juice business?0
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Okay, I try to keep positive on forums, but what is up with all of the negativity? If someone wants to do a juice fast (which in all actuality, isn't a fast), it's an option they would like to consider. Let them consider it and let them experience it. I understand opinions were asked but instead of stating them politely, it's like everyone has to have their claws out. Weight loss is unique and what might not work for other people, might work for me or the OP or anyone here. And whatever works for me might be a terrible idea for anyone else.0
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Thank you Drunkwithwords. I appreciate that everyone has an opinion but I'm not looking to be told "it doesn't work" by people that have never tried it. In fact I specifically asked "Has anyone had experience with it?"
That being said, the only ones that have replied that they have tried it had very little in the way of negativity. I'm not here to be called a procrastinator. If that were the case I wouldn't be able to use my arm or even walk after having a stroke. I'm asking for feedback on EXPERIENCE. If you don't have something valuable to add then don't bother.0 -
Sorry, nobody walks around with fecal matter that won't pass. Your body moves things along, constantly. Go ask your doctor, not the internet. While your are there, ask your doctor what they think of drinking just juice for a week, ignoring fiber, complex carbs, protein, essential fats, and other nutrients. Their answer is the one that matters.
Would that be the same doctors I saw before being given a prescription for steroids which almost caused my already failing heart to explode? Or the one that wrote me a scrip for $50 cough syrup because my lungs were filling with fluid? Or how bout the one that x-rayed my chest and didn't think that an enlarged heart was worth mentioning? I'd rather talk to people that have been there and listen to their opinions. Thanks.0 -
FWIW I did the nearly all juice thing for 3 weeks and lost 25lbs.0
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I did a 5 day fast and lost about 6 lbs. I felt AMAZING during the fast!! The first night I had a bad headache, but other than that I felt great. Slept great, had lots of natural energy, my skin cleared up - just GREAT! I transistioned back to solid foods for a few days and then went on Vacation. I am back now and starting a 30 day fast tomorrow.
Make sure to stick to about 80/20 ration if you are doing this to lose weight. So make your juices about 80% veggies/20% fruits. My fave is carrot/apple strawberry juice for breakfast. And I like to keep my green juices pretty basic with 4 ingredients tops (always including an apple or lemon).
Good luck!!0 -
I am on day 4 of a juice fast and I feel great! Honestly my cravings are more mental/emotional than physical. My body knows it's getting all the nutrients I need, but the carbaholic in me would kill for a piece of bread right now. lol It is harder I imagine for carnivores, my hubby (who is also fasting with me) and I have been vegan almost a year now so we eat a pretty much plant based diet already. The way we did it was 3 days before the fast we only ate fruits and veggies, and for four days after we will work our way up to solid foods. Just fruits and veggies the first couple days, then start adding some nuts. From what I hear properly breaking the fast makes it or breaks it! If you're doing it to start a healthier diet than that's good! Going back to eating unhealthy and overprocessed foods will defeat the purpose. Another thing I've found is I will definitely appreciate food more. That I am blessed to be able to buy and eat whatever I chose, and to be able to live the flesh-free life, because there are those that are not so fortunate. Those are just my thoughts. Happy Fasting!0
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if i were you id go for a vegan diet for about a month , it will clear out your system and boost your energy , and you get more key nutrients than on juice only . i did it and i felt amazing i stayed on it for two months at the very begining of summer and i plan to start again on monday and im goin to try to go9 vegan for the first month or two of every season , just a suggestion , bc i dont think their s anything that bad with the juice fasting0
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Okay, I try to keep positive on forums, but what is up with all of the negativity? If someone wants to do a juice fast (which in all actuality, isn't a fast), it's an option they would like to consider. Let them consider it and let them experience it. I understand opinions were asked but instead of stating them politely, it's like everyone has to have their claws out. Weight loss is unique and what might not work for other people, might work for me or the OP or anyone here. And whatever works for me might be a terrible idea for anyone else.
Sorry you feel people are being negative. I didn't get that. The OP asked for people's opinions, and that's what he got.
Having been involved in fitness and healthy eating for the last 8 yrs, I think juices/fasts/colon cleanses whatever you would like to call them is a waste of time, and money. Put simply it is a quick fix gimic. The weight you lose is mostly water, and of course people feel 'lite' etc after, there is nothing left in them as they haven't been eating a regular balanced diet. Weight loss isn't unique. It's quite simple. Eat healthy, at a calorie deficit (if you're trying lose weight), get in some good ol fashioned exercise, and you're good to go (this method is free by the way).
It bugs me that people try to make it so complicated. Stick with it and the weight will come off.0 -
I did an all fruit fast for 4 weeks and I had so much energy I couldn't stand it! The first couple of days were a drag but after that it was amazing. It was extremely hard to do though. I would go to my Turbo Kick class at the gym and once the class was over, I felt like I could've done it a second time. Most people who have taken this class know that you would die trying it a second time because it is intense cardio.
After watching Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, I thought about doing a juice fast too. I am still thinking about it. I would do a smoothie fast instead though.0 -
I'm also going to do the reboot! (jointhereboot.com!) . In the entry program, you can still eat and juice.
Juicing isn't a fad or at all unhealthy. It helps prevent disease by getting a TON of fruits and veggies (enzymes, vitamins, antioxidants!) in which you can't normally consume that much in one sitting. Not all all the same as store bought juice that has no enzymes and they add in (fortified) vitamins that were removed during processing plus they add sugar.
Even if you don't do a 'fast', just incorporating fresh juice into your life is going to be beneficial to you.0 -
"if you intend to keep a healthy diet afterwards, then why not just start the healthy diet right away, and skip the whole juice business? "
-This is to be a kick start to replacing the junk in my body with nutrients. I feel that this would do that far faster and more efficiently than simply changing my diet.
Kick starting won't make it more effective.
This could also turn into an excuse to eat junk again in the future... I know I shouldn't eat this *insert crap food here* but I'll just detox again next month and it won't matter.0 -
I'm doing my juice fast in three phases. And I'm conducting an experiment as well. One goal is to get off of bp and cholesterol meds. And another was to get my brain to quit craving all that crap that I had ate in the past and give me plenty of time to change my thinking that these things should be seldom, or never. I'm in the 2nd of 3 phases now. Just another 30 days that breaks on Sept. 27th. So far I've lost 39.8 lbs since July 23rd.
3rd phase is just eating all the things I'm juicing and continuing to avoid red meat and focus on fruits and veggies the majority of the time. I don't know exactly what to expect but during this juice fast I've had time to compile recipes for just about everything I might eat in the 3rd phase. The 3rd phase will be mostly vegetarian. I'm well aware of where all the protein is. And I'm not saying 'never' to anything. But I am saying I've had my fill of certain things and do not plan to return. Goodbye milk, hello almond and soy milk! (For example) We've already moved over to mostly organic and when possible local farmer's markets. (All stores for a given chain grocery are not created the same even on the same side of town. I still cook all the family meals too while doing this juice diet. It just makes me a better cook in the long run.
I've been doing lower body exercise for over a year now on elliptical trainers at the gym. Low impact. And you can wear a watch for exacts on what you're burning. I've started adding some dumbbells routines as well on odd days. I have plenty of energy on juice only. And if I want more, I can drink more. I have all kinds of green leafy meals planned but I still plan on using my blender and juicer regularly. Why? Because it's hard to eat THAT much fruits and veggies on a daily basis. And the juice is a nice back-up. If I find a way to interject everything I juice without juice, I'll be doing that as well. But if not, the juice is awesome!0
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