3 Rules for a Successful 3-Day Fast
Okay, so it's time for a fast. You dropped your exercise routine months ago, have been eating crud for weeks, and just feel bloated and sick all the time.
You know a long-term fast will solve all your problems and help you get back on track with a healthy lifestyle. There's only one problem.
You simply don't have the time to dedicate to a 21+ day fast nor the money to shell out to a qualified retreat. Isn't there a way to get some of the benefits of a long-term fast without having to shell out wads of cash and be away from home for three weeks or more?
Yes, there is. It's called a 3-day fast and I've got 3 rules for making your short-term fast as successful as possible.
#1: Eat Well Beforehand
I know exactly what you're thinking: "Hey, since I'm going to be fasting for a few days and getting healthy, I might as well load up on all my junk food favorites the day before. Fast food, here I come!"
Well, stop thinking it!
Filling up on fatty, greasy food (the whole reason you need to fast in the first place) is NOT the way to prepare for your fast. Instead, you want to do the exact opposite. You want to eat as simply and cleanly as possible.
This means eating a healthy raw vegan diet that is low in fat, high in fruit, and contains a moderate amount of greens and non-sweet fruits.
No junky foods allowed!
Here's an example of a healthy pre-fast meal plan (based on a 2000 calorie diet):
- Breakfast: 6 medium persimmons
- Lunch: Smoothie of 5 medium bananas, 1 medium papaya, and water
- Mid-Afternoon: 32 oz of freshly squeezed orange juice
- Dinner: Salad of 8 oz of bib lettuce and 8 oz of cucumber, dressed with 8 oz of OJ blended with 1 oz of pistachios
If you prefer, you could make things even simpler by eating only fruit (as much as you want) for the day. Or you could have just one fruit, like bananas, for every meal. While living on fruit alone is not recommended, it is perfectly acceptable as a short-term solution to kick starting a healthy fast and lifestyle.
#2: Rest During
Never forget, fasting equates to resting. This means that to get the most out of your fast, you need to spend as much time in bed as possible.
This also means steering clear of any emotional and sensory stressors as well. If you can, completely eliminate all sensory stimuli including television and internet.
Remember, it's only 3 measly days. You can give up "Glee" and Scrabble Online for 3 days, right? ;)
#3: Eat Well Afterward
Have you read my article Is Fasting Always the Answer?
You haven't?! :cry:
It's cool, I'll catch you up. :)
Basically, I said that while fasting is a great tool for beginning a healthy lifestyle, it is only a teeny tiny part of the equation. The much bigger part is what you are doing to do after the fast.
A short-term fast is no different. While you can certainly see fantastic results in just 3 days (especially if you are taking the resting advice to heart), it won't make one bit of difference if you go back to all your unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits once the fast is over.
So before you even begin preparation for your fast, make sure you have a plan for what you are going to do after the fast. What changes are you going to make to your eating habits? Are you going to go raw? Are you going to start exercising? Do you need to make time for more sleep? What about sunshine?
You certainly don't have to make all these changes right now. But you should be very clear about what your goals are, no matter how small, if you want to see lasting results from your fast.
When to Fast
Okay, so now you know the 3 rules for a successful 3-day fast. But when should you fast?
Anytime you are in poor health or simply do not feel like yourself, a fast may be in order. Even a short 3-day fast can do wonders for your mental and physical health and help you jump start a healthier lifestyle.
The best time to attempt a 3-day fast is over the weekend because you have more opportunity to rest. Long weekends (i.e. Labor Day Weekend) are especially good for this since you have an extra day off.
Go raw and be fit,
Swayze
Questions and Answers
Article Tags:
fasting
,water only fasting
,3 day fast
,short term fasting
,water fasting
,fast
,raw food diet
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