Juice Fasting

Do you need to go on a detox diet? Chances are, the answer is “yes”. The reason for this is that the human body is a complex machine. There are a lot of working parts and each of them not only have their own purpose, but they affect the body as a whole.

Just like any complicated machine, things can begin to get sluggish for a variety of reasons. Think of your car and how it behaves before you get a tune-up and then how it runs after the tune-up is finished. Much better, right? Well, this is exactly what a detox cleanse is for your body. Think of it like a tune-up for your body.

 

 Why would you really want to detox?

There are several reasons why you would want to go through a detox program. The main reason is because a detox tweaks all of the elimination systems in your body. This includes the urinary system, the bowels, your liver, and your skin. When toxins start building up in your body, some or all of these elimination systems don’t function as well as they can.

Your number one goal when going through a detox diet is to get get rid of these toxins. The happy end result of this is that you will notice some positive changes in your body. You will likely have more energy. Your pants will feel a little looser. Your skin will be shiny and radiant. Your body will begin to function at a more optimum level. The benefits will differ from person to person. However, these are some of the most common things that occur once your cleanse is complete.

Also note that some people go through periods of detox or “fasting” as part of a religious rite. For example, during Lend, Christians all over the world engage in some kind of fasting ritual, often giving up common foods such as meat and beverages like alcohol. Your reasons for detoxing will be highly personal but if you do decide to “fast” for religious reasons, the happy end result will be the same as with any fasting and cleansing ritual.

 

When should you do your cleanse?

You can actually do it whenever you want. Note that if you engage in fasts for religious purposes, your religion may prescribe them at certain times of the year. In this case, the question of “when” will be taken care of for you. Otherwise, the fast can occur whenever you want – especially if you do it for health reasons.

However, note that there are certain times of the year when it is a little more difficult. If you live in an extreme climate during the winter months, for example, this isn’t an ideal time to fast. The temperature is too extreme which would make the process hard on your body. Not only that, but these climates are lacking in the fresh produce that is so essential.

The ideal times to engage and plan the detox diet are in the spring after the winter is over and and in the fall (in September and October) when the harvest is at its height and the weather is still pleasant. In the spring especially, people are engaging in their spring cleaning rituals. Why not extend this to your body as well? Think of a detox cleanse as spring cleaning for your body.

The high summer is another time that is non-ideal especially if it gets pretty hot. So, even though there is an abundance of fresh produce during this time, the extreme outside temperature puts extra stress on your body which isn’t a good thing while fasting.

 

What kind of detox?

So, you’ve decide to plan a detox. You’ve chosen the perfect time of year (spring or fall) and now you are excited to get started because you would like to reap the benefits. Before you get started, you should decide what kind of detox you want to do.

The type you choose will completely depend on your needs. For example, if you are fasting with a religious purpose, then the rules are likely already outlined for you, including the length of time and what you can eat. Other than that, you can pretty much define what you want to do.

First of all, you can opt to do a complete liquid fast. Other people only eat certain foods. Others will follow rules based on proven fasting systems that work, such as the Master Cleanse. You can also just choose to eat fruits and vegetables and nothing else for a period of time. What you do completely depends on what you want to do and what you think your body can handle.

Also, the length will vary. Some people choose to follow a detox diet plan one day each week. Others block out a week or two only in the spring. Some do small two or three day fasts throughout the year. Others only fast for a period of time at the change of seasons for a solid week. The best strategy is to simply start and see what your body is capable of.

 

What kinds of foods can you eat?

There are no real rules that determine what you can and can’t eat. The general guideline is that you should eat foods that are good for you and avoid those things that aren’t good for you, such as alcohol, junk food, and processed foods. Also, the types of foods you eat will depend on the kind of fast. If you choose to do a liquid fast, you won’t even be eating – you will only be consuming fresh juices.

Here is a rough list of the types of foods you can eat. But remember, it depends on the fast.

 

•  Healthy, vegetarian protein sources like legumes.
•  Lots of fruits and vegetables.
•  Healthy fats in the form of nuts, nut butters, and flax seeds.
•  Green plant foods such as spirulina.
•  Healthy grains like brown rice (other types of grains can be harsh on the digestion).

 

If you are at a loss on what to do, just follow a vegan diet that doesn’t have any processed foods. For example, vegan diets often contain soy products like soy cheese. Though it’s vegan, it is a processed food and should be avoid.

You will also want to make sure that you are getting enough fiber so that you can have a bowel movement. This is especially important if you are doing a juice fast. Supplement your detox with one or two doses of a bulk laxative like psyllium. You can find this at a health food store or just ask your pharmacist or doctor.

 

 What can you drink?

Even if you aren’t doing a juice fast, beverages are an important part of a detox diet. You should make sure to drink at least 8 cups of pure, filtered water each day. Squeezing lemon juice in your water boosts the detoxifying power. In addition, you can enjoy some of these other drinks.

 

•  Herbal teas.

•  Green drinks such as spirulina mixed with water.

•  Fresh juices that you press yourself.

 

Remember to avoid beverages that can impede the detoxifying process. This includes any juice that has sugar or high fructose corn syrup added in. Caffeine is also a no-no during a detox cleanse as is anything with alcohol in it. Coffee may be the hardest thing for people to give up. But, it will only be temporary and it will help your body out a lot.

 

How about exercising?

Exercise is an important part of the detox process. However, it is important not to overdo it. If you normally work out intensely, avoid doing that until your fast is over. Instead, take gentle walks. Also, it is good to engage in activities such as yoga, tai chi, pilates, and stretching.

Your goal is to get your body moving without taxing it. When done correctly, exercise can enhance the process and encourage elimination. If the activities are too intense, you will find that it may sabotage your best detox efforts because you won’t have a lot of energy. It also puts stress on the body which is something that can impede the process.

 

Final Thoughts

Before you get started with your detox diet plan, you should check with your physician. There are some people who shouldn’t do it at all such as those with complicated, ongoing health problems. However, this is something to discuss with your doctor.

Also, each detox cleanse should begin with a period of preparation. For example,  you may want to give up coffee a few days before your fast and start cleaning up your diet. And, after it is finished you should ease into eating a normal diet slowly – especially if you did a juice fast. Introduce solid foods on a gradual basis for best results.

Just remember that detoxing is something that can help your body function at tis optimum level by getting rid of toxins. The affects of this include weight loss, healthy skin, and a general feeling of well being. You may also find that you will have a lot of energy. This is something that can have serious benefits!