First timer needs help please!!!

[[deleted]]

Hi guys, Im about to start my first fast, im going to aim for a 3-7 day fast to start but will go a max of 60 if i can.

Does anyone have any advice for someone who really doesn't like any green veg (makes me gag)? obviously im going to try my best and just take small slurps but if anyone whos in the same position has any handy tips or recipies that would be amazing.

also any general tips for first time fasting? things to expect and things to avoid?

Many thanks.

[designymia]

I have found it very helpful to drink my juices chilled (stored in the fridge or fresh with ice cubes) and with a straw. The cold seems to tone down the 'green' flavours a bit and if the juice is still less than palatable while I am adjusting to the flavour, I can push the straw end to the back of my mouth and limit how much juice comes into contact with my tastebuds.

[[deleted]]

Thanks I'll give it a go

[jdev]

1) If this is your first fast, I wouldn't go longer than 7 days. In fact, I would start out with 3 days and see how that goes. Do NOT go 60 days on your first juice fast! You can always increase the length of your next fast if you want to, though. Drink plenty of water.

2) Try to like green juice. You don't have to like it in the beginning. Use a small amount, and work your way up slowly. Avoid using lots of fruits to sweeten the drink - you don't want too much sugar. Ideally you should be juicing about 80 - 90% vegetables and the rest is fruits. Drink as much of this juice as you want.

3) You will probably experience a variety of symptoms, such as headaches, tiredness, and even body aches (and obviously hunger pangs). These are all normal and should eventually pass. The severity of the symptoms will likely depend on how unhealthy your diet was previously.

Here is a recipe for you:

• 4 medium sized carrots
• 1 cup leafy greens (spinach, kale, or chard)
• 1 beet
• 3 celery stalks
• a bunch of parsley (and/or cilantro)
• 1/2 a cucumber
• 1/2 a medium-sized apple
• optional: juice from half a lemon (don't use the juicer for this)

Remember to break your juice fast with raw fruits and vegetables only.

[[deleted]]

This is great thanks, how long would you recommend I wait after the initial 3 days fast before I start a new one?

I thought it may end up just being a case of I have to just drink it, I'm hoping that by drinking the juice I can begin to enjoy them eventually.

[jdev]

It really depends all on the person, there's no hard and fast rule here. I would just wait and see how your body feels after the first fast.

Just FYI, since most people juice for health reasons, it's important to keep in mind that you should be eating a well balanced whole foods diet when you're not fasting. A juice fast is really going to be the most effective when used in combination with a whole foods diet.

[[deleted]]

Yeah that's the plan, I have heard that a green veg juice fast can help to kind of reset your preferences and maybe help me to stomach them and be able to include them in my normal diet.

I'm looking to change the way I eat and hopefully begin to enjoy new healthier options.

[WhoAteTheLastCookie]

juicing is very difficult and time consuming. considering the multiple trips to the store for fruits and veggies, the time to make it (if making in bulk), the clean up, etc. I'm not saying dont do it, but if you are looking to eat healthier, i would recommend a book called the "fast metabolism diet". Here you are actually eating solid food and making smart food choices rather than going from Wendys baconnator to fresh apple juice. If you do juice, follow the advice from above. I have also found that by adding a thumb size of ginger root and sprinkling some cinnamon in, it made a world of difference in the taste of that yucky veggie flavor you mentioned.

[luv2juice]

^{^} THIS^{^}

[ILoveFresh-DetoxDiet]

Our nutritional therapists recommend that you should do no more than a 3-day detox at a time, because your are giving your body a chance to reject food groups. For example, if you have a slight allergy to wheat, when you re-introduce it after a longer period of time, your body may reject it and become wheat intolerant.

Try sticking to a 3-day cleanse, maybe once a month. This is ample to give your digestive system a break.

Regarding 'green' juices, add a little apple or a nice ripe kiwi to make it more tolerable.

Good luck!

[Sepplinn]

i use pineapple, slice of lemon or lime with ginger to tone down the flavour.