A spring cleaning for the body in modern times is as crucial as one for the home. However, the typical juice fast is not realistic for most people, even for one day. Delia Quigley, in The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Detoxing Your Body (2008, Penquin Group), gives a number of alternative fasts, as well as information on why they are needed and the various organs involved.
In the springtime and summer, fresh fruits and vegetables are at their best in flavor and nutrition. If yours is the usual Standard American Diet (SAD), such a program of fresh, living produce for one or two days monthly or, better yet, weekly, will do wonders for your health and well-being.
Benefits Often Seen During a Fast
An improvement in numerous symptoms may result from the fresh fruits and vegetables due to the abundant antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Examples may include:
- sinus or allergies
- joint pain
- indigestion/heartburn
- bloating
- constipation
- fatigue, even first thing in the morning
Warnings Associated with any Fast
First and foremost, consult with medical professionals before any such change in program, particularly if you are diabetic.
Be aware that as your body is cleansed, you may feel worse before being better, i.e. headache or diarrhea. The extent of undesirable results will depend, in large part, on your health and diet prior to the fast.
There are some foods that are not appealing when raw, .i.e. potatoes. Save these for later and concentrate on salad ingredients, such as greens, and fresh fruit.
Suggested Guidelines for Raw Food Fast
This fast could be done one or two days a week or for five days every other month, every three months or whenever you feel the body needs it.
- Eat only fresh uncooked foods. These can be fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
- Organic is highly recommended, but is often unavailable or too expensive. In that case, buy regular foods and wash or scrub thoroughly, particularly if eating the skin.
- Drink a minimum of six to eight glasses of water, and fresh juices or herbal teas as desired.
See article for more detailed instructions.
Break the fast gradually, slowly adding cooked vegetables, whole grains or bread, then protein over a few days.
After the Fast
The feeling of well-being, particularly if you have done a five-day program, may prompt the desire to adopt a healthier diet than previously eaten. This could easily be done by severely limiting sugar and processed foods, even most red meat if you are that serious. Such a lifelong program should result in a healthier body and immune system. This is in addition to saving you a considerable amount of money at the grocery store and in medical expenses. All together, the result might be a more positive outlook and active, fulfilled life.
Peggy Williams - After 20 years in the workplace, I returned to school recently and graduated in May '08 with a Bachelors degree in Dietetics and ...
