FASTING
So although popular opinion is that if you do not eat, you will loose weight, you cannot use fasting as a diet or weight loss program. Fasting is, however, a great start to a proper weight loss diet and exercise program simply because it is a good way to detox your system. It is definitely something that everybody should do at least once a year for a day but no longer than three days. Before starting any kind of weight loss program it is essential to consult your physician. Even if you are planning to take herbal supplements of any kind, it is best to consult your physician before taking something that could be potentially harmful if not in the proper dosage.
Why can I say with authority that fasting as a diet is a BAD idea? Because I have been there. The 'battle of the bulge' has been a life-time struggle in my personal life. Several years ago, without the advise of a physician, I in my infinite wisdom decided the only way I could ever loose weight was to STOP EATING. It started from a pure place. Fasting for a day was an acceptable practice in the church I was attending and considered an excellent way to get 'closer to God'. The theory was that by fasting you not only cleanse your body of toxins but in so doing clear your mind and gain an 'enlightened' state of consciousness.
Fasting for a day does actually help your body and when approached properly, a three-day fast is a good start to a strict diet plan. Before starting even a day of fasting, be sure you understand how to do it properly. Most people use a 'juice fast' to start things off. Drink only pure fruit juices, freshly squeezed if possible with no sugar added, and not too much citrus. Lots of pure water is a MUST! A true fast is ONLY water. No food, no chemicals, no preservatives, no additives. The only problem is, your body is use to a lot of these things and taking it away suddenly may make your body rebel. Rebellion is 'headache' and queasy tummy. Not much fun.
Well, one day I got the big idea to fast for 30 days. Yes, you heard me. Thirty days of just water. I did a juice fast to start and then went for 30 long and hungry days. I tried to pray and meditate during this time but spent most of my time fantasizing about 'food'. I did drink a lot of bottled water and even exercised everyday for the first three weeks. After that I started getting extremely weak. If I stood up too quickly I would almost pass out. I looked like death warmed over and lost a big 20 pounds. I really think that the first three weeks of exercise was the reason I lost the 20 pounds. After the whole thing was ended, I was enlightened. I was enlightened to the reason why fasting for long periods is a really BAD idea. My body had almost shut down from not having any food to process and once off the fast I was in big trouble once I did begin eating again. Now that I was expecting my body to eliminate normally, it was very difficult. The cramps were so bad my friends called an ambulance. I was okay but in misery for a good week. I looked about ten years older and my hair was falling out. All that for 20 pounds. Trust me. Fasting more than a day is just not a good idea.
You will not loose a lot of weight by 'not eating'. Your body thinks it is going to starve so it goes into a 'protective' mode and stores fat. Any weight you do loose is muscle...not the weight you want to loose.
So what is a better choice? A healthy eating plan in small amounts with a balanced menu coupled with moderate exercise. Don't overdo but plan to 'live a healthier lifestyle'. That's my advise, anyway.
