Water Fast

Note: I do not recommend that anyone begin a water fast without first consulting a physician. Water fasting can be dangerous for some people.

I am planning to start a water fast tomorrow. I feel sluggish, bloated, and low in energy. I also have a skin rash that will not go away. I’m hoping to detox and cleanse my system, and to break my addictions to caffeine and sugar.

I did a water fast once before and it really helped me. It cleared my skin and it helped me eat healthier. Unfortunately, my good habits only lasted until the next holiday and then I fell off the wagon. My hope this time is that I will detox, break bad habits, and develop healthier habits.

I’m going to **try** to post daily and let you know how it’s going!

Do you only drink water? Do you eat any foods on this fast? I’m curious.

How is the water fast going Misty? I did one once but I get too shaky. I’ve done green smoothie fasts (nothing but blended greens, water and some organic fruit) and that also refreshes me. Some religions observe water fasting, but I have never done so for health reasons. Do let us know how it goes for you.

It didn’t go so well. I made it to about 5pm and then I ate a green salad with boiled shrimp. I was just feeling too weak. Since I have kids, I don’t have the luxury of staying in bed when I’m feeling that way.

I’m actually thinking I should do the Martha’s Vineyard Detox instead. That one has you drinking green drinks, vegetable juice, and a vegetable puree soup. I have had issues with my liver enzymes and I’m torn between thinking a water fast could heal my liver and thinking that the detox overload could be too much for my liver. Right now, my conservative side is winning out and I’m thinking I should do a slightly milder detox.

Has anyone tried those detox teas? Do they help? I know I need a detox, but I also know I couldn’t just drink water all day. My skin has been looking drab and I have been more sluggish than usual.

If you do a detox, how long does it take before you can go back to eating?

Debbie, most detoxes say you should spend half as long going off the detox as you spent actually detoxing. So, if you were on a 10 day detox, you should spend 5 days transitioning back to food. Of course, that’s just things like juice fasts, water fasts, the Martha’s Vineyard detox, the Master Cleanse, and others that say you can’t eat. There are some detox supplements and teas that you can take while eating.

I failed miserably at my last water fast attempt, but I’m trying again. Tomorrow is my first day. My goal is one week. I’m hoping to use this time to jump start weight loss and healthy eating. In my past experience, water fasting makes me crave really healthy food like fruits, veggies, and fish. My plan is to stick to a healthy diet after I’ve properly broken my fast. Wish me luck!

As planned, I started my water fast today. So far, so good. If I can get through this first day, I know I’ll be okay. Follow my journey on the LTK Diet Adventures in Weight Loss blog.

Misty K - 30 August 2009 02:05 PM

As planned, I started my water fast today. So far, so good. If I can get through this first day, I know I’ll be okay. Follow my journey on the LTK Diet Adventures in Weight Loss blog.

Wow Misty, this is one fast I’ve never tried. Though the Master Cleanse Diet is mostly water and I’ve been very successful with that a few different times. I’ll have to go check out your blog and see how you’re doing!

Donna

Hi Misty,

I wanted to wish you luck on your water cleansing.  I hope it helps to get you where you want to be with your diet.  I am looking forward to watching your progress on the 21 Day Challenge as well. 

Christine

Thanks, Donna and Christine. I’m still hanging in there. The last couple days have been a little difficult, but manageable. My energy level has been low and I’m feeling a little ill—stuffy, headache, sore throat. It could be bit of detoxing, but my daughter is sick, so it could be just a cold.

Misty K - 05 September 2009 11:32 PM

Thanks, Donna and Christine. I’m still hanging in there. The last couple days have been a little difficult, but manageable. My energy level has been low and I’m feeling a little ill—stuffy, headache, sore throat. It could be bit of detoxing, but my daughter is sick, so it could be just a cold.

Oh no Misty, that sounds like what I had. The energy level was just about nil but the hardest thing for me was I had such a foggy head. Made it rather difficult to work on anything that mattered. Trying to connect the dots…well they were connected but not always coming up with the right picture. LOL

Hope you’re feeling well sooner than later.

Donna

That sickness went through our household too. Be good to yourself. It took my robust, “nothing gets me sick” husband several weeks to feel back to tip top shape. While the flu/cold went away, he got exhausted very easily and took a lot of naps. Be gentle on your body if you are still feeling ill. There’s another time for a water fast!