A friend of my proposed this juice fast a week ago. Some people call it a cleanse, and others a detox. It is by design a way to give your body a break, since precious energy and resources which would be breaking down food in the gut can now be diverted. Breaking down fiber, carbs, and proteins uses up energy just as much as walking, or using your brain to think.
Now I love food, so since I love to eat, when I eat I try to eat healthy. But sometimes we don’t all eat as well as we should, and a juice fast sorta seems like a solution, to do a reset on the way we are eating, as well as thinking about food.
There are plenty of arguments both for and against a juice fast. There are also several questions that come to mind, about getting enough nutrition to power your brain and body, along with the safety of drinking juice all day.
Juice fasts are supposed to give your body a break, so your digestion can reset itself. The carbs in the juice along with the vitamins present in the fruits, and vegetables, are supposed to keep your mind going strong.
They say juice fasts are great for if you are feeling tired and un-energetic. In a juice fast body gets a break, in terms of how hard it had to work to break down food, since juice is more instantly absorbed.
People say they feel more clear headed when they juice. That is perhaps because a fast will reduce inflammation in your body, which includes all your organs, including your brain.
Other benefits include clearer skin, less bodily toxins, and inevitably weight loss, usually in the form of water weight.
Some people say juicing is better for starting the day than chugging a cup of coffee. A hot cup of a caffeinated beverage artificially raises your energy levels. Juice is much more alkaline, and also contains vitamins, which is why it gives you an energy boost. The majority of people still tend to choose coffee each morning, to get themselves going, myself included.
So I embarked on this juice fast, taking it day by day, not sure what to expect. Day one went by just fine without food cravings.
I spent about $40 on this particular day on bottled juice, fresh juice, fruits from the grocery to juice. I ended up buying some watermelon to juice, and buying some Evolution green juice at the grocery.
Day two I started feeling scatterbrained, despite having more juice, and by the afternoon knew I needed to call it. My lightheadedness was apparent to me and also my boyfriend. I was not on a health farm, and sitting around meditating and stopping living life was not really an option.
My Results
I felt very clear headed on the morning of day two, and was far less bloated than I am normally. I could tell my gut was thanking me for this fast. By the afternoon however, I was having trouble staying focused. I found I was coming up empty, on energy that is.
Studies have shown that juice fasts can cause lightheadedness. I was going low carb, which is not the norm for me, and that is probably why I felt as I did. My brain needed more glucose.
By the end of day two I realized the lack of calories felt like crash dieting without adequate fiber. I was ready to call it, and have a meal.
Would I Do it Again?
I had read that fasting is not recommended for those who have dealt with eating disorders . Now I could see why, since I was effectively starving. I would do a one day fast, but if I was doing more than that, I would have to be on vacation. My brain was not functioning optimally. I cannot see how I could go about life and still be productive while fasting.
So don’t see myself fasting much more again in the future, for more than a day at a time. But I did try it, and think a one day fast is fine for me.
More About Juice Fasting
- A juice fast or cleanse, is a period of time, usually 1-3 days, where you consume only fruit and vegetable juices while abstaining from solid foods.
- It can help detoxify your body, boost your energy levels, and promote weight loss.
- If you’re considering a juice fast, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional first, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.
- When preparing juices, opt for fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. This helps minimize exposure to pesticides and other contaminants.
- In addition to juices, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- You’ll need a juicer for the best results, although you may prefer to purchase fresh juice at a juice bar.
Concerns
If you feel lightheaded, dizzy, weak, or experience any adverse symptoms, it’s important to stop the juice fast and consult a healthcare professional.
Pay attention to how your body responds during the fast. If you experience any negative effects or discomfort, consider discontinuing the fast.
Juice fasting is not suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with a history of eating disorders.
Before attempting any type of fasting, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to ensure your safety and well-being.
Focusing on a balanced diet as a long-term approach to healthy living is far better option than relying on juice fasting.
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I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2023 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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