Fasting and Losing Weight

Fasting is the abstinence from taking in solid food and other food items either as a part of a religious tradition, for health restoration, body detoxification and for some, weight loss. Do take note however that weight loss is not a major consideration for the great number of people who undergo fasting.

There are many ways to fast and there is no absolute classification. Fasting may be classified according to the length of time of the fasting, the specific food items being taken out of a person's normal diet, or simply by the food or drink intake. But whatever type of fast one chooses, it is relevant to consult the doctor beforehand. Moreover, there are people which cannot fast due to health risks associated with their present health conditions.

Full Fasting

The total abstinence from solid foods with only either water or juices as the source of nourishment is called a 'full fast'. A full fast can be done for a definite period of time. More importantly, this should only be done under the strict supervision of a doctor. A full fast is considered to be the most difficult because of the drastic modification in food intake. Dizziness and drowsiness and nausea are symptoms associated with it. Longer periods of fasting should never be done without the supervision of a doctor since each person has individual characteristics. Some people end up in the hospital or being dead when a full fast is not done correctly.

Water Fasting

Water fasting means that the person only takes in water during the day for a period of days or weeks. Water fast can result to drastic weight loss but it is considered to be the most difficult since water contains no caloric content and virtually zero nutrients. Persons taking a water fast must be supervised by a doctor.

Juice Fasting

A juice fast involves the taking of pure fruits or vegetable juice as replacement for the intake of food during the duration of the fast. It must be remembered that to achieve your goal in fasting, the juices must be fresh and preferably with no added preservatives, sugar, or cream. It is recommended that juices are freshly prepared and not from canned ones.

Juice fasting is less drastic than a water fast because the juices contain minerals and nutrients that can be absorbed by the stomach directly. Moreover, the person fasting is less likely to experience extreme hunger, dizziness and headaches compared to those having a water fast. A juice fast can be done in itself alone or as part of the adjustment phase for a person coming out of a water fast in order to condition the stomach before one consumes solid food again.

What happens During a Fast

Day 1 - 2

One must expect to experience drowsiness, headaches, light-headedness, and nausea during the first three days. One the first day the body uses up whatever food is left in the intestines and obtain energy required by the body to do its functions. This process may take 1-2 days or until the stomach is fully empty, and said symptoms are likely to be experienced when the body shifts and turns to body fat deposits for energy. Also, drastic weight loss may be experience on this period but this is mainly due to loss of waste, water, and sweat.

Detoxification also occurs at this stage and toxins flushed out of the body through the skin as sweat, or through the kidneys

Important: The content of this hub is not a substitute for the proper consultation withh your health professional. This hub is merely based on research.

Partial Fast

A partial fast refers to the exclusion of certain foods from one's diet and maybe done for shorter periods of time like 24 hours or a couple of days. An example is abstaining from taking starchy foods like rice and bread for a week. Others may also opt for a fruits and vegetables only, and abstain from fried or high-fat food. This type of fast cannot be done for longer periods since one group of food cannot give the body all the necessary nutrient it needs.

Absolute Fast

Means the total abstinence from solid foods and liquid and done for specific periods of time like 12 - 24 hours. An example of an absolute fast is the one done by the Muslims during the period of Ramadan. It involves total abstinence from taking any food or drink from sunrise to sundown. An absolute fast should not be done longer than a 24-hour period as it deprives the body of essential nutrients and may lead to dehydration which can be fatal for anyone.

• How to Fast Safely

Fasting is not a quick fix for weight problems

Take note that there is much more to fasting than losing weight. It is not recommended for anyone who does not fully understand the process. If you fast to quickly lose some weight but only to go back to previous dietary habits and lifestyle, then fasting is not for you. You will never fully reap its long term benefits and it even could be harmful to your plan to lose weight.

Fast for the right reasons

Fasting is not a light matter and should only be done for the right reasons and with the supervision of a health professional. It is not for everybody however, fasting when done properly is a great tool to release bodily stress and toxins and should always be done under a systematic plan and supervision.

One intending to fast must bear in mind that it is a wholistic lifestyle path. More importantly, it requires the right frame of mind to achieve its benefits. Fasting does not end on the last day of the fast itself since it is important to introduce the stomach to taking in the proper foods gradually.

Do remember that after ridding the body of toxins or after losing weight as a result of a fast, a continuous process of dietary and lifestyle modification is imperative to continue reaping its health benefits.