One of the most commonly asked questions I receive with those ready to embark on a fast is “how long should I fast?” In my opinion, deciding how long to fast is very personal and depends on one’s situation. It would be like telling someone the best way to quit smoking. Is cold turkey the best or weaning yourself off of them over 30 days better? It all depends on the individual. One thing is for certain, the longer we fast, the deeper our experience, the more our body cleanses and the further we move in the direction of optimal health. If you clearly set the intention for your fast, you can let intuition be your guide. With deep listening, you will know exactly how long you need to fast to bring about your intention.
Most of my clients seem to start out with a 3 day juice fast. This prepares the body for deeper fasts in the future and begins the process of transforming one’s current relationship with food. Many find that after 3 days of juicing, the foods they desire begin to change, making eating healthier effortless and desired as apposed to forced.
Fasting, as with anything in life is a journey. It is a process that will yield powerful benefits whether one decides to fast for 1 day or 120days. If doing a fast for the first time, it’s important to be extremely gentle with yourself. Many people fear fasting (for many reasons) and those who have ‘tried it,” many times stop before they make it though the first few days (which are the most challenging). The challenging experience in the beginning stages of a fast is a result of lifetime of built-up toxins dramatically detoxifying in a short period of time. However, as the days go by, the headaches end, hunger pains quickly go away, our addictions (sugar, caffeine, sweets, etc) subside, our energy returns and our bodies begin to return to “ground zero.
So whether you decide on 3 days, 10 days or more, the important thing to remember is that your body and soul knows best. Listen to it and trust in the process. The wisdom of your journey lies within.
Namaste.
Many thanks for the encouragement. I am 88 hours in and my headaches have been quite bad today. I am convinced that this will be beneficial and am aiming at 7 days, followed by 3 days of juicing and then continuing indefinitely with alternate day fasting.
Best wishes
Colin