The term “fasting” literally suggests “not eating,” for a predetermined period of time and drinking water only. To be sure, water fasting is by far the most difficult of the fasting disciplines. Today, however, the practice of fasting with freshly-extracted fruit and/or vegetable juice is being more widely embraced.

Juice fasting provides similar weight loss and detox benefits as water fasting, with the exception that one still is able to consume a range of fruit and vegetable juices with pulp. Since most of us have very demanding schedules, juice fasting often presents itself as a better option because the symptoms – particularly hunger and weakness – will not be as strong as they would be in a traditional water fast.

Juice can be preferable than water fasting for a variety of reasons, for instance juice is quickly broken down and assimilated by the body while supplying calories with a HUGE nutritional bang. During a juice fast, one will continue to receive energy from the juice, albeit in smaller quantities than when one is eating the usual three meals per day.

A juice fast can be carried out before or after a cleansing detox diet. In situations where the juice fast happens 1st, it typically lasts for one-to-two days prior to food being gradually reintegrated – usually over six to seven days.

My point is this: It is important to be very careful with what you eat both “before and after” a juice fast. Since the digestive system has been in partial hibernation due to the diminished intake while fasting, it is crucial to “re-awaken” the bear slowly and with much caution.I strongly encourage you to read the breaking a fast page when you have time and be prepared for this phase before you even start fasting.

If you eat too much before a fast, the detox and hunger pangs can be quite uncomfortable because the body is having to break down the feast you had prior. Similarly, if you eat too much, too soon after a fast, you will place an enormous burden on the digestive system and possibly make yourself terribly sick. I say this from experience too.

Don’t do it. Take it easy and slow. Slow is fast my friend. If you are new to juice fasting, I recommend that you start slashing all sugars, fats and caffeine from your diet at least seven days before you start. This will allow the body to begin a “pre-cleansing” process of sorts which will make the actual fast a bit easier. The more “empty” and “light” your stomach is before fasting, the better.

Some people think that they need to gorge before fasting “to store” food. But that is a recipe for misery. It is best to eat as clean and as little as possible for about a week, THEN start juice fasting. This also will give you time to become used to hunger pangs and detox sysmptoms. Consider this cleansing diet phase a “dress rehearsal” for your actual fast.

If you can, it is a lot more useful to for you to prepare the fruit and veggie juice yourself with fresh fruit and a juicer. Organic product is best. If this is beyond your current budget, make sure to thoroughly wash the produce before inserting it in the juicer. I recommend that you check out our juice fasting series of articles so that you can get more detail as to how to prepare and carry it out.Again, if you are new, please do not try to break any records.

You don’t have to fast for forty days to receive benefit from your efforts. It is best if you start slow, possibly with a one-day to three-day juice fast. Once you get used to that, then you can venture out for longer periods of time. Take it easy and be careful. This is not a race… it is best to go slow and build a foundation that lasts than to speed ahead and have to start from scratch over and over, dont’ you think?