If you are considering doing a fast for health, weight or just to reset your cells, here are some tips on water vs. juice fast.

The great thing about fasting is you don’t have to worry about what to eat or not to eat.  Once you get past your 3 day, you don’t even really feel hungry.

Fasting can be as complex or simple as you make it. Some people consider cutting a certain food group or favorite indulgence out of their diet a type of fasting.

Others think fasting should be performed for religious reasons and nothing should enter the mouth—not even water. The two most well-established types of fasting are juice fasts and water fasts.   But either way, it is always a good idea to clear your deck from work and demanding life responsibilities to really relax and let your body rest from detoxing.

Water Fasting

The name is self explanatory: you just drink water for a set number of days.

If you decide to do a water fast, I highly recommend doing so when you don’t have to do large amounts of physical exertion.

The main benefit people claim from water fasts is the body’s ability to detox with the energy normally utilized for digestion. Your GI system also gets a needed break. You may lose weight quickly on the water fast, which was another nice benefit, and the hunger pains usually stop the second or third day. You may experience headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and general weakness but everyone is different based on their level toxicity and gut health.  Those who swear by water fasting say they notice a clarity of mind, peacefulness, increased energy, weight loss, and general healing as positive results.

Juice Fasting

While drinking just juice, you may experience many of the amazing benefits of fasting with no unpleasant side effects.

Juice fasting is done by using a juicer to extract fruit and vegetable juices from fresh produce. You then drink different recipes throughout the fast. It is a much gentler way to fast vs. straight water fasting, in my experience. You don’t slow down your metabolism as much as you would drinking only water, as you still consume calories and important nutrients from the juices.

You will feel healthy, energetic, calm, and lose weight.  That is why during my Vida Cleanse retreats, we are able enjoy a hike and yoga during the fasting.

While fasting may seem crazy to some, its benefits can’t be ignored. I have personally experienced the rewards of doing a fast the correct way, and the drawbacks of fasting the wrong way.  My best advice is to do your own research and check with your doctor to determine if fasting is the right course for your health.

Vida Cleanse Retreats by Yesenia