[MightySunTzu]

Hi there SmilyBean,

Originally Posted by smileybean

This is my first post here and to be honest, it was reading eagerly through your posts on fasting that has prompted me to join the forum.

I must say, your posts are super inspriational.

Thank you very much Smily. I'm very happy that this post caught your attention and that it has done so much to inspire you.

Originally Posted by smileybean

Do you mind if I ask a few questions? I'm totally new to real fasting.. I have used intermittent fasting but only ever for 18 hours max.. so I really am new to it all.

I don't mind in the least.

Originally Posted by smileybean

Firstly, how do you explain it to worried loved ones? If I were to declare I was to fast, the commupance that I would receive would be huge!!

You would have to fill me in on more of the specifics of your situation. I don't know how old you are, but if you live with your parents i do realize that it becomes a far more difficult matter. For me on the other hand, this is very easy. It starts with the fact that I am my own person, make my own decisions and have my own house (meaning i don't need to live with somebody worrying about me while i'm fasting). Not to say that you don't.

If i choose to fast, what other people want me to do is vastly secondary in importance to what i have already chosen to do. Blatant? Perhaps . Once it becomes obvious that i am avoiding meals, i just come right out and say "i'm fasting". Most will say nothing, some might say "be careful" or "you better be careful" or "i'm worried about you" or "that's so bad for you". Interestingly and perhaps sadly, none of these people know anything about fasting, especially the ones making that last comment. They have been programmed throughout their lives to believe that skipping a meal is so bad for you, let alone 25 days worth.

Now it doesn't really come down to me having to be "hard core" in the way i talk to them... but if it became so, i would be prepared. Usually i can just smile and say, "it's good for you, you should really read up on the subject" . I have shared about the benefits, the fact that it gives the digestive system a much needed rest, cleanses, repairs and rejuvenates the system, and can enhance ones emotional, mental and spiritual well being... and have gently encouraged loved ones to give it a try. It's interesting how vehemently opposed most people are to engaging in such an experience. But life goes on. Their life is theirs and mine is mine.

You might even want to print some good, condensed literature on the subject that you can share with them (ie: 1-2 pages, not 10-20)... and if their interest is piqued, you can show them more. Earlier in this post, there are some links i pasted.

I hope this helps, but again if you wish to share more specifically what your home life is like, i might have some additional ideas.

Originally Posted by smileybean

Secondly, I usually find that the thing that makes me break my intermittent fast is a terrible feeling mid afternoon, of being drunk. LIke, my words start to slur and my thinking slows. I feel wobbly on my feet... Do you not experience any of these feelings, or do they dissipate after the first day or two?

General overall weakness, light headedness and brain fogginess are quite common symptoms... perhaps most especially in the first 3 days or so when the toxic uprising is at its strongest. A person who is relatively "clean" and healthy will definately enjoy a reduced intensity in these symptoms. In my case as i mentioned before, i had fasted for 10 days 3-4 months ago, then ate extremely nutritiously and exercised very fiercely and consistently over the nexr 80 days in leading to this current fast. In 4 words, "i was exceptionally ready" .

It is well advised but not mandatory to prepare for your water fast by eating only raw fruits and vegetables for a few days, then live juice (with some fresh broth too) for a few days. This pre-cleanse will go a long way to minimize your symptoms once you enter into the water fast. If you choose instead to just jump right in as i often have, you may just have to "bear the suffering" through the first couple of days. Generally it will get easier... and generally you will awaken on day 3 or 4 with a vastly diminished feeling of physical hunger.

Originally Posted by smileybean

Thirdly, sholud one only consume water on a fast? What about herbal teas??

From all i have read, you should have only water and the water should be distilled. No vitamins, minerals, teas, or anything else. It has been said that anything your stomach has to digest or any taste can interfere with what the body is trying to do... not to mention, tastes can keep your feeling of physical hunger from going into hibernation. Water only is really the way to go. I won't even use toothpaste... i only brush with water. On the other hand, if you need tea to help get you through the first couple of days and that would make the difference, then by all means have it. Far better to use an "aid" to get started (if absolutely necessary) and to get you over a difficult hump than to be forced to stop prematurely.