3 week water fast!

[sailorgirly]

Hey all! I started a 3 week water fast yesterday. I am going to post my daily journal for others to read. I know when I've done cleanses before, I have found a lot of strength from reading other peoples' experiences and comparing what I was going through with what they were going through.

My stats:
23 y.o. female
5'7''
starting weigth 176.4 lbs (80.2 kgs)
bmi: 27.6

Day 1
Tuesday July 5

I’m starting my 21 day water fast today. I want to make this a spiritual experience, as well as get rid of my sugar addiction and lose weight. I’ve done a 3 week master cleanse before (about 3 months ago), but unfortunately I went back into my bad habits of eating crappy food and am now addicted to sugar again. I lost 23 pounds on the master cleanse, and gained back about 18 of them because I started eating poorly. This time, I just need to have the strength and motivation to eat well! I remember there were some very hard days on that fast, so I’m sure this one will be just as hard. Some days I will have lots of energy, some days none. But I know my body needs to detox and repair itself. So here goes!
Starting weight: 176.4
I had a long weekend and didn’t get lots of sleep, so I slept most the day. I took laxatives to clear out my colon. Hopefully throughout the day they will kick in. I got about 6 hours of sleep last night, then on and off today for another 4 hours. I needed it tho! I am warn out from this last weekend of not sleeping and partying lots. My best friends and I went to Tucson for the 4th of July weekend and we sure did turn that town upside down! Haha Anyway, I’ll let you know how things go.
Today was surprisingly easy. My body needed a day off from eating. I wasn’t hungry at all. By the end of the night, I was craving some cheese crackers or chips, but I still wasn’t hungry. I’m just used to having snacky foods. I was thirsty all day. I drank about 2 gallons of water (which is pretty normal for me. I drink TONS of water all the time) My colon cleansed itself very well today! I am curious to see what I weigh tomorrow, after all ‘cleansing’ my colon did today! My energy levels were fine. I know the first day will be the easiest. Starting tomorrow, for the rest of the week, I know I’m going to need all the will power I can muster!


Day 2.
Wednesday July 6

Weight: 172.8 lbs (78.5 kgs)
Wow, I had almost 4 pounds of crap in my intestines! I definitely feel a lot better now that I’m emptied out! I slept very well last night. I woke up this morning kind of groggy, and didn’t want to get up so I went to sleep for another 30 minutes. I wasn’t very thirsty this morning either, so I had to make myself drink water. I did 60 minutes on the elliptical this morning. I went at a pretty easy pace, and only went 4.6 miles in that time at a level of 10 out of 25. Usually, I do the same intensity level for 60 minutes but go about 6.5 miles, so my pace was a lot slower than normal. I napped about 3 hours today. While I was awake I had medium-low energy levels. I started getting a few hunger pains, nothing unbearable. I did have a slight headache most the day, but that went away in the late afternoon. I work at night, and I actually had medium energy for work. On a break my peers and I went to a frozen yogurt place. It was pretty hard to not cave in to even sampling the yogurt. I’m not hungry at all, I just want food! Lol But I was strong and I didn’t give in Yay me! I was craving food the rest of the evening tho, so when I got back I had a cup of peppermint tea before bed. When I did the master cleanse we could have peppermint tea and smooth move laxative tea, so I think I will incorporate those into my water fast as well. Other than medium-low energy levels, and some cravings today went pretty smoothly!

[justmee]

ive never used laxatives; what do you recommend?


good luck you seem motivated but we are polar opposites; i had to battle my mind to get through the first day and the rest will be easier except the lack of energy levels and constant mind battles.

p.s. cant believe you dd 4 miles; im deciding not to do any exercise dont want to risk my body collapsing in the long run
do you have a job? im taking it easy no job etc.

so glad im not alone and others are doing this. boredom gets the better of me i always used to turn to food to pass time hmm

[ginkgo]

If you go back to eating a bad diet again, then you can always fast again. If after that you go back to eating bad again then you can always fast again. Each time your diet should get a little better if you go back to eating bad. Patricia Bragg fasts 1 day a week and 3 days at the beginning of every month.

Iif you do the math, she fasts 1 week out of every month. Don't do any of those salt water flushes (SWF) while fasting. They can cause severe problems. Some have complained of permanent damage from them but since you are not drinking lemonade, my concern is about you dying during the fast by doing one.

[justmee]

what exactly do you mean ginkgo? die from...?

[ginkgo]

Originally Posted by justmee

what exactly do you mean ginkgo? die from...?

The 2nd most dangerous thing about fasting is potassium deficiency that can kill someone. When this happens with a professional fasting supervisor, they stop or abort the fast immediately. Salt is 40% sodium. Yes some can go into your body when you do the SWF. The cells have a potassium/sodium pump.

With all the water that you drink, you may be consuming a lot of sodium from salt. During the fast your need for water will be much less. I hope that you know the most dangerous thing about fasting.

[justmee]

Originally Posted by ginkgo

The 2nd most dangerous thing about fasting is potassium deficiency that can kill someone. When this happens with a professional fasting supervisor, they stop or abort the fast immediately. Salt is 40% sodium. Yes some can go into your body when you do the SWF. The cells have a potassium/sodium pump.

With all the water that you drink, you may be consuming a lot of sodium from salt. During the fast your need for water will be much less. I hope that you know the most dangerous thing about fasting.

oh right but i thought there'd be more need for water during a fast considering that there is little coming from food?

so am i meant to drink less or more water? thanks for that warning there.
what if the waters been boiled?

[sailorgirly]

Originally Posted by justmee

ive never used laxatives; what do you recommend?


good luck you seem motivated but we are polar opposites; i had to battle my mind to get through the first day and the rest will be easier except the lack of energy levels and constant mind battles.

p.s. cant believe you dd 4 miles; im deciding not to do any exercise dont want to risk my body collapsing in the long run
do you have a job? im taking it easy no job etc.

so glad im not alone and others are doing this. boredom gets the better of me i always used to turn to food to pass time hmm

I'm not a professional in this at all, so Please don't do things exactly how I do it! I just listen to what my body tells me, and go from there. You should do the same

Yes, I did take laxatives on the first day, but thats jstu because I like to get everything cleared out of my colon from the git go. I feel so much healthier for the rest of the cleanse. They can be dangerous to use, so I wouldn't recommend them unless you really know what you're doing.

Also, if you aren't used to exercising much, then I would definitely suggest not starting to exercise while your on a fast. The only reason I exercise on teh fast is because normally I workout about 3 hours a day, 6 days a week. (not including the walking I do around the city). I am very careful to listen to my body however, because I don't want to do any harm.

Yes, I have a job. I work nights. But it's pretty much sitting at a computer so I dont' have to worry about being really active at work.

Please be very careful. Fasting and cleanses can be so amazing! Physically and spiritually! But, if you don't take care to do your research and listen to your body, they can be very dangerous. Just remember, fasting isnt for everybody, so don't force it on yourself if it doesn't feel right.

Good luck!

[Barcs]

Originally Posted by justmee

oh right but i thought there'd be more need for water during a fast considering that there is little coming from food?

so am i meant to drink less or more water? thanks for that warning there.
what if the waters been boiled?

Sometimes the body can be finicky when trying to find the right amount of water to consume while fasting. I've read that half your body weight in ounces is a good place to start (so if you weigh 200, you'd drink 100 ounces of water a day). I've also read that drinking too much can be counter productive or put unnecessary strain on the bladder. Basically you should not be chugging the water. Drink it slow, but often and usually that works. Too much at once can upset the stomach, but again, this is personal preference I feel. If you feel thirsty than drink, just don't over do it or you'll be running to the bathroom every 10 minutes and it won't be pleasant when your stomach is filled water. It's also important to stick with Distilled or spring water. Do not drink tap water with chemicals in it.

[ginkgo]

Originally Posted by justmee

oh right but i thought there'd be more need for water during a fast considering that there is little coming from food?

so am i meant to drink less or more water? thanks for that warning there.
what if the waters been boiled?

That is an interesting queston. If you are eating mostly juicy fruits then you are getting lots of water for food. But if you are eating cooked foods like brown rice and whatever and salting it, then that increases your need for water.

[firenexx]

So SWF is out of the question while fasting; I never thought about that but it makes sense what with the potassium/sodium ratio deal. What about other natural laxatives, or enemas?

[ginkgo]

Originally Posted by firenexx

So SWF is out of the question while fasting; I never thought about that but it makes sense what with the potassium/sodium ratio deal. What about other natural laxatives, or enemas?

Enemas with just water are fine. In fact Dr Herbert Shelton gave enemas to the first 6,000 people he fasted! Then he realized that they are not necessary. Although they can make you more comfortable during the fast. I do not think that laxatives during a fast are a good idea.

Some people have claimed permanent damage while doing the SWF during the lemonade diet. Many do not have it come out of their colon meaning their body absorbed the salt. Then they gain weight since they need to hold more water.

[justmee]

Originally Posted by sailorgirly

I'm not a professional in this at all, so Please don't do things exactly how I do it! I just listen to what my body tells me, and go from there. You should do the same

Yes, I did take laxatives on the first day, but thats jstu because I like to get everything cleared out of my colon from the git go. I feel so much healthier for the rest of the cleanse. They can be dangerous to use, so I wouldn't recommend them unless you really know what you're doing.

Also, if you aren't used to exercising much, then I would definitely suggest not starting to exercise while your on a fast. The only reason I exercise on teh fast is because normally I workout about 3 hours a day, 6 days a week. (not including the walking I do around the city). I am very careful to listen to my body however, because I don't want to do any harm.

Yes, I have a job. I work nights. But it's pretty much sitting at a computer so I dont' have to worry about being really active at work.

Please be very careful. Fasting and cleanses can be so amazing! Physically and spiritually! But, if you don't take care to do your research and listen to your body, they can be very dangerous. Just remember, fasting isnt for everybody, so don't force it on yourself if it doesn't feel right.

Good luck!

i agree it isn't for everybody but i know my body and i know it'll benefit. youre motivation and willpower amazes me and motivates me. i always worried id have no brain power to do work if i didnt eat and the fact u can is awesome!

[sailorgirly]

Day 3
Thursday July 7

Weight 168.4 lbs (76.6kgs)
Last night I dreamt that I just starting eating all of my favorite foods and couldn’t stop. I woke up feeling sick to my stomach and really disappointed in myself. It took me a minute to realize that I was just dreaming and I didn’t really pig out last night. Lol Crazy subconscious.
I slept very well, but was pretty low on energy when I woke up. Too be honest, I am worried about today and tomorrow. In the past, days 3 and 4 were when some of the hardest cravings hit. I have to stay focused, perhaps meditate and do some yoga today.
I played volleyball for about an hour this morning. My energy was very low throughout the whole game. Then I walked to the library and back (about 3 miles round trip) I took a nap, and woke up feeling much more energized!
I wasn’t as thirsty today as I was the last 2 days. In fact, I only drank about 1 gallon of water instead of two. This is probably a good thing, because I know too much water can get rid of all my stored electrolytes too quickly. I was surprised about how easy today was. I didn’t have any hunger pains or cravings. At all! It was nuts. Im the past, day 3 has been so hard to get through. Maybe I just prepared mentally enough this time? Let’s hope tomorrow goes just as easily!

[justmee]

youre so motivated
well done
i could not ever manage any exercise on a fast so well done
its amazing youve nearly lost ten lbs in just 3 days
ten days is enough for me too but i need to have patience.

[sailorgirly]

Originally Posted by justmee

youre so motivated
well done
i could not ever manage any exercise on a fast so well done
its amazing youve nearly lost ten lbs in just 3 days
ten days is enough for me too but i need to have patience.

Yes, you jsut need to prepare mentally. Seriously, if you take the next week to prepare mentally, research what you're going to experience, and do some meditating, you may find it a lot easier to be successful! Then you won't be giving in after 1 or 2 days. You can do it! Mind over body. Self control and patience! Good luck and best wishes!

[sailorgirly]

Day 4
Friday July 8

Weight 167 lbs (75.9 kgs)
I slept awesomely deep last night, and woke up feeling great! I can’t believe how easy this fast is so far. Either I prepared really well mentally, or Im in for some really really rough days later on. Lets hope for the former! Haha
I’m having less detox symptoms than in the past. Right now, my only symptoms are a coated tongue, dog breath, and a slight headache that comes and goes. I am feeling the muscle weakness and fatigue, but only when I try to exert myself. I won’t hit the gym today. Instead of my normal 6 days a week/3 hours a day workouts, I will probably do light workouts for 1-2 hours a day/3 days a week.
As the day went on, I got a lot of cravings. I wasn’t hungry at all. Just lots and lots of food cravings. It was incredibly hard to overcome. In fact, at one point I opened up a jar of peanut butter and stood there and sniffed it! It took everything I had not to take a bite! Lol But thankfully I was able to flex my will power muscles and overcame the urges. Wooo. 4 down, 17 to go!

[justmee]

Originally Posted by sailorgirly

Day 4
Friday July 8

Weight 167 lbs (75.9 kgs)
I slept awesomely deep last night, and woke up feeling great! I can’t believe how easy this fast is so far. Either I prepared really well mentally, or Im in for some really really rough days later on. Lets hope for the former! Haha
I’m having less detox symptoms than in the past. Right now, my only symptoms are a coated tongue, dog breath, and a slight headache that comes and goes. I am feeling the muscle weakness and fatigue, but only when I try to exert myself. I won’t hit the gym today. Instead of my normal 6 days a week/3 hours a day workouts, I will probably do light workouts for 1-2 hours a day/3 days a week.
As the day went on, I got a lot of cravings. I wasn’t hungry at all. Just lots and lots of food cravings. It was incredibly hard to overcome. In fact, at one point I opened up a jar of peanut butter and stood there and sniffed it! It took everything I had not to take a bite! Lol But thankfully I was able to flex my will power muscles and overcame the urges. Wooo. 4 down, 17 to go!

well done thats amazing. im not far behind now. tell me about the cravings mssively wanted fish and chips yesterday but i knew id be more pissed if id eat it and after id eat it i wouldnt feel happy. just think about all the foods we can have after body feels fine just legs hurt a bit but no food pains just mind cravings. can i just say if you keep this way youll definitely lose all the lbs you want to and i hope they stay off especialyl with the kickass training in the gym cos i so would not ever be able to exercise on a fast but i am starting weight less than you

good luck youre an inspiration i hope i can make it to 21 days too but i doubt it.

[sailorgirly]

Thanks, JUSTMEE! Just keep looking at the benefits. Trust me, if I can make it 3 weeks so can you!

I was craving all sorts of sweets and greasy foods, but I'm not going to name them because I dont want to trigger cravings in anybody else who may be fasting. Also, one thing I want to mention is how you said "just think of all the foods we can have after" if you go back to eating the same old crap, you will gain all the weight back. Personally, I am fasting to jumpstart an organic, mostly vegetarian lifestyle. I don't want to go back to eating sweets and grease. This fast should help me break those addictions that I have so I can begin a healthy eating habit. Just something to think about

[justmee]

Originally Posted by sailorgirly

Thanks, JUSTMEE! Just keep looking at the benefits. Trust me, if I can make it 3 weeks so can you!

I was craving all sorts of sweets and greasy foods, but I'm not going to name them because I dont want to trigger cravings in anybody else who may be fasting. Also, one thing I want to mention is how you said "just think of all the foods we can have after" if you go back to eating the same old crap, you will gain all the weight back. Personally, I am fasting to jumpstart an organic, mostly vegetarian lifestyle. I don't want to go back to eating sweets and grease. This fast should help me break those addictions that I have so I can begin a healthy eating habit. Just something to think about

i have all my new plan set out and ive been looking at some vegetarian recipes/soups etc. also im planning on still fasting but spreading it out during the month and allowing myself some cheat days so im not depriving myself too much. so excited. well done on your motivation. im fading it seems but still getting there its just mentally a battle. and if i hate the size of my hips i shouldnt give in :
all the best.we're in this together it seems now XD

[justmee]

hows it going OP?

[sailorgirly]

Hey all! Sorry I haven't been posting, it's been absolutely nuts here (to say teh least)

I made it through day 5 and was feeling great. On day 6, things at work went nuts and I broke my fast. *sigh* thats what I get for being an emotional eater and not properly channeling the stress. My body felt so sluggish and dirty after eating. I ate the next day too. So I am starting over. I know this was a huge setback, but I also have faith that I can overcome it. My body was not clean yet, and it did not want me to reintroduce food yet. I feel lethargic and gross and all I want to do is fast again!

I may go longer than two more weeks, but as of now I am going to plan on breaking my fast in 14 days. Maybe after that I will listen to my body and play it day by day.

So here goes day 1 all over again. Drink up!

[sailorgirly]

Days 1 and 2 went okay, but slow. I had to reach deep a few times because I was craving food so bad. I almost let the temptation overcome me, but I fought with all the will power I had and didn't give in. I was having some pretty bad hunger pains on day 1 and today I had a couple grumbles. I sure hope tomorrow goes easier because today was tough. On the plus side, I had plenty of energy. I went on a 20 minute jog because my body was craving a good run. It's been a long day so I'm going to bed. Cheers to day 3 tomorrow, historically one of the toughest days.