Water Fasting?

[Ivy sullivan]

Hey guys! basically, I'm totally yearning for a change in my life!
Before I registered on here, I read a few threads on Water fasting, I've done a lot of research on it and I've decided it would be a great starting point for me to take some time out and think about my future and who I want to be (as well as losing a few pounds in the process)

basically I'm looking for general support and advice from people who are fasting/have fasted in the past.

I'm hoping to do a 21 day water fast, partly because 21 is my favorite number (do not know why) and also I want to ensure that the fast is actually worth my time also I've researched and read other's account on water fasts and there has been talk of spiritual cleansing? reaching some point of euphoria? (very strange, yet interesting). Also I want to get lose over a stone, from what I have read this is possible on a 21 day water fast, Overall, I want to look and feel good :/

Anyone starting a fast? or on a fast already? I think it would be very beneficial for me to have a fasting buddy

Thanks!

[superfoodist]

I'd really like to do this too!!

My uncle suggested doing some kind of "detox" this weekend (we could go 12-21 days though) and I was looking into water fasting.

I've never done anything like this before, but it definitely looks interesting..

I have a question though.. I've been working out probably close to a year now, and I'm finally starting to pack on muscle and bulk up a bit.. If I water fast for 12-21 days with no protein or any nutrients, will all my muscle burn off, turning me skinny again?

[Ivy sullivan]

It's supposed to be an amazing experience, as well as being very beneficial to your health!

I think initially your body burns fat, so as long as you have enough fat to lose it shouldn't be a problem, but I'm guessing that if you've been working out for a year you won't have much fat?

what are your reasons for fasting? weight loss or cleansing? because I'm not sure that it would be a great idea if you don't want to lose weight, because that part of water fasting is inevitable

[superfoodist]

Aw :/ Yeah mainly for cleansing.

I mean I have a VERY small amount of belly flab that I wouldn't mind losing to reveal my abs beneath haha, but besides that, everything else to lose would just be muscle :/

[Ivy sullivan]

that sucks :/ well, i guess it's great that you're in such great shape!

[trevorturtle]

I believe you lose fat and muscle at about a 10:1 ratio. Any weight you lose is easily gained back after the fast. Your body does not want to eat any good parts of itself, as soon as all the fat and other diseased toxic cells are gone, or your reserves of an essential nutrient, your body will scream at you to start eating. This is referred to as genuine hunger. I wouldn't worry too much about losing muscle.

I've been on a four day water fast and had some really great benefits from it. I'll be going on a prolonged one in January, once I quit my job.

Good luck!

[Ivy sullivan]

I'm planning to go vegan after the water fast will this still guarantee putting the weight back on? I'm overweight at the moment and I want to detox and kick start a healthier lifestyle

[superfoodist]

Trevor, is that a spirulina drink in your picture?

That just gave me an idea. Maybe I can go on a spirulina/chlorella/water detox? That way I'll still get some protein and nutrients? Idk.

[trevorturtle]

Superfoodist, nope that's a banana spinach smoothie. I wouldn't worry about losing muscle, anything you lose will be gained right back. And even if you do lose a little muscle, the benefits totally outweigh the cons. If you're going to fast I recommend to just go all out and do a water fast, trust the intelligence of your body. You'll get really skinny while doing the fast, but most of this is due to losing water weight, so don't freak out.

Ivy, yes if you change your eating habits you'll definitely be able to maintain the weight you've lost. You'll likely find that it's much easier to lose or maintain a healthy weight when you're not eating meat and dairy (densely caloric foods).