As spring is upon us, it is time for us to begin getting ready for the change to sunny weather, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and just feeling lighter. There is no better time than to do this than the spring, and there is no better way to do this than to do a juice fast. Before you get scared and stop reading please read on. Fasts are not just some new-age 20th Century fad!For thousands of years fasting has been a part of different religions and cultures around the world. Fasting is described as intentionally abstaining from food and is usually done for religious and health reasons. Fasting is nature’s way of giving the body a chance to overcome disease, and rest. Animals, when they are sick, naturally instinctively quit eating until they feel better. This internal awareness is even present in our children who do not eat when they are hungry. Somewhere along the line we lost the knowledge of the importance of fasting to regain and restore health.

While fasting is used for weight-loss, it is also a tool for cleaning, flushing, detoxifying, maintaining the body and even healing both major and minor illness. When we eat, all of our body’s energy goes towards digesting that food. When we go on a fast, we are giving our body a break. If you are trying to lose weight for the summer bikini season then a fast is a wonderful way to break away from unhealthy eating habits and give your body a clean slate to work from.
During our lifetime, we are exposed to a variety of chemicals and toxins both in our food and drinks as well as in our environment such as cleaning products and pollution. Some of these toxins our body eliminates through waste but after years and years more and more remains in our colon. These chemical products and free radicals contribute to pre-mature aging, heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Fasting is a way of getting rid of these toxins and allowing your body to heal. Additionally, fasting increases the white cell count in our blood, which boosts our immunity and protects us against disease. It has also been known to reduce the symptoms of menopause such as night sweats and weight-gain. And, it also aids our circulatory system, which improves the quality of our skin, hair and nails. Fasting is a way to jump start our system and get back on track and something I recommend everyone do once or twice a year for ultimate health and well-being.So, how do you fast? Fasts can last anywhere from one to ten days or more. The longer the better but even just one to three days twice a year or every season is beneficial. I have clients that cleanse one day a week and that makes them feel great! The key is to do what you can and start slow. Your first fast may be just one day and that is ok. See how you feel that day and then do a longer fast the next time. Don’t get overly ambitious and try to do an intense fast the first time. The goal is not to punish yourself but to cleanse your body and feel better!How do you choose what type of fast to go on?
There are many different types of fasts from a juice fast where the only thing you put in your body is vegetable and fruit juice to a liquid fast, which also allows for soups to the Master Cleanse which purifies with a mix of maple syrup, lemons and cayenne pepper. I recommend the juice or liquid fast, and feel that they are is the healthiest ways for your body to release the toxins while still getting ample nutrition for life. Some swear by the more aggressive Master Cleanse but I feel like it is not as healthy for your body. And, it is very hard for the average person to stay on it. For first time fasters, I can not emphasize this enough- do the juice or liquid fast!
For each of these fasts it is imperative that you educate yourself thoroughly with what you are doing, make sure that you set aside time during your fasts to rest and reflect, and ideally to have a professional oversee your first fast. Do not fast when you are busy at work or have tons going on with the children. Fast when you have time to rest and recharge. Lastly, it is normal to feel worse before you feel better as your body is letting go of toxins.
 
So how do I go on a fast if I don’t have a juicer or know how to juice?

It is ideal, of course, to make your own juices. However, luckily, we live in New York City where there are several juice bars in your neighborhood. If you want to make it even more simple, there is an amazing company called Organic Avenue that delivers fresh juices that are airsealed for freshness to your door every morning for 5 days. Their website is www.organicavenue.com and they have offered any of my clients 10% off their first fast. Just mention my name or Be in Balance to get a discount.

For those of you who would like to find out more about juice fasts or would like to me have you monitor one for you, please contact me at katherine@be-n-balance.com to set up an initial consultation and put a program together for you. Following are some examples of juices you might expect to have on such a fast.

Breakfast Smoothie
Frozen Berries or Bananas (or your favorite fruit)
Rice or Soy Milk
1 teaspoon Flax seed oil or meal
1 teaspoon vanilla
Greens powder (comes in a delicious chocolate flavor)
Raw egg (optional)

Blend in blender and serve

Refreshing cleansing juice
2 pears
4 stalks celery
2 cucumber

Juice in juicer and drink throughout the day

Green lemonade (this is my favorite and is delicious!)
4-8 leaves of romaine lettuce and/or kale
2 large apples
2 lemons
Carrot (optional)
Stir in agave nectar for sweetness if needed. You can also add a carrot if you want to cut the astringent flavor more. Drink this and your skin will be glowing!
Carrots & green juice
2-4 carrots
4-8 leaves romaine, spinach and/or kale
Carrots are great because they contain natural sugars that your body will crave during a fast.