FAQs
How Long Should I Juice Fast?
Do not be afraid to attempt a juice fast of 3, 5 or even 10 days on your first fast. It is really not that difficult once you get going on a fast. Longer juice fasts enable the body to cleanse toxins that have been accumulating in your cellular tissues from birth. The length of juice fasting can range anywhere from three to forty days. Doing the minimum of three will still deliver a range of benefits and provides an excellent tune up.
How Much Juice Should I Drink?
The amount of juice you drink will determine the intensity of cleansing. Drinking small amounts of juice supplies fewer calories, thereby increasing detoxification. The more intense the cleansing, the greater the discomfort. Juice fasting allows you to have control over the process of elimination. With any of The Urban Detox ™ prorgrammes we supply four 500ml bottles of freshly prepared juices. Each bottle will have a different juice formulation and will need to be taken at the following times of the day: breakfast, lunch, late afternoon and evening.
What are the benefits of Juice fasting?
There are many benefits that can be achieved through fasting, including:
• a cleansed and regulated colon,
• weight loss (fat, not water),
• balanced pH and blood sugar levels,
• strengthened immune system,
• increased mental clarity,
• loss of cravings for sugar and other stimulants,
• cellular cleansing and rebuilding,
• diminished toxin load,
• diminished pains and allergies (some disappear completely),
• blood, tissue and organ cleansing,
• restored liver function capacity,
• increased energy levels,
• and an enhanced sense of joy and lightness is usually experienced.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
The main benefit offered by a juice fast, to those who wish to lose weight, is the speed of the weight loss. Initially, weight loss can be as high as three-to-four pounds per day, but as the fast continues, the average loss will be one pound-per-day. With our seven day programmes you can expect to lose between 5 and 12lbs. In addition to this your self-esteem is given a boost and discipline becomes a lifestyle. Thus overall fasting usually becomes a catalyst for a total life overhaul.
Who Shouldn't Try a Juice Fast?
• Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn't try a juice fast.
• People with diabetes, low blood sugar, eating disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, malnutrition, addictions, underweight, anemia, impaired immune function, infection, nutritional deficiency, low blood pressure, ulcerative colitis, cancer, terminal illness, epilepsy, or other chronic conditions shouldn't try a juice fast or should do so only under strict medical supervision.
• People shouldn't try a juice fast before or after surgical procedures.
• Juice fasting can reduce blood proteins and change the way prescription drugs react in the body. People taking prescription medications should consult a health professional skilled in detoxification before trying a juice fast, and should never discontinue or reduce their medications on their own.
It's important to consult a qualified health professional before trying any of our Urban Detox ™ Programmes.
What are the possible side effects of a juice fast?
Common temporary side effects of a juice fast include headaches, tiredness, hypoglycemia, constipation, acne, increased body odor, and bad breath.
Other side effects of a juice fast can include fainting, dizziness, low blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, weight loss, hunger, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney problems. If these side effects occur, there is a worsening of symptoms, or new symptoms appear, the fast should be discontinued and it should prompt an immediate visit to a qualified health professional. Although some of the side effects sound quite frightening, please do not be put off as they are all relatively short lived. You would expect to experience some of the above side effects only during the first couple of days. By day three or four you would be bouncing of the walls full of energy and vitality.
How to get the most out of your juice-fast? Ease yourself into any detox or weight loss programme by eating raw light foods for several days before and after your liquid diet. We’ll give you a food plan to help you.
Adjust your attitude. Don’t dwell on the entire programme. Take it step by step. You’re not punishing yourself or giving up anything. You’re cutting out the junk. And you’re treating yourself. But what to do if your brain craves a cheeseburger, and your stomach joins in? Try directing yourself with the help of these tips…
Tip 1: Take Aim
Find a quiet room and sit down with a notebook and pen. Get your thoughts together for a minute. Enjoy the peace. Open your notebook and think about your goals. Do you have a health problem you'd like to improve? Are you looking to lose weight or boost your energy levels? Are you fighting an addiction to a particular food? Write down your reasons for wanting to juice-fast. Read over your notes. Have you left anything out? Be sure to add in the missing bits.
Tip 2: Fridge Magnet
Write your goal on a piece of paper and stick it on the fridge. Each time you’re tempted to open the fridge-door and dive into a snack-fest, you'll be reminded of your goal.
Tip 3: Soul Mate
Who can you contact when you're feeling weak? Call them. Let them know what you're about to do. Ask them not to discourage you from juice-fasting, but to help you succeed. Or buddy up with someone to do the detox together, just like when you want to go to the gym – it’s always better going with a friend.
Tip 4: Positive Tea
Don’t forget The Urban Detox™ herbal tea! Sip it in a quiet place and let yourself meditate. Think positive thoughts about your goals and what you'd like to accomplish. Tell yourself that you can do it!
Tip 5: Treat Yourself
What's your favourite luxury? A hot bubble bath? Going to the theatre? Whatever it is (so long as it isn't food!) give yourself that luxury in your weakest moment. Reward yourself for taking steps to better health.
Tip 6: Blog-Fast
Start a blog to document your juice-fast: how you feel, what you're going through. By sharing this experience, you’ll find like-minded fasters. Who knows where that blog will take you?
Tip 7: Happy Ending
Stay positive, avoid negative people, write down your feelings, thoughts, goals. Think about the end result. Imagine how thrilled you'll be to have completed a juice-fast – no matter how long or short!
