Fasting has been used as a way to revitalize the mind, body and soul for thousands of years. It is extremely effective in resetting the functions of the body because it is a complete detoxification and rejuvenation. But as with everything, there is a right way and a wrong way to fast - it is not simply just not eating. It is important to approach it mindfully and with compassion for yourself and the things that may surface as you detoxify your body.
The benefits of fasting can be felt long after you’ve reintroduced food to the body and no matter how long you fast for, the body experiences some pretty incredible things.
We consulted with Tao master and Intuitive energy healer, Juniper Yang, who leads the Revitalizing Detox Retreat at the Sedona Mago Retreat Center. This 3 day fast was recommended for first-timers and people who don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to this temporary lifestyle change.
Preparation for Fasting
There is not much that needs to be done to prepare for this quick fast. It is important, however, to plan it during a time that you will not have to be very active or thinking critically. The weekend is perfect.
As you will only be drinking water for the most part, it is incredibly important to prepare high quality water. It is also a good idea to buy some lemons or activated charcoal to put into the water you’ll be drinking so that your body can still get some vitamins and minerals during the period of no food.
For day 1 and day 3, you can eat minimally so buying ingredients for smoothies, juices or soup is a good idea.
What to Avoid
- Do not go to work or do anything that is strenuous or requires a lot of energy
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Keep activity minimal, gentle and slow. It is not a good idea to run errands, clean the house, chase kids around or exercise.
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Too much TV can take away from the mental and calming effects that fasting has. As this process ignites introspection, observation and reflection.
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Drinking tea might sound like a good idea but because the water is boiled, it loses many of its enzymes and microorganisms. It is best to just stick to lemon water or water with activated charcoal.
Day 1 - Gradual Reduction of Food
The first day of the 3 day fast will be spent preparing for day 2 and is a gradual reduction of food. Juniper recommends to eat about 50% of your normal daily foods intake and only consume foods that will be easy on the stomach like soup, smoothie or natural juice and in very small amounts, about 2 cups is best for the entire day which can be spread out as desired.
Day 2 - Full Fast Day
The second day may be the hardest but it is also when the body sees the most positive effects internally. Drink water as needed or when you feel hunger pains. Everyone will require a different amount so listening to your body is imperative to ensure you are drinking enough.
This is the day that your mind will likely need to be distracted the most. Activity level should be calm, gentle and slow. You can listen to music, paint, read or journal - any form of meditation. If you enjoy yoga or Body&Brain exercises, this is a great time for that but please keep it gentle and do not push yourself. Juniper recommends to not plan any social activities or anything that will bring your energy level up too high. As you’re not eating anything, you won’t have much energy to expend so less really is more in this case.
Day 3 - Reintroduction of Mild Food
Much like day one, you’ll want to shoot for 50% of your normal daily intake and stick to the foods mentioned above for day 1. This is also a great time to go within and observe the changes you feel from when you started. Take note of changes in mental, physical and emotional state and be compassionate with yourself, always practicing and expressing self-love rather than judgement or disappointment.
The most important thing about fasting, hands down, is how you finish. Fasting itself is very important, but most people fail because they don’t properly prepare their minds to come out of fasting gradually and gently.
Benefits of Fasting
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Organs are much more sensitized and able to function more efficiently
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Cells are completely rejuvenated and fasting actually makes them younger. Regular fasting can slow the aging process dramatically.
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Enjoy deeper sleep and more energy throughout the day
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Clean blood free of toxins and impurities
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Calm mind and more control over emotions
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Less general pain around the body
You may even experience a change in your taste buds because they, along with everything else, are essentially reset after a fast. This can help you make better choices in your diet because you will no longer enjoy the taste of what you once craved. This can also be helpful in tuning into what you body needs, rather than what the mind wants out of habit.
Learn about the
Revitalizing Detox Retreat at the Sedona Mago Retreat Center for a guided fasting experience. Juniper leads a 6-day fasting retreat which will help you fully understand just how much fasting can change your life. You can also contact Juniper at
juniperdn@gmail.com to book a skype session.
About Juniper:
Juniper Yang, Tao Master, Intuitive energy healer, Health coach (AZ certified), is a lifetime seeker and healer who encountered the existence of cosmic truth and energy through the ancient wisdom of Tao in 1996. Over 20 years she has devoted her life to studying and practicing Holistic Healing and Tao Meditation and teaching others live in balance through Qigong, meditation, breathing, nutrition, and holistic lifestyle. She currently serves as program director/head instructor in ECO Wellness Center and teaches Revitalizing Detox Retreat in Sedona Mago Retreat.