Fasting
Fasting is the greatest single natural healing therapy. It is nature's ancient, universal remedy for many problems. Animals instinctively fast when they are ill. When the director first discovered fasting, about ten years ago, it saved her life and transformed her illness into health. Her stagnant energies began flowing, and she became more creative and vitally alive. She still finds fasting a useful personal tool and an important therapy for many medical and life problems.
Purpose of Fast
A four day fast, three days on water and one recovery day on juice only, is for mind, body and spirit detoxification. During the fast, the client must rest and be separated from daily stresses. A fast cannot be effective amidst the normal stresses of life. The client will lose many of the benefits of the fast if he or she tries to work during that fast or try to take care of a family. Rest, meditation, and quiet are essential to obtain maximum benefits.
Preparing for the Fast
For three days before the fast, the client should maintain a diet which is less strenuous on the body, unless specifically individualized.
Recommended Foods:
All whole grains such as whole wheat, millet, rye, cornmeal, buckwheat, brown rice, wheat germ, bran, steamed or baked potatoes, low-fat whole grain chips and crackers, whole wheat pasta and noodles, and air popped popcorn. All fresh, raw, or lightly steamed vegetables and vegetable juices, water, olive oil, herbal teas, green or black teas decaffeinated, garlic, ginger, pepper, soy products such as soy milk, tofu, low-salt soy sauce.
Foods to Avoid:
White breads or crackers, refined or sugared cereals, fried potatoes, potato chips, corn chips, buttered popcorn, cake, cookies, doughnuts, refined flour pasta and noodles. Canned vegetables, canned or bottled vegetable juices, fried vegetables. Beans, nuts and seeds, fruits, milk products, meat, cheese, fats and oils, foods with caffeine (coffee, chocolate, teas), soft drinks, fruit drinks, sweets, salt and alcohol.
What to Bring
The client should bring pajamas and/or other casual wear for daytime. In addition, the client should bring any desired reading material and/or any desired personal audio devices (radio, tape player, CD player). Also, the client should bring thermoses (or they may be purchased from Vida Health Strategies during the fast) for juices to go.
During the Fast
The client will be provided distilled water to drink. The client will experience a weight loss. To help manage stress and promote a meditative experience, the client will be permitted no more than two telephone calls in or out per day. There will be little access to television and radio news. While on the fast, the client will not be eating, bathing, hair washing, tooth brushing, using perfume or cologne, or tobacco. Additional services are offered such as dry brushing, which improves circulation and skin cell regeneration.
The Final Day
On the final day of the fast, the client will consume juices only. Upon departure, the client will receive juices for later consumption.
After the Fast
The client should primarily consume juices and eat lightly for several days as strength returns. Of course, the longer the client maintains a healthy diet with a concentration on live foods and avoids meats and simple carbohydrates (sweets and breads), the longer the client will enjoy the long-term benefits of the fast.