How to Lose Weight by Fasting

Many people try fasting over short periods to help kick-start a diet or new health regimen. Others try fasting to lose a set amount of weight quickly. In most cases, fasting involves going without food entirely; but some forms of fasting require only that certain foods be restricted. A conservative fasting program under the supervision of a qualified health care professional may be an effective solution to losing weight. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Colon cleansing supplements
• Distilled or purified water

Find Out If Fasting Is Right for You

1. Learn more about the various forms of fasting, like water fasting, juice fasting and fasts that only require the elimination of meat and dairy products. Visit Web sites like the one run by Dr. Ben Kim (see Resources below) for the details.
2. Experiment with several shorter fasts before beginning a long period of fasting to see how your body reacts to the process.
3. Consider doing a colon cleanse before fasting in order to reduce the gastric discomfort that can otherwise occur. Many colon cleansing supplements can be quite inexpensive, depending upon how long you'll be taking them.
4. Think about the practical side of fasting. Decide if your daily routine will be disrupted by a fast. Ask the people around you if they will be supportive and sensitive to your needs if you do go on a fast.

Fast to Lose Weight

5. Drink at least 7 to 10 glasses, each 8 oz., of distilled or purified water every day of your fast--even if you're just on a juice fast or are otherwise restricting your diet. Fasting proponents often advise against drinking tap water. They argue that it can reintroduce toxins and chemicals into your system and undermine the fasting process.
6. Alternate between fasting periods and eating periods. Many people find that they can lose more weight by fasting if they do it for 2 or 3 days at a time, instead of fasting for a long period.
7. Use caution when breaking a fast by not having a large first meal. Try a smaller meal first. Wait a few hours to make sure you body reacts well to the food, and then eat normally after that.

Tips & Warnings

• Stop a fast and consult your doctor immediately if you experience serious side-effects, like fainting, disorientation or severe gastrointestinal pain.
• It is generally considered to place yourself under medical supervision if you'll be undertaking an extended fast.