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Extended Fast Guidance
I know the prospect of going without food for an extended period of time may be of concern to some. But there are ways to ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs so you can remain safe and healthy during your fast.
Recommended Liquids
For an extended fast, I recommend water and fruit and vegetable juices. The natural sugars in juices provide energy, and the taste and strength are motivational to continue your fast. Try to drink fresh juices, if possible. Off-the-shelf juice products are acceptable, as long as they are 100% juice with no sugar or other additives.
Note: Many pre-made 'healthy' juices and smoothie products contain a generous amount of additives including lots of sugars. These are not healthy for your body and can cause weight gain and lead to health issues.
Juices to Choose
If you are beginning a juice fast, there are certain juices you may wish to avoid and certain ones that are especially beneficial.
Because of their acid content, most nutritionists do not advise orange or tomato juice (these are better tolerated if mixed with equal portions of water).
The Best Choices:
Fresh carrot, grape, celery, apple, cabbage, or beet. They also recommend “green drinks” made from green leafy vegetables because they are excellent “de-toxifiers.”
Timing Matters
Fruit juices are “cleansers” and are best taken in the morning. Since vegetable juices are “restorers” and “builders,” they are best taken in the afternoon.
What NOT To Choose
I suggest that you do not drink milk because it is a pure food and therefore a violation of the fast. Any product containing sugar, protein or fat, such as milk or soy-based drinks, should be avoided. These products will break your fast and restart the digestion cycle and you will again feel hunger pangs. Also, for health reasons, stay away from caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, or cola. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it has a more powerful effect on your nervous system when you abstain from food. This works both against the physical and spiritual aspects of the fast.
Note: Just because something is liquid does not mean your body stays in a fasted state. Anything that activates digestionwill pull you out of a fasted state — especially foods or liquids containing sugar, protein, fat, or creamy/heavy ingredients that signal incoming calories your body must digest.
Activity + Rest
Another key factor in maintaining optimum health during a fast is to limit your physical activity. Exercise only moderately, and rest as much as your schedule will permit (this especially applies to extended fasts). Short naps are helpful as well. Walking a mile or two each day at a moderate pace is acceptable for a person in good health, and on a juice fast. However, no one on a water fast should exercise without the supervision of a fasting specialist.
Reminder: The goal of fasting is to focus on God, not what you can and can't eat. Be mindful not to spend your time searching recipes or focusing on food and exercise. These things eat into your time that should be spent with God and receiving from Him instead. Your fast is a spiritual reset — clear the noise, sit with God, and let Him speak, strengthen, and direct your steps.
Recommended Daily Schedule
You may find the following daily schedule helpful during your fast. I recommend you print it and keep it handy throughout your fast.
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5:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Fruit juices, preferably freshly squeezed or blended, diluted in 50 percent distilled water if the fruit is acid. Orange, apple, pear, grapefruit, papaya, grape, peach or other fruits are good. -
10:30 a.m. – noon
Green vegetable juice made from lettuce, celery, and carrots in three equal parts. -
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Herb tea with a drop of honey. Make sure that it is not black tea or tea with a stimulant. -
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Broth from boiled potatoes, celery, and carrots (no salt).
Nutritional Recipes
I usually dedicate a portion of my 40-day fast to a special liquid formula, which I have found to be effective over many years. A few recipes and my comments are on this page, as well as a helpful schedule.
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One gallon distilled water
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1-1/2 cup lemon juice
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3/4-cup pure maple syrup (Note: removes your body from fasted state due to carbs and sugars)
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1/4-teaspoon cayenne pepper.
The lemon juice adds flavor and vitamin C, the maple syrup provides energy, and the cayenne pepper — an herb — acts to open small blood vessels which, I believe, helps the body as it cleanses itself of stored toxins. (A word of caution: although I use this formula with no ill effects, cayenne pepper could cause severe physical reactions in persons with a specific allergy to this herb.)
My favorite juice is a mixture of 100% pure white grape juice and peach juice. The juice is available in frozen cans under the Welch label. Most knowledgeable nutritionists recommend:
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Watermelon — just put it in the blender without adding water
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Fresh apple juice
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Green juice — blend celery, romaine lettuce, and carrots in equal proportions. (Vegetable juices like this one are important, for they supply the electrolytes necessary for proper heart function!)
Some nutritionists recommend warm broth, especially if you live in a colder climate. You may find their recipes helpful:
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Boil sliced potatoes, carrots, and celery in water.
Do not add salt.
After about a half-hour, drain off the water and drink. -
Gently boil three carrots, two stalks of celery, one turnip, two beats, a half head of cabbage, a quarter of a bunch of parsley, a quarter of an onion, and a half clove of garlic
Drain off the broth and drink up to two or three times daily.
Note: Bone Broth is an easy alternative, but it does break fasted state. Electrolyte packets without added sugars (such as LMNT) are an excellent way to stay hydrated and receive proper minerals your body needs.
- Bill Bright