The “starvation” diet has long been panned by nutritionists as an unhealthy and inefficient means of losing weight, since most people over-indulge afterwards and pack on all those lost calories. The other drawback is that the body in starvation mode favors putting the fat back on. However, by the time you’re on day 2, the body has indeed begun to burn fat stores, and done right, one can minimize damage and guard against undoing the good by overeating. But the real benefit comes in day 3 when the body begins purging weak cells. New studies show that this surprising effect completely reboots your immune system.
You see, the body has a lot of tired, old and weak cells still hanging on to their job functions and using up extra nutrient resources. The body needs to purge these inefficient cells in order to create new and healthy cells to replace them. When that happens, it maximizes vitality and protects against sickness and disease with an amped up immune system full of healthy new white blood cells.
This is not only recommended for the general public, but also those battling cancer and undergoing chemo and radiation treatments. Such treatments are known to weaken the immune system, but a three-day fast can reinvigorate the immune system and help strengthen the body against this assault.
It is important to prepare for fasting by weaning off of caffeine, alcohol and
unnecessary drugs and toxins, as well as meats, fish and dairy for a few days before the fast. Certainly take all medication recommended by your doctor, and consult your doctor before attempting to fast. Also, notify family, friends and coworkers of your intention to fast, just in case you get hangry — they have a right to know.
For 2-3 days prior to the fast, consume mostly fruits, vegetables and nuts. During the fast, drink plenty of water, and if you need some calories, use some juices. This may be a good time to use the teaspoon of coconut oil trick found on page 21 to combat hunger pangs if they’re getting the best of you. To end your fast, drink soups dense with boiled veggies and don’t add solids back in the first day.
Fasting takes discipline and commitment, but doing so not only strengthens your body, you may find that the strengthened resolve required to complete
a fast will be honed for other areas of your life as well!
By Christopher Matt
