Juicing Forum

I was going to wait until I finished TurboFire (an exercise program) at the end of June to begin a juice fast. However, the more I've researched it the more I want to get started now! So, I want to start June 1st and go at least 10 days, but maybe go further until I feel I have the optimum health benefits.

My goals include weight loss and improving a few aspects of my health. I have dermatomyositis, an auto-immune disease that affects the muscles and the skin. At this point it's all under control except for a slight rash on my face. We have been decreasing meds for about a year and I should be off them in the next 6 months (unless I still have the rash, in which case I'll remain on one of them). So, I hope to lose the rash while juicing. I also have major fatigue issues which are as yet undiagnosed. I'm hoping by the end of the first week I'll be experiencing increased energy. Right now I sleep 10-12 hours at night and am tired by mid-afternoon, taking a nap if my schedule allows. The other day I got home from babysitting for a few hours and was so tired I couldn't get out of the car right away. I rested there for a bit before coming in and getting something to eat then crashing in my bed (at 8PM). Lastly, I have panic attacks quite frequently. I'm hoping as my health improves my brain will be functioning better and I won't be reacting as intensely to things. I am on disability. If I can get my energy back and be able to handle stress again, I could potentially go back to working!

I'm starting June 1st because Carla at http://www.rawrawlife.com is starting a group juice fast that day too. I have one friend who will start with me, though probably only do it a few days. I have another friend who may start - hasn't decided yet. I just posted on facebook to seek out some others.

One of my friends is interested in juice fasting for the cleanse and health benefits, but she is in the right BMI range. If she lost 10 lbs she would be right on the edge of weighing too little. So she wants to be sure she doesn't lose too much on the fast. She's considering doing 7 days. Do you know if thinner people lose less while juice fasting? I've heard statistics from between 3 lbs a day 1/2 lb a day. I'd go for three pounds a day, but that would not be good for her!

Just made my first juice. I got a juicer from my friend last night. She said I could have it! I knew she didn't want it anymore, but I thought she would want something in exchange for it. Nope, she just gave it to me! Sweet! It's a Jack Lalanne Power Juicer.

I was going for the Morning Glory this morning but I didn't have grapes or blueberries so I threw in two pears. It was good. My stomach feels very full now - sloshy - too much liquid. Is that a feeling you get used to? Anyway, I'll see if I can juice once a day from now until I start the fast June 1st.

I noticed that the pears produce a lot of juice. That makes sense - just take a bit from one and the juice is dribbling down your chin. Oh - I haven't noticed broccoli in any juicing recipes. Does it not juice well?

I start my juice fast a week from today! Made plans to pick up one of my friends Friday and she'll stay a whole week. My other friend wants to join us but may have other obligations. Even if she doesn't come on Saturday, she may be able to come for a few days at some other point while I'm still fasting. My mom may even join in, she said, if I make the juice for her. (I live in my parent's in-law apartment.) I don't think it's ideal for her, because she will be getting juice when I'm hungry not necessarily when she is, but if that's what works for her, then we'll go with it!

This last week I've had a juice every day, sometimes mostly veggie sometimes mostly fruit. I'm cutting out meat starting today and will see if I can get in 2 juices a day this week. I'll cut out dairy & eggs mid-week.

Headache and I'm not even on the full fast yet. Just half (two juices/two meals a day). I may have to take excedrin in the morning. I know it's loaded with caffeine, that's why I'm not taking it now, at 3AM. But I have a lot to do tomorrow and can't be suffering through a headache.

JOJ - yes, the headache was gone when I woke up a few hours later. It wasn't a caffeine headache. The only caffeine I take in through the occasional excedrin or cup of tea. Not a daily thing, not even a weekly thing at times.

Yesterday Deirdre and I went shopping. First we went to whole foods because she wants to buy organic. I gawked at the prices though. $1 for a conventional cucumber, $2 for an organic one. $2.39 a pound for apples which is almost a dollar an apple. I decided to wait and get conventional produce at market basket where prices are 1/2 to 1/4 what they are there. In a few days we will check out the price's at Trader Joe's.

Here's a pic of my fridge after we got home.

Today is off to a good start. I had my lemon water and then made the Strawberry Shine juice. I made some for my mom and sisters too and brought it next door. Mom has decided to give this a try, as long as I make the juice. I told her to call me if she gets hungry, otherwise I'll just bring her juice when I have some.

My friend Sarah will be joining us Sunday night and starting the fast on Monday. Not sure how we'll fit all the produce in the fridge!

Don't laugh ... but I have to go back to the store. (Does my fridge LOOK like I need to go to the store???) I didn't expect my mom to do this, so I didn't buy enough apples and cucumbers! I bought 10 apples and I think I have 1 1/2 left. i bought 8 cucumbers and have used 5. I don't want to have to go shopping tomorrow if I can help it.

GenXer, my fridge isn't really organized. The only organization to it is that I put any non-produce items in the upper left hand corner before I bought the produce. The fruits and veggies are just randomly thrown in!

Day 1 has been fine. I drank 4 juices at about 16 oz each - 1 fruit and 3 veggie. Deirdre and I went for a walk this afternoon. Cravings haven't been much of a problem for me. I don't feel hungry right now, but I am exhausted. Though, fatigue is one of my health problems. I suppose it is a little worse than usual. But hopefully that will all change in 3 days!

Deirdre is doing well, but I think she's struggling with wanting to eat more than I am. My mom didn't like any of the veggie juices and has decided to stop. She liked the fruit juices, even with some cucumber and kale or spinach in them.

We're going to a friend's church tomorrow because she is getting baptized. I haven't decided yet whether I should just drink juice right before we go, or pack some in a lunch bag w/ice and leave it in the car. We'll be gone at least 3 hours. It is going to be 85 degrees tomorrow so the car will get hot ... fast. I don't want to be carrying it around or ask to put it in the church fridge though ... when I don't know anybody there except my friend. :-/ Maybe I should have picked up some naked juice to bring in the car - I didn't think of that at the grocery store today.

Day 4 and all is going well. Deirdre completed 3 days on the fast and is going to start integrating food back in today. Sarah arrived last night and had her first juice this morning. I haven't experienced much symptoms except being unusually tired and I think perhaps a little more vulnerable to stress!

I had a NEW pair of white pants that I wore to church on Sunday, and when we got in the car to leave, I took out the juice I had packed. Being clever, I had suctioned the air out of the mason jar like I do when I make salad in a jar, to keep the juice fresher ... you guessed it, I pulled the top off and my pants were splattered in green! Fortunately, it came out when I washed them that afternoon!

I've been losing 1/2 a pound a day. My waist line has actually increased. I don't know if it's because it's been a week since I exercised or if somehow the juice is bloating me. Doesn't really matter, as long as the fat is melting away, I can build back the muscle later.

We are about to watch Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. I've seen it but the other two girls haven't.

Claire, sorry to hear about your pants, at least you got the stain out! Enjoy the movie! It's a very inspiring documentary!

GenXer, it's very interesting how we relate stress to food. Everyone does it or has done it. Just keep strong and stick to your fast, it will all be worth it!

Claire, it sounds like your still in detox. Detox does tire you out. It will pass and the energy will be restored three fold. In a way it's good that you are experiencing exhaustion as it means you are detoxing and cleansing your body. It usually passes after 3-5 days, but hang in there. Also, juice some straight orange juice occasionally as it will help with the energy.

Claire, make sure you are weighing yourself in the morning after you use the restroom and before your water and first juice. You're body will fluctuate throughout the day based on what you consume. It sounds like you're still going through detox. Once that passes you should get your energy back. Stay strong, and stick to your fast. Keep me posted.