As much as I love and advocate going on a juice fast, I don’t sugar-coat the truth even in the case of juicing, and the truth is, there are some down sides to a juice fast that you need to know before you decide to do it.
I would be remiss if I did not tell you these downsides of juice fasting after years of experience and also leading the group in my juice clinic through their juice fasts.
Here’s the thing: All challenges in life come with upsides and downsides! Every personal improvement goal comes with risks and benefits. As long as the results outweigh the risks and the downsides, I say do it.
Juice fasting is a big commitment, but you are also a responsible and smart adult. You know about life commitments. You know about how rewarding and sweet it can be to reach your mark and celebrate the outcome. But it’s a commitment nonetheless, so go forth gently!
Having said this, I talk about the benefits of juicing and how juicing changed my life here so know that it’s worth your while in the end.
The Top 7 Downsides of Going on a Juice Fast
1. A juice fast is not easy.
You need to be mentally and psychologically prepared for abstaining from food. I repeat, this is not easy and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. The first 24 hours are the absolute hardest. Then your body enters a state where it moves beyond hunger and you start to feel more relaxed, and the latter stages of a fast are actually, ironically, easier but still not easy. You can absolutely do it if you set your mind to it but it is good to know and be prepared for the truth.
2. A juice fast can make you emotional and sensitive.
The emotions rising to the surface are a part of the healing process but the fast can still make you moody, cranky, and unhappy and maybe even slightly depressed if you do not take good care of yourself. You can counteract this by meditating as well as by thinking positive thoughts, reading inspirational material, keeping stress and work to a minimum, and letting your loved ones know so that they can be extra supportive during this period.
3. A juice fast may be very disruptive to your social life.
So plan accordingly. It is a short period and the last thing you need is any kind of peer pressure from family, friends or colleagues so just abstain from social events or be forthcoming about your fast so you do not get tempted to eat or drink. I prefer not to go on social events during the fast because it’s a great time to reflect, go inward and enjoy the internal healing process in solitude.
4. A juice fast is not forgiving of any cheating.
Juice fasting is non-forgiving, so that means if you slip and eat even one bite during the fast, your fast is over and you need to start over because that one bite starts your digestive process, which is supposed to be at rest during the fast. Remind yourself daily that you are fasting because you may naturally forget it and end up putting something in your mouth by accident! Especially be careful not to snack on the raw vegetables and fruits as you are preparing your juices because you will be tempted.
5. A juice fast takes a lot of daily work and preparation.
You need to plan in advance, prepare your juices daily and realize that you will be doing this work during a fast when you may not be particularly upbeat or full of energy. Make yourself a mental promise and repeat it over and over that you are committed to this. Some cities offer service where they deliver the fresh juices to you but that only gets more expensive.
6. A juice fast can be costly.
You will be juicing a lot of fruits and vegetables and storing them and consuming them constantly. My 5-day juice fast cost me about $200 and I did it all on my own but then again, I did not eat during this time either! As I mentioned above, you may even choose to use the services of a company that can deliver your juices. It depends on your budget and your desired level of engagement with the entire process, versus having a part of it outsourced to a third-party.
7. A juice fast can affect your exercise routine.
It be hard for you to go on a juice fast if you are very active. If you maintain a vigorous exercise program such as running or lifting weights or a crazy work schedule. Try to do the fast in a quieter time and with ability to rest and relax often as needed.
Juice Fast with Preparation and Caution
Join the Green Juicing Intensive Clinic today to learn more about how to do a juice fast and detox and also learn a lot more about how juicing regularly can change your life.
While the clinic is not a juice fast program per se, you can fast anytime and with anyone that you partner with. You also have lessons on how to go about a juice fast in the clinic.
The juice clinic is a program that helps you to build green juicing as a smart habit into your life through 21 lessons, juicing homework, daily commitments, and fabulous recipes of the day plus a fun thriving community that has already built around it.
