It’s back to school this morning for the kids and back to almost normal for the baby and I today. It’s like coming out of the storm = ahhh. I woke very early again this morning, about 5:30 am. Doing a juice fast reboot has a way of getting me up early. This is one benefit that is stand out when fasting – the energy.
While juice fasting, I can go all day, fall asleep easily, stay asleep all night (unless the Viking baby barks), and wake refreshed in the morning, unless a cow kicks me in the head. But, the effects of that hoof to head never lasts. Today, I feel really good, even awesome.
My skin and hair shows it too. My skin is very clear and a bit brighter, makes my big Polish nose stand out like a shiny beacon, lol… My hair is back on track too, well at least my scalp is. I’ve been training my scalp to be not so oily over the past few years. I took some advice from my hairdresser to not wash it everyday – you know like our grandmothers did, mine still does. Anyway regardless of my efforts, every now and then, my hair will go through these bouts of wanting to be oily and stubborn. I’m sure now it’s due to nutrition, according to it’s reaction after juice fasting. In all, it’s true what they say when it comes to juicing, “Your skin will glow, your eyes will be brighter, and your hair will shine.” This look reminds me of when I was pregnant and devoted consistently to eating right and taking prenatal vitamins. Now, I have that pregnancy glow with out the pregnancy = good for Randy’s heart, lol… 5 children is enough for us especially considering our 4th grand-daughter is coming along in June. 
Onto the morning numbers…
Morning Juice Fast Reboot Check In:
- Body Fat – 15.4 %
- Weight – 121.6 lbs - Lean 102.88 lbs – Fat 18.72 lbs
- BMI – 19.8
Nightly Juice Fast Reboot Assessment:
- Headaches – No headaches today
- Sleep – Good sleep and up early again
- Energy – Even more energy today and it’s lasting into the evening
- Joint pain – Still great and holding their own since my previous reboot/fast. I had one bout of soreness in my lower back, and I’m sure this is due to bending wrong over a few vegetable buckets while planting. But, the next morning I woke with NO pain – normally the pain would last 3 – 4 days.
- Stamina – Very, very good
- Motivation – Strong
- Hunger – Having more bouts of hunger today, and drinking more juice to accommodate.
I think my body has gone into a bit of muscle building mode to compensate for the physical activity I’ve been up to for the past few days. I’ve noticed that since day 5, my lean mass has been increasing steadily which is a good thing. I’m sure this is why my hunger is piping up and shouting “feed the need,” lol… OR, I could just be completely wrong about the whole thing… I don’t feel so, though, which is why I’ve decided to end my reboot today at lunchtime with Maddox.
I talked it over some with Randy. Actually, I’ve been talking much over the coarse of this fast about what is the appropriate amount of days to juice fast for a reboot. I started out with an intention to fast for 10 days like I have in the past. But now, I feel it’s a bit over kill…at least for me it does. I’m beginning to think that for this reboot, 5 – 7 days would have been appropriate. Let me explain a little…
When I went on my first juice fast back in August 2011, I wanted to satisfy a curiosity for juice fasting and learn a few things about myself. I achieved that to a degree. Then, 10 days was appropriate I think, because it forced me to pay more attention to my eating habits, cravings, hunger, and how my emotions and environment affected such. Then, I was much more unaware how much life around me affected what I put in my mouth AND how much my internal self perpetuated things like not so healthy habits. I remember telling Randy when I decided to fast, “It really shouldn’t be that hard for me; food isn’t that important to me…” OMG how wrong and nieve I was… Ha ha haaaa….Take it all away goyel, and then you’ll see how smart you are……. After ending that fast, my first bite of food was multigrain chips……
My second juice fast I wanted to lose a little holiday weight and focus more on what true hunger was. I achieved both and learned waaaaaaay more than I did from my first fast. My first fast, I was far too focused on the “starving saber” inside which is in no way conducive to learning anything… Lol, well, except snarling… I needed 10 full days to discover the difference between a craving and actually being hungry, and I learned that cravings can cause false hunger too. Just looking at something I find delish can make my stomach ache… But it isn’t real… My second fast was the most educational experience I could have done for myself in the way of good nutrition. After ending that fast, my first bite of food was baked fish and roasted vegetables.
This last juice fast or reboot, I guess it’s more of a reboot, I wanted merely to detox a bit from any indulgences I had over our “Season of the Birthdays” and kickstart another, “Hey, keep it on track” for myself. I felt that it wasn’t as hard to go without food and found myself forgetting to drink more juice. Now, I’m much more focused on life around me vs. what I put in my mouth, and 10 days started to feel like over kill. I’m not trying to fight a food addiction or lose much weight, just reboot my system and my brain to keep my soul headed in the right direction for me. I think 7 days was enough, and when I do another reboot this summer, I think 5 should do the trick even better. As long as I don’t go nutz or something and eat like I haven’t a care during the in-between… You know what I mean. As long as I’m still eating my GOMBS and sticking to a consistent healthy diet, I’ll be alright.
One thing I want to add. This past juice fast, I started out juicing almost all non organic vegetables. Hey, sometimes organic just isn’t in the budget. By the 3rd day into it though, I told Randy budget or not, I’m buying the organic. After two glasses of pure organic juice, I could feel the energy coming back. Now, this doesn’t make a pattern, I know…and it could be all in my head, but………I really don’t think so. I really, truly, don’t think so. Which, also, leads me to believe that I could reboot my system in 3 – 5 days if every ounce of juice I took in was organic. Truly, there was a difference… Anyone else experience something similar, or has the juice made me nutty?
And lastly but soooo most importantly, I want to draw back on the final day of my second time around and remind those out there who are considering responsible juice fasting:
- Don’t take a juice fast lightly. Do some research, have a plan, keep a journal, and have support.
- Ease up to your fast. Transition slowly get off of caffeine and other processed foods the week or more before. It decreases withdrawals.
- Keep a positive attitude any way you can. Do whatever it takes. Then your fast WILL be better.
- Do NOT, give in to cravings or quit during an emotional moment (something I learned and love from Amy H.). Wait until the moment has passed to make any decisions – so important.
- Pay attention to your hunger signals, and ask yourself if you are really hungry or just craving a certain food. Cravings cause unjustified hunger!
- Have a lifestyle plan for post juice fast and give it as much dedication as you did your fast.
- Have fun with recipes; juice in a little lemon or herbs, add in some gelatinous foods like chia powder to help detoxify, and add in some powdered super foods like spirulina (Thanks Simmy!).
- Most of all, don’t take on a juice fast just because you want to lose weight. Juice fasting is NOT about weight loss. Juice fasting is about being healthy both inside and out. Like I said before, a juice fast can be a journey you take to achieve better over all health – think body, mind, spirit. Nourish all 3.
Thanks to everybody for reading and your support. I look forward to comments while fasting, they help so much. I feel the saber with in is resting peacefully now…
And to all of my juicy friends out there: Here’s to your health ~ NOSTROVIA!
Amy
PS. After ending this last juice fast, my first bite of food was the raw spinach and other vegetables I planned on juicing in the first place. I feel my saber is resting peacefully now…
Hi Amy (my juicing support network!),
Well, it’s 9 o clock and I have gotten through my seven days and it hasn’t been half bad. I’ve decided to stick with it for another seven days now. Jason Vale has another week which is juices and soups and I think I’ll do that later in the week – maybe at the weekend to ease back into eating. I’m so pleased with myself and really hadn’t expected it to be this easy (famous last words). I’ve still got a few more pounds to lose which is a motivating factor (in all I needed to lose a stone but I haven’t actually weighed myself yet – my belt is much tighter though).
I need to expand my repetoire of juice recipes though because I will get bored otherwise so I’m going to have a look at the ones you posted – thanks for those. So here goes to another week.
One of the things I have noticed is that I’m not as tired as I normaly am. I usually need about eight hours at night and sometimes I even have a nap after lunch! I reckon that might be down to the amount of bread I consume – depressing cos I love bread but this fast is making me wonder about a lot of things like that. I’ve been tucked up most nights by 11 o clock and I’ve been awake some mornings at 6.30 – and not even tired in the day. Can’t get over that. Also the not feeling hungry is a shock – usually I am always hungry but I guess that’s more emotional than real.
Well that’s my news and my synopsis so far – thanks for encouraging me to come back and tell you. It helps ……..
(Here’s another English expression for you – it’s been raining cats and dogs all week! But the sun shone today and I went for a walk around the village – it was lovely and I picked loads of bluebells.)
OK I’ll stop rabbiting now!
xx
YAY! Way to go Simmy! I’m so happy for you
I knoooow…the energy is amazing! I’m glad you’re feeling so great. The rewards of juicing are definitely worth the fasting. I am a lover of bread like you and have been cutting it way way down. After my last fast, I have consumed very little breads or other carbs, and I feel like it’s making a difference in helping retain my juice fast energy. Last night, I wasn’t ready to fall asleep until a bit after 11 pm (I love this because it gives me time to read) and this morning I was up at 5:45 am feeling rested = so wonderful for this Mommy.
I think you are right about emotions causing hunger too. I have wondered much of this myself lately and am trying to retrain my brain some – though this is proving to be difficult, lol… I wonder how crazed the children have made my thought processes some days…yes, I may be a bit nuttier than others, lol!
You are so much fun Simmy. And I have not seen a blue bell in…. oh, I can’t even remember. Now I want to find some! I do love blue bells. They remind me of blue birds. I don’t know why…
I was looking forward to hearing from you, and hope the next week goes as well while juicing/souping – ha ha! Do pop back in and give me the details. I love hearing from you!
Big hugs and much Love <3
OH and it did rain "cats and dogs" here all weekend too! Lol… But it was wonderrrrful by the looks of my bucket garden.
Hi Amy,
Gosh a week has flown by since I last checked in with you. Well, I did it – I got to Saturday and then we had friends over for lunch on Sunday and I decided to stop that day and had a salad whilst they ate all the goodies!
It wasn’t too bad though I had a little blip in the week when I felt bored with just drinking but I managed to get through it. I’ve lost about 9lbs which is lovely. Today I juiced again and had a salad for supper and I’ll do the same tomorrow but when should I introduce other stuff? I thought that as I’d only had juices for thirteen days I should spend some time only eating salads – just in case I did something to my insides (I’m thinking stomach cramp or soemthing). What do you think? Any advice would be much appreciated.
I am so glad I did this – it makes me realise that I do have stamina and willpower which I need to employ in the future when I reach for those biscuits or cakes. I don’t usually give myself time to think though – generally just grab and eat and think afterwards!
Anyway, do let me know what foods I should ease in and when. I’m really not sure what to do at the moment.
love
Simmy
PS The children went back to school today and the sun shone – it had bucketed down with rain for most of the time they were off! The English weather!!
Simmy! So glad to hear back from you. I wish I was there to ((hug)) you!
I’m so happy for you. It’s empowering – juicing – more so than just for our health isn’t it? You have the power! Lol… There’s such a feeling of accomplishment too upon completing a fast. I like this about fasting/rebooting.
As far as the other stuff, I’d just continue on the way you are taking it slow. You’ll have to listen to your belly to learn what’s going to work for you best. I started out with salads like you, and then in a day or two added in a few lean meats (fish, turkey, and chicken), and here and there grains – all starting out with small portions. I think it was about 4-5 days, and I was all back on track. My system seems to bounce right back into gear with out any hiccups.
I’m glad the rain has stopped for you, and the sun is shining. Your house must be so peaceful now…ahhhhh, lol.. I’m jealous. I have a houseful (our son is home on leave) and the little children are super revved up to see him. There is a lot of wrestling and dancing going on here…
Wish me luck, big birthday party this weekend for our daughter with an even more stuffed house. I will have to think before I reach for the sweets too, HA!
Please, keep in touch from time to time. I enjoy your comments so much.. Maybe, if your ever decide to do a reboot in the future, you’ll have to let me know how it goes. I reboot about every 3 months or so to keep me on track..
Take good care Simmy – much love and big hugs!
Hi Amy,
I wanted to say thank you so much for the inspiration and to tell you that I have started my juice fast today. A guy called Jason Vale here in England has a two week thing starting today so I thought I would join in and have the support. My husband is away all week and so is my daughter some of the time so I only have two boys to feed and they can help out so hopefully not too much time in the kitchen.
So far it’s been OK (it’s 5pm here now). I’m not hungry but feeling cold but I do feel the cold anyway so will make sure to keep a blanket downstairs and wrap up in it. Cleaning the damn juicer three times so far has been the only thing but I went to a Mindfulness talk last week so I just need to do it mindfully and it shouldn’t be a drag!!
Interesting what you said about organic fruit and veg some of the stuff I bought is organic and some not – can you even buy organic pineapple for example. Anyway, thanks to you and your husband and Jason who is amazingly motivating – here I go. I’m trying to lose a few pounds but my main motivation is to give my body a rest from all that sugar and wheat I eat and then afterwards to be able to stop eating so much or any of those. Let’s see how it goes ………..
Simmy!
Oh my! I actually jumped up and screamed “YAY” for you! Then I almost cried, lol… I’m such a dork that way sometimes, lol… It sounds like the Universe is bending in your favor, and I’m so glad you’re on board with support from Mr. Vale. I’m am going to pick up his book you told me about and read more up on him. He seems like such a bright and energetic spirit, doesn’t he?
Oh yes, we can buy organic pineapples, though I generally don’t. Randy and I are on a tight budget, so I purchase organics according to the “dirty dozen” list here in the US. http://pinterest.com/pin/76561262385315514/ Not all of our vegetables are as dirty with pesticides as others…it helps me stay with in budget.
I am going to be rooting for you and doing my best to send good vibes to England. The first time I fasted was very hard, but extremely rewarding. The first 3 days were the worst too.. Once I got over that hump, it was better. Make sure to check back in and tell me all about it. Maybe you will learn some secret cosmic notion about juicing and can share it with the rest of us…it seems that you were meant to be juicing, lol…
Thank you for all your nice comments and helpful tips and
Big ((Hugs)) to you with the best of luck with the boys!
Oh and that darned juicer, lol, I know..it just keeps on gettin dirty..lol!
Hi Amy,
Thanks for your lovely reply. I’ll have a look at that list – some years ago the UK government recommended peeling our carrots because of the pesticides in them (can you believe it – why not just put a stop to it!).
Jason Vale’s book that I have is 7lbs in 7 days – it’s a good starter but may be too easy for you. Plus the juices you have been consuming are much more interesting and varied than his. Think it’s better for the real beginner to get into juicing. He also has a website and claims that 12,000 people have joined him worldwide for this Juice Fast which is amazing.
I will recommend one juice of his though – juice a few apples and then heat up the juice in a pan DO NOT BOIL and then add bit of cinnamon. OMG it’s like eating warm apple pie – I made some for the boys and had a sip myself.
I will be sure to let you know how I’m doing – might need some encouraging soon!
love
Simmy
Oh thank you Simmy! I am going to try this apple juice.. I’m sure our kids are going to love it. It sounds like it would make a nice holiday drink too. Yummy
I’m going to pick up the book for sure. I like reading about all this health business, lol.. It’s fun to me.
I hope things are going well for you while fasting. I think of you often and am still trying to send good vibes to England.
(Big HUGS) to you!
Hi again Amy,
Aw thanks for thinking of me I’m sure it’s helping me along as I seemt o be doing quite well so far. End of day 5 today and it’s been ‘so far so good’ amazingly. The children are still on Easter hols so I am getting up late and I’m getting up late so I am in a routine of hot lemon at 9am and then juices every three hours from 10am. Though I do stop at 7pm as I don’t want to get up in the night and go to the loo! At the mo I’m only doign Jason’s juices which are very basic and simple but I am adding spirulina wheatgrass powder. I haven’t felt hungry and I am keeping a journal to write down things that come up as I hoped they would (I was fifty last November and decided it was high time to look at baggage I was carrying and deal with it).
The seven days with Jason is up on Sunday though he does continue for another seven with juices and soups. I think I’m going to go the whole hog as they say and carry on with him – might as well I guess! Mind you this is day 5 talking! Seriously though I am mentally comitting to the 14 days as it hasb’t been that bad. Btw I have been very lucky in that I’ve had no headaches and suchlike. I imagine it’s because I don’t drink or smoke or drink much tea or coffee generally so in that I feel very forunate.
I’ll have to give you an update on Sunday but don’t chuckle if I say I can’t go on any longer!
I’m so glad I did this – I feel happy, positive, full of energy – it’s great – even in the crap English weather we’re getting at the moment.
lots of love …….
Simmy this is wonderful news!
And of course I would never “chuckle” at you, though your comments do make me laugh….I had to think about the “loo” for a second, lol… My “English” is not very England, lol. I do enjoy reading your comments. You’re fun, and I always end up smiling.
I will be anxious to hear form you on Sunday.
Love and hugs back!
Amy!!! A spring re-boot : kudos lady!!!!! Even though I haven’t blogged since January, I still check in on your blog frequently – I really enjoy it!
I have been throwing around the idea of another fast for about 2 weeks now. On this Saturday morning while reading your thoughts I realized – what more of a sign could I ask for?! So, I’m in. My allergies are driving me nuts, I am fatigued after even 8 or 9 hours of sleep, and I’m grumpy (grrrrr ha!).
This time I know what lies ahead of me, I’m nervous but excited. The biggest thing I need to do right now is get my brain in the right place again. You are such an inspiration to me, thank you so much.
Amy!!! Lol! How you been girl?
I wonder about you time and again…still attribute learning one of the best juice fasting lessons from you! How can I find your blog? I wanna check it out…
OH and the second time around was easier and this last reboot was even better. I’m sure your next fast will be easier for you as well.
Thanks for your kind words, I appreciate them
Good luck to you and keep in touch!
I’ve been well thanks!! I can’t believe its already spring time. It’s been a very busy few months around here, but some how I have not completely let go of juicing. It’s the one thing I truly miss when I don’t do it. I don’t do it nearly enough as far as I’m concerned, but I still do it. I actually made a decision yesterday and bought a juicer to leave at work so availability will not be an issue now! I’m getting pretty pumped about this fast. 24 hours in and I feel pretty darn good.
My blog is very small, its more of a journal for when I fast, but the writing about it helps the process along. As we all know, this is a mental journey as much as it is physical act.
http://reachingforthedistance.wordpress.com
My goal this time around is to stay active in the juicing world, keep it at the headline of my daily life. I want to stay involved, even when I’m not fasting – It’s key to staying on track for me. I don’t want to risk this change in my life falling to the way side just because of neglect. So, here I am!
Im looking forward to staying in touch. Thanks for responding, Amy!
I am starting my first juice fast as a way of de-toxing after a horrible poison ivy episode that required lots of prednisone and as I was preparing my fruits and veggies I remembered a cool trick for peeling oranges that I used to use when my kids were little. I fill up a big pot half way full of water and bring it to a boil. then I throw 6 to 8 oranges in the pot, cover, and let it sit off the heat for 10 minutes. After ten minutes I pull the oranges out one at a time with tongs and peel very quickly. it is a bit hot but the peel just falls off including the white stuff that is so hard to get off normally. I put them in a bag and toss in the fridge to use later. Works really well.
Really? Wow… I’m going to have to try this. My daughter loves oranges, but will pick and pick at the white stuff left behind. Consequently, it takes her forever to eart an orange and drives her parents NUTZ, lol…
Thanks so much for the tip!