We live in a go, go world. Constant busyness can lead to increased stress, and stress has been identified as a root cause of many illnesses. What to do? An ancient method is to undertake a fast. Fasting has been used to build health for thousands of years. Fasting helps the body to detox. Fasting is also a useful tool to assist one in tuning in to their inner wisdom.

The body is helped by periodically fasting. A fast, or cleanse helps the body to rest. Springtime is a legendary time to fast. The power of springtime is evident all around us. Flowers burst forth, trees full of lush, leafy growth beautify the landscape and grass erupts to the surface. One can smell life, bursting forth all around, in the air. This same energy is flowing in your veins. You can take advantage of this powerful energy by going on a short fast. For optimum timing have your detox coincide with the spring equinox.

It is important to eat clean, healthy, organic foods, fruits and juices while fasting. Eliminate meat, seafood and caffeine. Focus on fresh squeezed juices, fresh vegetables, salads with simple lemon juice dressing, fruit and herbal tea. Eat peacefully. Chew your foods thoroughly.

If you have never fasted before following are some simple, easy fasting, easy detox diets to help you get started.

Eat once a day this allows the body to enjoy a brief rest. A twenty- four hour fast will help you to detach from constant thoughts of eating. Select a day when you can be at home to rest as needed. Fasting is more than not eating it is also a rest from incessant mental chatter and constant doing. Use this time for restoration.

Skip lunch this allows you to eat two meals a day, breakfast and dinner. This is a good way to reduce the amount of food eaten, especially if you find that you eat often. This will help you acclimate your body and mind so that you can fast for longer periods.

Eat every other day which allows you to eat two to three meals and to fast on the next day.

Fast one day a week this might be on the weekend when you can rest or a day where you know you can work quietly.

Three day fast or longer gives the body enough time to begin detoxing. There are a number of approaches to doing a three day or longer fast. A water fast is not recommended for most people. Simply extend your one day fast to three days. Eliminate salt and sugar from the diet, have salad, drink herbal tea (e.g. peppermint). You might find it helpful to eat a raw food diet for your three day fast.

As the body does eliminate stored waste when one fasts’ (detoxes) it is beneficial to go slowly, so that one doesn’t have headaches etc. Avoid fasting if you have a chronic health condition or if your body has been weakened in any way.

Here’s to your best health.

If you’ve fasted before and would like to share your experience, please do.