Breaking the fast

[Peter]

Breaking a long fast is very, very important. If you go right to solid food devouring everything in sight, you're going to feel very sick to your stomach :-[. You should ease your way back to solid food after at least one day of juice. Burroughs says fresh squeezed orange juice, but I find that too heavy. I like fresh grapefruit juice -- that's why I live in Florida ;).

If you are going to be eating raw fruits and vegetables, you may do so on the afternoon of the second day with a raw salad. (Many people naturally gravitate to healthier raw vegetables, fruit and juices to preserve the good feelings they gained on the cleanse :D.)

If you have been a meat eater and/or milk products consumer, shift to cooked vegetable soup on the afternoon of the second day and a salad for dinner. Keep the lemonade drink as your breakfast drink after that. Of course, you would do better with the least amount of meat and no milk products as they are very productive of mucus and hinder digestion and absorption of nutrients :'(.

See pages 25 - 27 of The Master Cleanser book for Burroughs' details on breaking the fast and congratulations for doing something really wonderful for yourself and your body! 8)

[Guest]

This is my third year with the cleanse and I have had outstanding results everytime. Currently, I am on day nine and I am feeling great.
The first step is the hardest, getting started, but once you take that step you are in motion for sucess. I went out and bought an entire box of lemons so I would not have to run back and forth to the store. I also bulked up on the syrup. I had all the ingredients at hand, so when I felt hungry I easily made more lemonade, with cayenne pepper.
The second day I awoke feeling great, like I did when I was a child and from then on I have had nothing but incredible results. My skin cleared up, I can think very clearly, my general disposition has greatly improved, and I had a renewed sense of energy.
Why did I start, well this began on a bet that I could not do it, so I jumped on to prove that I could. Further, since I was not excerising like I had in HS and collage and still drinking just as hard I felt that a new method of balance was necessary. Since the first year of this program I have been hooked. Once a year after New Year's I detox. Unlike previous years where I would eagerly go back to eating the same foods, this year I am motivated to improve the quality of foods I eat, no more steak & cheese's, pizza, hotdogs, Taco Bell, Wendy's, donuts, (well maybe not doughnuts).
This year there will be no more fried foods and I will substantially cut down on bread. I have also found flax-seed oil to be a great way to cut cholesterol, and I am looking for a new crew team to join. Excerise is key in life!
If anyone knows where I could fine actual results of blood tests that have been done I would be very interested. I am also looking for new food to include in my diet. So far I have, seafood, meat, vegetables, ezekial bread, and a few other ideas, but I need more.
I hope this helps anyone intrested in trying the program. It works, the results are instantanious, and this is a great way to start a new year. Good luck!

Alex Ramirez

[cj]

Hi Alex,

I loved what you read and I would suggest you look into ER4YT (Eat Right For Your Blood type). I am blood type O and found that following the guidelines for O are very beneficial to my health. If you are interested contact "Thomas Dekany" <info@foodforyourblood.com>
and I know he will assist you.

Cheers,

Cindy

[Guest]

thanks for the link, I am blood type o too.


Alex

[vulchre]

i was going really strong. today would be my ninth day, and i had the lax tea this morning, intending to go forth with my cleanse, maybe even for another week. but i was really hungry when i went to the store to get more syrup and so my mom and i bought alot of fruits for me to prepare (dry) and for me to eat when i went off the cleanse (i'd be going off on monday), but when I got home I felt very hungry and I just wanted fruit so badly. even before having orange juice (not fresh squeezed, i am only 15 and my mom buys the least expensive things, so I have 100% pure not from concentrate orange juice) i had a few green grapes, and loved them so much! then I had a few glasses of orange juice, and a bite of one apple as I was cutting it to dry it for the next week. I thought it would be okay since I had been on the cleanse, perfectly, for eight days, but my stomach has been hurting now and I've had a lot of water to make the stomach ache go away. what do i do??

[Peter]

So far in my experience, the discomfort of breaking the fast the wrong way :-/ (eating sold foods too soon) goes away after a day or less.

I've done the exact same thing although it was after 10 days. I drank orange juice, then ate an orange then ate a salad then that afternoon ate some almonds and pepperocini and olives, etc. Within about 30 or 45 minutes I was sorry because I had nausea and an upset stomach:-[ . It lasted through the afternoon and went away gradually in the evening.

[KRK]

Peter, what was wrong with what you ate? Was it that you rushed into a variety of solid foods, or that you just rushed into solid foods period?

Also, someone mentioned earlier that returning to a solid food diet will cause lost weight to return. Is this true?

Thanks.

Kaki

[Peter]

It was that I rushed into solid foods too fast :-X.

Returning to a solid food diet is not necessarily going to make all the weight return. I lost over 20 pounds on a 20 day fast a year ago and I weigh slightly less now ;). The key was that I ate (and still do eat) a 95%+ raw vegetable, fruit, nuts and seeds diet. It's almost all solid food with only occasional juicing, but it's not the standard American meat and dairy cooked diet 8).

[pippa]

Peter

I am planning on stopping after day 10. Do you stop everything that you have been having on the fast and just start purely on the juice? How much juice do you have too? Is it breakfast, lunch and dinner or whenever you feel hungry. Can you give me a rough estimate of how many oranges I should be juicing? Can I mix it up a bit and have some grapefruit juice and some orange juice?

Many thanks for your help
Pippa

[Peter]

On page 26, Burroughs says,

"First Day
Several 8 oz. glasses of fresh orange juce as desired during the day. Drink it slowly.

"Second Day
Drink several 8 oz. glasses of orange juice during the day -- with extra water, if needed."

He goes on to say eat a vegetable soup in the evening.

I find the orange juice too "think," almost like eating solid food and instead use grapefruit juice.

My own experience, having done solid food the first day afterwards and being nauseated, is that you need to be on just juices or you'll feel nauseated. I know of one person who vomited that first day on solid food.

[joliebee]

Hi there,

I am on day 4.
I was wondering.. I absolutely adore freshly made carrot juice. Do you think there would be a problem substituting this instead of the oj or grapefruit juice?

Thanks ;)

[joliebee]

carrot juice is ok? ???

[Guest]

curious, how does one know when one is "clean" and "finished" with the cleanse? i'm now on day 17 and my energy level is fine except the senna is making the BM painful.

any guidance on this would be much appreciated.

thanks!

[Guest]

Youhave to look at the coating that forms on your tongue. That is a good indicator of where you are in the detox. When you are detoxing, you will develop a white coating on your tongue. It looks almost fuzzy. Gradually, throughout the cleanse, it will lift, and your tongue will turn a nice clear healthy pink. When you see a clear tongue, you've done a good job of detoxing. :D

[Peter]

Hi there,

I am on day 4.
I was wondering.. I absolutely adore freshly made carrot juice. Do you think there would be a problem substituting this instead of the oj or grapefruit juice?

Thanks ;)

I'd do fruit juice for at least the first half of the first day and then try about 4 oz. of fresh carrot juice, which requires more digestion than fruit juice. If that sits well on your stomach for the next couple hours, try another 6 or 8 oz. of carrot juice.

[Guest]

Good Morning everyone
I am new to the MC, this is my very first time and after reading many replies on this site I am very excited to embark on this life altering journey.
Unlike many of you, I do not have a 'healthy' diet, :-[
I do excercise, but continue to eat all those foods we 'crave'.
I decided to start the MC because my diet IS changing: I am staying away from fast food, milk ( I am lactose intolerant), and 'cravings'.
I am 22 and would like to start a healthier life now, I feel the earlier the better.

I would like advice on breaking the fast: what do I do. I am not used to eating striclty raw foods, but I am willing to try anything in order to improve my health and my lifestyle. I have read that freshly squeezed orange juice is good,
what about bottled organic orange juice, or any other type of organic juice?

then what? what should I eat after the first couple of days after the fast.
I would really appreciate anyone's advice.

blessings

m.r.

[Guest]

On the first day after fast, I felt very weak, in fact almost passed out. I had played tennis and just barely made it home to the bathroom. I made the soup and had 2 cups in the evening. I don't know what to do today, second day off fast.
Also, I've been eating lowcarb for several years, which is supposed to be so bad for my blood type (A.) Now I want to do the blood type diet but can't recocile no tomatoes and adding pineapple and carrots. Any suggestions?
I had registered a few days ago, but get an error message when I enter name and password.

[Peter]

Hi Susan,

The Master Cleanse appears to lower blood pressure for some people (perhaps all, but I don't know that for sure) and that can make one feel light-headed or faint occasionally when one stands up quickly. This feeling has passed for all the people I know.

For the second day after the fast, you should be eating fruits or lemonade in the morning and the homemade vegetable soup with salads made from your choice of vegetables for dinner.

I'm not familiar with the blood type diet, but any fresh, raw vegetables and fruits would be wonderful. You might want to eat salads with kalamata olives and pumpkin or sunflower seeds or almonds.

The body appears to need four things in the way of food: greens (salads, etc.) for protein, sweets (raisins, dates, or maple syrup), oil (olives, avocados, or olive oil), and sea salt or sea vegetables (sea weed) for trace elements. The oil and sweets seem to be linked as when I eat one (steak or olive oil) it seems to trigger a desire for the other (dessert or raisins). Usually, I'm on the healthy side of that choice. 8)

Hope this helps.

[ksabe98]

I am going to go only 10 days but I wanted to know what you thought about the salt water cleanse. am I to continue to do this on the two days transitioning back to raw foods or do you stop that also and what about the tea at night?

[Peter]

Burroughs makes no mention of doing the SWF or the tea when you break your fast. I omit them unless I just want to do some more, but it's not part of the regimen. ;)

[Tedbe]

Hi Peter,
This YABB has been an icredible source of information on MC and healthy eating and the support system is so great that I am hooked.
I come in everyday since I joined and even before thank you for starting it and I feel like I know all :o
It is day 20 for me, so I will breaking the fast after the 21st day :( I could have gone on, but the pressure from my husband, friends and family is making it hard. I know I am going to miss this feeling of well being. :-/
My question is how long after can I go on the MC after I finish this one?
Like I said before I am a first timer and will be a raw food fan, for I see I like it.
Wish me luck.
I am a member, but did not log in as I couldn't.
Thanks for the advice on breaking the fast, I am not actually looking forward to the solid food, isn't that funny :)
Tedbe

[Peter]

Tedbe, thank you for the very kind words. :)

To answer your question, I don't know of any set length of time you have to wait between cleanses. Burroughs says 3 to 4 times a year will do wonders. I've personally done cleanses as close together as 6 weeks and as far apart as 5 months. What brings me back to the cleanse is when I no longer feel that sense of well being. 8)

[Tedbe]

Thank you Peter and I finished my 21 days yesterday and am on grape fruit juice today and might continue with juices for some time.
Any suggestions? ???
Thank you all again for all the info.
Good luck to all of you that are on different days of your MC
I will keep on reading and participating :D

[Peter]

Congratulations on your cleanse! :)

Check out the recipes on the recipe page by clicking on the Website Home link at the top of the page and at the other various raw food sites listed below:

http://rawfoodfocus.com/

http://www.rawfamily.com/recipes.htm

http://www.fresh-network.com/recipes/index.htm

That should get you started. ;)

Peter 8)

[kellyh21]

Hi I was wondering, should the same 3 day process be followed if you only fasted for say 5 days? Or can it be sped up a bit? Thanks!

[Peter]

Interesting question, Kelly.

But having done 20 day, two 17 day, 13 day, two 10 day, 5 day and 3 day (a social event came up and I just quit.) Master Cleanses, I can tell you that anything less than 10 is not good and 3 days is masochistic. :o

Day 1 doesn't even count. Days 2 and 3 are the very worst. :P Day 7 is not good either. So if you only go 5, you've suffered for 2 and been good on 2 and not even gotten to the point (usually day 8 ) where your head clears and a person's natural sunny disposition appears. :)

Back to the topic, I don't know, but would love for you to let us know how it goes. If I had to guess, I'd say it could be a faster return to solid food after at least one full day of orange juice.

Trust me, your stomach will let you know if it's too fast a return to solid food. :-X

Peter 8)

[gina23]

Hi there, I'm still on day 9 and have a ways to go yet. I'm not sure how long I'm going. Until my sinues are clear. That could be awhile :P
But I was reading through here and wondered if on the first day after we are done, it doesn't mention if we are to still drink the lemonade drink with the fresh orange or grapefruit juice. If so, how much? And if not, just juice all day with no teas or anything?
Thanks 8)
Gina

[Peter]

Yup, just juice all day with no teas. ;)

[Trout]

Hi Everyone! Does anyone know if you can do Tomato Juice insted of O.J. I'm not crazy about all the sugar in O.J. If there are alternative juicies that anyone can suggest that would be really helpful. Thanks much!

[Peter]

I break my fast with grapefruit juice because I personally find O.J. too sweet and "heavy." I suppose you could also water down the O.J.

Fruits are easier to digest than vegetables and single fruits are easier than any mixes of more than one fruit. (Tomatoes are classed as a fruit, by the way.)

I don't know anyone who's broken their fast with tomato juice. So, if you do, please post and let us know how it goes.

Peter

[Trout]

Thanks Peter, I knew it was a fruit thats what gave me the idea. Thank you for the reply and I will let you know how it goes. Are there any symptoms I should look for if it's not going right? Also thank you again for all the help and info you have supplied over the last 9 days, it is very much appreciated! Take care, Jim

[Peter]

Hi Jim,

Burroughs says it is very important how you break your fast and mentions nausea as the penalty. That is also the only penalty I have ever heard (or experienced :-[).

You do need to take it easy for the first two days. The nausea can be pretty bad. I know that from experience. I broke one of my Master Cleanses by eating an orange, a salad, dates, almonds, etc. for lunch the first day!

If you'd like, you can promote my book ;). Not only does it contain all the data on how to do the Master Cleanse, but it also has the 69 most freqently asked questions and lots of postings from January on this bulletin board, which gives people a feeling of the support they can get here.

Peter 8)

[Trout]

Hi Peter, The MC has been a great exrerience both in mind and body! I will be happy to spread the word on your book and you! I feel fantastic and the since of accomplishment is pretty cool as well. Thank you very much!

I'll let you know how the Tomato Juice works out.

[avasilakis888]

Peter,
I am a diabetic what can I drink other than the orange juice when coming off the diet? :) Thanks Alexia

[Peter]

Interesting question. What fruit juices would be low in sugar? How about trying tomato juice? (Tomato is a fruit.)

You also should check out the topic on diabetics on this bulletin board. Burroughs in his Healing for the Age of Enlightment version of The Master Cleanser talks about using blackstrap molasses in the lemonade drink for diabetics. Unfortunately, I know of no diabetics who have done that particular version, although I have heard of diabetics doing the master cleanse with good results.

How was the Master Cleanse for you? Do you have to take insulin? Is it adult onset (type II) diabetes?

Peter

[Guest]

:-[
Hi, I did the cleanse for the second time with a friend of mine for 10 days.. It was hard but great.
I know that we did not come out of it properly and I feel like I have just fallen back into some of the less good eating habits that I have picked up over the years.

I have started it again today after having come off the almost 2 weeks ago. I want to at least do it for another 5 days.. alone this time because, although my friend and I were meditating every day and every night and I kept it up after wards, I feel like this is my journey and I did not get the full benifits.

Is it unhealthy to take up the cleanse like that 2 weeks later?
I don't think that it's that bad.. Please let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions.

email me at: mebeyoga@yahoo.fr
Thanks
Christine

[Peter]

Hi Christine,

Don't beat yourself up about going back to poor eating habits. Put your attention on the knowledge you've gained and the improvements you have made. Good health is not a one-time event. It's a life long process. Be good to yourself with regard to dietary choices and not berating yourself for your failings.

As regard to two cleanses close together, I'm not aware of Burroughs giving any required time between cleanses. Use your own good judgment and post your results so we can all learn.

Peter

[Guest]

hey everyone, after falling off of the wagon after 4 days at a social gathering and lots of criticism from family, friends and co-workers (and i work for prevention magazine in manhatten so you all can imagine what i was dealing with )i have decided to start again this saturday. BUT PLEASE break the fast correctly. Now i dont know if it was because i ahd gastric bypass or what but i got REALLY REALLY REALLY sick after breaking my fast incorrectly. I was in the hospital with horrible cramping, dairrhea and abdominal pain as well as blood in my urine from a kidney, and bladder infection (but i could swear it was unrelated- but all the skeptics of the MC of course tied everthing together)
However, dispite my sickness- i believe in this fast with my whole heart. I never felt so alive and full of self control. As a diabetic, my blood sugar was always around 85 no matter what. My stomach was actually flat and i was able to concentrate and meditate so well. i cant wait to start again no that i am finishing the antibiotics. dont let others ignorance keep you from doing this cleanse (especially those in the medical field)- just follow what peter says and read the whole book :D

[Peter]

Dear Alison,

Thank you so much for that post. It must have taken a lot of courage to admit your mistake, but I think it will be of great value to the others.

Did I understand you to say that you jumped to "normal" eating on the 5th day of the cleanse?

I also want to be sure everyone understands that I am not a doctor and do not diagnose, treat or prescribe and do NOT encourage people to go against licensed health care providers' advice. Of course, if you as a patient disagree, you can always find another one who shares your point of view.

Peter

[Guest]

peter, yes i jumped into drinking 3 glasses of merlot and a huge piece of veal parm. with spaghetti around 10:00 PM of the fourth day. By that point i had the white/grey tongue and was beginning to see mucous in my eliminations. I am not sure if gastric bypass expedited my cleansing or i was normal for day four, but i felt wonderful.
glad i could help. ;)
alison

[Peter]

Yup, now I understand.

Don't feel bad. I've been there myself going right into eating solid food after a long cleanse 'cuz it tasted so good. Even though it was only raw food, it made me really nauseous.

[Guest]

Hello,
Today is my eleventh day of fast and started in on the grapefruit juice. Everything was fine this morning, but now I have gas and bloating, even a little headache. What can I do? what am I doing incorrect? Please help.

Thinking of trying cucumber/celery/carrot juice. alot more water. and/or I made a vege broth maybe some of that. What do you think?

[Peter]

On page 27, Burroughs says, "If, after eating is resumed, distress or gas occurs, it is suggested that the lemonade diet be continued for several more days until the system is ready for food."

If you don't have several more days, try laxative tea in the evening and the swf in the morning for a couple days with the juice and then salad and keep us posted.

Peter

[kxf]

Hello. I'm on Day 7 today and planning to break the fast in a day or so. (I feel good and want to get back to eating healthy food.) I've been reading Burroughs' recommendations and will follow those.

I'm happy with the weight I've shed during the fast and am hoping to keep some of it off.

I'm wondering: is the lemonade drink a safe and healthy thing to continue drinking from time to time as part of an going diet/health program?

It so effectively eliminates my hunger and leaves me feeling good that is seems like a good way to control hunger or occasionally replace a meal.

Thanks,

kxf

[Peter]

Absolutely!

Burroughs recommends it on top of page 27 and on page 35 as one of the breakfast suggestions. ;)

Peter 8)

[Timshel]

Hi Peter,

On the first day after your fast, do you do the salt water flush to get rid of the lemonade and waste from the day before? Or do you just start in with the orange juice?

[Guest]

Timshel, I am wondering the same thing. I would think so, as the the lemonade is the agitator and and the SWF is the "rinse", that you would need to rinse out. :)

[Peter]

Burroughs doesn't require it as it is technically not the cleanse, but a return to eating. However, he says you can do the salt water flush "as often as needed." (Always on an empty stomach!)

My wife and I occasionally do the swf after an evening eating out with friends. ;)

Peter

[renewed]

Hello to all and Peter. Peter I have a couple of questions. I'm currently on Day 10 and plan to continue, taking it 1 day at a time. But anticipating eating much more raw food (after drooling over Marlene's recipes), I was wondering when you say raw vegies, fruits, nuts & seeds, does that mean ALL raw vegies, fruits, nuts & seeds? Are there any to avoid? The other question is when you and Marlene occasionally go out and eat a meal and you SWF the next day, do you do the laxative tea the night of the meal?

Thank you in advance for your response. I have and continue to gain so much from this wonderful board and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you put into it. I too eagerly anticpate Marlene's cookbook :)

[renewed]

Major :-[ I meant to say "I eagerly anticicpate Marlene's Recipe Book". :)

[renewed]

May I say a double :-[ :-[. Let me try this one more time "I eagerly anticipate Marlene Glickman's "Dining Raw" book". I truly wish I had it now, but all I would do would be to torture myself by reading all the wonderful recipes.

[Nina]

I need advise! TOday! SOrry for being so demanding.
I reached day 10 yesterday which was my goal. Now I am also expecting my period today tomorrow. Since I know pretty sure I am not prenant I am assuming it would be beneficial if I went another 9 days on the fast. My husband thinks I am doing the body bad, but I CAN do it - I went this far on it what is 9 more days? My analogy is that the first nine days of a woman's cycle is blah anyways since a period is a cleanse in itself. And intending to be parents for the second time I will on day 9 of my cycle gear up to ovulate and being off the cleanse will be perfect!!! So what I need to know is: what is the benefit of going further? I need to deside. All I need now is another bottle of maple syrup and continue as I have been.

[Ginger]

Hi Nina

I did 20 days on my last cleanse. You'd be surprised at how good you'll feel if you continue. With our SAD diets, we get so much build-up that I had solid eliminations after 15 days!! My tongue didn't clear up completely even after 20 days. And the feeling of wellness is fantastic. My b-friend was very surprised at how well I felt after 20days w /o solid food.

Good luck with your decision

Ginger

[Kari]

Peter, are there any tricks to keeping the bowels moving during transition after the cleanse? I am on day three of transition, and had my first bowel movement yesterday afternoon. Do you recommend SM tea, or prune juice, or just let things happen when they happen?

[Beaglehead]

I did 11 days of the cleanse and then got off it, going by the book all the way. After drinking only orange or grapefruit juice for 2 days post cleanse and then going to vegetable soup for the next day, I added some chicken to the soup the day after that. That night I had some serious stomach pains. I took some ibuprofen and about an hour later after the pain was gone, I had a strong allergic reaction to something, possible the ibuprofen or the nuts I had with dinner. Never had an allergic reaction to any of the items I ingested before. I have had that painful stomach for 2 days now. Also loose stools. Perhaps I cought a virus. I noticed after drinking some grapefuit juice this evening, my stomach pains went away. I'm thinking that drinking the lemonade for 11 days did something to my stomach acid production. Has anyone ever heard of any of these symptoms before?

[Lin]

Beaglehead,

Congratulations on completing your cleanse!! :D

Sorry you've been having such difficulties resuming eating. I have a problem with allergic reactions to foods and the environment a lot.
It's often hard to tell what causes us to react to things.
All the things that you listed could be possibilities.
Perhaps you started eating things like nuts and chicken too quickly. Maybe you should have stayed with the veggie soup plain, and maybe some veggie salad for awhile before adding other solid foods.

This I do know. Drinking the lemonade for 11 days would NOT cause excess acid production. In fact, it's just the opposite. It causes a more alkaline environment in your stomach. Many people don't know that citrus fruits cause an alkaline environment in the body. While you were drinking the lemonade and then switching to the orange and grapefruit juices, your stomach acid would have been very low.

The most acidic foods there are are meats and dairy products. If it were me, I'd suspect that the chicken you ate caused your problem, if you believe that your stomach pains are an acid problem. Adding the chicken to your diet would have caused your acid production to take a big leap and could have caused your pains.
You were wise to go back to the grapefruit juice.

Take it slow and I hope that you figure out what it was that caused your pains.

Lin

[nueland]

I just finished 15 days on the cleanse and today is my first day of orange juice!! My question is, I need to make the soup and I really don't know were to start!!
do you use a broth? do you just throw in a bunch of veggies? HELP!!

[Beaglehead]

To make the soup: There is a good recipe in the cleanse book, but it's really simple anyway. Get a bunch of veggies (organic if possible) and cover with water. You can add a little salt if you like. You then have two choices. The optimum choice is to cook the veggies for about a half hour and then remove and discard them saving only the broth. That will give you very mushy (and almost useless veggies) and great broth. If you want veggies in your soup besides the broth, simply add some fresh ones to the broth at this point. Only cook them until they are slightly softened (less cooking is better). You can add some bullion to the broth or a little cayenne pepper to taste, but use only organic, good quality bullion with no additives.

[Beaglehead]

I suspect you may be correct about eating too soon. This morning my stomach was hurting about an hour after breakfast. I drank some coffee and the pains went away. I think introducing acid (as with coffee or grapefruit juice) makes my stomach stop producing acid which eliminates the pain. Since the lemonade makes the body alkaline, my stomach is not used to so much of its own acid. Technically, one is not supposed to go off cleanse until the tongue turns pink. Mine was still white when I quit. Perhaps staying on the cleanse until a pink tongue appears, signals that the stomach is now healed (along with everything else) and can now take the increased acid without discomfort. Next time I will stay on the cleanse until I get a pink tongue, or at least for the 21 days recommended.

One thing I did notice, and am still noticing, is that many of my old injuries and pains came back one at a time and then went away. I think the theory is that some of the pain is suppressed and stays in the area (especially joints) until fully removed. Pain killers and meds tend to suppress pain, not cure ailments. I must still be cleansing even though I am now eating. My tennis elbow flared up this morning even though I did nothing to aggravate it and it's been years since it hurt. Also, my BM's are still loose and I am getting slight headaches now and then. I will do another SWF tomorrow morning and see if it helps.

Any comments?

[patricio]

Has anyone used a raw soup when exiting the fast?

Patrick day 38

[quietwarrior]

This might seem like a really dumb question but I really want to make sure I'm clear about this:

How do you count your days with this fast? For example, if you're planning on fasting 10 days do you do the lemonade for 8, then the OJ for two and count that as 10 days fasting? Or would you do the lemonade for 10 days straight and THEN the OJ for two?

[Beaglehead]

Once you start drinking the orange juice, the fast is over. Therefore, if you drink nothing by lemonade for 10 days and then switch to orange juice on the 11th and 12th day, you have fasted for 10 days.

[quietwarrior]

Gotcha, thanks. Just wanted to clarify. I've seen people on another board say they've done it the other way so wanted to be clear about it.

[kiwigal]

I am on day 8 and planning breaking my fast after day 10.

Can I break the fast by using green juice - dried wheat grass powder in water instead of OJ?

I just can stand the thought of 2 days of OJ which I dont like!

thanks in advance
Faye

[Guest]

Ugh... don't break the fast with pear juice. I just finished 11 days of fasting and tried it today, even dilluted it just goes RIGHT through you. Heck, it almost worked better than a SWF!

Han

[TcRejoices]

;D ;D ;D ;D Han Solo, that's just too funny! I can see where pear juice would have that affect. I have read where it is a great juice to drink to eliminate constipation.

[Han_Solo]

I have a question... How much pulp should be in the orange juice you're drinking to break the fast? So far I've been drinking OJ with loads of pulp. I figure it's good to get the tract going again, am I wrong?

Han

[TcRejoices]

Han Solo, I haven't read anything about straining the juice so you should be fine. And yes, the pulp should help keep the colon clean as well as get it going again.

[cloudja]

regarding the counting of days - i would have to disagree. fresh OJ would still be considered fasting -and although it may not be counted as a day on the Master Cleanser, fresh squeezed juice is still a fasting day!

[Sanyu]

I started the cleanse on Friday, February 4th - for the first time. So, I've gone 5 full days, but today I decided to stop ( I must confess the detox symptoms got to me... next time I'll hold on).

I'm sipping on orange juice now, but since I didn't fast for 10 days or more, how soon can I eat solid food?

[Guest]

I am currently doing the cleanse for the first time and I am about to start my 4th day. I am planning to hold out for the recommended minimum of 10 days. I am a healthy weight and I excercise but I really enjoy junk food (pizza, chicken, beef, french fries, tortilla chips and etc). I am not prepared to stick to a raw foods or vegetarian diet for too long after the fast. Will I ever be able to eat the foods that I love again? I was really hoping to ease into some of my old eating habits by the 3rd or 4th day after the cleanse. Is this the wrong diet for me or are my cravings just getting to me at this point? I thought the cleanse would be good for me considering I have IBS and have other GI difficulties. ???

[emclachl]

Peter said: "My wife and I occasionally do the swf after an evening eating out with friends."

I am wondering if you do the laxative tea the night of an accidental binge and then the SWF in the morning? Or simply the salt water? I thought that you said in the Salt Water Flush forum that people who did the SWF after eating food got very sick? I'm confused.

[TcRejoices]

emclachl,
I'm not sure about whether or not Peter drinks the lax tea the night before. I don't think it would hurt one way or the other. I do remember him saying that he would drink the SWF in the morning after a night eating out with friends. Therefore, his stomach would be empty in the morning and getting sick wouldn't be a problem.

[darlingdd]

Hi all!

This is taken from the book Fasting as a Way of Life, by Allan Cott, MD.

Chapter 6 After-the-fast Menus

When you start to eat again, you must not burden the digestive system--now cleansed and rested--with too much food or the wrong kind of food.
When you have fasted for even a few days, your system will require less food than you had been accustomed to eating. (You will not have accumulated hunger or appetite.)
After a longer fast--of a week or more--the body is enlightened. It puts appetite into alignment with the body's real needs for energy. The probablility is you will now consume only as much food as your body burns.
In the words of a veteran faster, "A fast heightens awareness of the individual's integral relationship to the nourishment that feeds the body."
Gorging food after the fast or trying to compensate for "lost meals" could have lamentable consequences. At the very least you would surely regain weight you had shed. You could also become ill.
The wise person eases into a sensible refeeding program. Easy does it if you want to continue feeling wonderful and to keep your weight at or near itd new low level.
In effect, the body is re-educated by a fast. It "unlearns" bad habits of overeating and'polluting." It is "born again." It inclines toward a natural state. It wants only as much food as is required for maintenance. It prefers the kinds of food that are natural to the taste and harmonious to the digestive system.
My new after-the-fast eating schedule is an agreeable and palatable alternative to the refeeding program that appeared in Fasting: The Ultimate Diet. The menu plans are intended to keep your weight at--or below--its post-fasting level. They are also designed to provide a healthy nutritious, high-energy interlude between the completion of the fast and the resumption of regular meals. They are balanced and complete in all the essential nutrients.
Throughout the after-the-fast diet you may drink as much water as you wish. You should drink at least one quart of water every day.
It is advisable to eat slowly and to chew carefully. (Good advice anytime.)
You should not add salt to your food.
You should adhere to the refeeding schedule for the same number of days you fasted. If you fasted for five days, for example, you should follow the schedule through Day Five.
Most people who fast of course continue their normal work routine. It is suggested they prepare their refeeding meels on arinsing in the morning. Meals to be eaten during the day can be put into thermal containers and taken along to the job.
When you return to a regular eating pattern, the likelihood is that you will be eating more selectively and auterely, which is all to the good.

My after-the-fast schedule is one of several in popular use. Two estimate alternative refeeding programs were kindly supplied for presentation in this book by Joy and Robert Gross, who operated the Pawling Health Manor in Hyde Park, New York. The programs are appropriate for the seven-day refeeding period after a week-long fast. Amounts may be adjusted to individual desire. (I do not use either of these programs fro breaking the fast.)

(by Dana -- I am putting the alternative menus in the third post after this one.)

[darlingdd]

The Day One Menu
The day's menu consists of one pint of boiled water mixed with one pint of grape juice or orange juice or apricot juice.
Sip two or three teaspoons of the mixture every ten to fifteen minutes throughout the day, finishing the full quart by bedtime.

The Day Two Menu
The menu consists of undiluted grape juice or orange juice or apricot juice.
Drink half a cup (four ounces) of the juice on arising and an additional half a cup every two hours until bedtime. You will drink one quart of the fruit juice if you are up 14 hours today.

The Day Three Menu
The menu of five meals consists of one quart of yogurt and one pound of apples.
Wash and grate the apples, and mix with the yogurt.
Divide the combination into five equal meals.
Eat a meal every three hours, preferably at 9:00 A.M., noon, 3:00 P.M., 6:00 P.M., and 9:00 P.M.

The Day Four Menu
The menu of five meals consists of one quart of yogurt, one pound of apples and one half-pound of carrots.
Wash and grate the apples and carrots and mix with the yogurt.
Divide the combination into five equal meals.
Eat a meal every three hours, preferably at 9:00 A.M., noon, 3:00 P.M., 6:00 P.M., and 9:00 P.M.

The Day Five Menu
The menu of five meals consists of one and one-quarter cups of yogurt, one-quarter pound of apples, one-quarter pound of carrots, one teaspoon of honey (by Dana, I'm using maple syrup), a vegetable salad (described below), and two walnuts.
Wash and grate the apples and carrots, mix with the yogurt, and add the teaspoon of honey and the walnuts. Divide the combination into five equal meals. Eat at the same hours as on Days Three and Four: 9:00 A.M., noon, 3:00 P.M., 6:00 P.M., and 9:00 P.M.
At the noon meal, have also a vegetable salad consisting of one boiled potato, one cup of raw fresh chopped cabbage, and one chopped onion--dressed with one tablespoon of vegetable oil.

The Day Six Menu
The menu of four meals consists of one and one-quarter cups of yogurt, one quarter-pound of apples, one-third pound of carrots, two teaspoons of honey (by Dana, I'm using maple syrup), two walnuts, one-third pound of farmer cheese, and a vegetable salad (described below).
Wash and grate the apples and carrots, mix with the yogurt, and add the honey and the walnuts. Divide the combination into four equal meals. Eat a meal every four hours preferably at: 9:00 A.M., 1:00 P.M., 5:00 P.M., and 9:00 P.M.
At the morning meal, add the farmer cheese.
At the 1:00 P.M. meal, add a vegetable salad consisting of one boiled potato, one cup of raw fresh chopped cabbage, and one chopped onion--dressed with one tablespoon of vegetable oil.

The Day Seven Menu
The menu of four meals consists of one and one-quarter cups of yogurt, one quarter-pound of apples, one-third pound of carrots, two teaspoons of honey (maple syrup), two walnuts, two-thirds pound of farmer cheese, a vegetable salad and a cup of oatmeal or buckwheat topped with milk. (I use soy or lactose intolerant milk.)
Wash and grate the apples and carrots, mix with the yogurt, and add the honey and the walnuts. Divide the combination into four equal meals. Follow the same meal schedule as Day Six: 9:00 A.M., 1:00 P.M., 5:00 P.M., and 9:00 P.M.
At each meal have one-fouth of the farmer cheese.
At the morning meal, have the oatmeal or buckwheat topped with milk.
At the 1:00 P.M. meal, have a vegetable salad consisting of the same ingredients as that for Day Five or Six.

The Day Eight Menu
The same menu and schedule of four meals as Day Seven.

The Day Nine Menu
The same menu and schedule of four meals as Day Seven, except for the addition of one tablespoon of sour cream mixed with the day's portion of farmer cheese.

The Day Ten Menu
The same menu and schedule of four meals as Day Nine, plus a cup of vegetable soup at the 1:00 P.M. meal.

The Day Eleven Menu
The same menu and schedule of four meals as Day Ten.

The Day Twelve Menu
The same menu and schedule of four meals as Day Eleven, with the addition of three teaspoons of vegetable oil and a pint of orange, grape or apricot juice.
At the morning, 1:00 P.M., and 5:00 P.M. meals, have a teaspoon of vegetable oil. (You may wish to add the vegetable oil to your vegetable salad.)
At each meal have one four-ounce serving of the fruit juice.

The Day Thirteen Menu and Beyond
Continue the menu and schedule of four meals of Day Twelve for as many additional days as are necessary--that is, if you fasted for fifteen days, you should adhere to the Day Twelve diet for three additional days.

[darlingdd]

Alternative After-the-Fast menus:

First day after the fast:
4 ounces fresh orange juice mixed with 4 ounces water. Sip slowly, every three hours.
OR:
Breakfast: 1 grapefruit Lunch: 6 ounces clear vegetable broth Dinner: 1 grapefruit

Second day after the fast:
Breakfast: 8 ounces fresh orange juice Lunch: 1 small piece watermelon
Dinner: 2 oranges
OR:
Breakfast: 8 ounces fresh tomato and celery juice Lunch: 1 pound fresh grapes
Dinner: 8-10 ounces vegetable broth

Third day after the fast:
Breakfast: 8 ounces fresh carrot and celery juice Lunch: 1 or 2 ripe tomatoes, couple of stalks celery, 3 ounces pot cheese Dinner: Medium-sized vegetable salad, baked potato
OR:
Breakfast: 1 grapefruit Lunch: Several slices ripe fresh pineapple, 8-10 strawberries
Dinner: Green salad, steamed baby peas, 3 ounces pot cheese

Fourth day after the fast:
Breakfast: 8-10 ounces fresh grapefruit juice, 3 ounces sunflower seeds Lunch: 1 ripe banana, 1 ripe pear, 1/2 cup raisins Dinner: 8 ounces carrot and celery juice, medium-sized green salad, baked potato, steamed asparagus
OR:
Breakfast: 1 grapefruit, 1 orange Lunch: 1 large ripe tomato, 4 ounces alfalfa sprouts, 2 stalks celery, steamed whole green beans Dinner: Medium-sized salad, medium portion steamed brown or wild rice, steamed zucchini squash

Fifth day after the fast:
Breakfast: 1 medium-sized piece watermelon Lunch: 8 ounces vegetable soup, 3 or 4 ounces cottage cheese, several leaves of romaine lettuce Dinner: Medium-sized green salad, 1 ripe tomato, 3 or 4 ounces sprouts, 1/2 avocado
OR:
Breakfast: 8 ounces carrot and celery juice, 3 ounces pine nuts Lunch: 3 or 4 large nectarines Dinner: Medium-sized green salad, baked potato, steamed broccoli

Sixth day after the fast:
Breakfast: Fresh strawberries, 3 ounces raw cashew butter Lunch: 1 or 2 ripe mangoes, 8 ounces fresh ripe blueberries Dinner: Large green salad, steamed lima beans, 1/2 avocado OR:
Breakfast: 1 or 2 grapefruits Lunch: 2 ripe bananas, 3 ounces natural dates, 1 pear
Dinner: Large green salad, steamed eggplant with tomatoes, 3 or 4 ounces pot cheese

Seventh day after the fast:
Breakfast: Ripe papaya (as much as desired) Lunch: Fresh blueberries, 1 or 2 ripe peaches, 3 ounces ricotta cheese Dinner: Finger salad -- romaine letuce leaves, celery, carrot sticks, green pepper slices, endive, steamed yellow squash, steamed kasha
OR:
Breakfast: 5 or 6 soaked jumbo prunes Lunch: 6 or 8 ounces fresh vegetable soup, fresh celery sticks, 3 ounces imported swiss cheese Dinner: Large green salad, vegetable casserole -- alternating layers of ripe tomatoes, eggplant, green peppers, potato, parsley, in baking dish. (Soybean oil may be used in bottom of pan and if liquid is needed, celery juice may be used.)

[Resonnant]

Wow!! This is perfect. I scurried over here to ask a question because tomorrow is day 20 for me and then I'm done...and Waa laa!! A menu! ;D (I'm a little excited)

Thanks

[Guest]

just to clarify, a half a jar of peanut butter on day two after a fast is a bit too much. and a full indian meal on day three is also too much.

just to clarify. ;D

[TcRejoices]

I would be very cautious about breaking the fast another way than what Burroughs and Glickman recommend.

Just skimming the menu, I noticed cooked foods and dairy products. Both are mucous forming and won't keep your body clean.

[TcRejoices]

Well Day 10 has come and gone which was my goal this time. *:) *Some days I didn't think it was ever going to get here if you know what I mean!

Today is day 11 and I toiled with the idea of continuing but have now decided to go ahead and stick with my original goal of 10 days. *;) *So, I just drank some freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and let me tell you, *"It was wonderful!" *Everything healthy always taste so much better after a good cleanse. *8) *I just plan on drinking grapefruit juice *and water today. *I haven't decided about tomorrow yet whether I will just drink juice or also add a salad. *

[Resonnant]

I concur with the Peanut Butter comment. ;D lol You poor thing.


I didn't break the fast with juice. I don't quite agree with Burroughs on that. It's a WAY too concentrated sugar infusion for me.

I ate a few bites of cantalope (unfortunately it's not in season and tasted pretty nasty) but went with orange and grapefruit sections. A little at a time and my body reacted really well. I followed the rest of Burroughs suggestions though.

What a wild ride. I'm going to do this again in June.

Congratulations to everyone who made it to the end!!

~Res :)

[Milly26]

I get heartburn drinking orange juice and can't stand the taste of grapefruit juice. Would i be fine with drinking pineapple juice if i juiced it myself?

[margaret]

Is it possible when breaking the fast to have any kind of fruit juice? I don't like drinking orange, grapefruit, tomato, or pineapple juice. I feel like these juices have to much acid in them for me. Could I drink apple juice or do you have a suggestion of another fruit juice without so much acidity in it? If someone could please respond as soon as possible, I would greatly appreciate it.


Thanks so much!!

[Guest]

How soon can you have alcohol after you stop the fast?

[terrau]

Tara,
well I wouldnt be mixing vodka in with those first couple of orange juices.... the screwdriver name would take on a whole new meaning...just kiddin around...I would at least wait till you were eating a full diet of your choice...good luck to you...

[Guest]

Hi. I have been transitioning back to food after a four day fast (my first go) and haven't had a BM in two days. I transitioned with diluted OJ Day 1, OJ and veggie broRe: Breaking the fast -- very important

[GrRF]

I broke the fast yesterday (on day 9). I did fine most of the time( I followed everything strictly), but days 7 and 8 were very hard for me. I felt verry weak and hungry on and off no matter how much lemonade I drink, had palpitations, felt scared. It just my body was telling me that is enough! I lost about 12 pounds(now I am 105). When I woke up on day 9 I could not taste any more of the lemonade. I had oj through the day till about 3 pm a had a few leaves of Dulse(dry seeweed). It tasted soooo good, it felt right, it just melted in my moth. My body was happy. Then I had more freshed sqeezed oj. Around 7 pm I made a fresh green vegetable juice and started sipping it slowly for about an hour. My body was happy again!. I have been craving green juices troughout my MC. Now after I read some of the comments on the board I think that I probably made a mistake and I shoud have stayed on the MC for 10 days. I was so close!.....
Anyway I am planning to do green juices for a while and then stay on raw food for as long as I can and feel like. I hope there are still benefits form green juice "fasting" even if I know it is not the same. :'(
I will appreciate any comments and suggestions
Thank you all ???

[hannakitty]

i have info from a naturopath that told me to break the fast (for a fast over 14 days) like this:

Day 1: fruit juices orange, grapefruit, pineapple (not juiced yourself, will be too much pulp, preferrably organic but not from concentrate), lemon. no flesh, body just needs a change in fluids to start up the other acids.

Day 2: same as 1, add soft flesh fruits (nectarines, citrus flesh, grapes). made the veggie soup (eat broth only), and a fruit stew (organic cherries and prunes, salt, cinnamon, water to cover, cook until prunes are slimy)

Day 3: back off on fruits, only have a little citrus( 1 nectarine or pineapple) increase the intake of veggies (steamed to baby food consistency).

Day 4: primarily steamed veggies, steamed to next to baby food. one raw fruit (now can have apple or banana, the more fibrous, crunchy fruits)

Day 5&6: gradually steam veggies less so can be more & more crunchy. still one raw fruit.

Day 7: can go back to normal eating habits. can now start to add grains & cereals. can add meat & dairy (first time, eat only 1-2oz, chew to liquid then swallow). rice may be consumed, but must be mush (add extra water).

one of the keys to success that i found is let it sit in your mouth to let the saliva mix with the fluids/foods before swallowing. the saliva helps start the breakdown, and also gives the stomach a warning thatnew stuff is on the way.

the other key to success i found is if you want a specific food have less than an ounce the evening before to get the body ready for it. but this means the next day you still have to take it easy when first trying the food.

i tried this with dairy. i wanted dairy day 5 (yeah, i know, i was pushing it) so evening day 4 i had a 1/4 slice of cheese (kraft size slice). day 5 i ate 1/3C cottage cheese, chewing to liquid b4 swallowing. i let it sit, and had no stomach upset. this for me has been the best way to introduce a food.

hope this helps other people out there.

tracy ;)

i haven't put any of the weight back on and it's day 6 off the cleanse. 8)

[Peter]

I recommend breaking your fast exactly as Burroughs says.

If you can't do orange juice -- grapefruit, or watermelon have worked for others. ;)

Peter 8)

[Res]

Wow! :o It's the great Kahuna himself! ;)

[RawNick]

Well yesterday was the final and 40th day of my cleanse. Today I am transitioning off the lemonade to grapefruit juice. At the same time I'm preparing alot of raw meals for the coming week and I'll admit I have been tasting them to make sure they're all right. I've even had around 7 or 8 seasoned cashews. My body so far isn't reacting bad at all. I feel fine. I'm starting to think that the little 'taste tests' of my meals will help speed up the transition as long as I don't sit down and have a plate full of anything. What do you think? My plan is to drink the grapefruit juice today and tomorrow and once on monday morning and then I'm eating regularly (avocados, nuts, salads, fruit..etc.)

[yellowchk]

can you use APPLE juice instead of ORANGE? Since I was a kid my stomach does not do well with ORANGE juice...Thanks ;D

[Res]

Fresh apple? Not the canned stuff? I would. But I'm not advocating doing it. The only thing I don't follow strictly in the book is breaking the fast. I have my own method that works for me.

If you decide to use fresh apple, let me know how you did? OK? :)

~Res

[yellowchk]

Definitely FRESH apples :) I will let you know how it goes ::)

[fancy1]

I find it truly amazing.
I followed all of the Fast Breaking ... OJ, Soup broth... etc.
Took me about three days to eat solids and not feel like I had this empty hole in my gut that I was putting stuff into. That did feel wierd after no food for 28 days.
Then I started eating all raw, and still am...
At first I felt full all the time... but now, I can tell my system has changed and that the raw diet is the way to go. I just feel really good and I can basically eat as much fruit and vegetables as I want... I add in a few nuts occasionally and I still drink the lemonade in the AM... I like it... and it keeps me satisfied until about 10:00. Then about every two hours I eat something... Grapes, watermellon, nuts, banana, cukes, green pepper... something... and then I have a nice diner....
and I have a few prunes before I go to bed... drink lots of water and I feel great...
Occasionally I have a slice of pizza or a bit of bread, but for the most part, I don't CRAVE it and I have to tell myself to eat... I have no cravings at all... this is really nice.... sure wish I would have found this sooner...
I do plan on doing the MC again.. soon and will every couple, three months just to keep things detoxified...

[Peter]

What a wonderful testimonial! Thank you, fancy1.

And thanks to Res for her great support of fancy1 and everyone else on the board!

Peter 8)

[fancy1]

Oh definately...
Many thanks to both Res and Peter and all of the things I have learned from reading all of these posts...
I am truly hooked on being a
LEMON HEAD !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Aurelia333]

David and I are having significant nausea :P and we're asking you for some guidance and assurance.

We did the cleanse for 19 days, following instructions to the tee and ending on Tuesday. Then, Wednesday and Thursday, we drank nothing but organic OJ (unpasteurized) and water. Also took probiotics twice/day. I felt really nauseous by Thursday night. We were also extremely fatigued both days, napping a lot and going to bed early.

This morning, Friday, I felt better upon arising. We ate cantaloupe for breakfast. Felt OK, slightly nauseous. Then an apple late morning. Felt OK. Then, for lunch at noon we each had 1/2 ripe avocado with some chopped scallions and garlic powder mixed in, 1/2 large tomato and 1/4 cucumber. We loved it! It tasted fabulous! But by 1:30 we were feeling awful. It's 3:30 now and the nausea is just starting to subside, having just drunk some plain peppermint tea.

Are we experiencing remnants of detox? Is it that our bodies are having a hard time adjusting to solid food? Was our lunch too rich too soon? Right now, nothing sounds appetizing. We're feeling let down, as we expected to feel better, not worse after the lemonade phase. Also wondering how long this nausea will last. :'(

Thanks for your insights and suggestions.

[Peter]

Sorry to hear you had some difficulties on breaking the fast. It's unfortunate, but it does occasionally happen. :(

If distress or gas occurs after normal eating is resumed, Burroughs suggests continuing on the Master Cleanse for several more days until the system is ready for food.

Peter 8)

By the way, save the probiotics for after the cleanse is broken. ;)

[Aurelia333]

Ah ha! When I read your recommendation to do probiotics after the cleanse, I thought that meant after the lemonade part. Maybe the probiotics on a fairly empty stomach were making us nauseous? *??? Or the "gasey" cucumbers? Anyway, thanks Peter for your reply. Last evening, following our nauseous afternoon, we ate just tomatoes then waited an hour. Then we ate just avocados and waited an hour. Then we had a smoothie made with almond milk and banana. That settled our stomachs and finally helped us feel good and satiated. We've been fine all day today, with plenty of energy at the gym and eating a variety of raw goodies. Yum! *;D

[fancy1]

Also know that when you take the probiotics, if you take the recommended dose of two at a time one of the side affects that some people experience is excessive gas. That is when you should cut the dose in half and see how that works as well.
I broke the fast a little over a week ago and just started the probiotics yesterday.
Keep us posted, as you continue to even feel good. I know I enjoy reading about peoples success and any good ideas that they have come up with.

[Guest]

If you have been a meat eater and/or milk products consumer, shift to cooked vegetable soup on the afternoon of the second day and a salad for dinner.

Is that only if you HAD been a meat eater or only if you're going back to eating meat and milk?


I was a meat eater before the MC. I plan on going raw untill after my first liver flush.. Then I want to keep the majority of my diet raw but I'll probably end up eating meat again after the liver flush. 8)

[Guest]

Hi! I ordered 2 books, but I am afraid I will get them too late (before I start braking the fast).
Can I still have 2 lemonade drinks (one in the morning and one in the evening), while breaking the fast? And during the day: fresh grapefruid juice? How many 8 oz glasses of grapefruit juice? Should I still do senna tea?
Thank you!

[SIGURDSSON]

I decided to break the fast today.
day 5.
I could use some advice.
I ate 1/2 a pomagramate (which is like drinking the juice)
I feel good right now.
last night when I had alittle OJ ifelt really bad but this isn't affecting me that way.
I"m feeling really ready to stp. this was my first cleanse and I think it's ok that it was only 5days. I'll get the probiotics tomorrow morning.
can I do the lemonade still? maybe in the mornings? and can I still do the salt water cleanse everymorning? and then have a light lunch and dinner??

[Guest]

I have just completed the ten day fast. It was my first fast. I wish I could continue because I dont think I am completely cleansed. I promised my kids to make cookies with them on Saturday though so I cannot continue. I have not cooked in ten days and the smell of food is very hard. I have three questions. Since one could fast up to 40 days and I have only done ten, does this mean I am only 1/4 cleansed? Being vegan for the past 8 months, does this mean that I am less toxic than meat consumers? Is there a way for me to continue cleansing without being on the fast? Thanks for your response.

[mishmosh]

Greetings all MC champions. I broke my 30 day fast 6 days early. I was having a really rough time, and finally, as I was shopping for the grapefruit juice I would be needing, I almost collapsed in the middle of the health food store. This was after a span of 3 days of absolute fatigue and severe nausea. I couldn't take it anymore. I assume that my body reached a point of extreme detox, which would explain the nausea and fatigue, but on the same day, my gross tongue was finally pink. I guess it was time.
To all those who are enduring on, stay focused and keep your eyes on your goal, and not on the food network. :o

[Destiny]

Greetings all MC champions. I broke my 30 day fast 6 days early. I was having a really rough time, and finally, as I was shopping for the grapefruit juice I would be needing, I almost collapsed in the middle of the health food store. This was after a span of 3 days of absolute fatigue and severe nausea. I couldn't take it anymore. I assume that my body reached a point of extreme detox, which would explain the nausea and fatigue, but on the same day, my gross tongue *was finally pink. I guess it was time.
To all those who are enduring on, stay focused and keep your eyes on your goal, and not on the food network. :o

lol my tv stays on the food network. Seems to give me that fix i need :P

[singer88]

I have a question on breaking the fast - Do you continue with the Laxative Herb tea the first couple of days after the diet when your drinking the juice? Also I would like to know how much juice you should drink ( can you have 4 or 5 glasses or 2 - 3 does it really matter?) Oh yes and how about water I like to drink lots. So many questions and so little time ( 1 day to go ) Thanks everyone

[Leah]

I have a question on breaking the fast - Do you continue with the Laxative Herb tea the first couple of days after the diet when your drinking the juice? Also I would like to know how much juice you should drink * * * ( can you have 4 or 5 glasses or 2 - 3 does it really matter?) Oh yes and how about water I like to drink lots. *So many questions and so little time ( 1 day to go ) Thanks everyone


Hi Singer 88,
No, you don't continue with the lax tea, or the swf when you break the cleanse. Your system will take a few days before you have another bowel movement though, as it's empty....just give it time. Also, as for the juice, it says to have 2 or 3 glasses slowly throughout the day, water down, etc.....I tend to have more than that, but I stop drinking the lemonade too. I think that you just have to listen to your body, don't guzzle down too much too quickly, just in case your stomach might cramp up. I think it just depends on the person, that's all, just listen to your body.
:)
Leah

[singer88]

Just wanted to say Thanks Leah for your reply. Instead of going off the fast today I decided to go ahead for 2 more days - I've been feeling good for a couple of days and wanted to be able to say I went the full 10 days. Have had a couple of ladies interested in the fast. One went and got the book - I told her I would give her the name of this site because it really helps you through the rough spots. ONE DAY TO GO

[ItsMyLife]

Isn't this ONLY if you're going right back to meat and dairy?

If you have been a meat eater and/or milk products consumer, shift to cooked vegetable soup on the afternoon of the second day and a salad for dinner.

Why mention this part if it wasn't ?
Of course, you would do better with the least amount of meat and no milk products as they are very productive of mucus and hinder digestion and absorption of nutrients

??? ???

Just wondering because the last fast I didn't eat soup but I didnt' eat meat or dairy untill like 2 weeks later.

[syntaxiss]

On the eve of the 23rd day of the cleanse, Sasha Syntaxiss has juiced oranges and is partaking thereof!
I am continuing onward...........she shall break as described, starting the clock at 7 pm this evening with her first taste of orange juice.

[Wanbli]

Day 2 post MC

Yesterday I had 64 OZ of Tangeringe juice, some pomagranate/mango juice and 2 peanuts, a raisin, a tiny carrot. Had no issues.

Today I am having Odwalla SuperFood all day - some soup at lunch and salad this evening

Energy level still good and feeling great

[mdozie]

Help please! My stomach is in a bad way....

Look all was well 10 days following the MC religiously (I even cooked for a group of 7 whilst on the cleanse and never even tasted a drop of that Okra Stew with Basmati rice!)

day 11 orange juice and water

day 12 orange juice and water (i was moving apartments and had no cooking utensils for the veg soup)

Day 13 (unlucky for some) No soup just some orange juice followed by par boilede carrots, leak, spring onions and a potato at about 6pm.... THEN at 10pm garlic mushrooms a baked potato, aspargus, bread and olive oil!!!! (oh and a chocolate champagne truffle or two!)

Day 14 orange juice morning... fish soup in the evening bar of nestles milk chocolate

Day 15 in agony and retreat to brown bread and olive oil!!

day 16 Am i dying? i am woken at 2am in agony... i cry for my mother(´'m 45 years old and she's been dead for 15 years!)

DAY17 HAVE I DIED AND GONE TO HELL??? THE PAIN IS UNBEARABLE I A END UP IN A HOSPITAL IN SPAIN THE DOCS DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH TOO WELL AND PRESRIBE SOME MEDICATION (NO WAY JOSE!) THAT WAS YESTERDAY AND I HAVE EATEN NOTHING FOR 2 DAYS - I'M TOO SCARED TO....

MY STOMACH IS IN A BAD WAY AND I'VE NEVER BEEN ILL BEFORE

help I CAN'T TAKE THE PAIN AND I DON'T WANT TO TAKE THE omeprazol THAT THEY PRESCRIBED

PLEASE HELP IT STOP HURTING!!!!!!!


Michael T. Dozie

PS
couldn´t take the pain i wimped out and took an omeprazol 10 hours ago.... what now, it's 9:00am here and i'm famished... whose stomach is this anyway????

[sopheetsa]

Oh MY GOD!

what a story!

I can sort of relate to one thought:

"HAVE I DIED AND GONE TO HELL THE PAIN IS UNBEARABLE "-- having just woken up here at 4 AM-- but the rest is way BEYOND anything I'm experiencing...and I'm still ON the Cleanse-- so I have nothing to offer you by way of experience-- other than my consolation:

I'm SO SORRY Michael!

PS: a thought just occurred to me-- because it has happened to a bunch of us. Day 15 is a real "douzy"-- It could be, despite your coming "off" the cleanse-- that you are still in DEEP DETOX! I don't know enough about what you're going through to say this definitively, especially since it sounds like all your symptoms are concentrated in your "stomach"-- which could mean something else entirely!

I wish you a speedy recovery! don't feel badly about "wimping out!"-- I'll never forget the times in my life that were so bad I had to take pain killers! If at all possible get reliable help. God Knows how under your circumstances! Best to you!-- & a prayer from this side of the Atlantic!

[zoebutt]

This is Day 14 and I'm officially off the diet. I'm drinking fresh orange and grapefruit juice from my citrus crop, it's wonderful.

This fast I hungered for food these past 5 or 6 days, but didn't cheat. As before, I just got bored with the process. I feel great, dropped 15 lbs and all is well. Now on to maintenance!

[laurenspeak]

Never did like Orange Juice. Can hardly stomach it. Also pretty much despise grapefruit juice (bitter) unless perhaps sweetened with Stevia.

Is Stevia OK to use? Also I do have a habit of putting a tiny bit of stevia in my Senna Tea. Is that okay, or should I stop?

Would unsweetened organic apple juice be a sensible substitute for OJ or Grapefruit Juice or do you think there is too much natural sugar.
How about unsweetened cranberry juice with stevia, if stevia is okay to add?

[blueheron]

I just want to be clear about what to do after the cleanse.

On the 1st day - do you only drink orange juice, or do you keep drinking the lemonade also? I like the lemonade because I feel like I can have enough of it to keep me from feeling hungry, but I can't imagine not being hungry if I only have 3 glasses of oj during the day.

Can or should I do the salt water flush on the morning of the 1st day? Sort of a way of finishing everything off.

On day 2 it seems a bit clearer - drink the oj and then make yourself some vegie soup. I have been daydreaming about meat since starting (which is pretty funny, because I am not a big meat eater) How long should I wait before adding fish or chicken back into my diet.

I know a lot of you are vegetarians or into raw foods, but I have pretty major food allergies that prevent me from eating most raw vegies and fruit - any suggestions.

Thanks for any help.

[laurenspeak]

Ok so the first day following my 10-day "fast" included the lemonade for breakfast and several 8oz glasses of tangerine juice (much better tasting than OJ). I made the soup that evening and thus had about a cup worth of broth as it tasted so good. That was fine... BUT:
The next day I began with the juices ..Then in the afternoon, just had to have some dates (6 small)...I felt fine. a couple hours later I was hungry and had a raw food type flaxseed "cracker", and fnally that eve (only the 2nd day after fasting) Iindulged in a HUGE bowl of my soup (at least 2 cups), chock full of vegetables with some potato, rice and lentils. It was so good!!!
Haven't noticed any discomfort and yet it seems according to the book I was supposed to be juicing for TWO days following the fast and eating the soup mostly broth with only a few veggies.
I hope my eating solids so soon isn't too bad, if afterall, I feel fine and not bloated or anything.

[lemonnewbie]

Hi everyone!

I am preparing for my first MC and even tho I have the book and it gives a basic recipe for the veggie broth for when you come off the cleanse I was wondering if anyone had a veggie recipe that they use and really enjoys.

Thanks!

[Guest]

Today is Day 10 for me. I have felt hungry every single day and the cravings for solid food have been incredible. (I've been dreaming about this yummy, healthy pizza I make sometimes)

I tried upping the maple syrup, but that didn't help. I finally broke down the night before last and last night and had some vegetable broth (canned).

I only felt good for about two days with intermittant feeling good the rest of the time.

Going into this, I am a vegetarian and have been so for over 3 years. I had been eating pretty badly (lots of dairy and wheat which do a number on my body) for a couple of weeks before the fast.

I did a water fast a couple of years ago for 6 days and felt incredible after the third day with no hunger pains at all. This hunger has been a surprise.

My tongue is still coated and I've been having diarehha for the past two days (possibly the soup), though some of it is solid. I've thought about staying on it longer, but I'm having a party this weeknd and am making all sorts of things.

My intent is to make the raw treats I'm planning (made raw brownies today for our 'cake') and see if nibbling a bit of those affects me greatly.

My other intent is to lay off of dairy, wheat, and refined sugar for at least a month. Complete abstinence. After that, I plan to avoid them most of the time, but may occassionally have some and see what happens.

So, all of that was to find out if you all think I should continue the fast, come hell or high water and wait until my tongue is pink again, or give in to my hunger and go ahead and start my healthy solid food diet?

[Guest]

Could someone tell me if what I am doing is right?

I am drinking the lemonade (although I find it revolting) and some peppermint tea, and I drink smooth move morning and evening. Cannot stomach the SWF so going for the tea instead. Have had bad nausea and vomiting in day 3, weakness before and after that and headaches from caffeine withdrawal.

My BM are liquid with occasional little soft parts. It seems to me the result of the laxative stimulation and not hat I am really losing other toxins.

Having abused laxatives in the past the effect seems quite the same as what I am experiencing now. Am I really detoxing?

Also I have had pain at the base of my neck where I usually get knots from stress. Is this related?

Thanks for your advice!

Otter

[mamakrol]

I am on day five and I also work the midnight shift. The last 2 nights that I have worked the heartburn is awful. I broke down and took some mylanta and that didn't work. Other wise I am doing well. I weighed myself of my 2nd day and lost 9lbs.

Is there something I could do for the heartburn?

[peanutterb]

To soup or not to soup?

i've been vegetarian for 12 years and vegan for 1 and ead tofu and meat alternatives like boca and morningstar stuff
should i have the soup as a meat eater would or stay with the fruit juices as a raw fooder would or mix it up?

Burroughs didn't account for people who are vegan. He just talked about raw foodists and carnivores and let me and all my people out =(

[LondonCalling]

Hello All,

I'm on day 3 of the MC and so far so good!

I would like to contine for the full 10 days, however, I am going on holiday and will b flying out on day 10. My question is, should I end my fast on day 9 so that I can start the fresh OJ or fruit juice whilst still at home or break the fast once I get to my destination?

My worry is that I don't want to be unwell abroad, I'd rather finish one day ahead and then re-do it upon my return?

Any advice?

Am very confused but determined!!

[freddy]

To the last few posts, having just completed my first Master Cleanse, I can only say you need to FOLLOW THE PROGRAM EXACTLY AS IT'S LAID OUT BY BURROUGHS!!! Cheating with vegetable soup means you didn't make it - pure and simple. No shame in that at all; just stop the process eat something, and tackle it another time in a few weeks or months. You have a party, dangit, enjoy it!

As for breaking the fast, I went from noon on my first day to noon on my last day (today, in fact). I have followed the program EXACTLY to the letter and have had results akin to being "born again" into religion (well, I'm still an atheist, so the analogy is sort of ironic). I've been reading through the dozens of posts and am amazed at how many people here seem to think modifying this wonderful program to suit their needs is no big deal. It is! Burroughs laid it out for all of us and we need to follow his lead.

Again, let me state that it's no shame to fail the first time (or even more times after that). It's VERY DIFFICULT to stop eating, man! Going ten days (or more) without eating is undoing a lifetime of ingrained behaviors. Food is something deeply rooted in all cultures and societies, used for not only sustanance, but to bring people together, celebrations, and even worship. It's no small thing to do without it.

The fact that you've decided to do something about your health is a victory of sorts, with the completion of the cleanse the reward for that decision. However, when you drink vegetable broth, fail to drink your tea or salt wash in the morning, break your fast on the ninth day instead of the tenth, grab a protein bar or take a drug to curb your hunger, you have interrupted the process and therefore altered the goal and results you can expect.

[GG]

Freddy- You are my angel! I was just rationalizing with my self on DAY 8 that since it's Friday, I should "enjoy the weekend"by quiting the cleanse tonight and going to juices so that I could by Sunday afternoon I could indulge in vegetable broth! NO! I am going to stick out the 10 days and do what I set out to do! Thanks so much. I nearly had fallen back into an OLD pattern of treating myself on the weekends. Nope, not going to do it!! I'll find another way to treat myself. Embrace the hunger and celebrate my victory in health!!
A thousand thank you's!!!! GG

[mrsmezen]

Hi all, another question for you. If I were to break the fast after the 5th day would I still have gotten to the point where I was releasing enough toxins to make this worth my while?
The maple syrup is very costly for me, I am spending about $14 every 3 or 4 days and I don't know if I can afford to go the whole ten days, although I really want to.
Any feedback would be great!
Thanks!

[peanutterb]

that sucks mrs mezen. from everything i've read you need to go at least ten days to get the full benefit from a detox. maybe you can find somewhere to order it cheaper online?

[Peter]

If I were to break the fast after the 5th day would I still have gotten to the point where I was releasing enough toxins to make this worth my while?
The maple syrup is very costly for me, I am spending about $14 every 3 or 4 days and I don't know if I can afford to go the whole ten days, although I really want to.
As for quitting after 5 days, days 2 and 3 are the worst and you won't be removing any old waste, just current stuff. Doing the Master Cleanse for 5 days is like being pregnant for 8 months, having labor and not having a baby. I'd recommend against it. If you've only got 5 days, do a different kind of detox/cleanse.

On the price of the maple syrup, don't you spend two or three times more on food when you're not on the cleanse? ???

Peter 8)

[freddy]

GG, according to my calculations, you have just passed day 10. Did you make it?

I just hit day four of my post cleanse and, though I've hit a couple of little bumps (didn't feel too good after the full-strength OJ, nor after eating the vegetables from my soup), I'm doing well. I'm going to try some fruit this morning (organic, of course). I have also been continuing the salt flushes in the morning as I LOVE the way they make me feel so clean! The thought of meat disgusts me right now, so I doubt I'll be consuming THAT for a while. I plan to do my second cleanse in August (a 14 day this time), ending it on the night of the burn at Burning Man. Ritualistic, I know, but it sounds like a fun idea.

I have two friends in days 4 and 5, respectively, and am providing telephone "support" to them several times throughout each day to keep them motivated and their spirits up. I have referred them to these forums as the best resource for information as well. If you have friends doing the MC, offer to do the same for them as it might give them the courage to undertake the journey.

I do have a question for those who've done the cleanse. I've read through all the posts in this thread and there is not one mention of my favorite vice of them all - coffee. Is this like, the bad word that condemns me to eternal damnation (which is hard for this atheist to say, dagnummit)? I do miss my morning brew! Is one cup a day really that bad? Has anyone gone back to drinking coffee after breaking their fast? How long before you could drink it?

[mrsmezen]

Thanks Peter for your response. I did break my fast at 5 days. :( The wierd thing for me is that I actually miss the lemonade, when before I couldn't stand it. Hmmmmm
I will be doing the cleanse again this summer with a girlfriend of mine that does it a few times a year. We are going to go the whole ten days together and maybe more, I feel that it will be easier for me to stick to it and not make excuses if I have her there to push me. I almost see it the same way as having a work out partner, I am more motivated to go to the gym when there is someone there to meet me and keep me on track. Plus, I am going to buy ALL of my maple syrup ahead of time so I can't use that as an excuse either. :)
Thanks for your support!!! :)
Dayna

[danielle_ny]

Hello all ~ :-D

Today is Day 11 of my 1st MC, and unfortunately due to previous social events - I will have to break the fast tomorrow (in order to be ready by Sat)...... I had initially aimed for 10 days on my 1st MC, but as things were much easier than I thought overall, and I am so pleased with the results - I had decided to go on a little longer...... Unfortunately, I could only extend 1 more day. Oh well - now I have plans for another MC in a month or so - this time I will shoot for 20 days !

Anyways -- pls help !!

Do I still drink the tea tonight, and do the SWF tomorrow morning ??

Then I will have OJ all tomorrow day - do I do the tea again tomorrow night and the SWF the next morning ?

How does this work ?

It wasnt very clear to me in the MC book......

I will also start taking the probiotics - I think Peter mentions the best thing is to start taking it on the 3rd day of the fast - is this correct ?

Tks all !
Keep on squeezing !!

Danielle

[Honeysuckle1]

HI Danielle,

Congrats on completing your fast! I wasn't clear as well. Out of habit I drank the tea and did the SWF in the morning then started on my freshly squeezed OJ with water. You will want to dilute the OJ because there are a lot of calories in purely squeezed OJ. I found that it helped with the eliminations and the entire process. I idd the tea and SWF on the first day and drank the tea on the second day (out of habit). Once you start to digest the OJ'; it is so true, your body modifies the liquid and adjusts it so that your elimiations (trying to save you the extra details) gradually change.

Just my experience; trust your body and see what it says. I hope that this helps.

Honey

[fancy1]

Great Testimonial Honeysuckle1...

Yes, trust your body... go slow....
The OJ will taste very sweet and thick... water it down...

Probiotics are wonderful glad you are going to take them danielle_ny.... you will see... they really help to keep you regular and to curb your cravings for sweets and salty things...

Remember to hydrate, even though you are not on the cleanse anylonger, you still need the H2O...

Also I kept drinking the lemonade in the AM... did that for quite a long time...

I also have incorporated the Green Smoothies into my routime... they are yummy... and they make me have energy....

Best of luck to you on your journey... :)

[danielle_ny]

Hello Honey and Fancy ! Thanks for the replies !

Anyways -- I still feel like I do not "get it" !! hahaha

Let me be more specific with my questions.....

1) I still drank the tea last night.....
2) I drank tea this morning, instead of the SWF.....
3) I have been sipping a mix of 1/4 oj, 1/4 grapefruit juice, and 1/2 H20.... I really watered it down, since I was scared of the results !! And -- I was soooo right !! It has been going STRAIGHT through me !! Maybe my belly is like - WHAT IS THIS ???? NOT LEMONADE ??? LET ME SPIT IT OUT FAST THEN !!!! hahahaha
4) Fancy - thanks on the tip of still keeping on drinking the lemonade in the mornings..... guess I will still do that... how long did you keep on doing this ?
5) do I still need the tea at night ?
6) noted on the H20 - I drink a lot of water daily anyways, but I will make sure I keep that up !!
7) probiotics - when do I start this, and for how long ??

Once again, thanks ladies, for the help !!

And I FEEL great !! 15lbs less, almost a pink tongue... I will more than sure jump on the MC wagon again, in another month or so !!

Looking forward to your answers.....

Honey - BTW -- I will be joining your thread too !! I LOVE the idea.... Especially, since I do not know how I am going to "live" without you guys anymore !! The support is amazing, and very comforting ! Made this whole journey SO much easier......

love
Danielle

[ladydee]

Hello Danielle - congrats on finishing a cleanse.

i wld think the juice is going right thru you b/c yr body is still in "cleanse" mode - *and* b/c you're still drinking laxative tea !!!

Do you have Burrough's or / and Peter's books? At any rate:

1. Probiotics are to be taken with *solid* food. Whenever you start eating solid food (salads, etc.), take a probiotic but NOT wth the oj only, or any other juice.

2. Stop doing the laxative tea. Stop doing the SWF. You've ended the cleanse. :)

3. Lemonade? Some folk still drink it in the mornings, post- MC, or whenever they feel like it, but it is not *required* any longer past the first day "post-cleanse," as i recall.

i am sharing what i've read in the books, what folk have posted here, & my own experience. ( i am on MC4 D29 wth 1 more day to go.)

Hope this helps.

[Guest]

Hello all. This is my first MC let alone my first fast in general. Im on day three. Everything is great and I am giving myself 5 days; at that point Ill re-asess and perhaps go longer. I plan On eating healthy (raw), but do I need to break the fast with the same span of time need for a 10 day fast. Please let me know
thanks
-T

[lachiesa]

Hello, I have a question for Peter. Could I use Distilled water instead of Pure or Spring water?
Thank you so much.

[Guest]

Hello all. This is my first MC let alone my first fast in general. Im on day three. Everything is great and I am giving myself 5 days; at that point Ill re-asess and perhaps go longer. I plan On eating healthy (raw), but do I need to break the fast with the same span of time need for a 10 day fast. Please let me know
thanks
-T

[_cocotaso]

for ppl seeking alternatives to orange/grapefruit juice:

i tried to juice apples and that was a fiasco however, i did have some natural mott's apple juice in the pantry &after watering it down it was just fine.

that was yesterday, no stomach pains or anything to speak of. &it tasted wonderful. nice to have something on my tongue other than lemonade...

[glanny]

i'm halfway through my ten day cleanse.

i have two questions:

a. how long after i'm done with the cleanse can i drink alcohol?

b. after the cleanse, i heard we should take probiotics. what exactly is that, what form does it come in, and how often should it be taken?

[Guest]

I agree--my cleanse ends tomorrow and there is a party on Saturday. Too soon to have a beer?

[EssDub]

Booyah,

Can you enjoy the party without beer? I think you'll be doing yourself a disservice to start drinking beer after all the detoxing. I also don't think your stomach will handle it very well.

glanny,

Probiotics are beneficial bacterias taken generally in capsule form to replace the beneficial intestinal flora lost in the cleanse. Peter sells one that I've heard is quite good (I'm using a vegan pro-b). To get the more complete explanation on probiotics, check out this link:
http://www.therawfoodsite.com/probiotics.htm

[Guest]

Yesterday was day 9. I went to a wedding and ended up eating a whole bowl of vegtable soup *homemade*, a piece of turkey with cranberry sauce, a bite of cake and 2 glasses of sparkling grape juice. I had planned on only eating some soup broth (to look atleast a little normal) but as soon as my tastebuds touched the flavour I was a gonner. About an hour later I felt it, in the form of a very upset stomach followed by numberous BM's.
My question is, can I continue the cleanse, or does eating totally ruin the detox effectiveness? I was planning on sticking with the cleanse until my tongue turned back to pink and will be very sad if I nullified the effects of 9 days of detox with one night of food debauchery.

[Guest]

I think it's unfair to say that anything less than 10 days is no good. I did the fast two years ago for a period of only 3 days. I quit smoking as a result of the fast (a habit of mine for the previous 12 years) and have not had even a drag of a cigarette since.

[heidichu]

to, oh no i just ate:

i would just keep doing the fast -if u WANT to! (I WOULDN'T BE able to keep going! hehe) IT Might take a lit extra time to get your tongue pink maybe.... since u had to digest and all... now your body has to get on detox mode again i guess....
i am on day 9 right now, and i want food SO bad, but i'm waiting til Wed -day 11-for oj... or maybe i'll wait til thurs for oj. but i'm having vege broth no matter what on thursday and a veggi sandwich on fri.. i actually ate a veggi sandwich the DAY i broke the fast last year and i was fine!

[patriotgirl]

all this talk about eating.............uugh! I am soooo miserably hungry. It's only day 2 for me. Actually 2 and a half. On June 1 I get o.j. By the way did I mention....THIS LEMONADE WITH MOLASSES IS ABSOLUTELY HORRID! I cant wait till Fri. for maple syrup in it~

[Guest]

Responding to the comment about "Molasses" flavor: My sister & I both have been on the Master Cleanse several times each and we have affectionately nick- named the cleanse, the Lemon Gaag Diet.

[Guest]

an update on the eating situation..after my wedding feast on day 9, or whatever, I jumped back on the fast -I craved the safety of the lemonade! I knew it wouldn't make me feel as bad as eating a whole pile of food, like I did. I did that for a full day and by day 11 (yesterday) I was back to full fasting happiness and decided I would break my fast (in retrospect I gave into craving). I started with good intentions but didn't have any orange juice, so I drank some watered down pomegranet juice. I figured if I could bend the rules once, why not twice? I ate some celary, peanut butter, raisins, a date..well, I was sick again (will I ever learn?)

[heidichu]

anyone eat a banana on the day they started with OJ!!???

i want one SOOOO Bad. i am on day 10 and tomorrow i plan on OJ but i want a banana too! lol
but i dont want to get sick!

[Boots]

No banana, but in the evening I did eat a little watermelon and a bite each of canteloupe, honeydew, papaya, & strawberry! Other than the strawberry they are all really "watery" so I was hoping it would be okay and I felt fine.

That was last night - broke the fast yesterday.

Mid morning today I had about a cup more fruit - including a couple bites of pineapple & a grape - LOL. Tasted great, felt great.

To me a banana seems kind of "heavy". Just read a post where Mycroftx (right name? sorry) said he breaks the fast by eating what a chimp would eat - if it's fruit and it grows in a tree.....it works for him.

Good luck (a banana Does sound good).

[heidichu]

thank you Boots for your comments!

now i need to know what day can i start taking a probiotic supplement! tomorrow i am starting OJ and i'm going to eat a papaya later in the day ! yay! and i'm going to bring a banana with me just in case.. but i'll try not to eat it.. hey actually i wont even bring it to work with me, cause then i will eat it.. but i wanna know if i should take a probiotic pill tomrow or wait a few days or what!?

anyone know?

then the 2nd day post cleanse i'll make the broth and eat that! MMMM i just bought all the stuff for it (ALL ORGANIC!) (UGH like 9 oranges cost me $7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), it was so hard to be in the health food store! i wanted hummus SOOOO bad!!!!!

[peanutterb]

start the probiotics on day four once you're back to eating normally again

[heidichu]

yay! i had orange juice and papaya last nite! (after 10 days of lemonade) so now i'm having orange juice and papaya again today and broth tonight but i cant make til i get home from work...
but now that i had orange juice, my stomach is non stop growling and wants more and more.. i'm back to "starving mode!" (probably cause i'm digesting now) but i was thinking since i cant thave broth til way late tonite, and i'm going to feel "starving", i was going to bring an avocado and banana to work and try to eat those cause i only have like 4 oranges left :(
(and i'll bring my leftover lemonade drink from yesturday...)

i did the tea last nite, and the swf this morning.... so i should probably NOT do it tonite or tomrw morning right?

[peanutterb]

no don't do the swf again.
the orange juice will make you hungry. you really should just get more and not eat stuff. while the papaya, avocado and whatever else might be yummy your stomach is not ready for all that and you should try to break the fast by the book.
it's all about having just a couple days more of discipline.

[heidichu]

i became "STARVING" after i started the OJ!!! lol!!!

i drank OJ all last nite, and bought more oranges today and had like 8 just today, but i JUST broke down and had half of an avocado and a lit bit of papaya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!its only 2pm! so i haven't even gone a full day of OJ!!!! i HOPE I DONT GET SICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i do feel my stomach doing weird things... but it's all good..... and it will STAY all good... RIGHT STOMACH?!!!! :)

i'm making soup tonite after i get home from work.. UGH but i NEED/WANT to go to Pilates (haven't been in a week and its only offered so many times!) but that means i wont get soup til like 10 pm!!!!!! so i prob will just go straight home and make soup....

...i really want the other half of avocado.... too bad they dont last longer.....

[heidichu]

ok if anyone wants to know:
i didn't even go a whole day with only oj... almost a whole day. :( but i ate half an avocado, i could feel it in my stomach,,it didn't like it that much, but it wasn't bad. then later in the day i ate the other half... and my stomach probably didn't like it, but it didn't do anything bad, i guess/ I hope it didn't! Then later last nite, i made soup, reciepe to follow. (and my stomach DID NOT like this, i think it was the tomato paste. I mean nothing happend, it just felt even more upset than with the avocado (prob cause the avocado was at least raw!?) so now its the next morning, and i'm drinking OJ and bringing broth to work... and i have an avocado and banana at work waiting for me, i dont know if im gunna eat them now, yet.


"2 cups large dice yellow onions
2 cups large dice leeks, green and white parts, well rinsed
2 cups mushroom trimmings, wiped clean
1 cup large dice carrots
1 cup large dice celery
1 cup large dice turnips
1 cup large dice parsnips
1 cup large dice yellow squash
1 cup large dice zucchini
8 Roma tomatoes, quartered
1/2 cup garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1 gallon water
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, or 2 teaspoons dried
8 parsley stems
4 basil stems
2 bay leaves
1 can tomato paste
2 cups white wine
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large roasting pan, spread the onions, leeks, mushrooms, carrots, celery, turnips, parsnips, squash, zucchini, tomatoes and garlic cloves. Drizzle with the olive oil, and season with the salt and pepper, stirring to coat. Roast for 45 minutes, stirring, every 15 minutes to brown evenly.

Remove from the oven and transfer to a large pot. Add the water and herbs, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, skimming to remove any foam that rises to the surface. Add the tomato paste and wine and cook for 30 minutes.

Remove from the heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container. Use immediately, cool in an ice bath, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. (The stock can be frozen for up to 3 months.)

NOW GANG, THERE ARE NO RULES, SO YOU CAN USE ANYTHING YOU LIKE. FOR EXAMPLE, I USE CILANTRO INSTEAD OF PARSLEY, I'VE USED CELERY ROOT, BEETS, RUTABAGA, ETC.... ANY ROOT VEGETABLE. YOU CAN'T GOOF IT UP, BUT ROAST THE VEGGIES FIRST AND USE DOUBLE THE GARLIC, BECAUSE IT'S REALLY GREAT FOR YOU! A QUICK NOTE ON THE USE OF WINE, USE IT... IT ADDS TO THE OVERALL FLAVOR. DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE ALCOHOL, IT GETS BURNED OFF, AND THIS IS COMING FROM SOMEONE WHO'S HUSBAND IS A 12 STEPPER, NO WORRIES ABOUT THE WINE."
(i didn't write this above)

[Swea]

Hi Everyone,
I just started my fist day breaking the 12 day fast and I have to say that OJ has never tasted this good!!! I am not sure how many Oranges I am supposed to drink today does any one know if there is a limit?

[peanutterb]

swea - there is no limit. you're going to be ridiculously hungry so make sure you always have some on hand.

[Wellheregoes]

Day 7 was so bad I didn't think I'd get here but here I am on day 9, with only one more day to go. After reading a few pages of this post, I definitely want to take breaking the fast slowly. So far I'm down 8 lbs and may do another one of these in late June. Is that too soon? That's about a 42 day break between them. Got a big event in July and want to be my pre pregnancy weight for it.

I want to thank all those who have written their experiences because when it got really hard, I'd just turn on the computer, sign into this site, and read about all those who went before me. that was a really big motivator and helped me make it through this first ten day Lemonade Diet. Thank you so much.....

[daftcat]

I know from the few times I've had food poisoning (thank you Jack in the Box), that the BRAT diet is reccomended for sensitive stomachs at times like those for having the most easily digestible foods (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.) Obviously rice and toast are out of the question in the first few days, but what about bananas and applesauce? I sure would like to break up the monotony of OJ and broth.

(I'm only on day five right now but fantasizing about food a lot now. I already enjoy a healthy vegan diet, pre-cleanse, so I don't have many bad eating habits to go back to. I do have a huge weakness for Indian food though and can't wait to have a plate of chana masala when I can.)

Anyway, so what's the verdict? Am I stuck with OJ and broth for the first couple of days?

~M

[Guest]

Hello!

I am on the third day of breaking the cleanse after a 14 day cleanse. This was my second time doing this cleanse. Last night, before I ate the vegetable broth, I got a headache which gradually progressed into one of the worst headaches I've ever had, with nausea and blurred vision. I've never had a migraine before. I tried drinking some orange juice in case it was low blood sugar, and water in case it was dehydration. Didn't help. The only thing unusual is that I ate a cashew while cooking the soup last night. It looked so good I couldn't help it, but then it just got stuck in my teeth and mostly picked out. I've never had any issues with being allergic to nuts or cashews or anything of this nature. I can't imagine what caused this headache.

I woke up this morning feeling fine, but as I'm sitting up now, it's coming back and getting worse again. Has anyone here ever heard of or experienced this? If so, what could be causing this? Why does it go away if I lay down?

Also, possible suggestions for making it go away? I'm about to have to go drill into masonry a few dozen times and I think I might die. waaaa

Thanks for any help.

[sweetcornprincess]

I got a headache last time after breaking the fast. I started with grapefruit juice, and it got worse with each sip. Then it happened with the oj, but it didn't really stick around.

I didn't do the broth, though - or any cooked food off the bat. I like to break a fast with only raw foods, so I eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

Good luck.

[sonia_m]

This is my first day after breaking my 10 day fast. I believe that one of the things that might cause a number of people to get sick is from the use of store bought orange juice. Orange juice is best freshly squeezed as it should be had no more than 15 minutes after it is squeezed other wise it becomes very acid. If you are unable to squeeze the oranges through out the day then I would suggest taking oranges with you and eating them instead withouth swalling the pulp.

I would also suggest not putting tomato past in your soup or tomatos right away as they are also too acid especially when cooked. Nuts and course foods such as nuts should probably not be eaten for several days as they are more difficult to digest.

I am so excited to have made it through the 10 days!!. I plan to do it again in a couple of months. I am ready to eat!! Fruits and veggies first and eventually a meal hear or there. Well congrats to all who have completed this fast!! I feel so good!!

[freddiejoquilts]

Well, I am on day 10 and quite proud of myself!! The only cheating i did was licking my finger a few times and taking a few sips as i was cooking for family. Can i still be proud?? and consider successful? I'm contemplating continuing on or letting today be my last. I'm actually tired today and tongue still white. my bad days were not the norm. mine was end of day 5 to end of day 6. haven't had any other detox symptoms to talk about except a mole that flared up, and hayfever symptoms(clear discharge) for a few days. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...continue or stop?? I have mixed feelings would do either, I think (though i am quite hungry, maybe because of reading about everyone's breaking their fast.
Thanks for any help I can get. I need it.

[LuxurySandy]

This is my 8th day, and I am feeling fine. I lost a total of eleven pounds. I think everybody should do this detox several times in their life time, because it is amazing to see what comes from inside your body that can contribute to all kinds of diseases. I think by doing this, it will help people stay healthy with the right diet and the correct foods.

[CallMeAl]

I'm on day 5 and I'm miserable. I feel very weak, mentally and physically. Just composing this message is draining. And I'm still craving junkfood bad.

I know that after the cleanse you're supposed to ease into solid foods and start with raw fruits and veggies for at least a few days. But I can't wait til it's over so that I can have some pecan pie & ice cream.

So my question is: If I know that I'm going to have processed sugary junkfood again when I finish the cleanse, am I just wasting my time doing the cleanse at all?

For the record, I'm well educated on what foods are good and what foods are bad. But I still crave the bad. If I don't get my sugary junk food at least once every other day I get cranky and miserable. And no matter how much I eat brocolli & spinach & kale & other healthy green vegetables, I've never developed a taste for them. In fact, when I eat them it just makes me crave the much tastier junkfood even more!

This is very depressing. I started the Master Cleanse because I needed to do something drastic to address my very low energy levels & brain fog. But I feel even worse now. AND I still crave the mood-enhancing pleasure that only unhealthy junkfood can give me.

I originally intended to follow the author's (and everyone else's) suggestion and follow a raw-foods and/or organic lifestyle when I came off the cleanse. But if I still crave/need junkfood that will be impossible. So what's the point of doing the cleanse at all?

Any suggestions?

[Res]

Al:

See my response in the "What day are you on and how are you doing" thread. :)

You can do this. Don't quit!!! http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/bounce015.gif

~Res

[sopheetsa]

I'm on day 5 and I'm miserable. I feel very weak, mentally and physically. Just composing this message is draining. And I'm still craving junkfood bad.

--Any suggestions?

First of all, hello Res and thanks as always for your wonderful positive energy!

Al, Res is right. stick with it!

besides, a lot of what you're feeling are probably DETOX symptoms. feeling weak, is part of the rough part of the earlier part of the cleanse. also CRAVINGS are detox symptoms!

reasons to continue? you'll eventually feel better, stronger, and FULL of energy. give it a whirl, you already know what happens when you don't.

also, don't think you HAVE to give in to those cravings. the cleanse is a great teacher, it may well show you you don't have to.

[MSamm]

I am having some issues with stomach gas after breaking the cleanse on Sunday.

I am juicing in the morning- carrot, apple, wheat germ and a splash of soy milk. Then for lunch I am having dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, raw cashews, dried apricots and maybe some raisins.

This is day two that I have experienced gas all afternoon after eating the lunch especially.

What is causing the gas? I feel that everything I am eating is easily digestible. I am confused!!! and uncomfortable!!!

[sanfran]

I'm currently on day 3 and will end my fast at about day 10 or so. I will wean myself off as is recommended on this site, but I am an avid meat eater, I love eating meat, and I plan to eat meat again. What is a good schedule for getting back onto a meat diet? 3 days after? What do you guys think?

[Lill25]

OK I am on day 9. I think I might break the fast a little contradictorally to what burroughs suggests, because I am going out to eat at a Vegetarian restaurant on Monday (day 12).
so what do you all think to small bites of grapefruit, melon, and lots of squeezed OJ on sunday, then OJ, fresh veggie soup, and a totally raw salad on Monday? I promise I won't eat anything hard to digest... I am just hankering to get back to normal. And I flippin' ADORE this restaurant.
Any suggestions/reprimands?

[ystanton]

Can anyone out there reccomend how long you need to go in between cleanses?? This is our first time using the MC (wife, mother-in-law, and myself), and we are currently on day 11 of a 14 day cleanse. The only reason why we are coming off of the MC on day 14 is because we have a wedding to go to next weekend. Is it possible to start right in with another cycle without harm the Monday after the wedding???

[Sun&Stars]

The dried fruits can give you gas, apricots especially. Maybe cut those out?

[Res]

Ystanton:
I don't believe there's anything "Official" out there (and I will stand corrected easily if someone can find anything to the contrary). I've done it and don't think you'll have a problem.

Way to go! It's a family affair! :D

~Res

[monlyba]

I'm currently on day 3 and will end my fast at about day 10 or so. I will wean myself off as is recommended on this site, but I am an avid meat eater, I love eating meat, and I plan to eat meat again. What is a good schedule for getting back onto a meat diet? 3 days after? What do you guys think?

i'm interested in a response to this, as well!

[formerly_cytrus]

You need to follow the breaking the fast for meat eaters ( the juice, days, and the soup days.) after slowly adding fruits and vegetables, and not having a bad reaction (nausea or diarrhea), have something small (meat) and wait a few hours to see how your body reacts. If you experience nausea or diarrhea, your body's not ready. if there's no reaction, eat on.

[monlyba]

makes sense - thanks! i can't wait for chicken and mmmmm, steak! haha :D

[Binary Blonde]

Congrats to all of you for making it this far!! :)

Two days ago I finished 10 days of the cleanse and did everything "by the book". I even cooked for my husband the entire time and made his sandwiches every morning, and no cheating! :D

Today is day 2 after the cleanse. All of yesterday and this morning, I drank fresh organic orange juice, which was juiced with our Juiceman. I felt great!

Even though I'm vegan and have been for over 5 years now, I went with the veggie soup choice and not the raw food choice, because I (very rarely!) eat french fries and "fake" meat like Boca burgers.

So, today I made the veggie soup, and had a small bowl for dinner. The soup is delicious, but it feels like a brick is sitting in my stomach. I'm hopeful the feeling will pass and my stomach will catch onto digesting again.

I saw that many of the responses were looking for a veggie soup recipe, so I thought I would share mine:

Binary Blonde's Veggie Soup Recipe

Here is my soup recipe I used to break the fast after finishing the Master Cleanse. The veggies listed were taken directly from The Master Cleanser book (although, I omitted several). This recipe makes A LOT of soup, about 10 to 12 servings, but it can be easily halved for a smaller batch. I used the largest stock-pot we have.

1 large white onion, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
4 red potatoes, unpeeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 1/2 cups of kidney beans*
3 tomatoes, seeded and diced
5 organic vegan vegetable bouillon cubes**
10 cups of water
2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Prepare the broth:

Pour water into separate pot and bring to boil. Continue boiling and add bouillon cubes to water. Slowly stir cubes until they fully dissolve into a broth. Remove from heat.

Prepare the soup:

Warm olive oil in stock-pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook until tender but not brown, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, along with potatoes and beans. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, partially covered, about 15 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes or until all the veggies are tender. Serve hot.

Let soup cool before storing in fridge. Soup can be easily reheated in smaller batches, as needed. To freeze, ladle into smaller containers and seal.

*Read how to prepare dry kidney beans (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=87#howtouse). For soaking, I used the overnight method.

**I used Rapunzel brand organic vegan vegetable bouillon cubes with sea salt & herbs, which I get at Wild Oats (http://www.wildoats.com/). Each cube made 2 cups of broth. If you are using a different type of boullion cube, read directions carefully on how many cubes make 10 cups of broth.

[Minx]

This is my third MC, an annual reset I do each summer (I find I get cold during this, so I prefer doing it when its warm out).

This MC I am ending early, too early according to Peter and most posts, too early according to my tongue! But I feel I have to listen to my body and do what is right for it. I also think that continuing with juice fasting and veggie broth fasting for another week will help to keep the progress I made. I realize that challenges mean more detoxing, but this might be beyond what I can handle it seems. And I guess that since I've done the MC before with such success, I'm intolerant of such problems. I think something might be truly wrong this time? I don't know.

Here's what happened:
Day 1 - Great, high energy, good flushing, no problems, all good.
Day 2 - Great (same), ended with tea at night (first time trying it)
Day 3 - Awful nausea, hunger, headaches, but I consider it normal detox day
Day 4 - Also awful, not relieved by BMs or anything, felt better by nightfall
Day 5 - Woke up feeling okay (no nausea, headache, or hunger) only to discover during BMs that I had terrible muscle aches and pains --- to the point of tears and immobility. Imagine how hard the morning flushing was when I couldn't sit down without being in such pain that tears rolled down my face (and mind you I have six tattoos, I can handle pain).

So....here I am. Day 5, cooking up veggie broth, and waiting. Wondering if I should start juice and broth for awhile or keep with lemonade?

What was different than last times, that's what Peter will ask?

A few things --- One, I tried the tea, never did that before and I think it emptied me more than necessary. Two, I had such a bad day 3, I was unable to drink lemonade without starting to vomit, so I drank only water. I'm sure that made day 4 wakeup harsh because I had nothing in my system. Consequently I spent both days in bed, never left the house. Three, I'm more toxic. I weigh more than I ever have, I've just finished traveling the world for a year so I've eaten all kinds of new and strange foods (some not so healthy) and really put on the pounds. Four, I wasn't healthy when I started. This time I am at least 20 pounds overweight, been eating unhealthy, and having persistant diarrhea from my IBS. Five, my motivation is different. In the past, I've not cared about weight loss (never owned a scale), I only cared about healing my insides since I suffer from IBS and Lactose-Intolerance. I think that last one, my motivation, has been the biggest change and made it very hard to keep going. I figure that if I'm doing it for weight loss, I need to stop and do more yoga. Go for a run or just move more. Traveling is often a lot of time sitting and it took its toll. I can't do yoga much while I am fasting, only an hour of yin poses, because I am low energy EVERY time I do the fast. I don't drink caffeine ever, no soft drinks, no dairy and very little meat (well, usually, but in traveling I ate meat).

So, what do I do? Persist for another five days to finish the cleanse? (When I began I thought this time I was going for a long one!) Stop and listen to my body because of the aches and pains? Try to get moving more despite the light-headedness and low energy.

I just don't know what to do at this point. I have lost 15 pounds in 5 days too. I love that in terms of the weight loss goals, but since I've never had weight issues before I'm also afraid that it might be too much, or muscle loss, or regained immediately upon adding calories?

HELP!
~Minx

[Minx]

This is my third MC, an annual reset I do each summer (I find I get cold during this, so I prefer doing it when its warm out).

This MC I am ending early, too early according to Peter and most posts, too early according to my tongue! But I feel I have to listen to my body and do what is right for it. I also think that continuing with juice fasting and veggie broth fasting for another week will help to keep the progress I made. I realize that challenges mean more detoxing, but this might be beyond what I can handle it seems. And I guess that since I've done the MC before with such success, I'm intolerant of such problems. I think something might be truly wrong this time? I don't know.

Here's what happened:
Day 1 - Great, high energy, good flushing, no problems, all good.
Day 2 - Great (same), ended with tea at night (first time trying it)
Day 3 - Awful nausea, hunger, headaches, but I consider it normal detox day
Day 4 - Also awful, not relieved by BMs or anything, felt better by nightfall
Day 5 - Woke up feeling okay (no nausea, headache, or hunger) only to discover during BMs that I had terrible muscle aches and pains --- to the point of tears and immobility. Imagine how hard the morning flushing was when I couldn't sit down without being in such pain that tears rolled down my face (and mind you I have six tattoos, I can handle pain).

So....here I am. Day 5, cooking up veggie broth, and waiting. Wondering if I should start juice and broth for awhile or keep with lemonade?

What was different than last times, that's what Peter will ask?

A few things --- One, I tried the tea, never did that before and I think it emptied me more than necessary. Two, I had such a bad day 3, I was unable to drink lemonade without starting to vomit, so I drank only water. I'm sure that made day 4 wakeup harsh because I had nothing in my system. Consequently I spent both days in bed, never left the house. Three, I'm more toxic. I weigh more than I ever have, I've just finished traveling the world for a year so I've eaten all kinds of new and strange foods (some not so healthy) and really put on the pounds. Four, I wasn't healthy when I started. This time I am at least 20 pounds overweight, been eating unhealthy, and having persistant diarrhea from my IBS. Five, my motivation is different. In the past, I've not cared about weight loss (never owned a scale), I only cared about healing my insides since I suffer from IBS and Lactose-Intolerance. I think that last one, my motivation, has been the biggest change and made it very hard to keep going. I figure that if I'm doing it for weight loss, I need to stop and do more yoga. Go for a run or just move more. Traveling is often a lot of time sitting and it took its toll. I can't do yoga much while I am fasting, only an hour of yin poses, because I am low energy EVERY time I do the fast. I don't drink caffeine ever, no soft drinks, no dairy and very little meat (well, usually, but in traveling I ate meat).

So, what do I do? Persist for another five days to finish the cleanse? (When I began I thought this time I was going for a long one!) Stop and listen to my body because of the aches and pains? Try to get moving more despite the light-headedness and low energy.

I just don't know what to do at this point. I have lost 15 pounds in 5 days too. I love that in terms of the weight loss goals, but since I've never had weight issues before I'm also afraid that it might be too much, or muscle loss, or regained immediately upon adding calories?

HELP!
~Minx

[Pepper]

From reading below I wonder if there is a raw foods way to break the fast? I am on day 11 and am planning to break the fast sometime this weekend. Any suggestions?

[formerly_cytrus]

Hey Pepper,

Do you have the book? Did you previously eat meat? Start with the OJ (2 days, and on the third you can start to incorporate fruits and veggies. just do it slowly.

If you ate meat prior, you drink oj for 1 1/2 days . for luch or dinner that second day, drink veggie broth. the next day try the broth and vegetables, and go on form there.

there's a thread in the raw area called AFTER THE CLEANSE reading that might help. Good Luck, and Congrats on getting this far.

[Pepper]

Formerly Cytrus,

Thanks for you input. Having some difficulty posting on this link:(

I do not have the book as I 'loaned' it to a friend but used the website and previous notes. So I knew about the cooked soup but was unsure about raw. I was able to ask on the raw site too.

I joined today, but have been reading the board since before I started and your posts have been very helpful, inspiring.

Thanks, Pepper

[jennyb]

day 10 complete of my first MC and i feel great! i am hoping to fit another one in before the end of the year. thanks everyone. this board has been great to read.

[cristaj1025]

ok so im so proud of myself for getting through my first mc, however im on my second day of oj and then veggie soup for lunch and dinner...and i dont feel with it. I feel very tired and lethargic....any reason for this??Other than that I feel Im adjusting to eating pretty well, with an occasional tummy ache that goes away with a BM. Whats going on? I thought Im supposed to feel great...HELP!:confused:

[jennyb]

me too. i was completely lethargic and dizzy after the first 1/2 day. still, i waited until the next day, when i just had to start eating soup, then celery, anything for some sort of energy, anything good for me, which i chewed and chewed. i'm on day 4 after mc and i still feel light headed and dizzy. after all that cleansing, and i haven't felt good since.

[peanutterb]

on your orange juice days drink as much as you need because you will get ridiculously hungry those days.
also i'd suggest getting different types of oranges or grapefruits as well because i drank so much it made me nauseus and i couldn't even swallow another gulp even though i was hungry.

[weclean]

can we juice raw veggies on the first day out of the cleanse? if so, which are best? besides orange & grapefruit, can we juice other fruit such as cherries, plums, peaches, etc.

[peanutterb]

wonderful and informative articles on how to break a fast and life thereafter.
there are quite a few on different topics such as :

* 1. The Great Day
* 2. Easing Into A Varied Diet
* 3. Symptoms After The Fast
* 4. Transition To Rational Living
* 5. Drugs And Other Poisons
* 6. Take It Easy!
* 7. Fasting Does Not Make The Body Disease-Proof
* 8. Compounding The Benefits Of The Fast
* 9. New Habits Must Be Formed


good to read when you have time before you break.

http://www.rawfoodexplained.com/how-to-break-a-fast/the-great-day.html

I don't agree with everything this site says on everything but i do believe in informing yourself and then doing what's best for you. So here's some information to help you make decisions.

Happy squeezing.

[Stellabellablush]

Hey guys!

for the last hour I have been racking my brain trying to figure out what to do!

I was originally going to do just a 10 day fast so that I could properly break it and travel to cali to go see a friend's band perform (this friday the 18th and will fly home sunday the 20th)). But after some time of REALLY thinking about it.. I knew it would just be easier as well as even better for me while traveling and to CONTINUE fasting with the lemon drink through my time in california. I would then worry about breaking it after I returned back home. So I had a friend pick up all the stuff I would be needing so its there ready for me to make up when I arrive.
I thought this would be best too so that I am not stressed and traveling and trying to introduce food back into my diet and having these adverse reactions when I know how good I feel when I am on the lemonaide! hard to go to a large music festival and be worrying about all of a sudden starting to feel differently from a routine you had instituted with yourself. So I knew this was the best choice!

Change of plans tho as of tonite (CRAP!).. which is totally throwing my plans off!

My friend who is performing in cali, his tour will be bring him thru las vegas (where I live) on monday the 21st and 22nd. So I will be playing hostess/tour guide around town for those two days. So NOW it is imperative that I break fast so that when he is in las vegas we can go out to dinner etc. (he is in a major band and I don't get to see him often, he just got back from japan and he will be in europe shortly after his east coast dates with the band)

I am a bit concerned now of having the pressure of having to break fast while I am in california. (not to mention the new security measures in the airport which dont allow for me to have liquids on hand while on the plane!)

If I break the fast with the OJ on day 10 which would be friday the 18th, would I then on saturday... do the veggie soup and a salad that evening and repeat on sunday? Should I thenbe okie to go out to dinner Monday the 21st and tuesday the 22nd? If I go out somewhere... what are places that I should be looking to go? I was thinking of going to this place that I absolutely adore.. which serves a peppercorn seared ahi tuna *sashimi grade*(Pepper Crusted Ahi Tuna
Whipped potato, asian stir fry *cabbage and other veggies lightly seared on the pan no noodles with a papaya coulis & wasabi aioli). Or should I go to my favorite sushi place (it is the ONLY top ranked sushi restaurant outside of japan!). I could get a sashimi salad there! Would the raw fish be gentlier on my stomach?

Also there is a place called "todd's unique dining" that has AMAZING fish selections. I could get my salad selection in and some really high end wild fish. Here is the menu (http://www.toddsunique.com/menu.php) With options like : *Seared Wild Troll King Salmon, green onion polenta and green onion vinaigrette
*Teriyaki Alaskan Halibut , steamed rice and bok choy
*Pan seared Swordfish, artichoke and caper

Which would be the best call as far as what restaurant I should go to?

Please please.. anyone that can give me the heads up on what I should do to make this traveling to california while breaking my fast + then having a guest in town and not wanting to get sick or naseous in front of him while we are out at dinner. I gotta be able to drive us around and be 100% solid!

Also I have read that when breaking fasts that cooked foods are actually WAY more gentlier on digestion. I know that this book advocates raw foodism.. but if this is true that cooked foods are more gentiler I would perfer to do this to segue out of the fast.

Any information in response would be much much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

~Heather~

P.s. because i will be in cali when I should be doing the two days of orange juice. . . is there a brand of orange juice I can buy that is organic and safe to just throw in the refrig and bring to me to the concert to watch my friend perform at? We will be back stage starting at like 3pm that day and probably hanging out till midnight that nite, so it would be way convenient to not have to juice the oranges. If I have to do it I will tho if u guys advise against orange juice that is already juiced for me, or a grapefruit juice. I am gunna also bring some of the lemon drink just in case so the cayenne and the maple syrup is there as backup for fatigue or hunger.

[kayaker43]

Hi Cindy
I too just finished "eat right for your type" and got very excited
about not having to justify not liking lima beans any more but
my daughter at university tells me that the findings of that book
were debunked years ago... Mind you it does make sense. Can't
hurt to trust our bodies and how we feel!

[smartcookie]

I have tried reading through the threads about this, but am still confused.

Today is Day 10.

#1 Do I do the lax tea tonight before I go to bed?
#2 Do I do the SWF tomorrow morning before drinking the OJ.
#3 Can I drink lemonade to help with any possible hunger issues to supplement the OJ?

Thanks!

[sopheetsa]

Congratulations on DAY 10 smartcookie!!! http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/huepfen/jumping-smiley-024.gif

I have tried reading through the threads about this, but am still confused.

Today is Day 10.

#1 Do I do the lax tea tonight before I go to bed?
#2 Do I do the SWF tomorrow morning before drinking the OJ.
#3 Can I drink lemonade to help with any possible hunger issues to supplement the OJ?

Thanks!

my understanding is:

#1, #2 NO MORE tea or SWF!!!!
#3 always helps to drink lemonade!

:) best of luck to you and hope to see you on the thread *After The Cleanse*

http://therawfoodsite.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99

(click on "Last" page) :)

[AngelaKong]

You know... I'm not sure. I'm on Day 10 Wed... I plan on doing the lax tea and SWF, then OJ. The lemonade has loosened up the last of your "gook" in your intestines and you need to flush it out.

Good luck and congratulations on your finish!!!!

Angela

[smartcookie]

I've had 4 oz of OJ so far and the headache has started:( I've been trying to drink a lot of water with the OJ. I used Cara Cara Oranges, but I bought another type in case they give me too much trouble.

Fresh squeezed OJ is not as sweet as Tropicana. I think I just realized how much sugar they junk that up with so I've already made the decision to make my own juice from now on.

I made some lemonade in case the headache becomes unbearable.

[peanutterb]

good idea smart cookie.
i always have lemonade on my first oj day to help deal with the hunger/ shock/ change/ withdrawal. whatever it is.

[bayareababe]

Hi Cookie, way to go. Yes, fresh OJ is they way to go. Tropicana and the like are pastuerized and have lost all nutritional value. If OJ is too much, try grapefruit juice like Peter suggests. Lots of water and lemon drink is ok too. After my first cleanse, I drank it every morning for my breakfast.
Congrats on the great work and meeting your goal :)
high five! :D

babe 8)
MC1 completed 8/18/06
MC2 day2!

[scf]

SmartCookie: Try taking probiotics to get your system straightened out. You strip all the bad and good microbes(or whatever) out of your intestines when you do the cleanse and you have to replace the good. I'm not sure that will help your headache but it really gets your digestive tract back on track (lol).

[DiamondGal]

Would drinking watermelon juice be okay to start breaking the fast rather than orange juice?

[smartcookie]

DAY2 Post-MC.
I survived on OJ yesterday, no problem. Thankfully, my headache never progressed and I wasn't hungry. It's really unbelievable. I think I had about 3 X 8oz glasses, plus plenty of water. Around lunch time I had about 4-6 oz of lemonade, but that is all I needed.
I read somewhere on here that the OJ would start to go sour after 15 minutes. By about 2pm, it didn't taste good to me anymore. Luckily I had purchased some flash-pasteurized organic OJ from Whole Foods as a back up and that worked out. I didn't drink very much of that, but I felt better having it with me just in case.
I just weighed myself and lost another 2 pounds since yesterday, so I'm down a total of 9.5 since I started. I'm hoping to ramp up my exercise over the next few days so I can keep the weight off. I normally work out 3-4 times per week playing sports.
looking forward to soup and rye crackers tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bayareababe]

hi Diamond, in the book it says OJ and for some they drink grapefruit juice. I just go by the book, it's been around 50 years or so. I say if it ain't broke, don't go fixin it :D So there ya go.
I did my first MC break with OJ, grapefruit juice and lots of water. Make sure it's fresh squeezed. Pastuerized takes all the nutrients out.

hope this helps.

babe8)
MC1 completed 8/18/06
MC2 started 8/28/06 day3:)

[peanutterb]

gosh you guys are kinda boring today.
any success stories? happy times? sad stories? scary times? songs? poetry?
if someone doesn't do something soon I'm going to have to do work. :eek:

[WabiansGirl]

Hello all,
I'm on day 10--feeling great, but a little sad about losing the comfort of my lemonade although I am ready to break the fast. I feel wonderful and am lost 15.5lbs so far and feel the best I've felt in months.

Question to Peauntbutterb and others: have you taken the probiotics and what was your experience in detail please?

Here's my concern: This is my 5th cleanse and probably the easiest. I'm a by the letter kind of girl when it comes to fasting so I do everything by the book and its been great with breaking the fast. I've never had any problem, BUT this time I want to really make a dramatic change long term, and I don't like taking pills so I thought I'd handle it by eating lots of fruits and vegetables etc. being very healthy and exercising. IS IT REALLY NECESSARY TO TAKE THE PROBIOTICS????

I would like first-hand information. Thanks so much!

Happy Cleasing all,

Cheryl

[peanutterb]

Congrats Cheryl,

I always feel a little sad and go thru withdrawal when I end the fast too!

So I do take probiotics and i'm honestly not too sure if and how well they work but I feel better taking them. I haven't not taken them so I can't really compare you know.

Prior to the MC I used to take acidophillus pills (the good bacteria found in yogurt) to help ward off yeast infections and the like and that worked out well for me. After my cleanse, April, I haven't had any infections.

Anyway, so I can't necessarily say the probiotics work or don't work per se but in theory they make sense.
you do flush out all the bacteria, good and bad when you do the cleanse. and the bacteria helps poop form and stuff like that. and bad bacteria makes you crave sugar (if you've ever noticed you crave more sugary foods when you have a yeast infection). and all in all, who doesn't love regular and healthy bowel movements? I know I do!

So I say, take them. It'll be interesting to hear from you to see if there's a difference of how your body reacts with the probiotics after you've done cleanses without it.
Let us know how it goes.

[bayareababe]

Hi Cheryl... high five....... I answered your question on another thread :)
I work in the medical profession and I think it is necessary to take probiotics after having finish a cleanse. As peanut says, it does take out all the good and bad bacteria, and we need to rebuild it with healthy flora so it can do its job correctly.
I took it after MC 1 and will take it after this cleanse as well/

My 2cents worth.

babe8)

[WabiansGirl]

Hi all,
thanks peaunut and bayarea for answering on both threads. I am really up in the air about the probiotics because this is my 5th cleanse and I have never had any after cleanse issue. In fact, I don't get yeast infections or anything like that. I'm also very wary of pills--good, bad or indifferent, I just don't like taking them.

My body has always gone back to normal functioning stomach wise without any additional help and I don't want to do something that will hinder that or introduce something that I may depend on???? I don't know. In any event, I'm not big on sweets either way, so I normally don't have sugar cravings--I want food LOL!

I make a mean vegetable soup that people ask for even when I'm not fasting so I'm excited to get to eating healthfully.

Any other comments are greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Cheryl

[smartcookie]

WG, would you care to share you veg soup recipe? I tried one I found online but I think I could make a better one...thanks!

I followed most of the rules yesterday except for eating a strawberry. Not a good idea, so for those of you thinking of straying from the instructions, don't! Other than that, I didn't have any issues with eating the broth. I tried not to eat many veggies from the soup, but today I am not going to hold back! I am also looking forward to my salad tonight.

Still down about 10 pounds...this is amazing. It does wonders for my self-image, I was so unhappy with how tight my clothes were and now I feel normal again. I must maintain the status quo.

[lisa_pe]

Hi All!
Today is my first day breaking the fast and I had a glass of watered down OJ. It is only 9:30am and I am ready for more! I brought a couple of oranges to juice for lunch, I guess I have a couple of hours to wait for that!
Have a great day,
Lisa

[peanutterb]

hey lisa,
drink as much as your need to as often as you need to.
you're going to be hungry today. so don't think of it as breakfast, lunch and dinner. or you'll go thru periods of being hungry and be more likely to slip up and eat something and none of us what this

[lisa_pe]

Hey Peanutter,
I am hungry. I didn't have enough oranges in the house and there is no store near my job. I am leaving here soon to pick up the kids and I probaly won't be home until 3:30 or 4. I hope to pick some more up and go home to juice them!!
I too have been going towards raw. I find that a green smoothie for breakfast and a big salad with lots of goodies for lunch and dinner are good. Sometimes though when cooking for the kids it is a lot easier to make one meal. That is where I mess up. They will not eat the same salad as my husband and I. We like different types of greens and they like crunchy lettuce(romaine). I will try harder this time around. I figure if my diet is mostly raw it is better than no raw at all!
Take good care,
Lisa

[peanutterb]

sorry to hear you're hungry!
is there no where u can get an orange?
poor thing!

[WabiansGirl]

Hi SmartCookie,
I'm sorry I just got back on this thread. I don't know if you still need the recipe but here it is: I actually got it from Rachel Ray's Veggie Meals cookbook and then add some stuff.

2 tblsps. extra-virgin olive oil
1 med onion
2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
2 ribs celery chopped
3 med red-skinned potatoes, diced
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 tsps. Old Bay seasoning
1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 can(14 1/2 oz.)diced tomatoes in natural juice
(I use fresh tomatoes)
Coarse salt and blk pepper to taste
3 cans (14 1/2 oz.) vegetable broth
5 to 6 oz spinach or baby spinach(1/2 sack fresh triple-washed) chopped or torn

Heat a deep pot over med heat. Add oil, onion, carrots, celery,potatoes, bay leaf and Old Bay seasoning. Cover pot and cook veggies, 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans, tomatoes and season with a little salt and pepper to taste. Add broth and bring to a boil. Simmer, 8 to 10 minutes longer. Remove from heat and stir in spinach. When spinach wilts, place in bowls and serve.

Here are a few of my additions, garlic, mushrooms, squash, zucchini, snow peas and any other vegetable that I like. I also do not use the garbanzo beans. I use a can of mixed soup beans. I also season with a litte cayenne pepper as well! Also, at the end for an extra little crunch once its in the bowl, I add bean sprouts right on top as a garnish. Yum! Yum! Yum! I get to eat it tomorrow.

[peanutterb]

mmmm that sounds yummy.
just a heads up for braking the cleanse.... no pre-mad, store-bought broth. Make everything fresh using water only and seasonings (and it is possible to make your own yummy broth when you practice and test out different seasonings). but next tiime you make soup, store bought broth is ok.:) my mum made some soup with beans in it and it's a bit spicy but it also has carrots and sweet potato that are sweet and balance out the spiciness. if it weren't almost 2 a.m. i'd have some right now.

[smartcookie]

WG-thanks so much for the recipe.

Just wanted to ask a weird question. Last night i woke up with a cold-I was sneezing a few times yesterday, but this was crazy. My nose was just draining, draining, draining for about 30 min. I woke up this morning and it was gone, almost like nothing had ever happened.

Yesterday was the day I got to eat soup and salad.

Has anyone ever had this happen to them? It was so weird!!!!

[WabiansGirl]

Hey all,
Peanutterb, how's it going? I think I must be blessed with an iron stomach as well-ha! ha! This is my 5th cleanse, and I've used the organic vegetable broth from Whole foods to make my soup and its never affected me. In fact, I just had some!!!!! How wonderful, my first taste of food--and yes, I ate some veggies--I had to and I also put some avocado on my Rye-vita!!!! It was sooooooo good! But, I always do that anyway. Can't just drink broth with all those yummy veggies!!!

Hey Smartcookie, the only explanation I have is that I know that the cleanse releases a lot of mucus--what you described never happened to me before, but the fact that it came out is good. That's better than it staying in! I've been sneezing myself today so I don't know.

Take care,
Cheryl

[peanutterb]

Hey Cheryl,
glad to know you're doing ok. You probably do have an iron stomach! lol. But everyone is different you know. I prefer to follow breaking the cleanse very cautiously because I'd hate to find out what may or may not happen if I don't. Better safe than sorry. I don't feel at a loss for my decisions either. I make soup from scratch all the time. I don't usually drink OJ but I don't mind squeezing them. It's more fulfilling than squeezing those tiny lemons. And I don't mind taking a few extra days before actually eating food again either. I figure I've gone so far, what's a few extra days?
Anyway, more power to you sister!

I'm doing pretty good. Just had some soup myself. I could live off soup, cereal and of course, guacamole.
I'm actually contemplating going out for mexican for dinner.
Just being my usual obsessive compulsive self. I'll probably eat guacamole everyday for the next week until I get sick of it.

To everyone, donno if you remember how I was spazzing out on how I was eating last week and what not, funny enough I haven't been doing that this week. After I had that day of realizations and I told myself to stop whining or else I'd lock myself in the closet, I calmed down.
I've been eating better, having more self control and not beaitng myself up for having a slice of cake of smores or whatever. I think I got over that mental hump and fear that comes after the cleanse. Whoohoo.

[mstiams]

Ok Peanut...does that mean I can make some cornbread to go with my veggie soup tonight? I've been CRAVING it!

[peanutterb]

Ok Peanut...does that mean I can make some cornbread to go with my veggie soup tonight? I've been CRAVING it!

lol
you know i can't say yes to that.
you can if you want to but i wouldn't advise it lol
you can have the cornbread soon enough. :)
next you'll ask if it's ok to have collard greens and mashed potatoes and fried chicken too huh?
then you'll get mad at me if your belly hurts and you get the runs...
you are too much my friend!

[mstiams]

I don't know...I'm feeling no self-control right now *L* Did I just hear mashed potatoes and fried chicken? YUMMY

[playayogi]

Ii just finished 7 days on the MC (yeah wasnt ready for the 10;) and broke the fast as directed in the book...had oj for 1.5 days and had a small amount of veggie soup for dinner and immediately got nauseous. Next day I had fruit for breakfast and started having more nausea and then developed flu-like symtoms. I thought my immune system was supposed to get stronger? Well its 2 days later and food is digesting fine now but I am still feeling sick. Is this common or did I do somrthing wrong?

thanks and blessings:confused:
py

[peanutterb]

hey playayogi,
i think that happened because you ended too soon.
burroughs says if you experience any discomfort when breaking the fast you should go back to the lemonade for a couple of days.
also, by day 7 you were probably in detox stage and you stopped the cleanse while all types of toxins were moving around with no where to go.
Burroughs recommends 10 days minimum for a reason and I guess you just reminded us why. Sorry it had to be a painful lesson. :(
so yes, this is common when you end too soon. And hopefully you feel better soon.
is it possible for you to do a couple more days on the cleanse to try to balance yourself back out?

best wishes

[jvecchia]

I didn't see anything on this in the book or the BBd, but what are thoughts on blending carrot juice with the orange juice when you first break the fast? i prefer the taste and imagine it would be better for me... or would it be too heavy? Has anyone tried this before?

Thanks! (Day 8 and man am I looking forward to breaking this!)

[bayareababe]

hi jvecchia! I am on day 9 so I know what you mean! I would say no to the carrot juice. It is just wayyyyyy too heavy, and not in the citrus family. The OJ or grapefruit juice is getting your body ready to process food again, so I would drink those, you can have carrot juice soon enough my friend! ok?

Congrats on doing such a great job!

be well

babe 8)
MC2 day 9 :P

[HealthyBiz]

what are thoughts on blending carrot juice with the orange juice when you first break the fast?

Hey, jvecchia! I'm on Day 8, too. Hang in there!! I'm already planning new recipes to try once I go off the cleanse, too. Yum.

I think I recall (but that could be a problem - me and my memory:rolleyes: ) that Peter, the ultimate guru on this board, replied to a question that carrot juice won't do when breaking the fast, not at least on the first day or two, unless you put the carrots in the vegetable soup. He said (again I have to add *I think* or at least this is what I recall he said) that vegetables are harder to digest than fruits, so stick with the orange or grapefruit juice plan. If those don't work and you're allergic or can't handle them, he allows one deviation - watermelon juice! Or at least he mentioned that others have had some success with it if they can't handle the oranges or grapefruit. If it's just a preference to add carrots, you should reconsider and take bayareababe's advice and just wait a few more days!

Apologies to Peter if I got his advice wrong. I am certainly paraphrasing at best.

Good luck and congratulations on making it 8 days, especially thru a very tempting party and *eating* weekend for others!

[cleen1]

I couldn't find anything about this on the forum, although I'm sure there's something. I just finished a 23 day fast and I'm on my third day of the transition back to food -- going smoothly thus far. What I'm wondering about is going back to drinking my green and white teas when I need a little pick me up. I know I should probably not go back to coffee although I still love the smell, but what about tea with some caffeine? How bad can it be? And what about black teas?

[tallulah]

The realites of my life are requiring me to break the fast in an unconventional and unrecommended way. I've read everything in this thread and will be very careful and deliberate. I start tomorrow night...Evening of day 10. Will let you know how it turns out.

Also, does it make sense to continue with the lax tea to keep those bowels going until eating regularly?

[HealthyBiz]

Cleen1 - Wow! 23 days. Whew, you must feel super. 8) Glad to hear the transition to food is going well. Are you hungry now that you're back on food? And were your detox symptoms over by Day 23? Just curious.

I'm hoping to hear from someone else about your tea question. I'm missing my green tea and hope to return to it soon after I break my fast.

Hi tallulah - 10 days - that's great! :) Even though you have to quit sooner than you wanted to, you made it through all 10 recommended days! Congratulations!! But sorry to hear you need to break the fast in an unconventional way. Be sure to post your experience, so we can learn from it. Thanks!

[bayareababe]

hi cleen......... i don't know, to me caffeine is caffeine and to get your body addicted to it again after detoxing seems to me like a mute point. All teas have caffeine in them, red tea is an exception to the rule. How about caffeine free teas, like red tea, that has no caffeine but alot of great antioxidents. You may not need a pick me up after this MC, and if so maybe look to the reason why you feel you need caffeine to do it. How about eating a piece of fruit or something else for energy. Something good for your body? Just some thoughts to ponder.....

Congrats on making such a MC commitment!

tallulah, you should end the lax tea and let your bowels come back naturally. It should take about 2-3 days.

be well

babe8)
2xMCer

[cleen1]

Hi HealthyBiz & Babe:

Am I ever hungry! I didn't expect that. Am restraining myself so far; salads, lots of fruit, veggie soup, legumes, nuts, berries, more mint tea. Never heard of red tea; will look into it. The green & white teas, however, also seem to help my digestion. I certainly don't want to get addicted to caffeine. But, yes, I feel very hungry now. I sort of wish I could have gone one more week, but I do feel good.

I have also been feeling a little tired, after feeling nothing but energy in my last week on the MC. I presume it's because now I have to devote energy back to digestion. At the same time, I haven't been sleeping a whole lot. Had a little insomnia last night for an hour or so. And I wake up very early, but I always did that.

[bayareababe]

hugss cleen, mint is also great for digestion. I know what you mean about feeling tired after MC. I think actually it is a pain in the tush to eat real food! I wish I could just do the MC forever, which is a bit silly. What I do tho is have the lemonade for breakfast and dinner and then eat a salad, stir fried veggies, some nuts. AND water, water, water! It seems to be doing ok with me.

be well

babe8)

[cleen1]

Thanks babe. Was also wondering if I'm not suffering a little withdrawl from all the sugar in the MS? For most of my MC I drank hardly any water, just lots and lots of lemonade -- 9-12 glasses per day. (towards the end I added more water and the mint tea) Made some lemonade today and it suddenly tasted incredibly sweet to me.

[mtmouse]

Babe,

When you have your lemonade as a "meal", do you include the cayenne?

[rachel_honey]

Hi,

I have a recipe for Ribollita (an Italian bean soup) that I love & I'm wondering if it would work in lieu of the vegetable broth to break the fast with. Can I get some opinions please?

The ingredients are: onion, garlic, carrots, canellini beans, savoy cabbage & vegetable stock. Now I usually just use Marigold Swiss vegetable bouillion powder for the stock (because I'm lazy & it is really good) but I'm thinking it would be better to make my the stock from scratch. What do you think?

thanks

rachel_honey x (:D I'm only Day 3 & I'm already thinking about what I'm going to be eating once this is over)

[writergirl]

Hi All,

Today is the day I break my cleanse. I did the tea last night and the SWF this morning because it seemed logical after downing the lemonade all day yesterday. Plus, my tongue is not entirely restored to pink. My back has improved so much that I've been able to do so much more exercise. I do feel healthy. All that I've learned on this thread has made me anxious about the transition. :( I am now 2 1bs over the high end of my BMI. It seems doable, through exercise and proper eating, to keep my weight under control. I'm wondering with the grapefruit if I include the pulp in the blender or just the juice. That goes for the oranges, too. Curious about how this works. I know I'll be fine, but my busines trip looms.

The support of this thread helped me get here. So here I am officially:
MC 1 17.

WriterGirl8)

[writergirl]

Hi All,

Today is the day I break my cleanse. I did the tea last night and the SWF this morning because it seemed logical after downing the lemonade all day yesterday. Plus, my tongue is not entirely restored to pink. My back has improved so much that I've been able to do so much more exercise. I do feel healthy. All that I've learned on this thread has made me anxious about the transition. :( I am now 2 1bs over the high end of my BMI. It seems doable, through exercise and proper eating, to keep my weight under control. I'm wondering with the grapefruit if I include the pulp in the blender or just the juice. That goes for the oranges, too. Curious about how this works. I know I'll be fine, but my busines trip looms.

The support of this thread helped me get here. So here I am officially:
MC 1 17.

WriterGirl8)

[ElisabethB]

I have done my ten days of MC, tomorrow it's OJ only,
then on Monday afternoon soup.

I found this split pea soup: Do you think this is okay or is there something offending in it??

Split Pea Soup Recipes


Ingredients:
8 cups water
2 cups green split peas
1 rib celery -- coarsely chopped
1 large carrot -- chopped
1 small onion -- chopped
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1 dash red pepper
1 bay leaf
Salt
Pepper


Directions:

Combine water, peas, celery, carrot, onion, thyme, red pepper, and bay leaf in large kettle. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Boil vigorously 20 minutes, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until split peas are tender. Press soup through fine sieve and reheat just to boiling point.

Thanks,

Also what are your thoughts on probiotics?

[peanutterb]

Hey Elisabeth B,
that soup recipe sounds okay except it's lacking alot of the yummy vegs such as carrots, potatoes and such that you are allowed to eat and that are oh so good to you.
My main concern is that the peas might be too harsh on your stomach so early on breaking the cleanse (I had hummus on day 3 or 4 after my first cleanse and had incredible cramps). And also that there won't really be a "broth" per se because the peas will be mushed up.

Please check out the thread in the raw food lifestyle forum called "Lemonheads Recipe Box" and there are tons of easy broth based soup recipes.

Hey writergirl, I know it's a little late now. But just go slowly with the pulp and see how your stomach is feeling. Congrats on completely your cleanse and best wishes post-MC.

[ElisabethB]

today was my OJ day, up to now I followed the MC to a T.

I drank my freshly squeezed OJ this morning and was fine, at about 2 pm. I went to a party and ate some watermelon because I figured I was ready for it as long as I ate it slowly. Big mistake. I am so bloated!!!! I wish I could either vomit or have a BM. but no luck. Do you think I should do the lax tea tonight and SWF tomorrow morning or would that be back for my system???

Why did I eat that stupid watermelon, I was doing so well ....

[peanutterb]

awww it's ok. you'll be ok.
you can do another tea and swf and a day or 2 of lemonade i guess. burroughs says to go back to lemonade if you fell gas or discomfort.or you can do an extra day of all oj. or you can also just keep trucking with the oj and hope for the best.
wish there was a definite answer.
at least it was a piece of watermelon and not a burger right? :D you did have some self control. don't beat yourself up. Just figure out what you're going to do next and pick yourself up and keep on moving.

[dcamp]

I am breaking the fast today. I am trying to do it right and only have the OJ for today. I really can't wait to have my vegetable soup tomorrow afternoon. I will prepare it tonight. I feel great and I am glad that I did my first MC. The second one will probably be early 2007.

Congrats to everyone that is breaking the fast today!!! :-)

MC1-10 days

[ElisabethB]

I am 3 days Post MC .... doing very well so far, but I have not had a BM yet, which has me kind of worried, my last BM was on Saturday morning which was day 10 of my 10 day MC. If I don't have a BM should I use the lax tea again or the SWF??

[peanutterb]

hey elisabethB, no swf or tea. just wait. it'll come. sometimes it just takes a while.

[Virtuous]

I finally had a BM!!!!
My 1st day of breaking my MC fast was this past Friday and I "just" had a BM on this morning! WHOA! It was small but SOMETHING! LOL :D
I have been full of gas and burping ever since I broke the fast!

It indeed will come Elisabeth!!

Now I will say I began taking fish oil pills again so that may have helped facilitate it too.

[peanutterb]

YEAH

lol it's so funny Virtuous but we all know how exciting it is to have that first post MC BM! lol i called my friend when I had mine last time. I thought it was so amazing and wonderful. unfortunately she wasn't interested.

[bayareababe]

so funny on the BM talk...... this board cracks me up :P

the first 2 MCs I had BMs after 3-4 days. so ElisabethB........ now eat fiber and drink lots of water.

patience grasshopper :)

babe8)

[ElisabethB]

yippee, I had 5 BMs today, so I am a happy camper ....(crapper lol) .....

[Virtuous]

FIVE! Wow!!!
I had another ONE this morning! :) WHOA!
But I am up 4lbs too. :( Time to exercise!!

[maggieslp]

Help! I'm on day 2 of breaking the fast after 10 days, and I am in agony. Background: this is my second cleanse, and the break went really well last time. I do it "by the book" and have been lurking on this board. Which by the way has been a godsend: thanks for all of your shares and advice.

Today I woke up with serious stomach pain: the kind that feels like someone is punching you and then on top of that, sharp stabbing pains. It's only gotten worse, and I'm doubled up barely able to walk.
So far I have been drinking lots of water and trying to use accupressure on points by the elbow and sternum. I made the mistake of coming to work, and now am stuck 35 miles from home, in a carpool that can't leave, with no access to a grocery store.

Is there anyone with any suggestions? I'll try anything! I'll open a new thread too. Thanks for any help!