A Snarl, A Sneer, A Whip That Stings, These are a Few of My Favorite Things

Over the years I have abused my body. I've got no problems admitting what I've done, and I'm proud of every step I've taken in life. Besides, I can't do anything about the past.

I can do something about the future.

I've killed countless numbers of brain cells. On my 21st birthday I remember drinking the 17th shot of Tequila before my body said that it was time to stop, in the most classic way possible. The body made its point not once, but at least four times.

I drank 2 quarts of Long Island Ice Tea when I passed the Bar (Hell of a thing to call the exam you take to become a lawyer isn't it?). I remember my body expressing its opinion on that little fiasco for at least three days.

It seems like I've eaten almost everything that jumps, flies, swims, runs, or slithers that is known to humanity. I'm not ashamed of any of it, nor would I change the past, even if I could. That's my life, and it what makes me the person I am today.

I'm learning to value that which I've paired myself with for the few decades I've decided to inhabit this planet. I'm discovering each little nook and cranny (Thank you for pointing that one out Alexyss! No, Keely, I'm not going to explain that comment any more than I have. There will be a few people who will understand it, and have juice coming out their noses about now!). When I eat I look at the reaction my body has, and the feedback it gives me. I'm realizing that horses build muscles to allow them to gallop for leagues, not on cooked foods, but on raw plants!

But then I look around me, and notice how so many of the people I've come to care about are starting to "juice fast or feast" for 90 days or longer, and I wonder how could something like this be good for me?

Let's face it. Fish swim, have sex, and defecate in liquid. They can't exist in air except for very short periods of time. But they can't exist on just liquids either. Even fish eat solid food!

So how can a juice "feast" of 90 days or longer really be healthy? For me, it wouldn't be.

Don't get me wrong. I think that a juice fast of just a few days is healthy for me. It gives my body a rest. It allows my intestinal track to deal with the crap (literally at times) that I force through it. But I really don't think that I'm built to exist on nothing but liquids for more than just a few days.

Ever hear of "The Sproutman" Steve Meyerowitz? This guy doesn't research something, he immerses himself in a subject. He's not afraid to ask the questions the so called "experts" don't want asked. I got to hear him on a teleconference as part of the Raw Diva Sisterhood, and was totally blown away.

He wrote a book called Juice Fasting and Detoxification. Why do I feel this is such a great book? Because he believes a person should look at the reasons why they want to fast. Are they doing it to purify, to heal, or because its in vogue. The worst reason to follow a juice fast (or feast) is because everyone else is doing it.

Pick your time, pick your place, and take it one day at a time. Make sure that you are fasting for the right reasons. Most importantly be careful. Do your research and make a plan. Don't just decide to start fasting on Monday morning. Do a prefast diet, and make sure that you're planning on how to exit the fast. We've seen the damage that not having an "exit strategy" can do to the world. (Yes Virginia, that was a political comment slipped in without others realizing it!)

Would I talk to my Doctor before I start a fast of any type? That's a personal choice. Of course the medical profession feels like you should bare your soul to your Doctor. I'll leave it up to you. I never do anything just because a Doctor tells me to do it. I make my own choices in life.

Would I suggest checking out Steve Meyerowitz's book? I'd say that Juice Fasting and Detoxification should be required reading for anyone contemplating a juice fast/feast.

Personally, I'll stick with solid foods and green smoothies, with maybe the occasional one or three day fast thrown in for a day of rest. Viva la Green Smoothie Challenge!