Larisa .'s Blog

How to Break a Water Fast (Without Gaining Weight Back)

We  can lose weight by fasting, but  very  often  nearly always put it all back on. What  is the best way to come off a fast?

 When you finish an extended water fast (3 days or more), your stomach will have shrunk considerably, which means you will not require as much food to make you feel satiated. Also, your metabolism will have slowed, causing you to need fewer calories to get through the day.

Take advantage of the opportunity to eat smaller portions of high quality food rather than larger quantities of lower quality food.

 Good foods to use when breaking your fast include steamed veggies (yellow squash, broccoli, etc.) and fresh fruits like watermelon & blueberries. Stay away from anything spicy or sour or acid.

 Breaking your fast with whole foods (rather than juices) will help stimulate a bowel movement, which is very good.

 For each day of your fast, you should devote one day to breaking the fast. So, if you fast for five days, you should spend five days gradually re-introducing food into your diet, beginning with the easiest foods to digest (cooked veggies, yogurt, etc) & finishing with the hardest (meats, spicy food).

You  can  finish  water  fast  by  this  way:

Day 1: eat a small piece of fruit (1/2 orange) every 2 hours.

Day 2: eat a larger piece of fruit (1 orange) every 3 hours.
Day 3: eat 4 meals of fruit with some lettuce.
Day 4: eat 3 regular (but small) meals of raw fruits & salad. No spicy or hard to digest foods as the body is very sensitive.
A long fast significantly lowers the metabolism. It can take 4 to 6 weeks to regain a normal metabolism. So it is important to avoid over eating during the period after a fast to avoid weight gain. It is easy to regain all the weight you lost plus more if you over eat.
Remember: small portions of higher-quality & healthy  foods,  never  nighteating,  exercises  every  day  and  you  are  always  in  great  shape!
Good  luck!

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8 comments
  • Mari U.
    Mari U.

    Good information to have.  Thanks!

    April 13, 2011
  • Larisa .
    Larisa .

    My  pleasure,  Mari!Best  wishes  to  all!Smile

    April 13, 2011
  • Sharon Lewis
    Sharon Lewis

    Very useful, L I however I cant seem to eat more than 3 times per day. How about a short term absolute fast how should I eat after that? My fast ends at 10PM tonight 04/14 so I might just have some warm water until tomorrow AM how do you suggest I proceed from there?

    April 14, 2011
  • Larisa .
    Larisa . Thanks,  Sharon!  3 times per  day it's perfect.You  can  eat 4 or 5  times  individually,  but  small  portions&  right  food  only.Dry  fast  is absolute  fast! 3  days enough! Next  3  days-- water  with  squeezed  lemon,  juicy  fruits  or  juice  fast...  more
    April 15, 2011