To regain energy, do a detox, lose weight… You may want to start a three-day fast, but how do you do it? Start it? What can we drink? When is the best time to do it?
THE 3 day fast is a type of intermittent fasting. We do it to lighten our digestive system, lose a few pounds, feel fitter… But how to get started? What are we deleting? Can we drink ? Principles and (true) effects of a 3 day fast.
When we decide to fast for 3 days, it means that we will remove all solid food for 3 days. “Ideally, a three-day fast is done over a long weekend.“, recommends naturopath Amalia Boxberger before specifying that it must be prepared”by gradually reducing his calorie intake 3 days before D-Day”.
► 3 days before to start your fast, cut out foods of animal origin (meat, fish, eggs and dairy products)
► 2 days before, cut out the starches (cereals and legumes), fruits rich in starch such as bananas and chestnuts as well as tea and coffee;
► the day before, eliminate cooked and raw vegetables and fruits. It is also necessary to stop taking alcohol and tobacco.
During the fast, you can only drink at will. At the same time, you can maintain a little physical activity how to practice yogago to walk in nature or do some stretching. But do not engage in intense physical activity at the risk of over-tiring your body.
What can you drink during a 3 day fast?
If you remove all solid food from your diet during a 3-day fastwe do not deprive ourselves of drinking regularly. “The body needs to stay hydrated to function well and to eliminate toxins and waste present in the emunctory organs (kidneys, intestines, skin, etc.)“, specifies Amalia Boxberger. Not all drinks are authorized. “Alone plain or flavored water with a slice of lemon and herbal infusions (rosemary, thyme, artichoke, fennel…) are allowed“, indicates the naturopath. On average, it is recommended to drink 2 liters of water per day during this type of fast.
Stay tuned to your body while fasting.
What are the benefits of a 3 day fast?
- He puts the digestive system at rest, relieving the stomach and liver of their work
- It allows toeliminate toxins and waste accumulated in the body (the famous “detox” effect that we like to seek at certain times of the year)
- It causes a energy boost after 2-3 days
- It allows the renewal of the bacterial flora and stimulates the immune system
- He improves mood and promotes well-being
- It makes you lose weight (even if we shouldn’t do it for that because this weight loss is ephemeral)
Does a 3 day fast make you lose weight?
Yes, even if the primary goal of a fast is not weight loss, stop all food intake for 3 days forces the body to draw on its reserves of sugars and fats to work. At stake, a weight loss of 2 to 3 kg. “But this reduction is above all due to a loss of muscle and water, warns Amalia Boxberger. Weight loss is therefore temporary. Upon resuming a normal diet, the pounds lost will come back.”
The resumption of food must be gradual because eating a full meal all at once risks overstretching the digestive system and causing disorders such as abdominal pain, nausea or even vomiting. “THE first day, you can reintroduce cooked and raw vegetables, the fruits (except banana and chestnut) and vegetable brothsadvises the naturopath. THE second day, starchy foods as well as tea and coffee can once again be part of your diet. The third day, you will be able reintroduce animal products.”
What are the contraindications?
Attention, 3 day fasting is not recommended for everyone. “This method is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, people suffering from diabetes, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, eating disorders as well as children and adolescents. Also, you have to listen to your body and break the fast if you feel unwellpalpitations and vomiting“, specifies the naturopath.
Thanks to Amalia Boxberger, naturopath.