Re: the Pre-Fast Diet

I do agree, if one can do that. In my case if I'm to the point I must fast - than I am in the midst of being addicted to many foods and just saying "no" does not work well for me. It's an all or nothing thing. Sort of like my alcoholism - to have told me to "taper off" would have been impossible.

I do go through a lot of detox symptoms when heading into a fast - but know what they are and what to expect. Knowing they will end helps me a great deal. Knowing the overall health benefits and change in frame of mind in which I view food is a great motivator.

I believe my major "withdrawl" symptoms are Sugar and caffeine related. Although this time I had not drank caffeine or eaten foods containing it for several days prior - it usually takes at least two to three days to start to have symptoms from it.

Once again - I agree that if you are able to manage a pre-fast go for it, as it may lessen the severity of symptoms - but if not be prepared for a few days of hunkering down and feeling quite awful. I experience chills and fevers like my thermostat is completely broken. This has been true since the first time I fasted several years back. You'd think I was coming off some hard core addiction - which really should scare some of us concerning what it is we are ingesting on a dialy basis.