Review: Great primer and long-term resource.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 12, 2014
I’ll start out by saying that a copy of this book was gifted to me by the author and the timing of it was perfect as that morning, I had been researching different types of fasts. What prompted the research was a weekend article in HuffPost ([...]) that caught my attention. I had done a basic juice fast 15+ years ago (3-5 days, don’t recall how long) and felt energized. Now that I’m older and battling with some chronic conditions (fibromyalgia, chronic migraines), as well as completely stumping two gastroenterologists on something going on, I am spreading my search out beyond the tried and true to see if I can’t get some of these issues under control. So once again, thank you for the opportunity to read your book, your timing was spot on.Ok, so if you are looking for a book that simply tells you how to fast and what to do, you will find that here. But then again, you can also find that information free on the interwebs. This book takes it up a notch or three. You’ll find that as you read through it, and I recommend that you do so from start to finish, it’s short, won’t hurt you, that this book is more about taking 3 days to do something for yourself. And I don’t mean go out with some friends for a mani/pedi, it’s about taking 3 days off (from most everything) and focusing on you. Swann’s recommendations aren’t simply what juicers to buy, when to drink what and what to expect. She offers a range of suggestions on how to treat yourself, spend time with yourself, focus on yourself in order to regroup and re-energize. Points. Did you notice the emphasis on YOURSELF?I really like the section on how to prepare yourself physically for a fast. While I found the same information elsewhere, Swann’s breakdown is informative and presented in a way that should click with most readers. And I will admit that when I did my first juice fast, I didn’t prep for it. At the time, I was already mostly a vegetarian and when I did my fast, I was working full-time. Since my job was predominantly a desk job, I wasn’t concerned about potential for low energy as I sat most of the day. Moreover, at least for me, when I was swamped at work, I often didn’t take the time to eat right let alone get up and stretch. So choosing this time period forced me to take breaks and to care about what I was putting in my mouth.She has a hefty grocery list for you, but if you follow the recipes, having the list/quantities already there for you was a great timesaver at the grocery store, but be sure to check the recipes and compare it to your shopping list before you head out, as lettuce, broccoli, berries and some other items in the recipes listed weren’t included in the original suggested list. And I also added cabbage as I’m trying to heal a resistant ulcer. And I liked the addition of personal things to get together to help you focus on your me time. And her list at the end on what size to chop/prep certain veggies/fruits is really helpful. I did add some cayenne and/or garlic paste at times. Overdid it the first couple of times and could have kept vampires at bay.One of the current fads is juicing for weight loss and while yes, that is one very real possibility, it won’t happen from juicing unless you are doing this long-term (several weeks/months AND under the care of a doctor). Why? Because juicing is NOT the solution if you return to your old tired ways when you aren’t on a fast. And this is the hard part. Ok, if you are trying to drop a couple pounds for a specific event, then yes, this may work. BUT…if you are looking at long-term weight loss goals and feeling better about yourself (physically, mentally, spiritually), this is only one tool in a hefty toolbox that you will need. And what goes into that toolbox is up to you.Ok, so what did I dislike about the book. Taking care of myself is hard work. Seriously. And while Swann doesn’t say that in the book, reading it is evident. So is living it. Does that count as a dislike? Ok, ok, my one true dislike is that I think the cover/book description is a bit of a misnomer. Because so many of us eat poorly, even when we think that we are making the right decisions, juice fasting, the right way, can have long-term benefits that go way beyond weight loss with the potential to optimize your health, boost your immune system and with all those nutrients, you will look better.Likes: I do like her writing style. She’s warm and engaging. And she does seek to cover the entire person. As I said in the beginning, this book is not simply about juicing. And completing a juice fast, for me, is less about weight loss and more about a system reboot and a boost to my immune system. And I will add this, if you check out the HuffPost article and do some of your own research on the benefits of fasts, you’ll find that it, when done right, has potential for anti-aging benefits.And if you do an internet search, you’ll find a couple different types of “fasting fads” right now. The original was the 4:3. Eat whatever you want for 4 days in a week and fast for 3 (kind of an every other day kind of thing). The problem with that is you don’t maintain good eating habits on the days you aren’t juicing. The one in the HuffPost article is a 5:2. And it also cautions the need to learn and maintain better habits. Following Swann’s advice will set you on a better path. And for those who fear being hungry, not eating solid food for 3 days won’t kill you. Also, to point out, if you follow her plan, you will be consuming sufficient liquid that you won’t feel hungry.So who should consider this book? I think that if you are looking to make lifestyle changes to improve your health, then this is a good place to start. For those of us who have chronic health conditions, we may find that this book will be a helpful tool in our toolbox. Caregivers, those who work many hours, parents, students, basically anyone who needs to slow down and take some personal time (and yes, those looking to lose weight). Note of caution, if you are on medication or have certain health conditions, then you may want to consult your doctor first. If for some reason that isn’t possible and you are on medication, consult your pharmacist (advice is free). They can at least let you know if they think there may be potential for complications based on your particular disease and/or medication list.