Would you like to feel better and lose weight, too? Fasting can help you to lose weight and clean your colon, which in turn results in more energy and general well-being. Sounds pretty good, right? The problem is that many people worry that since fasting slows the metabolism, they will gain even more weight after fasting than before they began the fast -- in other words, a lot of self-sacrifice with little result. To avoid this after-fasting weight gain, follow the proper steps to slowly raise your metabolism after you fast.
Talk to your doctor before fasting.
Step 1
Keep moving. The more you exercise, the more your metabolism will increase. Plus, more muscle equals a higher metabolism. Include two to three days of strength training in your exercise routine after fasting, along with cardio exercise.
Step 2
Drink lots of water. This will not only help you from overeating after a fast, since water tends to make you feel full but will also help increase your metabolism.
Step 3
Eat, but choose the proper foods. Rather than immediately rewarding yourself after a fast with your favorite meal, ease into eating slowly. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables along with fresh fruit juices with no added sugar. These foods will be easy for your body to digest and will keep your metabolism moving. Also, add plain yogurt to your diet to help replace your good intestinal flora. The length of this diet depends on the length of your fast. Eat one meal of this special diet of fruits and vegetables for each day of your fast.
Step 4
Drink tea. Green tea, black tea and oolong tea have been shown to have properties that help your metabolism, according to Better Homes and Garden magazine.
Step 5
Eat breakfast. When you eat breakfast, you are breaking the small fast that you had during the night. By skipping breakfast, you will lose the benefits of jump-starting your metabolism early.
Warnings
References
Warnings
- Talk to your doctor before fasting.
Writer Bio
Though constantly traveling the world, Julia Williams is based in Chicago and has been writing since 2006. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting. She is also a licensed fitness instructor, specializing in Pilates since 2003 and has written hundreds of articles on exercise and health.