First Fast Day 1

by SoCal Jeff
(Southern California)

Me at 18 years of age.

Well, let me first show my appreciation for this web page. There are so many free resources on this site, it is truly a labor of love (I know you probably make some money off it but sites like this are not bent solely on making money, if so you wouldn't give away so much free info.)

I'll start by telling you a little about myself: I'm 32 years old, male, a father of a beautiful little 5 year old girl, single, and just starting a new business. I've struggled with my obesity level for years. In high school I was a jock, a true mesomorph. I was very muscular, I graduated at age 18 weighing 230 lbs, I was 6'2", and had an abdominal six-pack. I started really bulking up with muscle in college until I weighed around 260 lbs, mostly muscle, and married my first wife in my last year of college. This put an end to my athletic lifestyle.

When I was 22 years old I married, started working all day, spent the rest of my time with my new wife and no time at all exercising. I became sedentary, fat, and unhealthy. Since that time, I've put on a little more muscle, a lot more fat, and can't seem to get back into shape no matter what I do.

I recently had a hydrostatic (water dunk)body-fat composition test done which showed I have a lean body mass of 276 lbs, the problem is I weigh 407 lbs (as of this morning). I decided two months ago that it's time to do something about my health level so I started a rigid nutrition and exercise training cycle.

However after just two weeks I found that I just couldn't stay with the nutrition plan the way I used to in homeschooling and college. After two weeks (which I did very well during that time) I binged. After that I just gave up on nutrition. Which is why I'm here now.

Let me tell you, I've known about juice fasting for a few years. I've just never had the motivation to get past the first day. I have that motivation now, though. I want to see my daughter grow up and from the way I lose my breath walking from the car to the front door of my house I'm afraid I won't make it that far if I don't change now. I started juicing a week ago but still ate food all day, I did stick to a vegan diet, though.

Today I've started that actual juice fast and let me tell you, the hunger isn't as bad as it was when I stuck to the two week nutritional training cycle, probably because I spent the last week eating vegan.

I am having some hunger pangs, but I wouldn't categorize it as pain. The reason I'm posting this on this forum is two fold: first I want a public record of my fast for further inspiration as well as to be held publicly accountable if I give up. Second, I'm hoping for support from others on this site if you see that I'm going through something you successfully made it through and can give me a tip or advice that will help me, please do so. It would be much appreciated.

What I'm currently planning to do is workout/exercise twice a day, cardio only-no weights. I prepare my juice in the morning, I start with oranges. I have about 30 oz's of fresh juiced OJ. I then juice a vegetable/fruit blend consisting of mostly apples, carrots, spinach, lettuce, parsley, bell pepper, cabbage, cucumber, and broccoli.

I juice approximately 80 oz's of that juice. It's now 3:20 pm and I've drank all but approximately 20 oz's. I haven't drank any water which I know is a mistake after reading the different articles here so I'm starting to drink a lot of water as well, my goal there is at least a half gallon by the end of today and then a gallon everyday thereafter.

I've added a picture of myself at age 18. I'll also include a current pic to give you the contrast in my next post, either tomorrow or in a few days.

If anyone can make any other suggestions or advice, please do so. Any help or advice I get will be much appreciated.