Back in 2011, I embarked on my first-ever fasting retreat. It was a week that completely transformed me—both physically and mentally—and I’ve never looked back since. To say I was apprehensive beforehand would be an understatement, but the experience turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. By the time I returned home, I felt lighter, energised, and completely revitalised—like I was on top of the world!

What Motivated Me to Take the Plunge?

They say the hardest part of fasting is making the decision to start—and that was certainly true for me. Fasting hadn’t even crossed my mind until my older sister suggested we book a “detox retreat.” I assumed it would involve juices, smoothies, and perhaps some raw food. Never did I imagine that not eating for a week would be on the agenda, let alone become one of the most transformative experiences of my life.

These days, fasting has become an integral part of my lifestyle. I choose to fast regularly, driven by conviction and the knowledge of how much it benefits my body and mind.

Why This Retreat?

My sister and I were keen to prioritise our health and “reset” our bodies by addressing the accumulated toxins built up over the years. At the time, we believed we had a reasonably balanced diet, but we knew we could do more. We wanted to give our digestive systems—and the associated organs—a well-deserved rest and reboot.

The retreat was also an opportunity to step back from the chaos of daily life and take a moment just for ourselves. We looked forward to meeting like-minded people who, like us, were curious about alternative approaches to maintaining long-term physical and mental well-being.

We were also intrigued by the concept of fasting retreats, which included wellbeing practices such as meditation, yoga, and nature walks. Some activities, like forest bathing and qi gong, were entirely new to us then, but today they’ve become a regular part of our lives.

Preparing for the Fasting Retreat

Yes, preparation was absolutely necessary! About a week before the retreat, we received instructions for a “food descent” to ease into the fast. This gradual elimination of certain foods made the transition much smoother.

Here’s how it worked:

1. First Day: Remove coffee, tea, alcohol, meats, cold cuts, and processed foods.

2. Following Days: Gradually eliminate fish, starches, eggs, cereals, and dairy products.

3. Last Three Days: Eat only raw and cooked fruits and vegetables, accompanied by water and herbal teas.

We were also advised to start the fast with an empty gut for optimal regeneration. This involved taking Epsom salts the evening before, which ensured a significant elimination of colon residues. After the retreat, we followed the reverse process—a gradual reintroduction of foods over a week, with meat and stimulants added last.

Was It Difficult?

My first fast wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t as challenging as I had feared. Yes, there were moments of hunger, particularly at breakfast—a meal I used to enjoy immensely. But the sensation passed quickly as the retreat kept us busy with activities throughout the day.

I was also surprised by how energised I felt. Despite walking 10 to 12 kilometres daily, often in mountainous terrain, my body adapted beautifully. Moving actually made me feel less tired.

The Retreat Experience

We were a group of 14, all motivated to embrace the fasting experience. Breakfast consisted of diluted organic fruit and vegetable juices, and in the evenings, we had filtered vegetable broths. Herbal teas and water were available throughout the day.

Activities included long nature walks (with routes tailored to different energy levels), yoga, qi gong, stretching, and more. We also had access to massages, reflexology treatments, colonic hydrotherapy, saunas, and even an outdoor jacuzzi. Each evening ended with a health-focused conference followed by meditation or relaxation, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep.

The Results of My Week of Fasting

Weight loss was an obvious result—we all lost about 5 kilos—but that wasn’t the highlight for me. Fasting pushed my liver, kidneys, and heart to work in harmony to flush out toxins. The liver, in particular, played a significant role, breaking down stored glucose to nourish my organs. As the fast progressed, my body began using fat reserves, producing ketones as an alternative energy source.

The effects were incredible. I emerged from the week feeling energised, mentally clear, and overwhelmingly happy. It was as though my body had pressed the “reset” button, and I truly felt on top of the world.

Encouraging Others to Try Fasting

I know fasting isn’t part of Western culture, and many people feel hesitant about trying it. But I’ve been amazed by the body’s adaptability. From the second day, my hunger disappeared. Yes, there were some detox symptoms—fatigue, a slight racing heart, and disrupted sleep—but these passed quickly and were minor compared to the benefits.

Today, my sister and I fast once or twice a year for 7 to 14 days. However, this is after years of experience and knowing our limits. For beginners, I always recommend starting small: try intermittent fasting at home or a short 24-36 hour fast before committing to a longer one.

A Word of Caution

It is crucial to approach fasting with care. If you’re not in good health or have concerns, consult your doctor before attempting a fast. This blog reflects my personal experience and is not intended as medical advice. Fasting is not a cure for ailments or diseases, and safety should always come first.

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