Fasting is a wonderful experience if you approach it correctly. So that you can enjoy it with all your senses, the German Fasting Academy(www.fastenakademie.de) recommends a fasting plan with five rules. Here's how it works:

1. plan relief days for the fasting cure

If you want to do a fasting cure, you should not stop eating from one day to the next, but start with two relief days. Stimulants such as coffee and alcohol, fatty foods, meat and ready meals are now taboo; instead, you should eat light food and lots of vegetables. The digestive system is then cleansed with Glauber's salt. Thorough purging is the start of fasting.

2. metabolism needs plenty of fluids

During the fasting cure, you only drink: two to three liters of still mineral water and unsweetened tea per day, plus diluted juices and vegetable broth. The metabolism only works well with plenty of fluids. Minerals such as sodium, magnesium and calcium help the body to deacidify. An acid-base balance, for example with Basica (as powder, tablets, granules or sticks, available from pharmacies), has a supporting effect. It helps to neutralize ketone acids that are produced by the breakdown of fat during fasting.

3. exercise is a must

Exercise is a must during the fasting cure. Because the body is not occupied with digestion, walking, walking, cycling or gymnastics are even easier. Some people are amazed at their unexpected reserves of strength. Sport also prevents the body from going into overdrive. It stimulates the circulation. You should be active for at least half an hour a day, preferably in the fresh air. Take a deep breath and feel the great zest for action inside.

4. fasting cure without stress

It is just as important to reduce stress. If you are fasting, it is best to have a few days off. Then do relaxation exercises such as yoga or autogenic training. Go to the sauna and apply liver compresses. Ideally, you should feel like you're on a wellness vacation during the fasting cure.

5. don't fall into the old rut

After the fasting cure, you should start eating again very slowly. Just one apple on the first day, then a little more. Change your eating habits. You will feel fitter in the long term if you eat less sweet and fatty foods and more wholegrain products and vegetables. The effect of fasting will last a long time.

You might also be interested in this:

Fit for spring: therapeutic fasting after winter
Lose weight healthily: Tips for the perfect dream figure
15 nutrition tips: What you should know about healthy eating
Lose weight better: Which diet is right for me?