Product Description

This books teaches you how to begin and includes a post-fast diet for continued good health.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #549286 in Books
• Published on: 1996-12-25
• Released on: 2006-07-27
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 136 pages

Midwest Book Review
The only guaranteed way to lose weight is by fasting, and Dr. Cott wrote the definitive bestseller on the subject, along with a successful follow-up. His two newly-updated titles are incorporated under one cover with the appearance of this paperback, which surveys the history of fasting and the proper way to fast. A doctor's supervision is recommended, but this book goes on to tell how to properly fast.

Customer Reviews

The most indepth book on fasting that I've ever found!
I purchased this book upon the recommendation of a reviewer of another book on fasting, and I'm so glad I did!! It contains the MOST comprehensive information on fasting that I've ever found!! Now this book on fasting is based on fasting in the TRUEST sense of the word - just drinking water!! Not too many people advocate that anymore, and I think it's a lost art. Real fasting (as opposed to a modified fast of having fruit juices) is from biblical times, and prior to biblical times too. I find it very powerful (not in a "magical" kind of way) but powerful in that you're cleansed when you fast, and your senses are keener, you're able to think clearer than you ever have, and you have time for other things - besides eating!!

Fasting is not for the faint hearted, or people who are NOT under their doctor's supervision - kinda difficult sometimes though because so many people in the medicall community view fasting as an archaic practice that is also dangerous. Sure it could be dangerous if you jump into it without making sure that you're able to do it, and if you ignore your body's warning signs should there be any.

This book has taken me beyond the fasting that I was capable of doing in the past - juice fasting, right through to water fasting. I know I will treasure this book and refer to it many, many times in the future.

Note: This edition contains 2 books on fasting, by the same author!!

Misleading & Misguided
I agree with the other reviewers who panned this book. I found it misleading and very misguided.

With regard to fasting, it is not a healthy practice and medical proof has shown how fasting adversely affects the entire body and can also adversely affect insulin production. For those who do want to fast, Shelton's book is much better. People who fast for dietary purposes may lose weight, but the likelihood of regaining it is great because fasting does not teach nutrition or portion control. Losing weight involves changing BEHAVIOR in re food, not avoiding it altogether. That is just a nostrum that really isn't helpful in the long run.

Cott was the Vitamin Guru for an entire generation - many children, some of whom I've known personally were put through the megavitamin routine; hated it; complained that the pills "made them feel like throwing up" and viewed it as punishment. Many adults would have trouble swallowing horse pills in large dosages and to be subjected to this twice a day seems cruel and unusual. While the health benefits of vitamins have been proven, unusually high dosages are not a panacea for all problems, behavioral included. In fact, many times this method backfires big time.

If you want to lose weight, or just meditate, this book is for you.
My experience with the information contained in this book is great. It has helped me to start diets, and it helps that it has a sensible refeeding program for the end of your fast. For the record, I'm not a vegetarian, though I've known some. Meat is about the last thing that you reintroduce end of a fast.

This book lists things to watch for, and will keep you from making mistakes. Serious liquid intake is a must, and mineral suppliments are a good idea too.

In all, if you're overweight, don't want surgery to deal with it, or diabetic and having pancreas / gallbladder issues, the information in this book may very well be a godsend.