Moon Diet

Essentially a 24-hour juice fast, the Moon Diet is a trend which involves the use of a lunar calendar. By aligning the day of the new moon with an absence of solid foods and following a few other suggestions during each of the lunar cycles, the moon diet is believed to boost an individual's ability to quickly lose weight.

Myth and lore throughout time and place has spoken of the effect that the moon can have on living beings. Ocean currents are pulled in directions that are dictated by the gravitational pull of the moon. A woman's monthly cycle runs parallel with the timing of the moon. Some believe that a full moon may evoke aggressive behavior or cause danger. Others may believe that the moon holds secret spiritual powers. Proponents of the moon diet believe that the moon's mysterious nature may also hold the key to weight loss and detoxification.

According to Weight Loss Unit.com, the best time to begin the Moon Diet is 2 to 3 days before a full moon. When following the Moon Diet, on the day of the full moon you are instructed to eat less than usual and not to eat at all after 6 p.m. If you choose, fasting on the full moon is also indicated for boosting weight loss as cravings for unhealthy substances are said to peak around this time. Drinking plenty of water and a variety of nutritious juices will give the body the extra energy that it is craving. However, drinking alcohol or milk is prohibited on any day of the Moon Diet.

The two-week period of the waning moon follows the full moon. Light from the moon is decreasing in the night sky, and this period is said to stimulate detoxification and the removal of excess water from the body. Drinking 8 glasses of water each day during the period of the waning moon and eating a healthy diet of solid food is advised when following the Moon Diet.

During the time of the waxing moon, when the light of the moon is increasing in the night sky, food cravings increase, and this may be a time where self-discipline will be tested, according to Weight Loss Unit.com. Eating after 6 p.m. during the period of the waxing moon is prohibited as some believe that the body is creating its reserves of energy during this period. Although fasting is not required during this time of increasing moon, eating less than usual is encouraged. Drinking extra amounts of liquids between the hours of 3 and 5 p.m. is recommended to keep the body feeling full in the evening hours on the Moon Diet.

During a new moon, the light of the moon is blocked and the moon becomes difficult to see in the night sky. After the calendar date for the new moon has been noted, to follow the moon diet one must not eat any food for the entire day of the new moon. Drinking liquids such as pure water and fruit juice on this day is recommended to help the body flush out unhealthy substances. However, it should be noted that no beverage should contain added sugar or salt. Drinking herbal teas which are useful for their detoxification properties such as sage, dandelion or metabolism boosting green tea is recommended.

Scientific proof is lacking on the effect that the moon has on weight loss and appetite. However, juice fasting for at least one day each month is recommended by holistic practitioner Dr. Andrew Weil to detoxify the body and enhance the digestive and immune systems. Nevertheless, according to the dieting review site Free Fad Diets.com, within 24 hours of beginning the fasting period, one can lose up to 6 pounds and may continue gradually losing more throughout the month if the plan is carefully followed.