Former Home on the Range agister, raw milk advocate, and speaker at the recent Vancouver conference “Fresh Milk, Food Politics”, Alice Jongerden, has decided to go on a milk fast. It seems that a milk fast is a diet in which you drink raw milk, but don’t eat anything. Simple enough. She’s been on the fast for a few days now, and sends this progress report to the Bovine:

I recently read an article about a Raw Milk Fast, and was reminded of a conversation I had quite some time ago, from a lady who often enjoys her raw milk fast, her longest one being 45 days . I thought to myself…Yes, that is what I should do. A Raw Milk Fast!

Being constantly surrounded with raw milk joy and controversy, it seemed a logical step to take.

I love milk, but I seriously wondered if I could really enjoy having ONLY milk for a week or two or three. I wasn’t sure if I could even make it through one day.

In addition, usually I like my milk cold. But cold milk can be hard on digestion. So if I was going to start a milk fast, I knew that I had to get used to the idea of drinking lukewarm milk.

I had nothing to lose (other then some excess weight). I own a pastured jersey cow that provides me with the most amazing fresh milk daily! And raw milk being a complete functional food, I saw the opportunity to cleanse and balance my body.

…..That was Monday. Today I am completing Day 5 of my very first raw milk fast, and last night at our Fresh Milk Food Freedom presentation at Banyen Books, I was encouraged to blog about it. Not much of a blogger, but here goes.

Day 1. I planned to drink 1/2 gallon (2 quarts) of full fat warm fresh milk, and as much water today as I wanted, however I wasn’t sure that 2 quarts would get me too far in the day, so I decided I would allow myself to consume up to 1 gallon. I started my day off with a full glass of warm milk. I left the rest on the counter for the day so it would be warm when I wanted it. I had another mid morning, lunch time, mid afternoon, and late afternoon. By that time I was quite surprised to still feel very full and content, with a few more cups in the jar. I had one more glass in the evening, completing my first full day.

Day 2. I awoke with a headache. I kind of expected this, because of detox. I took the milk I left on the counter overnight, and continued to drink as much milk and water as I desired throughout the day. By days end I consumed the same amount as day 1. I was surprised that I wasn’t having any cravings.

Day 3. Still had a headache, and my muscles were complaining at me. I continued the same pattern as day 1 and 2, and by noon I was feeling much better. I continued my regular daily busy schedule. By day’s end I had enjoyed almost 2 full quarts of milk and a small amount of raw yogurt, and water. Nothing else.

Day 4. Woke up feeling refreshed and ready to go. Good thing, I had a big day planned, including a Raw Milk Presentation in the evening. By now I was thinking about how easy this has been. No cravings, always feeling satisfied, and now feeling quite energized. I also have been enjoying the warm sweet milk. I didn’t realize how sweet it was. Today I reveled with each glass at how amazingly delicious this food is. I envision myself enjoying this fast for some time.

Day 5. Woke refreshed and ready to get on with my day. Still feeling energized, and not experiencing the afternoon lag! Not sure exactly how much milk I had today, but not more than 2 quarts. I am thinking tonight I might have some more raw yogurt. It rich and tangy, and a mouthful of flavour. I will probably have about 1/2 cup. Other than yogurt, I am not thinking about other foods yet.

Day 6. Today was a long day. I was at the Vancouver Farmer’s Market, sharing the secret, at a Raw Milk Presentation with Slow Food. I felt great until about 3, and the lack of sleep the night before hit. So I had 1 cup of raw yogurt which I didn’t end up having the night before, and a bite of cheese, and was amazed how quickly it picked me up. Enough to drive home awake, and clean house when I got back.

Sunday, Day 7. I awoke feeling great once again. I figured today would be a tough day, as I had a social dinner engagement tonight. Funny enough, it wasn’t difficult at all. Before I went I enjoyed some camembert and a glass of milk, so I was content on arrival, and enjoyed some water and a bit of milk while there. I am still amazed how sweet and enjoyable warm milk is. No wonder my youngest was always asking for warm milk. We used to call her our Milkoholic, as for about 2 years, it was pretty much all she had.

Since it has been one week since I started, it was time for me to weigh in. How exciting to see that I lost 9 lbs. That’s encouragement for another week! Not only have I felt great, I lost weight too. I also noticed that my tooth no longer has been bugging me. Since I had a filling about 8 months ago, it has always been very sensitive when I brush my teeth, and hot and cold sensitive, but the last couple of days, it hasn’t bugged me at all. I will be paying attention to this change.

I am still undecided how long I will continue this, but 30 days seems to stick in my head. That would bring us to the day before election time here in BC. I will keep you posted as I continue my raw milk journey.

Alice Jongerden

Alice and her husband run an organic food delivery business, taking online orders. Here’s the link: store.homeontherangefarms.com

Elizabeth Walling did an extended raw milk fast a few years ago, and wrote about the experience.

It will be interesting to follow Alice’s journey, as she gets deeper into her own raw milk fast. Stay tuned to the Bovine for more updates!