Hi, I'm interested in fasting?

Question

Hi.

I was interested in doing a fast for spiritual reasons but I have no idea how to start! Has anyone here ever fasted, if so what did you do to keep going? How long is okay to fast? Do you cut food out altogether?

I'm a healthy female.

Answer 1

I fast once a week for 24 hours at a stretch. During that time, I do not eat solid foods, but I do have many sorts of liquid, including nutritional shakes, fruit juice, V8, lots of water, etc. It doesn't do any harm when it is of such short duration. I have fasted for up to 3 days before, and I'd say that is as long a time as I ever want to drag out a fast. I imagine you could go longer if you were careful to maintain a good balance of nutritional fluids.

I often have days where I only think of the food I'm not eating when I fast, but I then make myself remember why I do it, which is for discipline and solidarity with my husband, who also does it. I think of the fact that if I can voluntarily go without food for 24 hours, then I have a sort of structure and discipline in my life. Spiritually, there are ups and downs, but it helps me to focus on real problems without the nagging "what's for dinner" thought. It removes a level of mundanity from life and allows one to focus on important questions or gain insights. I'm only halfway through my morning coffee, so I hope that made some sense!

P.S. I imagine that even someone with metabolic problems or diabetes could do it if the liquids contain the proper nutrients.

Answer 2

You will NOT die if you stop eating for 7 days.

If you're religious you'll remember Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert. Aristostle and Hippocrates both required new students to fast for 40 days to purify their mind. Ghandi fasted for 30-40 days on a regular basis. Many non-US countries fast as part of their culture.

I'm an experienced water faster for 3-45 days. An obese person can easily do 45 days. Dr. Joel Fuhrman of NYC is a medical doctor who supervises water fasts for morbidly obese patients. He is a faster also.

If you're fasting for spiritual reasons, part of the dogma is sacrafice so you'll drink only water and forego all food including juices. A 72 hour fast will produce 3-10 lb weight loss.

Some people do "juice" fasts which isn't fasting at all, it's merely drinking your veggies and fruit.

There is much research done on fasting and redundant body systems, as well as rejuvenation and extreme longevity as a result of forced fasting. Use Google.

We have a Detox & Fasting thread for members at Kimkins.com and we start "group" fasts for different time periods. I'll be doing a 7-10 day fast after Thanksgiving.

Answer 3

It relies upon on your element of activity (exercising) in the course of the day. I eat quick nutrition quite a lot 2 or 3x an afternoon and performance weighed a healthful 125lbs (i'm 5'7) for the perfect 2 or 3 yrs. So i say it relies upon on fat and sodium content fabric, alongside with how a lot water and exercising you're turning out to be.

Answer 4

Hi there
A good friend of mine fasts for Ramadan and he manages pretty well. He just ensures he maintains a good fluid intake which is essential but he does not eat during the day. As long as you eat on an evening - around 1900 hours - and do not go any longer you should be OK.

Answer 5

Fasting is very beneficial for the body! Its is considered to be a natural tool to clean the body from toxics! see its like, you have been eating and drinking all this time, but still you dont know whats going on in your body! everything that gets inside your body ( food ) , some toxics accumulate over time in your body! even from drinking water! I hope you understand what im saying... The human body is like an a car engine! it needs to rest sometimes that includes your stomach and intestines! when you are on a fasting period! your body is getting rid of accumilated toxics ... so its good! actually in my opnion i think its a must!

Answer 6

Hi to you too...If it is for spiritual reasons, talk to your pastor, if it is practised at your church, they will give you some direction...

If, however, it is simply for health reason's, to eliminate toxin's in your body...Talk to a health/nutrition store...There are some inherent danger's and you should not start one without some proper and professional guidance...There are different and specific guideline's for each and every type and length of fasts...

I have fasted numerous times in my life, for spiritual and health reason's and do not recommend that you just haphazardly start one. Go on line and check it out, it should give you some indication....

All the best.....Yukoneze

Answer 7

well if you want to start fasting, try not to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. but dont forget todrink something that will ease your hunger like eating candy since Humans as we are.. we still need Energy UnNLESS you are a faithful ISLAM follower even saliva is prohibitted... (formwer/classical islamic teaching on fasting) but in a Catholic faith, our church requires us to fast only on good friday and a NO MEAT every WENESDAY on ASH Wednesday and the following wednesdays of every week before good friday.

Answer 8

when fasting for spirtual reasons you fast for prayer. my mother taught me that you can fast during the day time and pray during the day and then have dinner. or you can fast all day. i have also done the master cleasne witch is a fasting but you also cleasne your body at the same time. also known as the lemonaide diet. good luck. just remember fasting is about prayer.

Answer 9

Just stay healthy and eat a bit less for a while instead of cutting it out for long periods.

Answer 10

I have fasted for spiritual reasons. It didn't do anything for me, personally, as I found all I did was concentrate on food!
I cannot recommend it as I think it is a total waste of time - your spirituality isn't governed by your lack of food.
If you insist, try a day. Unless your religion forbades it, drink water.