Itʼs that time of year, somewhere between Passover, Lent and Ramadan where  millions are observing a fasting ritual. Fasting has a long history and has been  touted by many religious and spiritual philosophies including Buddhism,  Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Taoism, Jainism, Mormonism and Hinduism. Fasting  practices vary, however there is a shared understanding that fasting benefits the  body and soul. Research has shown that fasting improves cognitive performance,  reduces inflammation, decreases the risk of metabolic and heart disease and  supports weight loss and overall fitness. Fasting assists cellular repair and  regeneration as well as denotes effects on detoxification and the immune system.  In fact, regular and consistent fasting can even increase longevity! Spiritually,  fasting teaches humility, develops strength and discipline while purifying and  cleansing the soul.  

While the thought of abstaining from food might seem only for the ascetics,  intermittent fasting is a modified version which emulates the practice of fasting  and builds it into a lifestyle. Intermittent fasting can be practiced daily in the form  of observing set hours where you abstain from food or drink other than water or it  can be adhered to less frequently but for longer periods of time, i.e., daily for 16  hours or twice per week for 24 hour increments. In Ayurvedic tradition, a lunar fast  is observed with either a new or full moon; thatʼs 24 hours twice per month. Is it  for everyone? It can be! The idea is to bring awareness and balance not only to  what we eat but how we eat. Weʼve become accustomed to noshing all the time, I  still remember seeing a commercial for a fast food chain pushing the idea of a  ‘fourth mealʼ. As a consumer society, more is the last thing we need. Fasting offers  the opposite, it teaches that less is more.  

The take home message is that fasting doesnʼt have to be scripted. There are  ample ways of integrating fasting into your life depending on your physical needs  and health goals. Keep it simple! My recommendation is to start with a 12 hour fast  from 7 PM to 7 AM. If youʼve read my previous articles, you know I am not a fan of  eating late because I whole heartedly believe it is detrimental to your health.  Abstaining from food or drink other than water after 7 PM ensures your body has  sufficient time for digestion. It also guarantees you wake up hungry for a big  breakfast. Remember the adage “Breakfast is the most important meal of the  day”? Let me put it this way, breakfast sets the tone for the rest of your day. When  you wake up, the fuel that your body needs to function optimally is low; breakfast  restores it.  

What I love about fasting is that it brings intention to my life. As my practice grew, 

I noticed that it allowed for reconnecting with myself and nature. It fosters a sense  of focus and purpose. Fasting can be a deeply personal experience as it opens up  the path to introspection. It cultivates empathy and mindfulness. It pushes and  challenges me in exceptionally humbling ways.  

With renewal comes transformation, may great things await you.