
Fasting made ridiculously simple
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.