Eating is essential to life.
But did you know that fasting (not eating or eating very little for stretches of time) is just as important?
People have been fasting for religious purposes for centuries; it’s only recently that fasting has become more mainstream due to the many health benefits fasting provides.
So what constitutes fasting? In most cases, fasting means consuming no food and only drinking water for a day or more.
This is what many people think of when they hear someone say, “I’m fasting.” In reality, fasting comes in many forms, such as juice fasts where you consume liquids from fruits or vegetables only (no solid foods) and cleansing food fasts that consist of eating alkalizing food, salads, and green drinks.
While fasting many seem counterintuitive, it’s something everyone could do (barring any medical reasons not to).
Many people fast to detoxify their system, when they’re having trouble with mental clarity, when they are experiencing or want to avoid a health challenge, after traveling extensively, or just to rejuvenate. Think of fasting like basic maintenance. Just as a car needs a tune-up, so do our bodies.
For the past 15 years I’ve been doing fasts three times a year for one to three weeks at a time, depending on my needs. I travel frequently, and fasting helps keep my digestive system in balance from all the varying cuisines I experience. I also do it for preventative reasons to help ward off diseases. At this point, I couldn’t imagine not doing regular fasts for my well-being.
If you’ve been curious about fasting but aren’t convinced it’s right for you, consider these wonderful benefits of fasting:
1. Fasting gives your digestive system a rest.
Since you’re not eating, or eating very little, your digestive systems gets a chance for some much needed rest. Of course, your digestive organs still function and produce stomach acid, but at a much reduced rate compared to normal.
As a result, your GI tract gets a “reset” of sorts. With all the additives and chemicals in much of our food these days, letting the digestive system have a short break can help it recharge so it can optimally do its job later.
2. Fasting allows for detoxification of the body.
Speaking of food additives, science indicates that these things may become toxins in the body. And most of these toxins are stored in your body’s fat cells. When you’re fasting, your body is forced to burn fat to maintain energy levels. The longer the fast, the more fat that’s burned. As a result, the toxins are released, leaving you with a healthier liver, kidneys, and other organs in the body.
3. Fasting promotes weight loss.
Obviously, if you don’t eat for a few days, you’re going to lose weight. And while no one should ever starve themselves for the goal of weight loss, regular fasting one or two days a month can promote weight loss over time. Since your body is burning fat on those days, you naturally lose weight, provided that you also follow a balanced diet on the non-fasting days.
Additionally, many people report that after doing regular fasts for a period of time, they no longer have cravings for sweets or processed foods. Instead, they crave natural foods, especially fruits and vegetables. That alone can promote weight loss.
4. Fasting helps you gain clarity on your life and personal issues.
People who are deeply religious and/or spiritual use fasting as a way to connect with God or the Universe. Whatever your beliefs are, you can use fasting in a similar way to get in tune with yourself and your inner wisdom.
Think of it like giving yourself a time-out so you can regroup, think about the daily choices you make, and gain clarity on your life’s path. To obtain this goal, you’ll get better results if you accompany your fasting with light, restorative yoga, nature, and silence.
5. Fasting increases your energy levels and metal attitude.
While food does give the body energy, fasting helps even out energy levels and re-teaches the body how to burn energy more effectively. With this increased energy often comes greater mental functioning, as the body and mind are no longer bogged down with sugars and chemicals that promote lethargy and the all-too-familiar “brain fog”. With an alert mind and a feeling of renewed energy, you’ll end your fast feeling that you can accomplish anything!
The fast way to change your life.
Investigate the various types of fasts you can do and choose the one that sounds most appealing and beneficial for your needs. If you think you wouldn’t be able to survive a short one- or two-day fast, then start small. Go one day without breakfast and lunch, eating only a modest dinner. You’ll be surprised how good you feel the next day. Then, work up from there to complete a full day (24 hours) fast, whether it’s a water-only fast or one of the other variations. As you repeat the fast the next month or season, try for 48 hours. Chances are that once you add fasting to your health and fitness regimen, it’s something you’ll want to repeat a few times each year. Fasting is one healthy habit that can dramatically change your life.
Read more posts by Lisa Haisha, world traveler and founder of the Soul Blazing Sanctuary. Lisa is a JenningsWire blogger.
