Fasting can be for spiritual or physical reasons. In fact, many religious scriptures suggest that fasting is essential for leading a better life. While the religious belief behind fasting may not necessarily be rooted in science or health, it does go to show the concept of not eating for a predetermined period of time has been around for ages.
Have you ever really thought about the term breakfast? Officially, you break your sleeping fast when you eat your first meal. We will discuss how to fast safely, including tips and benefits for physical and spiritual fasts. It should be noted, fasting may not be for everyone, so before going over our comprehensive fasting guide, it’s best to consult your medical provider.
How To Fast Safely
Some believe that when they are not eating, they are fasting. Technically, there is some truth to this school of thought, but the best fasting has a real purpose behind it. Successful fasters will set a goal and challenge themselves to achieve it.
Benefits of Fasting
There are different stages of fasting. The first time you fast, you must carefully observe your body’s reaction. How does your body feel? You can enjoy both physical and spiritual fasting benefits. You can regain control over your body, by exerting your willpower to conquer your hunger.
Types of Fasting
The purpose of your fasting will determine which level is best. Here are some of the primary types of fasting:
- No Food
- Give Up
- Daniel
- Ramadan
The most common fast will be without any food, though you can still drink beverages. This option is typically best for beginners. Westerners are more likely to engage in a give up fast, where they don’t eat their favorite food. This is a sacrifice, placing religious conviction above hunger.
The Torah’s Prophet, Daniel, had a special fast that excluded meat, sweets, and grains. You can eat fruits, vegetables, and water during the Daniel fast. Every year, people of the Muslim faith fast during Ramadan from sunset to sunrise. This fast requires you to go without food or water. Of all the types of fasting, this is the most challenging.
Physical Fasting
Real fasts are intentional. You have plenty of food, but you intentionally are cutting back. Starving is not a true fast. Here are some of the primary benefits of physical fasting:
- Lose Weight
- Make Weight
- Remove Toxins
- Improve Metabolism
- Find True Hunger
- Fit Smaller Size
For those who are avid dieters, fasting is sometimes viewed as a way to jumpstart their weight loss. A good example is both boxers and wrestlers, who often fast to make weight before their big fights. Physical fasting might help you remove any toxins after a festive weekend of drinking and eating terrible foods. Many Americans might feel like fasting in January after more than a month of Thanksgiving and Christmas feasting.
Fasting could lead to a more efficient metabolism and may result in your stomach shrinking so smaller amounts of food satisfy your hunger. Some people eat to relieve stress. After fasting, you can determine what your true hunger is.
Spiritual Fasting
Fasting is an integral part of many religions. Throughout history, the most righteous people have fasted. The benefits of spiritual fasting include the following:
- Protection
- Reconnecting With God
- Empowerment
- Defeating Evil
Some armies fast before a big battle to give them protection. The carnal world is full of clutter. Fasting allows men to reconnect with God by clearing the mind and body, as men rearrange their priorities. Physical emotions, lusts, and hunger can lead to addiction. Fasting helps people regain control of their lives. And, supposedly certain evil spirits can only be defeated through fasting.
Enjoy Well-Balanced Meals Before & After
Learning how to fast safely includes eating well-balanced meals before and afterward. Remember to have a well-balanced meal prepared for after you break your fast.
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is one of the secrets to successful fasting. Your body needs water every 3 days, and food every 2 weeks. Therefore, short periods of fasting are the best plan. With intermittent fasting, you can gauge results without overdoing it.
Right Frame of Mind
Secrets of Highly Successful People include setting reachable goals. Safe fasting dovetails with this strategy nicely. During your fast, you should minimize exercise and stressful activity. Relaxation, meditation, and prayer can help you calm your body, mind, and spirits.
Special Circumstances
Babies, women and the disabled don’t need to fast. Each has special health circumstances. People must also end the fast if they suddenly feel very ill, sick or tired. Fasting could lead to certain fatigue. Some people might get headaches if they go without water. If these symptoms continue, then you should consider breaking your fast.