Webster’s dictionary defines fast as : 1) to abstain from food 2) to eat sparingly or abstain from some foods 3) the practice of fasting 4) a time of fasting.

Fasting can be a good thing~ sometimes our bodies get too bogged down with rich foods of the Standard American Diet (SAD).  It is good to eliminate or refrain from eating some foods for a while to let your body cleanse itself.  Some foods like meats, dairy, all the creamy foods, high sugar content foods, candy, soda pop etc. are culprits in “bogging” down our systems and making us feel bloated, irritable, depressed or yucky.  If you find yourself feeling much better, lighter, or having more energy after your fast, you may want to “listen to your body” and feed it only real foods. You may find you are no longer “SAD” but you will be GLAD you listened! 🙂

There are many different ways to fast ~

1.   Water Fast- With a water fast, you drink only water. It can be for a partial day or full day, but unless you are medically healthy, do not try this for longer. Be wise and safe about this!

2.   Juice Fast- This can include juicing any fruits or vegetables or making smoothies. You may get a lot of natural sugar from the fruits, so go easy on these. You do not need a sugar spike and then crash later! Include things like chia seeds for fiber, protein and something that swells to make you stay full longer.

3.    The Daniel Fast – (click to go to the official website) – is refraining from meats and wine (or alcoholic beverages).  This is mainly eating fruits and vegetables such as the vegan diet.  Dan 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s dainties, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Dan 1:12 “Test your servants, I beg you, ten days; and let them give us vegetables to eat, and water to drink.  

4.    Social Media fast – This is something that just came to mind this morning as I was preparing to write this.  Too often we get bogged down by all the emails, pops, pings, hits, messages and tweets that are constantly “blowing up our phones” or computers. It is healthy to fast from social media once a week (or more) to allow yourself some time to breathe, relax and smell the flowers! 🙂

There are many references in Scripture to fasting. Do a search sometime. Fasting is a Biblical thing to do as long as we are not doing it just to gain public attention. Matt 6:16  “Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. Fasting from certain foods and spending time in prayer is found in many verses. It is viewed as a time of cleansing the body as well as the soul and it can renew your spirit as you become more in tune to what Father may be telling you.  Luke 5:33-35 They said to him, “Why do John’s disciples often fast and pray, likewise also the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink?” He said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them. Then they will fast in those days.”  Matt 26:41 Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 

Look at the motives of why you want to fast. Be wise in choosing the length of time.

There are some down sides to fasting. Understand that if you are pregnant, have diabetes or low blood sugar issues or are on medication that needs to be taken with food, ask your doctor or nutritionist before you go on the fast. Others that should not fast are those who are malnourished, elderly, weak, those on dialysis or struggle with anorexia or bulimia. Young children should not do a fast as they may not understand the benefit of it. Get in touch with a nutritionist or health coach to help guide you in the right direction.

Lastly, spend some time in nature… away from social media and everything bogging you down.

Be blessed, be strong and be positive,

~Coach Shannon

Resources:

1. The Holy Bible
2. Healthy Fasting