Intermittent fasting, juice fasting, short term fasting, and long term fasting have always had something in common for me, and that is that they sound scary. Don’t get me wrong, I have fasted before. That was a long time ago, and I am afraid to go back. I love food. A lot of my day is spent thinking about what meal is coming up next, and what I am going to eat. Part of this is because I am a mother, and it makes me less stressed to know what meals I will be preparing. Part of it is because I have always loved food, and because of it, I have always struggled with weight issues. I have decided to join a group study of the book: The Lord’s Table. With this book there is an eating plan, and in that eating plan there is fasting. Here are some of the different types of fasting, and the benefits of each.
Intermittent Fasting – This type of fasting is usually for certain parts of the day, or reduced food on certain days of the week. This can be done to try and lose weight, or to aim for a healthy lifestyle. Just denying your body food is not a great weight loss tool, because the weight comes right back when you eat again. The only way that this effective in any way to get healthy is alongside of a healthier diet filled with more whole foods, and less processed junk. No matter what type of fasting that is chosen, it is extremely important to drink a lot of water.
Liquid Fasting – When someone chooses to only drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices, tea, and broth that is an example of a liquid fast. The benefits that may be included by choosing a day or a few days a month to only have liquids includes detoxing, clearing up skin, improving organ function, and possible weight loss over time.
Long Term Fasting – Long term fasting often refers to 24-36 hours, though some have fasted even longer. When fasting for a day or two, the body begins to burn fat which can cleanse the body of toxins that are stored there. The effects of long term fasting are debatable, yet the benefits that have been suggested by health professionals include repairing of the immune system, improving alzheimer’s symptoms, detoxifying the body, repairing cells, lowering insulin levels and a possible longer life. This type of fasting is referred to in many cultures, as well as religious books over thousands of years. So alongside the health benefits, are spiritual ones as well.
Fasting should not be used as a method in which to lose weight. However, it can be incorporated as part of a healthy lifestyle in general. Since writing the first paragraph I have fasted a couple of times, and it is no longer as scary. I know that I can do it. My family may mostly eat leftovers on those days so that I don’t have to cook, but I know that I can do it (with God’s help). Knowing that I can do it feels great, just like knowing the benefits of fasting feels great. One overall benefit from fasting, is self-control. You can control your food instead of allowing food to control you.
Sources Include:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/is_fasting_healthy#1
https://www.livestrong.com/article/446251-what-are-the-benefits-of-a-liquid-fast/
Great read! Thanks for sharing!
I recently read another article on the benefits of fasting a couple of times a week. It was referring to an 18 hour fast where you don’t eat right when you get up and talked about the benefits, some of which you mentioned.
I fast once a month and sometimes get low blood sugar when I do. It is important to listen to your body, such as light headless or a headache may be telling you to eat.
Good luck with continuing to improve your health. It is something we can all work on.
I get tired, and kind of lightheaded so I just make sure that I have the opportunity to rest on a fast day when needed. I do usually take a nap on fast days!
Thanks for the info. I too struggle with my weight and have tried a bunch of things.