Jason's Blog

People have been fasting for spiritual reasons for centuries. Below is some wisdom that I’ve collected that tells what happens to the body and how to get ready for a fast.

1. Just as it would not be wise to sign up for a marathon without having an extensive training period, it isn’t a great idea to try to do too much fasting too quickly. You might find that a partial fast is a good way to get started. Try a lunch to lunch fast (skipping dinner and breakfast).
2. Drink plenty of fluids during your fast—especially fruit juices. You might find non-sweetened and non-acidic juices to be the best. Tomato and orange juice are pretty hard on the stomach.
3. Don’t chew gum while fasting. Chewing activates the digestive process.
4. Any time that you break from a fast, do so with a light meal with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
5. If you’re taking things slow, two or three weeks preparation can ordinarily get the body ready for an all day fast.
6. When fasting over 24 hours, drink lots of water.
7. When you feel hunger pangs or discomfort, recognize that this is your body’s conditioning. You won’t die. I like how Richard Foster puts it, “in many ways the stomach is like a spoiled child and a spoiled child does not need indulgence, but needs discipline” (Celebration of Discipline, p. 57). Don’t give in to these pains. You’ll be surprised how they pass. Drink some water—that may be what your body is really craving at the moment.
8. In general, if you are in the habit of eating poorly, your body will complain more violently as you take on a 24 hour fast.
9. Before you begin, you need to decide how to handle tea and coffee if you avidly drink either of these products. Caffeine addiction has real side effects, but it is good to break through this chemical dependence.
10. If your family commitments will permit it, take the time that you would devote to eating to prayer and meditation.
11. Don’t call attention to the fact that you are fasting. As much as you can, go about your regular schedule. You may want to reduce some rigorous physical activity.
12. Once you’ve completed several 24 hour fasts, you’re ready for a 36 hour fast. After discipline and practice with 36 hours, you can pray and discern whether God is calling you to take on a longer 3-7 day fasts. The first 3 days of fasting are the worst in terms of body pain and discomfort. By day 4, most of these symptoms begin to subside.
13. When participating in a longer fast, sudden movements will promote dizziness.
14. Don’t be surprised by bad breath and/or a coating that appears on your tongue. This is your body getting rid of toxins.
15. There are lots of great resources now available. Consult them before taking on a 3-7 day fast. Check with your doctor, if you have any doubt about your health in approaching a fast.