A Comprehensive Guide to Effective Fasting: Benefits & Methods

Fasting is abstaining from food or any other specific activity for health, religious or spiritual purposes for short periods of time. Though some people fast to lose weight, a fast can also be conducted for reasons of spiritual enlightenment, detoxification of the human body or so that people can gain liberation from food or other enslaving activities in their lives.

Things You'll Need

• Water, preferably distilled

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Instructions

Preparation

• 1

  Plan your fast at least a week before. This will give you mental preparation. The right mindset is the key to an effective fast.

• 2

  Come up with a time limit for your fast. You are aiming for control, not starvation.

• 3

  Start eating less gradually -- before your intended fast start date -- to ready your body for the fast. Avoid sugar and fatty foods.

• 4

  Train yourself by drinking lots of water before you start. This will help you to prepare for fasting, especially if your fast will last for a few days.

Fasting

• 5

  Stay hydrated by drinking water. If you feel hungry during your fast, train yourself to drink water, because the body's signal for thirst and hunger are the same.

• 6

  Set a time to meditate or pray to avoid dwelling on your hunger. Perform relaxing activities, such as yoga or walking outside.

• 7

  Abstain from other vices. It is not only food that you are taking a break from, but other activities you do excessively such as watching TV or using the computer.