Fasting Directions

People fast for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways. Some fast for religious reasons, others as a way of marking a change in life, and still others for the purported health benefits of fasting. Know your own reason for fasting, and use your fast as a chance to find your center and come out a clearer, more grounded you.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Juice
• Food

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Get a checkup. People with severe or life-threatening diseases, such as AIDS, cancer or diabetes, generally should not fast or should do so only under close medical supervision. Other health problems may require you to avoid fasting or to choose a less severe fast. Discuss fasting with your doctor to make sure that your health is up to it.

• 2

  Start with a "test" fast. Restrict yourself to water for 1 day or for just the morning. If you have never fasted before, this can help you prepare for it before you start a full fast.

• 3

  Decide what sort of fast you want. A complete, no-water fast is the most severe sort, but it should be done only for 1 day, at the most. A water-only fast is difficult but much more healthy than a no-water fast. In a juice-only fast, you can have fruit and vegetable juices, as well as water, but no solid food. This is the easiest sort of fast.

• 4

  Decide on the length of your fast. For a first-time fast, 24 to 48 hours is a good length.

• 5

  Remove temptations from your house. Get rid of your favorite snack foods, and put other foods away where you won't see them. If you live alone, you may want to clear out your refrigerator entirely.

• 6

  Fast on a day when you have no social or work obligations. Avoid excessive physical exertion. Make time to be by yourself and really enjoy your fast.

• 7

  Be introspective. If you are spiritually inclined, pray or meditate for an hour or two. If you love the outdoors, take a gentle walk and delight in the beauty of nature. If you enjoy keeping a journal, reflect on your fast, your life and anything else that seems important at the time.

• 8

  Break your fast gently. If you have been fasting for a day or two, have a simple, healthy meal, recommends HowtoFast.net. If you have been fasting for 3 or more days (particularly if you have been on a water-only fast), break your fast with thin soup or broth. Avoid the temptation to scarf. Slowly reintroduce yourself to eating.