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How to Fast

Preparing your body, mind, and life for a fast is very important. As the Lord directs you, you may want to mark your calendar and rearrange your schedule as needed. You may also want to consult a physician before embarking on a fast, especially an extended fast.

During the first hours and days of a fast, the first and most severe pain comes as headaches due to withdrawal from caffeine and other toxins. Our body also experiences hunger pains. When you deprive your body of food, your stomach sends panic signals to the brain. You may feel discomfort as your stomach shrinks, feel groggy and want to rest, and ache or feel weak because of changing blood sugars and electrolyte shifts.

When you begin to fast, and your body begins the detoxification process, your tongue will usually become coated with a thick white substance, and your breath may smell bad. However, as your body moves into ketosis, where the fat storage is being broken down as an energy supply, your breath will usually turn sweet. At this point, you will also have more energy.

If you are on a normal, extended, or partial fast, be sure to drink large amounts of water each day. Note that in the winter, your body temperature will be lower than normal; use sweaters, extra blankets, or even an electric blanket as needed. Physical exertion can be difficult during a fast. You may experience dizziness or weakness after lifting something heavy or feel the need to rest. Prepare by clearing your schedule if possible.

Breaking a fast is one of the most critical parts of fasting. The longer the fast, the longer you should take to break the fast. While psychologically, you may be ready to eat, physiologically, you need to take a gradual approach and not plunge into your old eating patterns. Continue to drink a lot of liquids; this will help your kidneys and other organs. You may also want to increase physical activity immediately before and during the time you are breaking the fast because your body’s metabolism has slowed to conserve fuel.

Fasting will be painful and discomforting at times. During the times when fasting hurts the worst, our inward despair is being expressed the most. We willingly embrace the pain for the gain of Christ’s presence and fullness.