How to fast
What is Fasting?
According to the Oxford Dictionary the noun Fast means to Abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance. Wikipedia defines fasting as Fasting is a willing abstinence or reduction from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast (dry fasting) is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a period of 24 hours, or a number of days.
In the contemporary world, science and all major religions now agree on the importance of fasting.
Fasting is an effective way of training your willpower. It is training your mind and body to do what you want as opposed to following your habits. You are consciously choosing not to eat – even if you feel hungry – for something else. You can donate the fund to the needy, you can meditate, you can be more generous to those in need.
Why is Fasting?
“To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals.” – Benjamin Franklin
Most people practiced fasting due to religious dictate and some do it because of health benefits. Science and contemporary scientists have began recommending fasting for its health benefits as more research proofs the health benefits of this practice.
According to Benjamin P. Hardy. There are several benefits of fasting
- Fasting is a useful and effective tool in weigh loss and obesity – combined with healthy diet and exercise.
- Fasting builds your willpower. If you master fasting then your can be able to control your other aspects of your life. Make better decision and dissipate the craving for nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and other drugs.
- Fasting gives your cells and digestive systems time to repair.
- Fasting lowers blood pressure naturally without drugs.
Religion and fasting
Islam: Fasting is the third of the Five Pillars of Islam and involves fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, which is probably the most notable time for fasting among Muslims.
Christianity: Jesus Christ fasted for 40 days, before he was tempted. This helps a Christian to focus on their relationship with God as opposed to things of this world. You can read more on True and Fast fasting at Isaiah 58: ==> Fasting should go hand in hand with justice, sharing with those in need and hungry and the homeless.
How to fast?
The final gist of this blog is about how to fast. How to get the most out of fast. Most researchers recommend intermittent fasting, where you eat within a 9 -12 hours window. Say if you have your first meal at 8: 15 am, then you last meal must be at 6:15 pm.
You can make the practice of fasting into your routine, where you can fast once a week. This way you will make fasting a habit and it will happen automatically.
Happy Ramadan to our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world.
- Define fast (the Noun) https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/fast
- Benjamin Franklin quote https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/benjaminfr379644.html
- James Clear’s guide on intermittent fasting.
Intermittent fasting is not a form of starvation but a way for you to time your meals to maximize your body’s ability to burn fat. Embed this infographic on your site to serve as a guide for you to create a healthy eating plan, and reap the many benefits of fasting done the right way. Use the embed code to share it on your website or visit our infographic page for the high-res version.
<img src="http://media.mercola.com/assets/images/infographic/intermittent-fasting.jpg" alt="Intermittent Fasting" border="0" style="max-width:100%; min-width:300px; margin: 0 auto 20px auto; display:block;"><p style="max-width:800px; min-width:300px; margin:0 auto; text-align:center;">"<a href="http://www.mercola.com/infographics/intermittent-fasting.htm">Intermittent fasting</a>" is not a form of starvation but a way for you to time your meals to maximize your body's ability to burn fat. Embed this infographic on your site to serve as a guide for you to create a healthy eating plan, and reap the many benefits of fasting done the right way. Visit our infographic page for the high-res version.</p>
