Fall Equinox is coming up very soon and some people fast, cleanse/detox their minds, bodies and spirits during this time. I won’t get into what the Fall Equinox is, but if you like to learn more, timeanddate.com explains it very well.
Fasting isn’t for everyone, but it is good for you. If you can fast for one day, you will feel a difference.
I was looking through one of my books and came across a list of benefits from fasting. You can find this list in Bragg Healthy Lifestyle: Vital Living to 120
Benefits from the Joys of Fasting
- Fasting renews your faith in yourself, your strength and God’s strength.
- Fasting is easier than any diet.
- Fasting is the quickest way to lose weight.
- Fasting is adaptable to a busy life.
- Fasting gives the body a physiological rest.
- Fasting is used successfully in the treatment of many physical illnesses.
- Fasting can yield weight losses of up to 10 pounds or more in the first week.
- Fasting lowers and normalizes cholesterol, homocysteine and blood pressure levels.
- Fasting improves dietary habits.
- Fasting increases pleasure eating healthy foods.
- Fasting is a calming experience, often relieving tension and insomnia.
- Fasting frequently induces feelings of euphoria, a natural high.
- Fasting is a miracle rejuvenator, slowing the ageing process.
- Fasting is a natural stimulant to rejuvenate the growth hormone levels.
- Fasting is an energizer, not a debilitator.
- Fasting aids the elimination process.
- Fasting often results in a more vigorous marital relationship.
- Fasting can eliminate smoking, drug and drinking addictions.
- Fasting is a regulator, educating the body to consume food only as needed.
- Fasting saves time spent marketing, preparing and eating.
- Fasting rids the body of toxins, giving it an internal shower and cleansing.
- Fasting does not deprive the body of essential nutrients.
- Fasting can be used to uncover the sources of food allergies.
- Fasting is used effectively in schizophrenia treatment and other mental illnesses.
- Fasting under proper supervision can be tolerated easily up to four weeks.
- Fasting does not accumulate appetite; hunger pangs disappear in 1-2 days.
- Fasting is a routine for most of the animal kingdom.
- Fasting has been a common practice since the beginning of man’s existence.
- Fasting is a rite in all religions; the Bible alone has 74 references to fasting.
- Fasting under proper conditions is absolutely safe.
- Fasting is a blessing.
- Fasting is a way of life – Allan Cott, MD
- Fasting is not starving, it’s nature’s cure that God has given us. – Patricia Bragg
Discussion: Have you ever fasted? Are you doing any type of fasting, cleansing/detoxing for the September Equinox?
Evelyn’s Response: Yes, I have and I usually fast 1-2 times a week. I am thinking about it, but don’t know what I’ll be doing. I’ll keep you posted.
Image: Chaiwat / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I just fasted in August for 30 Days. First Ramadan experience…chronicled it in 30 Days of Ramadan posts. I agree that fasting brings all the things you mentioned above.
Wow, that’s great! I’ll check your your chronicle.
Thanks for stopping by!
Evelyn
Evelyn, you’ve made that list look so good that I want to fast.
I’ve been trying to not eat 5 hours before sleep ( I guess it is a small dose of fasting, because I go to bed very hungry ). This has been working really good for me, because in the morning I feel very light. I am not sure If I can do it for longer periods of time, because I workout intensively and do need a lot of energy.
Hi Tatianna,
That’s great! It is a good practice because your digestive system is not working while you’re sleeping. I bet you not only feel light when you rise in the morning, but you also feel very well rested.
I totally understand your needing the energy to work out. You should always do what works best for you. 😉
Have a wonderful week!
Evelyn
Wow, Evelyn. I had no idea that fasting has so many health benefits. Encouraging posts. Thanks
Hi Jupitor,
Thanks for stopping by! 😉
I have a cousin who fasts as part of a regular cleansing regiment. She swears by the theory. Hubby has high blood pressure which prompted me to look into fasting a bit more. I think it a beneficial practice but have yet to try it myself. Of course with out my testimony he’s not yet convinced it will help.
Hi Kathy,
Give it a try. Start off slow and work your way to what works best for you. 😉
Thanks for chiming in!
I don’t personally like fasting because I usually take everything to the extreme. If fasting instructions require five days then I will push for seven. You don’t specify but I assume that you’re talking about strict fasting which means no food just water for a certain period of time. I was reading just today about juice fasting which is more appropriate in my opinion. It involves getting all your nutrients from juices made with fruits and vegetables. Do you think that could be something you could try?
Hi Laura,
I hear you!
The information is geared toward water fasting, but not limited to only water fasting. I usually water fast 1-2 times a week and I have done a 5 day water fast, but that is as long as I have gone. Any longer than that for me is not good.
Whenever I do cleanses/fasts for longer periods of time, I do not fast with water only. Here are some of the different fasts or cleanses that I have done in the past – The Master Cleanse, Juice, Green Smoothies, Herbal Cleanses along with Raw Foods, Raw Food for 21 days or more, and the Daniel Fast.
Juice fasting is good. It actually slows down the detox symptoms. So it is more ideal for longer fasts.
Thanks for chiming in!
Evelyn