Fasting

I am anticipating creating immediate opposition, but that's part of why I feel like I need to start this topic.  Because "fasting" - something potentially beneficial - seems to be synonymous with evil on C-C.

Let me explain what I mean by fasting:

A short (5-day) fast on water, soup or juice during which the primary goal is not weight loss, but overcoming cravings for/addictions to sugar, heavily processed foods, etc., starting anew on better habits, and giving the digestive system a break.  This may or may not be accompanied by light activity (such as walking, and based on the individual) and would almost always take place during a reduction in stressful activities / normal work and increased spiritual awareness/contemplation/relaxation.

I DO NOT mean starving for a long period of time to lose weight.  I am not talking about anorexia or anything similar to it.  I am not promoting any of these nor do I claim fasting is beneficial for everyone and always leads to weight loss or is a good strategy to lose weight in itself.

But it certainly doesn't harm everyone either, and I believe that such a fast can actually do most people a lot of good, as part of a weight loss program or not.  Overcoming cravings and resting the digestive system do however have plenty to do with health and nutrition, and by default weight loss.

Having tried it myself (and successfully gotten back into eating without problems), I think a well-placed fast was just what I needed at the time in order to make it easier to eat healthfully.  In fact, a few years ago I tried to fast for a holiday and didn't last 12 hours...I think perhaps that's more indicative that's something's wrong than anything else, and that fasting can sometimes correct certain minor health problems.

Of course, I see the dangers of fasting.  People try to fast too often or compensate for going over calorie allowances, etc. and weaken themselves, but that doesn't mean we can't talk about how it might be beneficial.  If we are so worried about people who abuse such information, we may be bypassing something actually worthy of note.  Fasting 2-4 times a year, from what I've read on both sides, would not be harmful for most people.

My point: Everyone is different, and that's why I think fasting need not be something terrible or suspect to be immediately denounced.  In fact, I'd argue that a lot of people who never would have considered fasting for the short, recommended period of time would greatly appreciate it.

I am curious as to what other people have to say about this, but I hope people don't ignore half of my post and attack me personally for it.  

I also acknowledge that people have medical conditions that prevent them from fasting whatsoever.  I think I implicitly included that in my post.

Thumbs up. Those're my views on fasting, too. Very well said. I have nothing really to add!

As a Baha'i I have a fast every year - no food or water from sunrise to sundown, for 19 days.  It's hard, but great since it's mostly for spiritual purposes.  I've always heard of the cleansing benefits, too.

As to food fasting - a fruit and veg fast must be much less drastic on the body, but just as detoxifying.  ???  More nutrients.  Still a cleansing shock. 

My 2 cents, worth.  Z

I agree there's a definite difference between fasting and starving.  The problem I think is that people are afraid the former will go on too long and merge into the latter.

But a lot of people do it for religious reasons all the time and are perfectly healthy.

I started fasting with my mom every summer since high school.  Personally I find it helps put my "food relationships" in prespective--plus it gives me loads of energy!

These are some great positive responses - I definitely wasn't expecting that!   :)

Though I've never fasted with other people, mostly due to lack of interest from anyone I know, that seems like the way to go, especially to give it a deeper meaning beyond food. 

And as far as "detoxing" goes, I think a lot of people as well as health food businesses of varying quality throw the term around and tend to explain everything with the word (even signs they aren't doing something right or harming themselves), which is why I generally avoid it, but it's also something I'd like to know more about.  I tend not to trust a lot of what's written about it and stick to experience.  It seems to me though that getting some juice or raw food with fiber would help with the inner cleansing effects more than a water fast...though I tend to like water fasts or teas so that I don't feel any cravings whatsoever.

I also think the system of eating once per day (periodic fasting) or only during certain times (perhaps how it is with most religious fasts) is interesting as a fasting possibility, but that that must be harder as the cravings likely don't go away.

ok...soooo.... I dont really have an opinion on this cuz I have never tried it but now this raises some questions for me...STARVATION MODE is the two words I probably see most on here and how horrible it is for you right? I have been "lectured" previously on eating under 1200 calories and all that fun stuff....so I am just wondering if starvation mode is so bad then why do certain religions and other beliefs promote fasting? I would think if it was so bad they wouldnt right? I dont intentionally eat under 1200, just some days it happens and everyone scares me with starvation stuff...so now I am wondering if you can fast for short periods of time for all the reasons stated in the first post (cleansing etc..) and not worry about the horrible things that will happen to you with those two famous words...

I hope that made sense, it was hard to explain!

You call 5 days a "short" fast?  Five days is pretty extreme, even to the fasting enthusiasts.  If you want to fast, then fast, but I wouldn't recommend your version of a short fast.  Me, I stopped my sugar and processed food habit by not eating them and making healthier choices.  It took about 7 days for me to get used to the new plan, and I didn't have to fast at all.  After 7 days of eating healthier, I was feeling better and had tons of energy.  As for detoxing, healthy food and plenty of complex carbs seem to have done well.  I don't see the need to fast, only eat better in the first place.  I think if people want to fast, then they should do so, but I find that I can reap all the benefits of fasting by simply eating healthy food.  Many folks use fasting as a badly justified reason to cut their calories way too low in order to try to lose weight fast.  So when I see posts promoting fasting, it always worries me a little.  I know that it's your right to post whatever you feel, and I agree with that right.  I just worry about all our teenage ana girls.

I think I agree with you plaidpooka. this post made me want to ask questions, but for me personally I couldnt fast. I think just changing your eating habits is the way to go. I was very ill a couple of years ago and basically was on a liquid diet for about three months. Yay it was great when I was better and lost about 70 pounds, but guess what? I would say within 1 month I gained every ounce of it back + some. I was even eating pretty healthy but my body needed the food. I dont know I dont think it is a good thing I guess is what I am trying to say.

I am totally for fasting - i hear it gets rid of allergies, cleans the system of built up toxins and repairs your organs to help them work properly!!  i've done it and my body works better than ever!!