Water Fasting...What's your experience?
Replies
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Intermittent fasting can be very helpful to weight loss. Many studies show that it can have powerful effects on your body and brain, and may even help you live longer.
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There are reasons that lots of the world's spiritual traditions and religions incorporate fasting. Short-term fasts can be useful in a spiritual sense to help you do things like focus your intentions on a specific goal or problem in your life. If you approach it as a mental break or reset, you might find it useful for your life. Physically, though, it won't do anything in the long term. Our bodies are much tougher and much more flexible than we give them credit for.
Keep in mind that fasting during summer is more taxing that fasting during other seasons, so pick a day when you can take it relatively easy. Don't go run around outside in full sun. You might also want to incorporate some salts or electrolytes into your water.4 -
stanmann571 wrote: »If you're doing a 24-48 hour water fast for spiritual/psychological benefit. Be purposeful and deliberate.
Prepare yourself physically and mentally. If caffeine is an issue, deal with that in the days previous to the fast.
During the fast, take the time you would normally have spent preparing and eating your meals to devote to some other purpose, Pray, meditate, etc.
That is in my opinion one major benefit of the fasting period, the extra time to put towards self growth or spiritual growth.
Afterwards, set aside time to reflect on how you felt before, during, and after. If a "reset" is what you're looking for. take advantage of the experience to reset.
Above all, remember, it's a discipline, not a punishment.
This ^0 -
When I was in college in the 80's my roommate and I did this fad diet thing where we fasted three days a week and ate normally the other four (I think we drank water and juice). We lost weight...while we were doing it. Gained it back when we started eating 7 days a week though. I don't recall any ill effects, other than being hungry. It didn't last long though, because - food. Would I do it again? No. Because - food... and of course, any loss doesn't last.4
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stanmann571 wrote: »If you're doing a 24-48 hour water fast for spiritual/psychological benefit. Be purposeful and deliberate.
Prepare yourself physically and mentally. If caffeine is an issue, deal with that in the days previous to the fast.
During the fast, take the time you would normally have spent preparing and eating your meals to devote to some other purpose, Pray, meditate, etc.
That is in my opinion one major benefit of the fasting period, the extra time to put towards self growth or spiritual growth.
Afterwards, set aside time to reflect on how you felt before, during, and after. If a "reset" is what you're looking for. take advantage of the experience to reset.
Above all, remember, it's a discipline, not a punishment.
This is such a well-articulated, thoughtful response! I personally don't water fast, but I understand the desire for a deliberate, sort of radical, event to inspire reflection and denote a change.3 -
doggerland wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »If you're doing a 24-48 hour water fast for spiritual/psychological benefit. Be purposeful and deliberate.
Prepare yourself physically and mentally. If caffeine is an issue, deal with that in the days previous to the fast.
During the fast, take the time you would normally have spent preparing and eating your meals to devote to some other purpose, Pray, meditate, etc.
That is in my opinion one major benefit of the fasting period, the extra time to put towards self growth or spiritual growth.
Afterwards, set aside time to reflect on how you felt before, during, and after. If a "reset" is what you're looking for. take advantage of the experience to reset.
Above all, remember, it's a discipline, not a punishment.
This is such a well-articulated, thoughtful response! I personally don't water fast, but I understand the desire for a deliberate, sort of radical, event to inspire reflection and denote a change.
I agree (with you and with @stanmann571 post), but OP specifically stated she wanted to do it as a detox, because a friend said a water fast helped her detox her system which made living a healthier lifestyle easier. And OP has already radically changed her diet. I get that fasting can be a spiritual tool (though one that would not work for me because hangry LOL) but nothing OP has said would suggest this is her goal.3 -
awildwomanatheart wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.
If you have healthy kidneys and a healthy liver, you do not need to reset or detox, and you're buying into the bs the diet/health industry is selling you. You ARE following trends.7 -
ashliedelgado wrote: »awildwomanatheart wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.
If you have healthy kidneys and a healthy liver, you do not need to reset or detox, and you're buying into the bs the diet/health industry is selling you. You ARE following trends.
Water fasting is not a trend.5 -
I don't think this will get the support or answers you are looking for when most people are on health and fitness lifestyles which is usually the opposite of fasting. Spiritual groups might be more your thing for advice and support since those are the types who tend to do things like that.2
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RAD_Fitness wrote: »ashliedelgado wrote: »awildwomanatheart wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.
If you have healthy kidneys and a healthy liver, you do not need to reset or detox, and you're buying into the bs the diet/health industry is selling you. You ARE following trends.
Water fasting is not a trend.
"detoxing" and "resetting" are trends that are fed to us by the diet industry. Again, barring health issues, the body does all the detoxing it needs on its own and doesn't need help.10 -
awildwomanatheart wrote: »Hi Everyone,
So recently I've been researching water fasting. Not just for my health, but I also feel very drawn to it for other personal reasons as well. An overall reset lets say. I was just wondering if anyone here has ever done one, and if so, what was your experience? In addition:
How long did you fast for?
What were your pros/cons?
Overall, how did you feel during and after it?
Would you do it again, why or why not?
Just hoping to gain some insight, so that I can make a well informed decision. Thanks so much. I hope you all are having a great day and your journey is awesomedoggerland wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »If you're doing a 24-48 hour water fast for spiritual/psychological benefit. Be purposeful and deliberate.
Prepare yourself physically and mentally. If caffeine is an issue, deal with that in the days previous to the fast.
During the fast, take the time you would normally have spent preparing and eating your meals to devote to some other purpose, Pray, meditate, etc.
That is in my opinion one major benefit of the fasting period, the extra time to put towards self growth or spiritual growth.
Afterwards, set aside time to reflect on how you felt before, during, and after. If a "reset" is what you're looking for. take advantage of the experience to reset.
Above all, remember, it's a discipline, not a punishment.
This is such a well-articulated, thoughtful response! I personally don't water fast, but I understand the desire for a deliberate, sort of radical, event to inspire reflection and denote a change.
I agree (with you and with @stanmann571 post), but OP specifically stated she wanted to do it as a detox, because a friend said a water fast helped her detox her system which made living a healthier lifestyle easier. And OP has already radically changed her diet. I get that fasting can be a spiritual tool (though one that would not work for me because hangry LOL) but nothing OP has said would suggest this is her goal.
Nothing there about detox.0 -
ashliedelgado wrote: »RAD_Fitness wrote: »ashliedelgado wrote: »awildwomanatheart wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.
If you have healthy kidneys and a healthy liver, you do not need to reset or detox, and you're buying into the bs the diet/health industry is selling you. You ARE following trends.
Water fasting is not a trend.
"detoxing" and "resetting" are trends that are fed to us by the diet industry. Again, barring health issues, the body does all the detoxing it needs on its own and doesn't need help.
Yes, but water fasting is something 99% of world religions have done for millennia.1 -
awildwomanatheart wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.
Her initial interest was sparked by people who used it to "detox and reset their systems".2 -
Edited because double post.0
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stanmann571 wrote: »ashliedelgado wrote: »RAD_Fitness wrote: »ashliedelgado wrote: »awildwomanatheart wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.
If you have healthy kidneys and a healthy liver, you do not need to reset or detox, and you're buying into the bs the diet/health industry is selling you. You ARE following trends.
Water fasting is not a trend.
"detoxing" and "resetting" are trends that are fed to us by the diet industry. Again, barring health issues, the body does all the detoxing it needs on its own and doesn't need help.
Yes, but water fasting is something 99% of world religions have done for millennia.
Yes, for spiritual reasons. And if OP is interested for spiritual reasons, then rock on.
Merely pointing out, that barring health concerns, there is no need to detox, and the concept of detoxing is a trend sold to us by the diet industry.5 -
stanmann571 wrote: »ashliedelgado wrote: »RAD_Fitness wrote: »ashliedelgado wrote: »awildwomanatheart wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.
If you have healthy kidneys and a healthy liver, you do not need to reset or detox, and you're buying into the bs the diet/health industry is selling you. You ARE following trends.
Water fasting is not a trend.
"detoxing" and "resetting" are trends that are fed to us by the diet industry. Again, barring health issues, the body does all the detoxing it needs on its own and doesn't need help.
Yes, but water fasting is something 99% of world religions have done for millennia.
This is why I think she'd have better luck contacting those avenues than a health and fitness minded website.
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awildwomanatheart wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.
@stanmann571 She posted this later in the thread. So I guess mixed messages.2 -
Just to clarify...my other personal interests do involve my own spirituality, and I've actually had the idea in my mind for a couple months. However, it was most recently brought more forefront by friends of mine sharing their experiences. I apologize for not being more clear. I used the words detox and reset because that's what they used to explain their process and how it made them feel personally overall. Physically and spiritually. Again, I appreciate all the insight. Hope everyone has a good day.5
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Intermittent fasting can be very helpful to weight loss. Many studies show that it can have powerful effects on your body and brain, and may even help you live longer.
Intermittent fasting is not the subject of the thread.
It is helpful for some, but because it helps reduce calories/keep a deficit.1 -
RAD_Fitness wrote: »ashliedelgado wrote: »awildwomanatheart wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.
If you have healthy kidneys and a healthy liver, you do not need to reset or detox, and you're buying into the bs the diet/health industry is selling you. You ARE following trends.
Water fasting is not a trend.
Generally calling it "water fasting" and saying you want to do it for "detox" indicates trend indeed.
My religious tradition is big on fasting, but the current excitement about "water fasting" on weight loss sites is different and is because some fad diets, detoxes, and gurus are pushing it, probably.
Also, I thought stanman's post was great.6 -
awildwomanatheart wrote: »Just to clarify...my other personal interests do involve my own spirituality, and I've actually had the idea in my mind for a couple months. However, it was most recently brought more forefront by friends of mine sharing their experiences. I apologize for not being more clear. I used the words detox and reset because that's what they used to explain their process and how it made them feel personally overall. Physically and spiritually. Again, I appreciate all the insight. Hope everyone has a good day.
Excellent, and I wish you luck on this. This community may not be the best for insight on this topic.5 -
Intermittent fasting (up to two non-consecutive days per week) has been shown to improve brain function and ward off the brain deposits that accompany altzheimers. Like anything, you should ease into it a little at a time, so going five days without any food is not a good idea. Here is the article about the studies being done on fasting from Johns Hopkins University. http://www.johnshopkinshealthreview.com/issues/spring-summer-2016/articles/are-there-any-proven-benefits-to-fasting4
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Once I did a fast for 24 hours for a fundraiser. Was hell1
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Has the OP ever stated the length of the fast? There's really nothing unhealthy about going 24-36 hours without eating5
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If you want to fast for spiritual benefit, you do it for that. Not for weight loss, not for some kind of mythical "system reset."
Several religious groups in the US have issued a call to a monthly fast to respond to efforts to cut anti-poverty programs. Many people are responding positively. But to try to turn that into "how much weight can I lose?" seems to miss the point of spiritual fasting.How do we fast? We are calling for prayer, fasting, and advocacy. Fasting is an effort to clear our bodies, our hearts, and our minds from the distractions around us so that we may draw closer to God. Fasting from food is one option that many will choose. But we invite people to take on the discipline of self-denial, which will help them rely more fully on God. Some may fast from technology, social media, or television.3 -
If you are otherwise healthy, then a fast for a couple of days probably won't cause any long term, serious damage. Make sure you have a Dr,s ok first, because you don't want to have a low insulin reaction or pass out from hypoglycemia, or low blood pressure. They are done for religious reasons all the time, largely because it is a sacrifice that the majority of people can do without a ton of preparation or destroying thier life.
However, for health and diet reasons, as has been pointed out, there is no real benefit, and several possible adverse affects. So it is probably not worth the extra effort and discomfort.1 -
Has the OP ever stated the length of the fast? There's really nothing unhealthy about going 24-36 hours without eating
That was the first thing I asked her.
Agree no health issue with an occasional 24-36 hour fast. (24 is really just basically OMAD, as someone else mentioned.)
Worth understanding it's not a great weightloss strategy (well, OMAD can be, but would not usually be called water fasting) and doesn't detox you. Whether it has spiritual benefits depends on the person and how it is approached, so it certainly could be worthwhile for that, IMO, but then I wouldn't focus on it in a diet context.1 -
awildwomanatheart wrote: »nomorepuke wrote: »A post like this shows desperation. I know it's hard. But there's no easier or softer way. Trying to lose weight is a *kitten*. But such is life. If you want to reach your goal, eat appropriately and exercise. Do not harm your body just because some scam artist says a miracle. I agree with the girl above. Unless you're under doctor's close supervision, do not do this for your own sake.
I'm sorry if you feel that way, but I can assure you that in no way, shape, or form am I "desperate". Haha. In all seriousness, it would be absolutely absurd to believe all the weight I want to lose will just drop overnight or with even one fast. Trust me when I say that I am well aware of that fact. I actually find it quite sad that people, such as yourself, would feel inclined to make such assumptions about someone they don't even know. It just goes to prove that it doesn't matter what you post or how you post it, every one will look at it and you in their own way. Alas, to each their own. I appreciate your concern, I do. I'm not following some guru, or trend, I was legitimately asking for the experience of others on such a topic to indeed get all the facts. To be well informed. I have known some individuals who have fasted for both health and spiritual reasons, done properly, they came out of it in a much better state of being than before and still are. So my post wasn't to be "desperate" or ridiculous, I was sincerely just asking for others experiences and thoughts on the matter. If its not your thing, that's fine. Don't agree with it, that's fine too. Personally I haven't made up my mind yet on the subject, hence why I like to research things thoroughly. I can see that the majority of opinion is not for it, thank you for your insights. Hope everyone has a good evening.
You're asking about it on a weight-loss forum, folks are going to think you're doing it for weight-loss purposes, not for religious or spiritual reasons, which is how people responded. MFP has guidelines against advising VLCD (very low calorie diets), which a week's water fast would seem to be. You're not likely to find a lot of encouragement for it here.
I had several students this year who were observing Ramadan pass out during the course of the day. And they ate before sunrise. Though they also can't drink anything during the day, either.9 -
awildwomanatheart wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.
The benefits of a "reset" are purely psychological. There is nothing that happens in a biochemical way to "reset" your body due to a water fast or any other kind of alleged "jump start."2
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