Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Before you start fasting
• Part 2 of 3: During the fast
• Part 3 of 3: After breaking the fast
• Tips
• Warnings

Fasting is prescribed in many religions - abstaining from food and drink on certain days, such as fasting during the month of Ramadan or on Yom Kippur. Some people also voluntarily fast for various reasons. No matter what reason you want to fast, this article will help you fast.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Before you start fasting

1. 1 Start preparing for the fast ahead of time. Drink plenty of water. It is advisable to drink more than usual in order to provide the body with sufficient water. Also, reduce your intake of salty and sugary foods.
2. 2 Limit your caffeine intake. Beverages such as coffee, soda, energy drinks, and teas contain caffeine, which is addictive. Give up caffeine in advance, try to go without it for at least one day, and while fasting you will not have such unwanted symptoms as headaches.
3. 3 Limit your tobacco consumption. This is much more difficult than limiting your caffeine intake. If you are having trouble quitting cigarettes, talk to your doctor for a solution.
4. 4 Before fasting begins, eat carbohydrate-rich foods. With their help, your body will store the necessary energy, which is so necessary during fasting.
5. 5 Drink plenty of water the day before fasting. Train yourself to eat small meals, but before you start fasting, you can eat a large meal to provide nutrients. Examples of nutritious foods include granola, bread, eggs, pasta.
6. 6 Eat your fill before fasting, but do not overeat, otherwise you will quickly get hungry. Eat poultry and other carbohydrate-rich foods and drink plenty of water. Sports drinks that contain electrolytes, which are depleted during the fast, are good. However, don't overdo it.

Part 2 of 3: During the fast

1. 1 Do something (this can be both religious and secular). In case you are fasting for religious reasons, attend religious events, meet like-minded people, share experiences and knowledge. Try not to watch TV, as this will keep you thinking about food. It is also advisable to get some sleep during the day.
2. 2 Do not participate in active sports activities, as you will quickly get tired and feel very thirsty.
3. 3Whatever the reason for fasting, it is best to lie down and rest.

Part 3 of 3: After breaking the fast

1. 1 If after breaking the fast you attend a group prayer (taraweeh, tahajjud), take a bottle of water with you.
2. 2 Prepare food shortly before breaking the fast. As soon as it's time to break your fast, try to eat slowly so as not to overload your stomach. If you are fasting for a long period, such as several days, weeks, or months, drink water first, then start eating small meals of solid foods, gradually increasing the amount to your normal level. During a long period of abstinence from food, your digestive system begins to get used to the economy mode, so you need to slowly increase portions and in no case increase portions right away.
3. 3 Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body. Both water and sports drinks will work, as they will restore lost electrolytes.

Tips

• If you feel weak and unable to continue fasting, take a couple of sips of water and eat a small meal, depending on your religion. If you are a Jew, seek the advice of a reputable rabbi about what to do if you cannot fast, in which case, according to the scriptures, you must not interrupt your fast.
• It is not recommended to fast for more than 24 hours in a row, it is harmful to the body.unless there are specific reasons for that.

Warnings

• You should not fast if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
• Life is more important than fasting and many religions support it... If you start to feel weak, wild hunger or thirst - your strength is exhausted, drink some water, eat something and consult a doctor.