FASTING SUGGESTIONS AND TIPS
- Start with a plan. Set a goal and make a vow to the Lord and have an accountability partner. (II Samuel 3:35)
- Consult your physician about fasting.
- Before beginning a fast, increase your water intake; begin cutting back on caffeine and sugar. Ease on and off a fast.
- Drink at least one gallon of water daily. While fasting, the body has more waste to get rid of. So, it is important to consume more water each day. Drinking water also reduces cravings. When you are thirsty, drink water immediately. For better tasting water, squeeze fresh lemon juice into your water.
- Drinking cranberry juice will help to flush the kidneys. Sodas and sugary drinks should be avoided. Abstain from fatty foods, caffeine, and sugar. Resist eating fried foods, fast foods, and lessen salt intake.
- Use mints or lemon to freshen your breath.
- Do not be alarmed if you experience normal temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness and anxiety.
- Physical discomforts are also common, especially mid-day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the "blahs." Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness or sleeplessness.
- If you feel faint or become ill, make adjustments to your fast and seek medical attention if necessary
Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician's supervision and or approval.
- Limit your activity. Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable.
- Rest as much as your schedule will permit.
- Make a deliberate increase in worship, prayer and study of the Word.
- Do not neglect your family while you fast.
- Generate family unity. Parents sit down with your children and have them lead devotion. Help your children choose to avoid fast foods, video games, or other types of foods or activities that they find most gratifying. Limit their use of electronic devices.
- As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. Howeverr, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.
Don’t give up!