FOOD FAST

Fasting food is the original Biblical fast, and it’s a powerful way for us to prioritise and invest into our spiritual life by refraining from feeding our physical bodies.   

 There are different types of food fasts, and it’s important that if you do decide to forgo meals and regular eating, that it’s done carefully and wisely.  Food fasts generally work better for those who have occupations that don’t require a lot of physical exertion, but there are some people who shouldn’t do a food fast (eg if you’re pregnant, anemic, or have certain medical conditions).  [[You can read this guide that we’ve prepared for more information]]

A food fast is particularly effective as a fast because it deals right at the very core of the appetites and desires of our bodies.  There can be a real fight to bring our bodies under the leadership of our spirit while fasting, but there’s a real peace that can come as a result which can have on flow effects into mental and emotional peace and calmness too.  There’s a reason that historically when Christians have fasted, it’s been a food fast.   

 Fasting certain kinds of food: 

Choosing to fast types of food that are not essential for your body (eg sweets, treats, carbonated and caffeinated drinks) is a good place to start if you’re fasting for the very first time.  You could also forgo snacks in between meal times – it’s amazing how many of us will instinctively go to the fridge or cupboard when we’re bored, procrastinating, or needing a quick pick-me-up.  It’s highly unlikely that your doctor would have any issues with you engaging in a fast like this, and you might find that in addition to developing your relationship with God, that you end up losing a few pounds in the process too! 

 Daniel Fast: 

“Daniel 10:3 – I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled.” 

 The Daniel fast was a fast of all delicacies, meat and wine.  Essentially it was a simple vegetarian diet.  This is also great way to begin with fasting – and can easily become a lifestyle fast, as it can be maintained safely for an indefinite period of time.   

 Fasting certain meals each day: 

Another way of doing a food fast is to give up a meal each day – eg breakfast, lunch or dinner.  For most people this won’t have a massive impact on how their body is functioning, but again, it would be wise to check with a medical professional if you have any concerns.  You’ll probably find it a little easier fasting a meal later in the day (eg dinner) rather than earlier (eg breakfast).   

Fasting all food: 

When people in Biblical times fasted, they would generally not eat any food at all.  One way of doing this is fast all food and replace meal times with a drink of vegetable or fruit juices to help keep some nutrients coming into your body as you’re fasting.  There are certain drinks that can almost replace a meal in terms of nutritional value, and so there are numerous ways to engage with a full food fast while not necessarily taking away from a needed dietary intake.   

On the other end of the scale though, you can do a food fast with just water.  It’s very important to continue to drink a lot of water if you’re fasting food to keep your body hydrated.   

For more information on food fasts – [[check out the guide to food fasting]]