Donna Partow

Lots of you are inquring about my suggested guidelines for Fasting.  Here ya go.

First and foremost: Do NOT consume caffeine while fasting!  If possible, eliminate caffeine a few days before your fast.  For a great coffee alternative, try Teeccino.  It is all natural and caffeine-free, yet tastes JUST like coffee (maybe even better!) and provides even more energy through potassium.

Take a whole food supplement to ensure that your body continues to get  the nourishment it needs.  When I completed my 40-day fast, I actually felt better  and more energetic than when I eat normally. This is the supplement I took.

Be aware that you may experience headaches, jitters, shivering, nausea, diarrhea and other side effects as your body “detoxifies” itself.  This is especially true if you have been eating an unhealthy diet for many years.  Don’t give up your fast just because you experience symptoms of detoxification!  It is actually good news.  It means your body is getting rid of the junk.Do not take over-the-counter medications to counter-act these symptoms!  If you are truly ill, visit a physician.

It would be helpful for you to do the Cabbage Soup Diet (I’m fixing the link – you can google for now) at least once before attempting a fast, because it is a great detoxification program.   I know, I know, you are skeptical.  But this was recommended to me by Dr. Alan Spreen, the Nutrition Physician himself (and my former neighbor). 

You might want to eat a salad or steamed vegetables, then take a warm bath,before going to bed on the eve of your fast.  This jumpstarts your body’s cleansing processes.

Eat healthy foods for several days prior to your fast.  Don’t gorge yourself on junk food the night before.

If you have a juicer, you can consume a small amount of fresh vegetable juices.

Another great fasting drink is warm lemon water (fresh-squeezed only) with a tablespoon of Grade B Maple Syrup and cayenne pepper.

I have also fasted using the Cleanse for Life drink from Isagenix, which I think is fabulous (primarily aloe vera and alfalfa).

Drink at least ½ gallon of water.

You may add a little fresh lemon or a small amount of cranberry juice concentrate (available at health food stores) to your water.

The day after your fast, try to eat healthy and light.  For breakfast, you might start with fresh fruits, then a salad for lunch.  Resist the temptation to eat starchy or sugar-laded foods, as these will undo the health benefits of fast.

If a complete fast is not possible, you may consider a partial fast.  For example, fast from solids, restricting yourself to liquids such as protein shakes, fruit juice, soup, etc.  (I often do this type of  fast.)  You can fast from a food group or favorite food.

If your doctor advises against any form of fasting from food, consider alternative fasts, such as “fasting” from TV, the internet, telephone, music, reading (other than your Bible), etc.

Prepare your family’s meals in advance; crock pot meals are wonderful because you can throw the food in and forget it.  Your family can serve themselves without too much involvement on mom’s part. Pray for your familywhile they enjoy their meals.  When I am fasting, I often use mealtimes to read aloud to my children.

Keep your schedule light, if at all possible.  Run errands in advance, put your household in good order by getting ahead of schedule on chores, etc.

Enlist your family’s support.  Explain to them why you are fasting.  them to pray for you and not tempt you with food offerings.

You can be certain the Enemy of your soul will do everything in his power to dissuade you from fasting.  He knows you are about to tap into some powerful spiritual resources.  Be determined, in advance, to resist every temptation he will send your way.

From the book, Becoming the Woman I Want To Be: A 90-Day Journey to Renewing Spirit, Soul & Body. Bethany House Publishers, January 2004. Learn more or order your copy below