Studies have shown that periodic fasting has a beneficial effect. One couple has gone a step further and claims to live without eating.
Camila Castello (34) and Akahi Ricardo (36) are so-called 'breatharians'. They only eat a piece of fruit or some vegetable stock three times a week.
The couple, traveling back and forth between California and Ecuador, claim to have forgotten what it feels like to be hungry. Castello said that she had eaten only five times during her pregnancy, during social matters.
Cosmic food
Castello and Ricardo claim to survive on 'the energy that exists in the universe and in itself' and that they have enough 'cosmic food'.
"People can easily live without food, provided they are connected to the energy that exists in all things," said Castello.
The couple say they have not eaten anything for three years. "Akahi and I did not eat at all for three years and now we only eat when we visit or taste the taste of fruit."
light
Castello added that she fully lived on light during her pregnancy and did not eat anything. "I gave birth to a healthy baby," she said.
"I knew my son would be fed by my love and that he would be able to grow in my womb," she continued.
The couple has a five-year-old son and two-year-old daughter, but they do not want to impose their lifestyle on their children.
Whatever they want
"Our children are aware of breatharianism and the energy that exists in the universe and in themselves," Ricardo said.
"But we let our children eat whatever they want, whether it's a juice, vegetables, pizza or ice cream," he said, adding that he has not been hungry since 2008.
To travel
Castello and Ricardo now have a lot of money left for travel. "That's the freedom you have when you're not dependent on food," Ricardo said.
Castello said she is now healthier and happier than ever. "I am now on weight, no longer suffer from PMS and feel more emotionally stable," she explained.