If you have never fasted before, and are not used to fasting, (that includes most Americans), start by fasting sugar for 21 days. This will help get you started. If you “cheat” and have something with sugar in it, don't stop your fast, just keep going and begin from where you left off. Do not chastise yourself. Remember, most Americans are addicted to sugar. (Millions of Americans have a harder time giving up sweets than they do cigarettes. Hard to believe, but it's true.)
One of the most devastating side effects of sugar consumption is accelerated cancer growth. Seventy years ago, Otto Warburg, PhD., discovered that cancer cells use glucose (sugar) for growth. He won the Nobel Prize by finding this out. All cells require glucose, but cancer cells have a much greater need; they are unable to multiply rapidly without it. So, obviously, if you are a cancer patient or even know of one (most people do), give up white sugar. That includes foods that have white sugar in them, such as cakes, pies, cookies, ice cream, pop (soda), or any other foods that contain corn syrup, honey, etc.
What are some of the benefits of fasting? Actually there are many. Fasting helps us to extend our lives, helps us to loose excess weight, helps cleanse our body of toxins, may aid in cancer prevention, aids in discarding of tumors, could impact influenza epidemics and other communicable diseases by improving resistance of infection, gives us mental clarity, lean muscle mass, increases metabolism, makes for a strong immune system, lowers total cholesterol, lowers heart rate and improves cardiac response to heart attacks, and helps to lower blood pressure to normal rates.
Fasting may help to produce a “growth hormone” and increase our youth. Growth hormone is responsible for collagen production, bone strength and overall good health. Millions of dollars per year are being spent on growth hormones, so we can look and feel our best, when we really don’t have to spend a dime.
Fasting costs us nothing. Fasting also will help to draw us nearer to God, because we are not so focused on food. your mind, body and soul have more time to spend with Him. When you fast as an offering to God, you receive all the benefits of regular fasting and health benefits, along with receiving the spiritual. “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”(Isaiah 58:6 NIV)
Even back in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, we’re told that if we fast correctly, our bones become stronger, our healing is quicker, and we’ll be like "freshly watered gardens with never ending spring water." “The fountain of youth” has been within us for thousands of years. The Bible has instructed us to fast to get closer to God, to receive miracles and for health benefits of our own. With so many benefits, it would almost be foolish not to fast, even for 18 hours a week, (that means giving up one meal a week) although if one could fast one meal a day, there would be much greater benefits for your body, mind and spirit.
The 18 Hour Fasting
An 18 Hour Fast is a continuous fast each day of the week, month and year, which allows your digestive system to rest, heal and cleanse the body. Our digestive tract have been working 24 hours a day, since the day we were born. Skipping one meal a day may seem extreme at first, but an apple or some green tea (without sugar) can allow our stomachs to get more used to it.
Drinking water is not only good for us, but by drinking 8 ounces of water whenever that hunger bug hits, helps take your mind off the “thoughts” your brain send to your body that you are so hungry. So fasting for 18 hours a day is not that hard, you just have to get used to it.
What Kinds of Fasting Foods to Eat?
You can eat basically anything else, aside from red meats (for cancer patients) and white sugar and flour, during your six hour eating time. Choose nutritious and organic foods, (if you can afford them) makes total sense. Even if you aren’t fasting, consider your body's need for nutrition and add some raw veggies such as carrots, celery, kale, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, avocados, mushrooms, green beans and other edible raw veggies to part of your day. It's also important to get enough proteins, such as eggs, fish, chicken, fruit shakes with lowfat milk. Drink lots of purified water and some green tea. Check the internet for a listing of alkaline foods.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6 NKJV
What part of the day is best for fasting? Choose a six hour time period at any time of the day. I personally eat a light breakfast and wait for about 5 hours before eating a well balanced lunch/supper type meal. I have lost some weight, have much more energy, and I look so much better. I am in my 70's, while most people think I am in my forties. I hope you'll try a fast - you will enjoy the outcome.