Fasting, A Trend? Or Does It Have Real Health Benefits?

By Melissa Jone

You've probably heard the word fasting or intermittent fasting being thrown around online, boasting boatloads of healthy benefits such as; weight loss, cellular repair, lower risk of diabetes, reduce oxidative stress (which makes you age quicker), reduce inflammation in the body and many more. But are these actually true and does fasting actually benefit our health?

What is fasting?

The Oxford dictionary describes fasting as "abstaining from all or some kinds of food or drink especially as a religious observance." So, essentially it just means not eating for a period of time. Lots of cultures fast for religious purposes and have done for centuries. Still, fasting has become incredibly popular lately in western society. When doing a fast, you typically consume only water, coffee, herbal tea or as an alternative, there are juice fasts too.

As someone who does a fast weekly, I fast for 36 hours and consume only herbal tea, water and coffee. I can honestly say I really do like to fast. It's uncomfortable, and it can be mentally challenging. But I use these hours to go deep within myself. I use the time I'd usually cook and eat to care for myself. I meditate, have an Epsom salt bath and really dive headfirst into self-care. It makes me feel at peace with myself, and although I'm not religious nor do I or follow a religion, fasting has deepened my spiritual connection to the universe. Why? I'm not exactly sure, maybe it is because I can go within myself more. After all, I'm not distracted by eating.

Other noticeable health benefits I have experienced while fasting are; weight loss (not eating for 36 hours will result in weight loss) and my skin and mind are clearer, I've also noticed that my energy levels skyrocket the days following a fast. It gives me a sense of accomplishment because it can get mentally tough, especially when you have to cook and feed a toddler!

I know fasting isn't for everyone, it wasn't for me for a long time. I started it purely for digestive reasons to give my digestive system a break because as you know, I have suffered from IBS. Still, fasting has become so much more for me than just resting my digestive system, and I'm thrilled I started it, and I will continue to fast for sure.

Want to give fasting a try? My advice is to start small. Finish dinner at 6pm and don't eat until 10am and go from there. If you want to chat with me about fasting, you can find me over on Instagram.

Note - Fasting is not recommended for those with medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Always speak to your doctor beforehand. I am not a licensed practitioner I just wanted to share my experience with you.

Melissa Jones is a Mama and a passionate health advocate. Her Passion is helping women to believe in themselves and achieve personal goals through mindset and great food. If you’d like to connect or have any questions, reach out – She would love to help! 

Right now she is  in transition, her goals and aspirations are changing and she's figuring it out along the way. She loves good food and as such she writes a Happy and Healthy Mama blog with The Female CEO as well as her work in The Virtual Wellness Studio, feel free to check it out.