Are Fasting Diets Safe and Effective? Some people fast as a way to lose weight. Others fast to try to detox their bodies, or for religious reasons. If you're fasting to lose weight, you may want to reconsider. The weight loss may not last after you finish fasting. If your goal is to detox your body, you should know that your body naturally detoxes itself. Fasting diets aren't all the same. Some allow only liquids like water, juice, or tea. Others cut calories drastically, but don't completely ban food. And on some plans, you fast every other day. Why Fasting for Weight Loss Can Backfire. When you eat less than you need and you lose weight, your body goes into a starvation mode.
To save energy, your metabolism slows down. When you're done fasting and you go back to your usual diet, you may regain the weight you lost, and then some. On a fast, your body adjusts by curbing your appetite, so you will feel less hungry at first. But once you have stopped fasting, your appetite revs back up. You may feel hungrier and be more likely to overeat. Fasting every other day has similar results. It helps people lose weight, but not for long. In one study, people who fasted every other day shed weight, even when they ate all they wanted on days when they weren't fasting. But the weight loss didn't last over time. Is Fasting Safe? Fasting for a few days probably won't hurt most people who are healthy, provided they don't get dehydrated. But fasting for long periods of time is bad for you. Your body needs vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from food to stay healthy. If you don't get enough, you can have symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, constipation, dehydration, and not being able to tolerate cold temperatures. Fasting too long can be life threatening. Don't fast, even for a short time, if you have diabetes, because it can lead to dangerous dips and spikes in blood sugar. Other people who should not fast include women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, anyone with a chronic disease, the elderly, and children. Before you go on a new diet, particularly one that involves fasting, ask your doctor if it's a good choice for you. You can also ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian, who can show you how to design a healthy eating plan. Sources. SOURCES: Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, spokeswoman, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Varady, K. The Journal of Lipid Research, October 2. Heilbronn, L. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2. Mc. Clure, B. Circulation, 2. Larson- Meyer, D. Diabetes Care, 2. Heilbronn, L. Neurobiology of Disease, 2. Day Detox Diet Plan . Marketing pushes pills, drinks and powders, claiming they are the key to ridding your body of toxins. Following a few simple rules, however, you can attain the same results by eating the right foods at the right time. Although cleanse lengths vary, 2. Today’s fast paced society lends itself to quick, easy- to- fix foods full of preservatives and other chemicals. A build- up of these chemicals can cause your body to not operate as efficiently as it is intended to work. Detoxification diets intend to flush the toxin build- up from the body, thereby increasing energy, clearing skin, improving bowel movements and digestion and increasing metabolism and concentration. Although detox diets vary greatly, the majority have similar acceptable and unacceptable foods. Organic and unprocessed foods and drinks, fruits, vegetables and large amounts of water are included in most detox plans. Psyllium seed, licorice root, yucca root, milk thistle seed and gentian root are commonly recommended herbs. Most plans suggest nixing alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, drugs, many supplements and processed, refined foods. A New York cardiologist, Dr. Alejandro Junger, developed a 2. The Clean Diet. His plan calls for a liquid meal for breakfast, a solid meal for lunch and a liquid meal for dinner, aiming to remove toxins, restore what is lacking in the body and rejuvenate your life from the inside out. Exercise is highly recommended throughout the diet. Author Kathy Freston is credited with the creation of the Quantum Wellness detox plan that was made famous by Oprah’s participation in it. Some people use fasting as a way to lose weight or cleanse the body of toxins. WebMD explains how fasting works, including the risks and potential benefits. Intermittent fasting is a great way to lose weight while maintaining/gaining muscle mass. It creates many of the same benefits as intense exercise on weight loss. Fasting has been practiced for centuries. But can it really help you lose weight and get healthier? 40-day water fast info: how to prepare, what to expect, how to break the fast and dangers of water fasting. Read a personal story of ascaris worms released. The plan centers around a vegan diet, and focus is placed on meditation, visualization, fun activities, conscious eating, exercise, self- work, spiritual practice and service. The psychological and spiritual aspects of this plan set it apart from most others. Because of the increased nutrient demand placed on the body of pregnant women, you should never begin a detox diet plan during a pregnancy. If you have any health conditions such as anemia, eating disorders, heart disease, low immunity, low blood pressure, ulcers, cancer, drug or alcohol dependency or if you are underweight, you should not attempt a detox unless instructed to by a doctor. I’ve seen that it releases atomic power in the spiritual realm. It’s a missing piece in many Christian’s lives today. I teach extensively on fasting in my class, Unleash the Power of God. You can access the materials immediately. Then when we go LIVE with a corporate fast and prophetic prayer sessions, you’ll be included. I do not know of ANYONE anywhere teaching the insights I share on fasting — total paradigm shifters. Jump on in. John Wesley, who shook the world for God during the Great Awakening that gave rise to the Methodist Church toward the end of the eighteenth century, is representative of such great spiritual leaders. He so strongly believed in the power of fasting and prayer that he urged early Methodists to fast every Wednesday and Friday. In fact, he refused to ordain anyone in Methodism unless they agreed to do it. Other great Christian leaders who made prayer with fasting a part of their lives were Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, Jonathan Edwards, Matthew Henry, Charles Finney, Andrew Murray, and many more. Now, you can find the strength and support you need to complete an extended fast with our Empowering You To Breakthrough Coaching Program. It brings revelation of our spiritual condition resulting in brokenness and change. It brings personal revival through the powerful moving of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It helps us better understand the Bible by making it more vital and practical. It transforms prayer into a richer and more personal experience. Fasting has always been a primary means of humbling ourselves before God both in the Old and the New Testaments (see Isaiah 5. Psalm 6. 9: 1. 0, Matthew 2. I Peter 5: 6, and James 4: 8- 1. Humility is an attitude of the heart. For those unaccustomed to it, going without food can be a struggle. The mental and emotional battles that may break out when we fast can sometimes be unsettling. Veteran fasters say this is a sure sign of the need to abstain from food and draw close to God. According to Paul in Galatians 5: 1. We naturally love to do evil things that are opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do; and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has his way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures (TLB).”Fasting for 4. Brings Power. Since Pentecost, the Church has grown from a room full of Jesus’ followers to hundreds of millions of Christians. The discipline of fasting was apparently a common practice in the Early Church (see Acts 1. Acts 1. 4: 2. 1- 2. Fasting & Church Growth. The most powerful move of God in the world today is in Korea. The growth of the church from three million in 1. Not only will fasting and prayer transform an individual or church, it can change the course of a nation. When Jonah carried God’s warning of judgment to Nineveh, their king declared a fast (Jonah 3: 8). Immediately, the people began to fast and mourn over their sins. The story is told in 2 Chronicles 2. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom.” Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord (2 Chronicles 2. Then the king stood in the assembly of the people at the temple and prayed to God: “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you (2 Chronicles 2. The Holy Spirit responded, speaking through the prophet Jahaziel: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s . Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you (2 Chronicles 2. The king and the people began to praise and worship the Lord and the next day they marched out with their singers in front praising the Lord. As they marched into battle, the Lord breathed confusion into the camps of the enemy, causing them to attack and destroy each other. Judah’s humility in fasting, prayer, and praise had moved the Lord to save His people from sure defeat. Throughout the Bible we have many examples of great releases and victories through fasting and prayer that changed the course of history. Moses twice did a 4. Deuteronomy 9: 9,1. God. In the time of the judges (Judges 2. Samuel (1 Samuel 7: 6), all Israel fasted. David fasted before he was crowned, when his child was ill, when his enemies were ill (Psalm 3. Psalm 6. 9: 9,1. 0). Elijah, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel–all fasted in time of need. PROBLEMS WHEN FASTING. Even those who consider fasting want answers to questions like: “Won’t I get sick?”“Should I consult my doctor first?”“Will God always give me what I want if I add fasting to my prayers?”Here are some of the most common objections and questions that people have about fasting: “If I am supposed to fast, why do I never hear about it at church?” The Early Church followed in the footsteps of our Lord and the apostles with prayer and fasting. But by medieval times, fasting as a discipline came to be frowned upon. Believers saw it as a severe, ascetic practice better suited for monks in monasteries. For a thousand years, fasting has lain rusting and forgotten in a dark corner of the church. Fasting as a discipline–except for those who know its special benefits–is still frowned upon.(Joel 2: 1. Psalm 3. 5: 1. 3, Psalm 6. Isaiah 5. 8: 5). God called on His people to fast on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 1. Acts also said that after his death, his followers would fast (Matthew 9: 1. It is also mentioned in Luke 2: 3. Jesus spoke in terms of “when” we fast, not “if” we fast (Matthew 6: 2,5,1. Jesus also said that after his death, his followers would fast (Matthew 9: 1. Prophets and teachers fasted in Antioch (Acts 1. Paul fasted often (2 Corinthians 1. For believers, then, the question is: not should I fast, but will I fast? Does God require us to fast today? Is it a commandment?” Fasting is no more commanded in the New Testament than prayer or giving, but Jesus taught that all three were spiritual disciplines expected of his followers. He said “when,” not “if,” you do these things (Matthew 6: 2,5,1. Isn’t fasting practiced by ungodly religions?”Fasting is found in all the major religions of the world. Even Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, believed in fasting; but Christians are the only ones who fast unto the Creator God, the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Christians, therefore, are the only ones who know the blessings of God that come from spiritual fasting. Others practice it for vain religious reasons or to improve their health.“How does fasting benefit me?” The apostle James says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4: 8,1. Fasting prepares us for the deepest and richest spiritual communion possible. It clears our minds to understand what God is saying to us. It also conditions our bodies to carry out his will. When we persevere through the initial mental and physical discomforts, we will experience a calming of the soul and cooling of the appetites. As a result, we will sense the presence of the Lord more than ever before. Fasting with a pure heart and motives brings personal revival and adds power to our prayers. Many who write about the values of fasting point to increased effectiveness in intercessory prayer, deliverance from bondage, and guidance in decisions.“Will God give me what I ask if I add fasting to my prayers?” No, we cannot barter with God. He answers prayers that are in harmony with His will and purpose. God watches over us for our ultimate good (Romans 8: 2. He works in us to do his will (Philippians 2: 1. You can always expect God to respond to you when you submit to him (James 4: 6,8,1. He will always do something special for you when you deny yourself and focus your love, worship, adoration, faith, and obedience toward him.“Do I fast for blessings for myself or for others?” Praying for ourselves and interceding for others are among the reasons we should fast and pray. I encourage you to bring your personal needs before the Lord, to intercede for your loved ones, your friends, your church, your community, your nation, and the world–and that the Great Commission will be fulfilled.“How do I know when I am supposed to fast?” Once you learn the purpose and benefits of fasting, you are free to “proclaim” a fast whenever you sense the desire to draw close to God in a dynamic way or feel the need to seek special help from Him. There are times, however, when the Holy Spirit will prompt you to fast. God impressed me for several months that He wanted me to do a 4. But I was not sure I could fast that long. Even so, I began my fast with the prayer, “Lord, I will fast as long as you will enable me. I am looking to you to help me. I am claiming your promise in Isaiah 4. Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint (NKJ).” God was faithful to his promise. My fast was the greatest 4. Is it possible to get . Fasting is not a lifestyle in itself, although it should definitely be a part of your Christian walk.“Should I plan a regular schedule of fasting?” Once you understand the purpose of fasting and realize what it does for you, regular fasting will begin to make spiritual sense. The more you fast for the purpose of seeking God’s face and for his glory, the more you will want to fast. The rewards are rich beyond measure. Should I consult my doctor before I fast?” I encourage you to consult your physician before beginning an extended fast. And I strongly suggest that you ask for a physical exam to make sure you are in good health. You may have a physical problem that could make fasting dangerous and unwise. But be forewarned: your doctor may try to discourage you from fasting, even if you are in good health. What You Need to Know About the Fasting Diet. Dr. Michael Mosley, the creator of The Fast Diet, believes that fasting can help with weight loss. Mosley, the term fasting does not mean abstaining from all food, but rather limiting food intake and adapting simplified eating patterns to help you lose weight. Mosley’s recommendations for a safe fast as well as a few extra Oz- approved tips and tricks. Drink Water. Making sure you’re hydrated in general is not only healthy, but can also help stave off hunger. Drinking water before a meal and during the day can help temporarily stave off hunger pangs by putting something in your stomach. Plus, water helps keep your body functioning properly throughout the day. When you’re fasting, remember to get plenty of fluids. LEARN MORE: 9 Creative Ways to Drink More Water. Limit Your Eating Times. Maintaining certain time frames for eating can make fasting easier. One type of fasting is known as a 1. Here’s how it works: Once you stop eating at night, you wait 1. For example, if you finish dinner at 9 p. This fasting method is great for people who want to try fasting but have fluctuating schedules and need the flexibility. Don’t Starve Yourself, Just Cut Calories. It’s important to understand that fasting, as part of The Fast Diet, does not mean starving yourself. In The Fast Diet, you limit the amount and the kind of food you put into your body on a daily basis. So, if you are looking to fast throughout the day, don’t skip lunch — just eat fewer calories. If you normally eat a sandwich and chips for lunch, swap that out for a salad and an apple — this meal is significantly fewer calories and healthier for you too! LEARN MORE: 9 Healthy Junk Food Alternatives. Avoid Snacks. Snacking throughout the day can be a major source of calories you don’t need and is often the ultimate pitfall for dieters. Make sure you stick to your fast by only eating three designated meals a day and leaving the extra snacks out of the equation. Cutting the excess sugar, carbs, and calories not only helps you lose weight but also helps your body become healthier too. Fast Every Other Day For some, fasting may be easier to maintain if viewed as a semi- regular activity throughout the week. If you don’t think you can cut down on calories every day of the week at first, try a low- calorie fast for only two days a week. However, you have to be careful about this schedule: just because you’re not fasting every day doesn’t mean that your “off days” should be used to binge on high calorie foods. Maintain a Healthy Diet. A healthy diet is always the key to a healthy lifestyle. It’s especially important to eat healthy if you are fasting; even though you’re eating less, you still need to take in the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs to function . Try to get the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, as well as protein and grains, into your daily diet. LEARN MORE: Dr. Oz’s Diet Guide. Talk to Your Doctor. Whether you are considering a 1. Certain medical conditions may get worse with sudden changes in diet and some medications are affected by changing the foods you eat. A doctor can help you weigh the possible benefits and consequences of a fast to see if it’s right for you.
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