subject: The Many Roads to Fasting [print this page] The process of fasting may seem simple to youat first glance: After all, fasting is about NOT-eating, right? Well, think again, there are probably as many ways of "not-eating" as there are "not-eaters" :)
In this entry, we will briefly examine the main fasting protocols we can encounter nowadays.
To put it simply, let's focus on three important behaviours:
1. Using Fasting as a daily habit -no, it doesn't mean you'll die!!
2. Using Fasting as a periodic instance over (recurring) and well-defined timelines.
3. Using Fasting as is needed, either as a spiritual aid or after more or less unpredictable binges!
Which one is better than the other? which one will deliver the results you crave: a lean, mean you that is proud of his body?
So Fasting as a daily habit consists in taking advantage of daytime to keep the detoxification process -started during the night- going.
The advocates of this aspect of fasting will typically call for a 4 hour a day "eating window", during which you are allowed to eat mostly live, organic food. That leaves you 20 hours, sleep included, where only liquids, and preferably water, are allowed. The less extreme of these practitioners of Daily Fasting will call for an 8 hour window.
Fasting as a periodic practice consists in setting up a time frame during the week (less often, the month) for one to fast. Many people benefit from this kind of process,and it is certainly the most popular among stars.
Finally, Fasting can be used sporadically, as a tool to help spiritual developpement, as a way to purify the body every year ( as with the Ramadan) or as a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience to attain God (think about the 40 day Fast of mystics). Some people will have more mundane concerns though, and simply use fasting occasionnally to get in -better- shape quickly.
Bear in mind that these practices may be dangerous,if you're inexperienced, and that you should never engage in them on your own.
DISCLAIMER: Any information presented here is for informational purposes only -- consult your physician before making any changes in your diet or exercise regimes
