Fasting vs. being healthy

[dswearin]

It says in the bible that some things cannot be acheived except through prayer AND fasting, for example when some of the apostles were trying to cast out a demon but Jesus had to come help them.

I’ve tried fasting and i get weak and tired and my blood sugar drops. It’s miserable and I can’t focus at work or do anything. I felt guilty b/c of that, like I should just put up with it bc that is what fasting is all about.

I’ll have to start off slower next time I guess. Still extremely hard for me to get my willpower up to the task though

Have you considered fasting only from food? You could drink orange juice as a meal replacement to keep your blood sugar up. That could be a better transition for your body. Or you could start by fasting from one meal a day, then gradually fasting more meals per day as your body adjusts. Fasting is difficult, I’ve only ever gone a day and a half. What’s even harder is coming off of a fast. It’s tempting to stuff yourself after not eating for a day. You know what that gets you? Lots of time in the bathroom… So the lesson in fasting is discipline at all times. I really need to start fasting again.

 

[dswearin]

Another word on fasting… You really learn what lurks in your heart during fasting. I always find myself irritable and selfish while fasting. Fasting is one of the greatest tools in building strength against temptation.

 

[HAnne]

Have you considered fasting only from food? You could drink orange juice as a meal replacement to keep your blood sugar up. That could be a better transition for your body. Or you could start by fasting from one meal a day, then gradually fasting more meals per day as your body adjusts. Fasting is difficult, I’ve only ever gone a day and a half. What’s even harder is coming off of a fast. It’s tempting to stuff yourself after not eating for a day. You know what that gets you? Lots of time in the bathroom… So the lesson in fasting is discipline at all times. I really need to start fasting again.

I have to say that as someone with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) who is learning the spiritual discipline of fasting drinking only orange juice in particular to keep the blood sugar up is a VERY bad plan for us! Orange juice (and most fruit juices) cause the blood sugar to drastically spike and then fairly quickly drastically fall again, leaving the faster often in worse shape than they were for both cravings and the body’s sugar levels.

I would, however, HIGHLY recommend using vegetable juices! 100% pure vegetable juice will not lead to the high spikes we see from fruit juice enabling you to sustain your fast for a longer period of time in far more comfort. I often will alternate and do 2 glasses of vegetable juice and then 1 glass of LOW ACID fruit juice (high acidity such as orange juice will upset the stomach).

Last, but certainly not least, if you fast from all things but juice remember to drink it very slowly and in small quantities. Chugging a gallon of juice daily is not fasting.