Trouble with fasting

[cessnawag]

I have a terrible time with fasting. I understand that it is supposed to be uncomfortable and it will help me with “mind over matter” issues. But if I miss even one meal by instinct goes into caveman mode. I can hardly function and I just want to knock people over to get to food. I can chastise my body by being hot or cold or uncomfortable. I have ran in distance races and participated in very demanding sports that have had my body telling me to stop but my mind presses on. I have heard that some saints would chastise there bodies to be closer to god. I am just wondering if there is something else I could do instead of not eating.

 

[Della]

If you have such a strong reaction to missing a meal you may want to consult a doctor because a healthy person shouldn’t feel that bad from fasting from one meal.

Having said that, giving up other things that you love, such as video games or going out with friends or whatever else gives you pleasure might be the answer if not eating makes you unwell.

We have to remember that any spiritual exercise ought to benefit us and not harm us, even fasting. A little grumble in the tummy is one thing, but feeling weak to the point of fainting or being unbearable means something might need to change in your life, it could be as simple as what you are eating and when you are eating it. In any case, it’s best to see your doctor before fasting or doing any other kind of bodily deprivation to be sure you are up to it.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

There are only two required days of fasting in the Latin Catholic Church: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. We can have 3 meals on a fast day. “When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may also be taken, but not to equal a full meal.” This doesn’t seem too strict.

If this causes you great anxiety, talk to your pastor or confessor. There is an exemption for those who are ill or pregnant, etc…

usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-resources/lent/us-bishops-pastoral-statement-on-penance-and-abstinence.cfm

 

[Luz_Maria]

In addition, as we grow and get to know ourselves better, we learn different “tricks” to be able to accomplish things. In fasting, look at the time you have your “last meal” before the “fast”. You may find that it is easier for you to have your normal breakfast and then fast for the rest of the day or even the next breakfast. However, having lunch as the last meal before the fast, might not work for you. In any event, do not do anything at all that will hurt your body. Always talk with your Spiritual Director or Confessor. Being obedient is number one!

Just a thought.

 

[Evania]

I know what you mean. I’ve started fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays and it isn’t easy. I think it’s a great form of prayer, and provides great discipline.

 

[CB_Catholic]

I have a terrible time with fasting. I understand that it is supposed to be uncomfortable and it will help me with “mind over matter” issues. But if I miss even one meal by instinct goes into caveman mode. I can hardly function and I just want to knock people over to get to food. I can chastise my body by being hot or cold or uncomfortable. I have ran in distance races and participated in very demanding sports that have had my body telling me to stop but my mind presses on. I have heard that some saints would chastise there bodies to be closer to god. I am just wondering if there is something else I could do instead of not eating.

As someone has suggested, perhaps you might want to consult your Dr. about this. I was behaving like that when I did not get food regularly, became nauseated, cranky, etc. I was diagnosed with diabetes Type 2. Now I am not suggesting that you have this problem, only that an extreme reaction like yours when only fasting for a short period of time probably needs mentioned the next time you see your Dr. Or it just could be your body’s normal reaction to lack of food. In any case, listen to your body. There are other ways to fast, and you are not expected to make yourself ill with fasting…