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5 Rules for a Healthy Fast
The first time I fasted was awful, and I wish I had had a guide like this! I hope it can be useful to you.
Abstaining from food for a longer or shorter period can have great benefits only if strict rules are followed:
1- Preparation for fasting is one of the most underestimated phases. When a person knows that the meal they are about to eat will be the last for a certain number of days, they will likely have the urge to fill their stomachs with the most tempting treats, which are often unhealthy foods.
herefore, it is advisable to limit the diet to unrefined and unprocessed plant-based foods for at least 3–4 days before fasting. This way, nourishing ourselves with plant-based foods in the pre-fasting phase will make fasting much more bearable.
2- Moderate physical activity. Physical activity is an essential remedy even when fasting, but it’s better not to overdo it. Intense workouts require large amounts of sugars from the body, but the purpose of fasting is to eliminate fats containing the bulk of toxins. Moderate physical activity is suitable for us. Outdoor walks are excellent.
3- Stress-free environment. It is essential to allocate the time fasting deserves and take a few days off if you want to extend it beyond 48–72 hours. Fasting is characterized by highs and lows in terms of sensations, so it is good to be in a quiet place with a clear mind.
True fasting is not just abstinence from food; it is also advisable to avoid excessive stimuli such as TV, PC, or smartphones. A good book is always the best choice (you will find that after a couple of days of fasting, you will be able to read 2 or 3 times faster than normal because the brain is not fatigued by digestion).
