There is a phenomenon among people who fast (including myself) where the person tends to be a bit (or a lot) overweight. You would think that if a person fasts regularly, they would be thin, or at least a moderate healthy weight. This has led many, many people to shy away from fasting because they have seen people who do fast gain weight afterward. I have experienced this phenomenon for myself, and I too have had to talk myself into a season of fasting when I know that I’m likely to gain weight after.

I actually complained to God during my morning prayer about this very thing, “God, I’m so frustrated that the more I fast, the unhealthier I get when it’s over.” In reply, He just silently nudged my memory to how I had gone back to unhealthy food and lifestyle choices after my fast…very effectively letting me know that it was my own fault.

I use the word phenomenon because most people don’t understand that it can be explained. (Along with UFOs) The problem is a lack of after-maintenance. Good intentioned people think of their seasons of fasting as a separate and set apart time from their normal life. They (we) are very committed to this fasting season. As a result, the body naturally gets healthier. Unfortunately, after this season of fasting is past, they (we) go right back to eating the way we did before fasting.

This is a terrible shock to our bodies after functioning in pristine conditions. Our bodies immediately begin packing on pounds, holding on to fluids and become unable to purge toxins or process foods properly. We soon start to ache all over. Our movements are restricted. We can’t, or don’t have the will power, to exercise regularly. Sleep evades us. Sicknesses begin to manifest in our bodies. We become cranky, and feel hopeless. Does this cycle sound familiar? (I can write about it because I’ve experienced it over and over.)

I’m telling you, as I tell myself, that this problem can be corrected. Fasting isn’t the problem. Fasting isn’t the problem. Fasting isn’t the problem. Our mindset after we end our season of fasting is the problem. Before we begin a fast, we need to already be thinking of how we plan to end the fast, as well as how we plan on maintaining the healthier state of our bodies.

Ending A Fast

No matter how long or short the length of our fasting season, it must be ended correctly. It should take as many days as you fasted to get back to eating normally. Even a 24 hour fast requires a 24 hour period of breaking back into eating solid foods so as to not shock your digestive system. 3 days, 7 days, 21 days, 30 days…Take the time to end your fast appropriately.

Also, take care in what food you end your fast with. If you choose to end a 3 day fast with a pepperoni pizza, soda and a brownie delight topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream, you will live to regret it.

Maintaining Fasting Results

Don’t let the words ‘eating normally’ in the above paragraphs mislead you. If you are going to fast regularly, and stay healthy, your normal eating must become healthy eating. If you go back and forth from a fasted state to an eat whatever you want whenever you want state, you will always feel bad, gain weight, and be discouraged.

Fasting is a discipline.

The act of fasting is not only for the immediate spiritual results it brings. It is also to teach us how to live consistently. If we refuse to hold on to the disciplines we learn while fasting, we can blame no one but ourselves that our health falls apart.

While we cannot live in a state of complete fasting, we can and should live a FASTED LIFESTYLE. It is not just something Christians do because we are expected to. It is something we incorporate into our lives that helps us live healthy.  It teaches us to not live in excess. It keeps lust and gluttony at bay. It instills good habits and structure into our daily lives. Fasting according to God’s Word is the basis for teaching us moderation in all things.

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5)

“Fasting according to God’s Word is the basis for teaching us moderation in all things.” -Pat Vick Click To Tweet

Tips For After-Maintenance 

• End your fast properly with food suitable in health, portion and timing.
• Continue to drink plenty of pure water.
• Eat on a schedule, not giving in to mindless snacking.
• Make healthy food choices. (If you have little will power like I do, you should make a plan and shop for appropriate food before starting your fast. If it’s in the pantry, I’m going to eat it…)
• Continue with the good habits you incorporated during your fast such prayer and Bible study.
• Continue to fast regularly, or satan will put fear and dread into your heart to keep you from pursuing a fasted lifestyle.
• Move regularly whether it’s in an exercise routine or working around the yard.
• Get daily sunshine.
• Remember that the biggest battle before, during and after fasting is in your mind. God has put in you the ability to  make good choices.

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As always, I invite you to leave feedback. Let me know your thoughts on fasting. What experiences have you had on your fasting journey?

Warm Regards, -Pat