Is Fasting Good for Your Health?

With Ramadan under way, and Lent right around the corner, fasting season is upon us. Millions of people around the globe will be participating in some way by fasting or temporarily changing their habits.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from food and water from sunrise to sunset. This means they eat very early in the morning and only break their fast in the evening with a meal called an iftar, along with prayer.

Christians from various denominations observe Lent in different ways.

As an Armenian, I come from an Orthodox background and am most familiar with Lent as a time to abstain from animal products. This is the time of year I look forward to the most, because I can find some great vegan options at Armenian bakeries and grocery stores!

Some people like to give up or sacrifice something else for Lent – for example if you’re already plant-based you may give up sugar or caffeine.

It’s clear that many people believe fasting or making sacrifices has some type of spiritual benefit, but what benefit, if any, does it have on your physical health?

First, let’s define fasting.

Fasting is abstaining from food for a certain period of time. Intermittent fasting, which has become popular in recent years, is when people block out a certain time period per day to eat and they fast the rest of the time. There are other ways to do this. For example, someone might choose one or two days a week where they eat one meal per day.

According to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, intermittent fasting may benefit your:

• Heart Health
• Thinking and Memory
• Physical Fitness
• Tissue Health
• Weight Loss Goals
• Type 2 Diabetes Management (under a doctor's supervision)

Always check with your doctor before fasting. Fasting isn’t safe for everyone, and doctors say you should only fast under their supervision.

Not interested in fasting, or unable to participate? That’s ok. Fasting isn’t right for everyone. Following a whole-food plant-based diet can provide you with many of the same benefits as intermittent fasting, without restricting the time you can eat.

If you are fasting for religious or spiritual reasons, eating plant-based can provide you with a variety of nutritious and delicious meals to keep you full when you do break your fast.

Some people even turn toward veganism because of their belief system and desire to live a more compassionate life.

As always, if you need any help on your personal journey, you can book a session or follow me on TikTok for recipes and tips.

Wishing you all a safe and healthy season as we head into Spring very soon!