How to Get the Most Out of a One Day Water Fast

Can a  one day water fast provide any real benefit to you?  Absolutely!  A day of fasting gives your body a break from the work of dealing with incoming food.  This brief period of rest supports the body's natural capacity for repair, self-healing, and rejuvenation.  

Not eating for a day will also make you aware of just how great of a role food plays in your life.  As they refrain from eating for the day, many people discover that much of their eating has less to do with genuine hunger, and more to do with habit or emotional motivation, e.g.:  turning to food as a source of comfort.

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How to carry out a one day water fast.

A one day water fast is typically carried out by having your last meal or snack the evening before the day of fasting.  During the day of fasting, from the time you wake up until you go to bed at night, you eat nothing and drink only water.  You can resume eating when you wake up the day after the fast. 
 
Here are 5 steps to help you get the most out of your one day water fast.


1. Prepare your body by eating lightly beforehand.
 
In the days leading up to your fast, try eating a little more lightly than usual.  Limit or avoid meat the day before your fast, and consume a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.  This adjustment will prepare your body and make it easier to complete your day of fasting without feeling famished, as the lack of food won't be such a shock to your system. 
 
 

2. Prepare your environment to support your fast.
 
Fasting, even for a single day, can be challenging.  Stay out of the kitchen if you can, so your mind isn't drawn to food unnecessarily. 

Rather than stocking up on food right before your fast, schedule your usual grocery trip for after your fast.  This way, you won't be preoccupied thinking about all the food you just brought home.


3.  Clear your schedule of anything physically or mentally demanding.
 
If you are new to fasting, it's not uncommon to feel a bit lightheaded at first.  This is normal and not a cause for concern if you are in good health otherwise.  Clearing your schedule of anything physically or mentally demanding will ensure that you have the freedom to rest and take it easy during any moments when you might be feeling lightheaded. 

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4.  Plan relaxing activities for the day.
 
As you clear out demanding activities from your day, schedule in some relaxing activities.  Being occupied will make the time pass more quickly, and you won't be constantly thinking about your next meal. 

A day of fasting is a great opportunity to engage in practices such as scripture reading, prayer, and meditation.  Many people experience a sense of heightened awareness during fasting that enriches these kinds of activities.
 

5.  Drink quality water during your fast.
 
Since water is the only nutrient you'll be consuming for the day, it makes sense to consume the purest water possible.  In many cities, tap water almost certainly contains chlorine, likely contains fluoride, and may contain traces of pesticides and solvents. 

If you don't have some kind of water filtration system in place to purify your tap water, consider drinking quality bottled water for the day.  However, if you only have access to tap water, don't let this dissuade you from going on a water fast.  Ultimately, the benefit to your body (as well as your mind and spirit) from a day of fasting from food is still very much worthwhile.
 

Resuming your diet after your fast:  unlike lengthier fasts, a one day fast doesn't require several days to transition back to eating solid food.  However, to maximize the benefits of your one day fast, you may wish to eat lightly in the days afterwards, continuing to consume lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. 

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