My previous post, “Fasting Time,” mentioned the times that Scott and I fasted. Besides those times, I’ve been doing a type of intermittent fasting for over a year now. I don’t remember when I started fasting intermittently. Maybe it was during Scott’s cancer treatment or before. I do remember that people who were doing it looked great and healthy.

So after several years of not losing the weight gained during the holidays, I decided to do intermittent fasting. I liked that this type of diet wasn’t about what I ate but when I ate. It’s easier for me to keep track of the specific time I ate than on what I put in my mouth. The 16/8 version was difficult for me, so I just told myself not to eat anything after 8pm and breakfast is anytime after 9am. This allowed a fast of 13 hours or more. 

I noticed that when I sleep in, my fast is longer because I do my quiet time after getting up, so breakfast is much later in the day. Weekends, or more specifically Sundays, are much easier to fast the 16/8 way because I can sleep in and then get out and about until dinner.

If you want to read the spiritual reasons for fasting, please go back to the post “Fasting Time.” I started intermittent fasting to lose weight and continue doing it because I feel better, and it doesn’t really feel like “fasting” now. I am very flexible with my time restrictions for eating so maybe I’m not really doing an Intermittent Fast. 

According to research, intermittent fasting decreases inflammation, improves blood sugar regulation, boosts memory, improves heart health, and better response to physical stress. After about 12 hours of fasting, the body starts its healing process and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) begins to increase. After about 14 hours, stored fat is used as energy and HGH ramps up.

The above are just some of the reasons Scott decides to fast for a whole day. What are your reasons?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for creating our bodies in such an amazing way. While enjoying the ancient practice of fasting, we are just finding out the physical benefits of limiting the time we spend eating. Guide us in the way we should grow spiritually and physically.

In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.

Verses 

1 Corinthians 6:20 For you were bought at a price, so glorify God with your body

3 John 1:2 May you be as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit

Romans 12:1 offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing.

1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God

Psalm 5:3 In the morning You will hear me, Lord

Psalm 90:14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love

 Song 

“Thrive” by Casting Crowns is a song to motivate us to thrive in our daily lives like that which is mentioned in Psalm 1:1-3. Our bodies need to be healthy to thrive.

  Call to action 

If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then why not ask God if you should try intermittent fasting. Let us know if you do.