In Ayurveda fasting can take various forms and is seen as a way to strengthen the digestive fire. Fasts can be for a day, weekly or in tune with the lunar cycle and therefore when there’s a new moon and full moon. Also seasonally, when we move from winter to summer and summer to winter.
Fasts are seen as not only benefitting to our bodies but also our minds, they increase focus and help build confidence and determination. They assist in breaking habits.
Fasting is not a case of starving yourself. One meal a day is eaten, ideally at lunch time, home cooked vegetarian foods including some grains, Kitchari is the ideal dish, a combination of mung dhal and basmati rice cooked with spices.
For the rest of the day warm teas and water can be consumed, if of a vata prakriti then fruits can also be consumed as snacks along with warm milk before bed. Those with pitta prakriti need to be cautious when fasting as they have a stronger natural digestive fire and therefore they may need a little more sustenance, this can be in the form of smoothies (made using room temperature water) and fresh fruit. Kapha prakriti individuals are able to have the one meal a day and then just teas and water for the rest of the day, all drinks are best warm.
Fasting can help to eliminate Ama (toxins) from the body, helps with re-current colds and coughs, stabilizes weight, lowers cholesterol, regulates both blood pressure and bowel movements, corrects stress and can help with insomnia.
Do always check with your Doctor/Ayurvedic practitioner before fasting as we are all very different and what suits one person may not suit another.
