1. Fasting
Why I Chose a 24-Hour Fast
Last Sunday, heading into the first working week of the new year, I chose to complete a 24-hour fast.
There were a few reasons for this. The night before, I’d had a few drinks and eaten some food that didn’t really serve me. For me, fasting is a simple way to reset the body and create a clean foundation moving forward.
More importantly, I fasted to set the tone mentally for the year ahead. Fasting is a way of signalling to yourself that you’re ready to raise your standards and commit to change. As work begins to ramp up after the break, it helps me step into the week feeling clearer, more disciplined, and more intentional.
Alongside this, I value the physical health benefits of fasting. Personally, I find it one of the most effective ways to reset the body and recalibrate after periods of indulgence.
Physical Benefits of Fasting
Fasting can be a powerful tool for supporting the body when used appropriately. Some of the key physical benefits I’ve experienced include:
Improved nutrient absorption, leading to more stable energy levels
Reduced digestive load, allowing the gut to reset
Support for hormonal balance, particularly hormones involved in appetite and satiety
Reduced visceral fat over time
A general sense of physical lightness and clarity
Mental and Mentality-Based Benefits
Beyond the physical effects, fasting has a strong influence on mentality.
It creates mental clarity and helps reset focus
It encourages reconnection with the body and awareness of eating habits
It highlights emotional relationships with food, including comfort eating or unnecessary snacking
It challenges you to slow down and be still
Because of this, fasting is best done in a calm, low-stress environment. A relaxed Sunday, where you can rest, read, walk, or simply be present, is ideal. Fasting under high stress can have the opposite effect and place additional strain on the body.
Fasting can also be a powerful way to reset standards and reinforce discipline. When routines start slipping, a fast can help create a clear mental and physical reset, allowing you to recommit to balance, structure, and focus.
My Experience With Fasting
I’ve been fasting consistently for over a year and have learned a great deal about myself and how my body responds along the way. The longest fast I’ve completed to date is 72 hours. While challenging, it was a valuable experience that required preparation, intention, and support.
Longer fasts aren’t something to rush into. Building gradually and ensuring you’re well supported makes a significant difference.
Advice for First-Time Fasters
If you’re new to fasting, start simple.
Begin by mastering a 12-hour fast. For example, if you finish dinner at 6pm, aim to delay breakfast until 6am. This gives the body adequate time to rest and recover overnight.
From there, you can gradually extend your fasting window to 14–16 hours between dinner and your first meal of the day. The term breakfast literally means “breaking the fast” — it’s simply the first meal that ends your fasting window.
When you feel ready, you may choose to experiment with a 24-hour fast. Pick a day with minimal commitments, where you can relax at home, spend time at the beach, read, or go for a gentle walk.
What to Consume During a Fast
During a fasting window, I personally recommend keeping things simple and drinking filtered water only.
While options like green tea, black coffee, vegetable juice, magnesium, or electrolytes may technically not break a fast, I’ve found they can muddy the experience and reduce the mental clarity that comes from simplicity.
For me, filtered water alone provides the cleanest reset — and in truth, it’s all you really need.
Final note
Fasting isn’t about restriction or punishment. When approached calmly and intentionally, it can be a valuable tool for healing the body and strengthening mentality.