Fasting is more than just starving yourself

Basic biochemistry suggests that fasting is good for you, especially if you are trying to lose weight. The body needs ATP (energy) to function and it usually gets this energy from glucose (sugar). We obtain this energy from our food- which for most of us means a high carbohydrate American diet. Let’s break down exactly what happens when we fast: the first energy source to be depleted is glucose which comes from our last meal and then our liver. Once this process is complete the body needs to make energy from another source and it obtains this via fat breakdown. Scientifically if you want to get rid of your fat then fasting is good idea. Fasting though is much more than losing weight. It’s about a lifestyle. A lifestyle of self-discipline and mental toughness. This is true regardless of what type of fasting you take part in, whether it be intermittent or fasting during Ramadan.

Recently intermittent fasting has gained traction as a new weight loss technique. There are a variety of methods for intermittent fasting, but all usually involve abstaining from food for 16 hours a day. Most people who take part in this type of fast do it a couple times a week. No food is allowed but the difference from Ramadan is that you can still drink water, coffee or low to no calorie supplements. The main purpose of this fast is to take in less calories in hopes to lose weight. There are many studies being conducted on this type of fast, and though small, they show that intermittent fasting can help decrease glucose and lipid levels.  As this diet fad has come to prominence I think of the years in school during which people would ask me how I’m able to not eat or drink all day during the holy month of Ramadan.

In Ramadan Muslims fast every year for 30 days, a month when they don’t eat or drink water from dawn till dusk. We also fast from other worldly desires in hopes of obtaining greater spirituality. Since Islam is based on a lunar calendar every year Ramadan starts roughly 10 days earlier. That means in winter months fasts are shorter and in summer months fasts can be very long. The first couple of days are very difficult when fasting begins, but just like anything in life your body adjusts, and it becomes easier. It becomes mind over matter. In this month we try to better ourselves as people and believe that if one can convince their mind that their body doesn’t need food, other aspects of life can also come under our control. This is the month during which we work harder than the rest of the year to get rid of bad habits. The goal is to continue that lifestyle after Ramadan and practice self-control and generosity, as you did during the holy month.

Whether you are going to fast this Ramadan, or thinking about intermittent fasting, know that there are benefits you will gain for both your health and wellbeing. Keep in mind that fasting is not about starving yourself, it’s about self-reflection and discipline as you practice a task that initially seemed impossible.

Ramadan Mubarak to all

“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil.” (The Holy Quran, 2:183)

P.S. Request to my brothers and sisters out there who will be fasting this month. Control the samosa intake, the carb load is not yolked and those Tarawih burps are no joke.