(+ coffee, tea, and electrolytes)

I said water fasting and then immediately mentioned non-water liquids. The purists are already in an uproar, perhaps rightly so. Coffee is not water; a pure water fast is likely more challenging than the muddy water fasts I complete.

Here’s my reasoning. Drinking nothing but water is terrifying. Even if I do a pure water fast, I like knowing I can have a cup of black coffee if I’m losing my mind or add an LMNT (salt, magnesium, potassium electrolyte mix) to my water if I feel lightheaded or just “off.” It makes me feel better. Secondly, most experts agree that zero-calorie drinks (or nearly zero-calorie – even black coffee has a couple of calories) do not negatively impact a fast and might help. Granted, you are introducing things to your body when it is trying to purge, and in a perfect world, we would probably fast on fresh rainwater from the Amazon, but that’s not happening for me, so pass the coffee and electrolytes, please. Finally, I have a long history of low blood pressure and the lightheadedness that comes with it. Salt takes care of that wonderfully.

Here are some tips for getting through the first day of a water fast.

Empty the pantry and fridge, or get out of the house.
I have kids, so emptying the place is not an option, but if you can, it is a great strategy. I have to leave because having all that food at my fingertips is too tempting.

Fasting Education
Dive into a book, video, or podcast about fasting. There is so much out there. Some of my favorites are Dr. Eric Fung, Dr. Mindy Peltz, and Dr. Goldhammer. If you want a quick infusion of motivation, google one of Dr. Goldhammer’s YouTube videos. He has a way of making you laugh at yourself while essentially telling you to suck it up.

Pray, Meditate, Take a Moment
Regardless of your religious beliefs, taking some quiet time is very helpful. One of the most significant tools for fasting is the ability to redirect your attention. This skill can also help you in many other areas of life, so it is an excellent opportunity to practice. Prayer, meditation, and deep breathing are all good methods to calm the mind. You can rely on one or practice all three.

Heat
Heat can subdue your appetite. Add hot, steamy yoga, a hot bath, an infrared sauna, or a break in the sunshine to your schedule. Be careful not to overdo it; you may be more susceptible to lightheadedness, but gentle heat can help ease your hunger.

Journal
Without the distraction of food, your mind might have a lot on your mind. It’s a great time to journal your feelings and experiences. Also, documenting how far you have come can help you stick to your goal.

Try some of these tips for your water fast, and let me know how they work for you.