How to Go on a Fast Safely

B'SD


1 Av 5771




The Jewish calendar is in a somber state. Nine days to go until Tisha B'AV, the 9th day of the month called Av. We've already been in the midst of a mourning period known as The Three Weeks.


Tisha B'AV, the 9th day of the month called Av, is a day of fasting: no drinks or food unless you're quite ill/weak (check with your doctor to learn if the fast should be  minimized or avoided for your optimal health. Your local Orthodox rabbi can advise you what to do in such a case). Here's something you can do, starting today, to reduce your discomfort during the fast:


Stop eating/drinking things with sugar (pastas, candies, snax) and caffeine (coffees, sodas) - at minimum ingest less of the stuff each day until the fast. It's the sudden withdrawal from sugar and caffeine that can unhinge your hopes to get through the fast without headaches and feeling "ill."


Here's how to get through the high heat/humidity in the

meanwhile: Cool off and reenergize with chilled unsweetened organic teas (or, sweetened with a bit of agave syrup if you must have sweet flavoring), pure juices without additives, filtered water, cold fruit, peaches or other fruit pureed in a blender then chilled for fantastic refreshment, and cold soups (read some recipe books).


Avoid nausea after the fast by first drinking simple beverages, then eating s-l-o-w-ly.


For more can-do tips for better health, read It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To: EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge." Buy it at http://booklocker.com/books/3067.html 

Face Your Medical Problems with Dignity.
Face Your Future with Optimism.