Some people may choose to fast during the class.  Here are some basic guidelines:
  1. Do NOT consume caffeine while fasting!  If possible, eliminate caffeine a few days before your fast.
  2. Be aware that you may experience headaches, jitters, shivering, nausea, diarrhea and other side effects as your body “detoxifies” itself.  This is especially true if you have been eating an unhealthy diet for many years.  Don’t give up your fast just because you experience symptoms of detoxification!  It is actually good news.  It means your body is getting rid of the junk. Do not take over-the-counter medications to counter-act these symptoms!  If you are truly ill, visit a physician.
  3. It would be helpful for you to do the Cabbage Soup Diet at least once before attempting a fast, because it is a great detoxification program.   I know, I know, you are skeptical.  But this was recommended to me by Dr. Alan Spreen, the Nutrition Physician himself (and my former neighbor).
  4. You might want to eat a salad or steamed vegetables, then take a warm bath, before going to bed on the eve of your fast.  This jumpstarts your body’s cleansing processes.
  5. Eat healthy foods for several days prior to your fast.  Don’t gorge yourself on junk food the night before.
  6. If you have a juicer, you can consume a small amount of fresh vegetable juices.
  7. Another great fasting drink is warm lemon water (fresh-squeezed only) with a tablespoon of Grade B Maple Syrup and cayenne pepper.
  8. Drink at least ½ gallon of water. You may add a little fresh lemon or a small amount of cranberry juice concentrate (available at health food stores) to your water.
  9. The day after your fast, try to eat healthy and light.  For breakfast, you might start with fresh fruits, then a salad for lunch.  Resist the temptation to eat starchy or sugar-laded foods, as these will undo the health benefits of fast.
  10. If a complete fast is not possible, you may consider a partial fast.  For example, fast from solids, restricting yourself to liquids such as protein shakes, fruit juice, soup, etc.  (I often do this type of  fast.)
  11. Prepare your family’s meals in advance; crock pot meals are wonderful because you can throw the food in and forget it.  Your family can serve themselves without too much involvement on mom’s part. Pray for your family while they enjoy their meals.  When I am fasting, I often use mealtimes to read aloud to my children.
  12. Keep your schedule light, if at all possible.  Run errands in advance, put your household in good order by getting ahead of schedule on chores, etc.
  13. Enlist your family’s support.  Explain to them why you are fasting.  them to pray for you and not tempt you with food offerings.
  14. You can be certain the Enemy of your soul will do everything in his power to dissuade you from fasting.  He knows you are about to tap into some powerful spiritual resources.  Be determined, in advance, to resist every temptation he will send your way.

Fasting Guidelines

  • We fast to hear from God. We do not fast to lose weight.
  • We fast to deepen our relationship with Him, spend more time in His Word and in His Presence.
  • We fast to break chains and to unleash the power of God. We listen better when we are not focused on food, but are focusing on Him.
  • We do NOT recommend water-only fasts. We recommend watered down freshly-juiced    vegetables (you may add an apple or carrot,  but do not consume a lot of fruit during a fast), pureed vegetable soup (specifically pureed  cabbage soup made with bone broth), egg drop soup and other simple nutritional liquids. You can consume just bone broth.
We want to be wise in our fasting. If you are pregnant, diabetic, or have other health issues that are a concern, please consult with your physician before you fast. This document does not contain and should not be considered medical   advice. You may need to modify your fast for health reasons. As you modify it, keep in mind when we fast our focus is on God and time in His presence.    Fasting without praying is just not eating. You can read an in-depth article on Extended Fasts on my website.

Understand The 5 Phases of Fasting

Phase 1:  Battle for the SoulMarked by craving food and may last for a couple days or longer. This is a period of submitting your soul (mind/will/emotions) to your spirit. Phase 2: Battle for the Body  - Marked by fasting symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, chills, headaches, nausea, dizziness, moodiness. Probably the hardest period of the fasting process. May last two or more days. This is a period of submitting your body to   your spirit. Phase 3: The Fasting Zone  - Marked by little or no concern for food. When you feel with certainty that you could continue the fast indefinitely and wonder why you were ever controlled by food, you’ll know you are “in the zone.” You will have a sense that the things of this world have grown strangely dim and your awareness of spiritual things becomes more alive. May have some weakness but nothing like Phase 2. Phase 4: Termination Phase - Marked by returning hunger pangs (and can occur as late as Day 21 to 40). On these longer fasts, it’s a warning bell that the body is beginning to draw on live tissue and should be heeded. Phase 5: Grieving the Fast -  Marked by a time of grieving as you return to "normal" life. You may no longer be in the glorious    Fasting Zone, but trust that Holy Spirit has accomplished   a significant work in your life. Rejoice in that.

Cabbage Soup Diet

We highly recommend the soup portion of the Cabbage Soup Diet.  You can obtain the recipe here.  

Download the Guidelines

You can also download our Fasting Guidelines here