Christians (and any other religious folks) undertaking fasting- opinions and ideas on whether or not it can change your relationship with food

[Frokni]

Hi there guys

This is my first time posting on the Philosophy/religion thread as I never knew it existed.

I am a practising Christian and I have heard a colleague talking about fasting. I have never done it but I feel it would be a great chance to spend some time investing in my new journaling bible and taking the chance to get closer to God and my own spirituality.

Before I continue, I must emphasise, I know that fasting to be closer to God and faith is not a diet :-)

I am soon to be going on Slimming World after gaining lots of weight after having my girls. I feel my relationship with food is getting quite bad and I am worried I just won't dedicate myself to getting back into good habits.

I suppose my question is: to those of you who fast, either 1 day a week/month/year has it changed your mindset regarding food and the relationship you have with it and your body? I want to treat my body better and wonder if the key for me lies in a spiritual fast so I might think differently about food and in turn the consequences of over eating which could lead me to be less gluttonous and more considerate of those who have less.

I do outreach community work through church and also attend house group. Regular attendance at church is hard as it's not massively child friendly.

Anyway, i would love to hear people's thoughts on this and if any one has any links to scripture that may help I would appreciate it.

F x

Each to their own, sounds a bit odd to me; it'll certainly make you hungry

Yes!

I am doing the Daniel fast, I'm starting to see food as fuel rather than what I want/tied to emotions.
I've not managed to do the fast 100% but I have tried to follow as much as possible, it's taught me I can say not to something even if I want it!

Say no*

I usually fast for Yom Kippur and although it shows me that I don't need the majority of the food I eat in the day, I wouldn't say it affects my relationship with food. It does, however, highlight how much I drink during the day and how much I need it!

Thanks for your responses guys. Got loads to think about :-)

The idea of fasting is so you can put yourself in the shoes of those who don't have the luxuries we do. I find it really easy, I always keep in mind that for some people it isn't a choice.

One idea would be on the day(s) you fast, maybe be more prayerful. I lot of people have the primary school idea about praying, close your eyes, hands together, but you can chat with God inside your head and no one would know at all. One thing my spiritual director got me onto was praying and also listening for God etc responding.

Can someone explain the benefits of fasting? I'm trying to understand what good can come from it.

A Hindu colleague used to fast one day a week (could eat fruit though). She seemed fine on it.

Can someone explain the benefits of fasting? I'm trying to understand what good can come from it. Less indulgence of the physical can bring one closer to the spiritual I should imagine. Never done it myself. Maybe I'll have a go one day.