Breaking Fast

Published on August 15, 2020

Lori Boxer
Weight★No★More℠ Diet Center

In Judaism there are several major and minor fast days throughout the year, and I often get asked by observant Jewish clients how to break a fast.

When you’re ready to break your fast, it’s always best to ease out of it, with small portions of foods that are more easily digested, so you don’t overwhelm your digestive system. You also never want to break a fast with foods that are especially high in fat, sugar or even too much fiber because that can be difficult for your body to digest, leading to bloating and discomfort.

Nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest and contain a bit of protein and some healthy fats can break your fast more gently.

I encourage clients to break-fast balanced—meaning, to have one item from each food group before going back for more of anything from a particular food group.

First, have a cup of water.

Then have a little something from the Protein, Veggies and Grain groups. (Example: a little tuna salad on a mini bagel or a scooped-out half of a regular bagel, a sliced tomato.)

Drink another cup of water.

Digest for at least 15 minutes.

Next, have something from the Milk and Fruit groups. (Example: A piece of cheese and an orange.)

Drink more water.

Digest.

If you’re still hungry, go back and have a little more of any of the above.

Religious fasts are broken at sundown. However, you cannot ever eat all the food or drink all the water that you would normally plan to eat and drink over the course of an entire day, in the much fewer hours following a fast.

So don’t even try.

It will wreak havoc with your stomach, digestion, and sugar levels.

Slimcerely yours℠,

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