Fasting for a month- how to cope with it?

I am a practicing muslim and will be fasting from sunrise to sunset meaning from 5am to 730pm how do I maintain my health in this period?

Tue. Aug 28, 11:21pm

Kudos to you, first of all, for having such faith to do something like this! It's inspiring :]

First, I'd take a vitamin every day, and I guess take it at night, before you sleep, or in the AM when you wake (if it's early enough).

Also, make sure you're drinking enough water - you don't want to be dehydratied on top of everything.

And I guess when you DO eat, make sure it's carb/protein and nutrient dense, so you're really getting the best out of your food.

Finally, I would limit exsersise, you might get too dizzy.

Good luck!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007, 11:30 PM

Move to the south pole so that your daylight hours are shorter.
Stay up all night and sleep most of the day.
If you're a woman, pray that your period lasts two weeks instead of one so you can legitimately not fast for half the time.

Okay, bad jokes aside...

Exercise should be kept pretty mild and be timed in the evening after you start eating. You might find it hard to do any at all because of time/hunger/fullness issues.
If you load up on water before dawn, make sure some of it is gatorade or similar to keep your minerals and electrolytes in some kind of balance.
Keep cool so you don't dehydrate.

I've been in groups with muslims before and they just don't actively try to lose weight during this month because it's just too hard to exercise any control after so many waking hours of not eating. They would also get up an hour before the fast starts to eat a huge meal, and go back to sleep (not always easy, so pick foods that digest relatively easily).

Good luck, that's hard to do for just a day, and the prospect of a whole month of hunger headaches sounds miserable.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 12:30 AM

If you can, seek support from your fellow fasters- If this is your first fast, they might be able to help you.

If a Muslim fast is anything like a Christian fast, then you are doing it as a tribute/sacrifice to God- keep that in mind as you feel tempted to gorge yourself between 7:30pm and 5:00 am. That might be a better motivator to keep yourself from going overboard on your off hours...

Like others have said, it'd probably be a good idea to limit your exercise during the fast.

Good luck

Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 10:36 AM

I would just sleep diring the day and be awake at night. Just switch it all around.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 10:43 AM

One of my coworkers observed Muslim fasting practices and she took it easier during her fasts. She also ate really carefully when she broke fast in the evening. Maybe if you suspend weight loss goals and focus on maintainence during your fast that would be a healthy way to go.

Best wishes to you.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 11:15 AM

First I think if your going to fast for a month you will have to change some things in your life. When fast for any period of time its best not to exercise, your body will be weaker and you can not allow the little energy you have to be wasted on something like exercise. Try to take a nap in the daytime if you can, if you work stay hydrated. Some fasts allow you to have broth as a fluid, this way your electrolites don't get really out of whack and damage your body, especially for a fast that will be that long. When you can eat, choose things that will stay with you as long as possible.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 12:06 PM

op here thanks to everyone for their comments, as I really enjoy the support I get here. I am a male and I am worried about gaining the body fat I worked so hard to lose. I really wanna see if I can do some light weights, also I will try to eat lot of good protein and fruits when I open the fast. I have been doing this for 20 yrs now youthink I would get the hang of it. Reality is, I really want to cut back on what I eat. The whole reason we are fasting is to gain some discipline in our lives and see things from a different perspective. It is no doubt difficult especially in the beginning but your body do get used to your routine and time flies.

Thanks again

SJ

Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 1:43 PM

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Burn Fat Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Weight Watchers Meetings Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: Weight Watchers Points Plus How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge