Day Fasting For Weight Loss

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that the obesity rates in America since the 1970s have been steadily increasing, with current statistics showing that nearly 34 percent of Americans are obese. Americans simply eat too many calories, mostly from high-fat, high-sugar and high-calorie processed convenience foods. Day fasting can be a catalyst for change, providing time for self-reflection, prayer and physical healing.

Why Fast?

According to Gail Sommerfield, R.D., of Loyola University, true fasting means abstaining from all food, and drinking only water for at least a 24-hour period. In Mathew 6:17, the scriptures of the Bible state "when you fast" inferring that fasting is a normal part of life. For centuries people have fasted for spiritual reasons, to improve health and increase life expectancy.

Breaking Bad Habits

A one day fast can be very beneficial in breaking poor eating or emotional eating habits. Fasting can make you aware of the difference between hunger, and the desire to eat due to stress, depression, boredom and anxiety. According to the Archives of General Psychiatry, research has shown a bi-directional link between depression and obesity. Depressed individuals were 58 percent more likely to gain weight, and obese individuals were 55 percent more prone to experience depression. While fasting, it is not uncommon for emotions to surface that had previously been covered up by emotional eating.

Hydrating the Body

Hydration can be a commonly overlooked topic in relation to weight loss. Proper hydration during fasting can increase metabolic rate, improve elimination, and may contribute to weight loss success. MayoClinic.com recommends drinking eight to ten 8-oz. glasses of water per day. Tosca Reno, author of " The Eat Clean Diet: Stripped," also recommends drinking cold distilled water to rid the body of excess sodium and water weight. A study published in "Obesity" stated that drinking water may promote weight loss by decreasing overall daily caloric intake and improving metabolic rate.

Improved Health

Fasting may improve insulin levels by reducing blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Fasting can cleanse the liver, kidney and gastrointestinal system, so that they work more efficiently.