Fasting, or not eating for a specific period of time, can be part of a religious tradition or done out of medical necessity. Sometimes fasting can be the start of a new dietary regimen, as when you're trying to start eating healthier foods. How end the fast depends on its purpose and duration, because the longer you go without food, the more your body will have to readjust when you start eating again.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor about when to end the fast if you're doing it for medical reasons. Many tests and surgeries require you to fast for a specific time period. You might be able to resume normal eating patterns immediately afterward, but check with your doctor first, especially if the fast was done before surgery. Waking up from general anaesthesia can be unpleasant, and you don't want to stress out your stomach.
Step 2
Eat slowly. A fast of a couple of hours before a blood test might not do much to your system, but Whole Health MD notes if you've finished a couple of days of fasting, drinking only water or juice, your system needs to adjust to solid food again.
Step 3
Add basic foods like vegetables and brown rice first if you're fasting as a way to clean out your diet. Start gently and eat recognizable, plain foods, gradually adding in more over a few days. Fasts done for detox reasons can sometimes run up to three days, so it is best to speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian first, so you have an action plan to follow that won't make you feel ill.
Step 4
Eat foods required by your religious traditions first if this is a religious fast. For example, the Mississippi State University Muslim Students Association breaks the daily fast during Ramadan by first eating dates and drinking milk or water. The full evening meal waits until after a round of prayers that follows the initial food and drink. If you are new to a religion that includes fasting, double-check what traditions that religion has for breaking the fast.
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