Food is a fundamental part of life, providing the body with essential nutrients and energy. But what happens when we deliberately abstain from eating for a period of time? Fasting, an ancient practice, has been observed for religious, cultural, and health reasons for centuries. In contrast to feasting (often associated with indulgence and excess), fasting can offer remarkable benefits to the body and mind.

WHAT IS FASTING?
Many people mistake fasting for hunger strike. Pastor Chris said “Fasting is a spiritual exercise, and it’s one of the vital conditions necessary for effective praying. Fasting isn’t the same as a hunger strike. It’s not about avoiding meals. After all, there’re folks who sometimes wouldn’t eat over a long period of time, probably because they’re busy; that doesn’t mean they’re fasting. Fasting means turning your attention away from food, and turning it to God”.
Fasting is the voluntary abstention from food (and sometimes water) for a specific period. It can range from intermittent fasting (such as skipping meals or restricting eating hours) to prolonged fasting lasting several days.

TYPES OF FASTING
There are several types of fasting, and they include;
• Intermittent Fasting (IF): Alternating periods of eating and fasting, such as the 16:8 method (fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window).
• Water Fasting: Abstaining from all food while consuming only water.
• Dry Fasting: Avoiding both food and water for a set period.
• Time-Restricted Eating: Eating within a specific timeframe each day, such as 10 AM to 6 PM. • Prolonged Fasting: Going without food for 24 hours or more, sometimes for several days. Just like the one Jesus Christ did in the bible.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FASTING
1. BOOSTS METABOLISM AND PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS Fasting lowers insulin levels, encouraging the body to burn stored fat for energy. It also increases norepinephrine, a hormone that enhances fat breakdown, making fasting an effective strategy for weight management.

2. ENHANCES CELLULAR REPAIR AND LONGEVITY
Fasting triggers autophagy, a process where cells remove damaged components and regenerate. This reduces oxidative stress, slows aging, and lowers the risk of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s.

3. IMPROVES BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL AND REDUCES DIABETES RISK
By increasing insulin sensitivity, fasting helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Studies show it can lower blood sugar by 3–6% and insulin levels by 20–31%.
4. SUPPORTS HEART HEALTH
Fasting improves heart health by lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure while reducing inflammation, all of which decrease the risk of heart disease.
While fasting offers many health benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with eating disorders, those with severe diabetes or blood sugar issues, Individuals with low blood pressure and those taking medications that require food intake, should consult a healthcare provider before fasting.

BALANCING FASTING AND FEASTING
Both fasting and feasting have their place in a healthy lifestyle. Fasting provides the body with a reset, while mindful feasting ensures proper nourishment. When breaking a fast, it's important to reintroduce food gradually and choose nutrient-dense meals rich in proteins, healthy fats, and fiber. Fasting is more than just a weight-loss strategy—it’s a powerful tool for improving overall health, from enhancing metabolism and brain function to boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. By integrating fasting into your routine while maintaining healthy eating habits, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—fasting for renewal and feasting for nourishment.