Hey darling, welcome back to the blog!
It’s a quiet morning here in England, and I’ve managed to carve out a bit of time for myself before the day truly begins. I’m sitting in my usual spot by the window, wrapped in a soft blanket, sipping a cup of green tea with a little honey, just the thing to ease into the day. Outside, the familiar sights and sounds of the neighbourhood unfold: a couple walking their dog, the distant rumble of the bus.
Inside, the house is slowly waking up. My daughter is in the next room, surrounded by her favourite toys, happily chatting to herself as she builds another tower with her blocks. My husband, ever the morning hero, is moving about quietly in the kitchen, likely trying to find something that qualifies as breakfast without creating any dishes. Meanwhile, I’m here, preparing for something that sounds simple on paper but feels anything but… fasting.
On the table next to me are my Bible and journal, both well-worn from time spent scribbling notes and underlined verses. They’re my companions as I prepare my heart for a fast.
Fasting is a discipline that holds so much meaning, but it’s not something to jump into unprepared. Over the years, I’ve learned that fasting isn’t just about giving something up, it’s about intentionally creating space for God, and that takes planning. Life is busy, and with a family to care for, it’s easy to get distracted. That’s why preparing well is so important—it helps you set realistic expectations and stay spiritually grounded through it all. This morning, as I sip my tea and jot down my thoughts, I’m reminded of the times I’ve approached fasting without much preparation. Those experiences taught me a lot about the importance of being intentional, not just about what I’m fasting from, but also about how I’ll use the time to draw closer to God. Whether you’re fasting for the first time or looking to go deeper in your spiritual walk, preparation is key. preparing for a fast is essential, especially when you have a family, a schedule, and the occasional late-night snack habit that refuses to quit.
In this blog post, I’ll share practical tips and personal insights to help you prepare for a fast—because with the right mindset and heart posture, fasting can be easier, even in the middle of family life. Let’s get ready together.
1. Hydration: Turning into a Walking Water Balloon
The first rule of fasting? Hydrate like your life depends on it, because, well, it kind of does. A few days before I start, I up my water intake significantly. By the time I’m ready to begin, I’m basically part fish.
Electrolytes also come into play. I add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt or a splash of electrolyte mix to my water. It keeps the headaches and fatigue at bay, which is vital when you’re trying to function like a normal human being despite not eating.
2. Clearing the Decks: Food-Free Zones
I make sure the house is as food-free as possible—or at least free of tempting snacks. No bread on the counter, no biscuits lurking in the cupboards. I even avoid trips to the supermarket in the days leading up to the fast. You’d be surprised how quickly a “quick errand” turns into a full-blown craving-induced shopping spree.
3. The Last Supper (Not That One)
The night before, I treat myself to what I like to call the “anti-bloat” meal. Something light, clean, and easy to digest—think grilled chicken, steamed veg, or a lovely salad. I steer clear of anything too rich or carb-heavy. The goal is to ease your body into fasting, not leave it crying out for a food hangover cure.
4. The Mental Game: Hyping Myself Up
Fasting isn’t just physical; it’s a massive mental challenge. To get my head in the right space, I remind myself why I’m fasting. Whether it’s for health, clarity, or just proving I can, having a clear goal makes all the difference.
I’ll also do a bit of visualisation, imagining myself smashing through the fast like an absolute champ. Over the top? Maybe. Effective? Definitely.
5. Caffeine: The Great Debate
This one’s controversial, but I gradually cut down on caffeine a couple of days before fasting. Quitting cold turkey while fasting is a recipe for splitting headaches and murderous mood swings. Instead, I wean myself off slowly—switching to herbal teas and decaf.
And yes, I know Brits practically run on tea, but trust me, going caffeine-free for a few days won’t kill you.
6. Distractions: The Secret Weapon
Once the fast begins, you need a plan to keep busy—otherwise, you’ll find yourself endlessly scrolling through Instagram food posts (a rookie mistake I’ve made more than once).
I line up books, podcasts, or tasks that require focus. Fasting days are perfect for catching up on a good read or tackling that cupboard I’ve been meaning to declutter since 2022.
7. Sleep Prep: Early to Bed, Early to Forget Hunger
The first 24 hours are always the hardest, so I make sure my schedule is as low-maintenance as possible. No late nights or taxing plans. If all else fails, I just go to bed early and let the hunger pangs sort themselves out while I’m dreaming of steak or apple pie and custard.
8. Mindset: Keeping Calm and Carrying On
Before the fast starts, I remind myself that hunger isn’t an emergency. I know I’ll feel hungry, it’s literally the point, but I’ve learned that the feeling passes. When it comes to fasting, calm and steady wins the race.
So there you have it—my foolproof method for preparing for a water fast. It’s all about planning, hydrating, and keeping your mind and body on the same page.
And if all else fails? Just keep reminding yourself how much easier it is to fast when you don’t have to deal with cooking, and dishes.
Sending blessings to you!
Scherise. X
