Tips for fasting days

Fasting can be defined in various ways; at The Fast 800, a fasting day is defined as eating around 800 calories in one day. We’re interested in the extensive benefits that an 800 calorie day can provide, which is why fasting is at the heart of The Very Fast 800 and The New 5:2 diet plans. Keep reading for our top tips for fasting days.

Fasting may be unknown territory for many and it can sometimes feel difficult to know where to start. Our mission is to help guide you through this practice, with helpful recipes and meal plans on our Programme, and with invaluable products like our Shakes so you, too, can reap the impressive benefits of fasting.

Benefits of intermittent fasting

Fasting is an ancient practice which has historically been rooted in religious traditions, but is now being adopted around the world for its impressive health benefits. Whether you follow a time-restricted eating pattern or a 5:2 approach, fasting has been shown to:

• Reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes ¹
• Aid weight loss ²
• Boost your mood and cognitive function
• Potentially delay neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, MS and Parkinson’s ³
• Improve your sleep ⁴
• Improve insulin sensitivity ⁵

Need we say more? If you’re ready to give fasting a go then keep reading for a few of our top tips for fasting days.

Our top tips for fasting days

1. Follow a Mediterranean-style diet: Intermittent fasting and a Mediterranean-style diet go hand in hand; the highly nutritious diet, rich in proteins and healthy fats, provides the ideal nutrients to keep you feeling fuller on fasting days. For inspiration of what to eat on a fasting day head here, or try our range of products like these Shakes which fit seamlessly into both a Mediterranean-style diet and a fasting day.

2. Find hydrating drinks you enjoy: Staying hydrated is key while fasting. It helps with your energy levels, ensures you don’t mistake thirst signals for hunger signals and keeps constipation and bloating at bay. There are plenty of fasting-friendly drinks you can enjoy, and finding ones that feel a little more exciting than water will help keep cravings for more unhealthy drinks at bay. We recommend herbal teas and water infused with fresh fruit, refreshing options for warm or cold days.

3. Plan your meals in advance: Similarly to being prepared on busy days, planning your meals in advance can be a make or break habit when it comes to fasting successfully. A meal plan will ensure you’re getting your full 60g of protein and 30g of fibre so you don’t risk becoming malnourished and can help keep you on target towards your goals. Our Programme provides you with a meal plan that works within your daily routine to help make fasting as easy and enjoyable as possible, complete with tasty recipes and helpful shopping lists right at your fingertips.

4. Be prepared on busy days: If you’re out and about, or you don’t have healthy food stocked up at home, it can be easy to reach for high-calorie, high-carb convenience food if there isn’t a fasting-friendly option to hand. However, this will likely spike your blood sugars and also tip you over 800-900 calories, yet leaving you feeling hungry. Low calorie shakes, like The Fast 800 Shakes, are ideal for having on hand in exactly these moments: they’re high in protein, fibre and healthy fats to keep you full and nourished on fasting days, and can be prepared anywhere by just adding water. Try our range of delicious flavours and keep a supply to hand for those busy days to help make fasting even more convenient.

Fasting doesn’t need to feel difficult or unachievable. With just a few simple changes, you too can reap the fantastic health benefits it offers, without feeling like you’re sacrificing your favourite foods and flavours. 

Our nutritious, convenient Shakes come in a variety of delicious options, from chocolate and coffee to vanilla and salted caramel, helping you satisfy those sweet cravings on 800-calorie days but also, keeping you nourished and satisfied. Try them here today and thank us later!