Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

How to Do Fasting

<p><strong>Fasting</strong>—it&#x27;s been a buzzword in the wellness industry for years now. I think I know at least one in three people who are doing intermittent fasting, a way of resting your digestive system from solid food for a certain number of hours to produce weight loss effects, among other benefits. But when it comes to <strong>spiritual fasting</strong>, the purpose is completely different. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774937594034Fasting.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Have you tried doing a spiritual fast?</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>What is a Spiritual Fast?</strong></div><p>In the Christian faith, fasting is a spiritual discipline that is regularly done in the year for purposes of hearing more clearly from God, spending more time in prayer, and growing spiritually. It is by no means a way to diet or lose weight, but rather, to abstain from physical food and other pleasurable things that may distract oneself from wholly dedicating time spent with God. </p><p>According to Christian resource website <a href="//GotQuestions.org">GotQuestions.org</a>, &quot;Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774938150589Fasting and praying.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Fasting is often linked to more time in prayer</span></span></span></div><p>According to <a href="https://www.ccf.org.ph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Christ&#x27;s Commission Fellowship (CCF)</a>, &quot;Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food for a specified duration of time to express remorse and repentance from sin, to earnestly seek God’s will, or to be more intimate with God as we spend extended time in reading His Word and in prayer. Foregoing something essential, such as food, gives us an opportunity to express how sincere and determined we are in aligning ourselves with God’s heart by humbly seeking His answers to our questions, praying for His provisions for our needs, and asking for spiritual breakthroughs.&quot;      </p><p>CCF also states that &quot;While modern-day Christians may also fast (abstain) from other things like entertainment, sports, and social media, abstaining from food is the typical expression of fasting in the Bible because we can survive our entire lives without many things—<strong>but we cannot go on forever without food</strong>. Meaning, we have chosen God and His pleasure more than what sustains our physical life (Nehemiah 1:4, 9:1; Esther 4:3; Daniel 9:3; Joel 2:12; Matthew 6:16-18; Acts 13:2; Isaiah 58).&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Who Should and Shouldn&#x27;t Do a Spiritual Fast?</strong></div><p><strong></strong>While regular fasting is spiritually beneficial, not all individuals may be fit to do it. Medical supervision must always be sought, and knowing one&#x27;s capacity should be of utmost importance. Those who may not be fit to do a food fast are: Those who are underweight or too thin, those who are prone to eating disorders, those who suffer from ailments like anemia or weakness, those who need to take prescription medication with food intake, as well as pregnant and nursing women.</p><p><strong></strong>If you are cleared by your doctor to do a food fast and know that you are physically capable, then by all means, you can start easing into it. The goal must be clear: You are doing a fast not to diet or lose weight, but to devote yourself to prayer and a deeper relationship with God. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774938631591Bible Study.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">During your fast, you can spend more time in studying the Bible apart from praying</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>How to Do a Spiritual Fast</strong></div><p><strong></strong>As already mentioned earlier, fasting involves abstinence from food. But what kind of food? How long? Is water allowed? Here, we let you in on some of the ways spiritual fasting can be done:</p><ul style="list-style-type:circle"><li><strong></strong>The most <strong>basic </strong>type of fast involves abstaining from solid food for a predetermined amount of time. It can go from a one-day fast to an entire 21 days. Extreme care should be taken with long fasts (more than a week). Seek your doctor&#x27;s advice before starting a food fast. Water is allowed and necessary.</li><li>There&#x27;s the <strong>partial </strong>food fast, which means one can skip eating certain types of food—particularly highly pleasurable food like meats, sweets, etc. This goes on for a predetermined time frame. One can also skip a meal and just go on two meals per day, even one for those who can do it. Water is allowed. </li><li>There&#x27;s a <strong>juice fast</strong> where only fresh juices and water are allowed. This can be a beneficial reset for the body and still provides the nutrients the body needs.</li><li>According to CCF, &quot;While the Bible speaks of fasting primarily as abstaining from food, the principle can extend to <strong>anything that hinders </strong>us from seeking God more fully (Hebrews 12:1). Even married couples may, by mutual agreement, abstain from physical intimacy for a time to devote themselves to prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5). Similarly, believers may choose to “fast” from activities or comforts—like social media, television, or other distractions—simply because it will help them give God their full attention.&quot;         </li></ul><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:left"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774939579032Cross.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Foregoing something essential, such as food, gives us an opportunity to express how sincere and determined we are in aligning ourselves with God’s heart by humbly seeking His answers to our questions, praying for His provisions for our needs, and asking for spiritual breakthroughs</span></span></span>This Holy Week and beyond, take time to consider doing a spiritual fast. It may be your first time, or it may be your 50th. The value of this spiritual practice is in the spiritual growth you gain in abstaining from worldly pleasures we often easily give into daily. Have a blessed one!</div>

<p>It is by no means a way to diet or lose weight, but rather, to abstain from physical food and other pleasurable things that may distract oneself from wholly dedicating time spent with God.</p>

It is by no means a way to diet or lose weight, but rather, to abstain from physical food and other pleasurable things that may distract oneself from wholly dedicating time spent with God.

How and Why You Should Do a Spiritual Fast

People

Fashion

Beauty

Wellness

Travel

Culture

Living

Food

Weddings

Wellness

How and Why You Should Do a Spiritual Fast

Kate Paras-Santiago

Published March 31, 2026 02:00 PM PHT

|

Updated March 31, 2026 02:48 PM PHT

Read More:

2026

Wellness

Fasting

Spiritual Fasting

Fasting Benefits

How to Do a Fast

Christian Fasting

Metro.Style is your go-to destination for all things chic and stylish—featuring the latest in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, celebrity news, and inspiring stories. It's your curated guide to living your best life.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.