Tips for an Easier Fast

By Chana Lewis – Chabad.org

The fast of Tisha B’av, the 9th of Av, is a day of mourning for the First and Second Temples, both which were destroyed on this day (the first by the Babylonians in 423 BCE; the second by the Romans in 70 CE). It is also appropriate to consider the many other tragedies that befell the Jewish people throughout the ages on this day.

Although some people find fasting quite arduous, there are some pointers that can help ease the fast-related hunger pangs.

The day before…

Hydrate! Most of the unpleasantness associated with a fast does not come from lack of food, but rather, lack of fluid. The solution is to drink as much water as possible before the fast. Although you may feel you’re about to float off, it will be worth it by the time the fast is well underway. Beware of beer or other alcoholic beverages; they will only dehydrate you. Water or diluted orange juices are the safest options.

Don’t over-stuff yourself before the fast. Many people seem to think that eating a lot the day before will compensate for not eating on the fast day. This will actually make you hungrier. Have you ever noticed how much hungrier you are the morning after a large meal…? Eat a proper meal that emphasizes carbohydrates, some protein and foods high in oils and fats since they delay the emptying of the stomach, thus prolonging the effects of your pre-fast meal. Consuming carbohydrates (i.e. potatoes, pasta) will be very effective as they bond with water that your body will make use of during the fast.

Avoid salty or spicy foods. Salt causes a person to feel thirsty despite having a “normal” amount of water, because extra water is required to absorb the extra salt. For this reason you should refrain from processed foods containing lots of salt such as pickles or cold cuts. Most tomato sauces, canned fish and smoked fish should also be avoided.

Salads and other high fiber foods that are so important in one’s normal diet should be de-emphasized for the pre-fast meal since they travel quickly through the digestive system. Fruit, despite its high fiber content, is worthwhile since it carries a lot of water in a “time-release” form.

The day of…

Avoid wearing clothing that will make you perspire as this will cause your body to lose water.

Try [and it is difficult!] not to talk or think about the food you’ll eat after the fast, as this will cause your body to begin preparing itself for a meal.

Take an afternoon nap between prayer services. This will pass some time and some people also experience a feeling of fullness after a short nap.

Some people find that sniffing spices helps ease the hunger.

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