Is Fasting 'Just Another Diet'?

Okay I'll admit it, losing a couple pounds over 24 hours is a definite motivator when I fast, but I have noticed other benefits as well. 

A glass of water can help relieve hunger when fasting.

The period I choose begins after breakfast, then I just have liquids until lunch the next day. I like this timing because it only requires one night of fasting instead of two. Sometimes I barely feel hunger while fasting and it passes quickly, while other times I may get a little shaky. Eventually there's a point when my body begins to convert more stored energy from itself instead of food. Skipping only one meal doesn't seem to get me to that point, and often just makes me eat more the next meal. The longer fast is needed, and here are other benefits I notice:

• Even though I only lose a couple pounds fasting, it seems to improve my metabolism for a few days afterward.
• During the fast my appetite settles down, and I realize I am not a 'slave' to food.
• Fasting also shows me how dependant I am on eating for reasons other than hunger. Do I snack to cheer myself up while working? How do I use the extra time while fasting, do I enjoy other things in life when food is absent?
• Fasting allows time for my body to recover from food sensitivities. Apart from this, a break from genetically modified or artificial foods and preservatives might benefit anyone.
• Fasting improves my weight and appearance.
• In addition to my own health, I sometimes dedicate a fast to 'a cause'. To avoid the "I'm fasting so you owe me" attitude, I may instead ask God if there is something He would like me to fast on behalf of.*

I definitely don't fast perfectly, or as regularly as might be best. Sometimes to coax myself, I allow tea in addition to water. Or I may promise myself something special for lunch the next day, as an incentive. For me it's about the willingness to try, and then see what happens.**

*(Isaiah 58:6 NIV) “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"

**(Matthew 6:16-18 NIV) 16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Note: I am not a medical professional and this is just my personal experience with fasting, not a recommendation.

What Everyone Knows About, But Nobody Can Do.

Have Christians got exclusive knowledge about right and wrong? I think even a quick look at other religions and philosophies (even atheism) would suggest that we all share many beliefs about moral behaviour. Studies show that even babies react when they witness unfair or hurtful actions. So if all people have a knowledge of right and wrong, what difference does Christianity make? There are many answers to that, but here is just one.

Despite their knowledge about right and wrong, people often act unethically in order to get by, or to gain an advantage. No one except Jesus avoided this. However, Christian faith can improve the ability to carry out moral decisions. How does this happen? Well, "...faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). We grow to believe that God will take care of our needs, safety, and purpose, which enables us to live with less fear*. And each time we experience God's provision of these things, our faith is reinforced. This enables Christians to rely more on God and less on themselves over time, and as a result to act with less fear and selfishness than they did before. 

*So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV