My fasting journey

As a teenager I had severe acne. When I was 15, a dermatologist prescribed me a roll-on ointment for my skin, the contraceptive pill, and antibiotics. I received repeat prescriptions for these antibiotic tablets for years until I registered with a new doctor’s surgery when we moved home. The new doctor (GP) told me to stop taking them immediately. I was often sick as a teenager and young adult. I came down with a cold numerous times a year and it was typical for me to have a chesty cough that it took weeks to shift. It was years later at the age of 23 when I was living in Germany, that a holistic doctor (Heilpraktiker) told me that my acne and general poor health stemmed from my gut. These antibiotics had destroyed my gut bacteria, and damaged my immune system.

So fast forward to 2005. A good friend, whose mother gave fasting courses, told me about the health benefits of fasting, and I was sold. She recommended a book, gave me an enema (Einlauf), and I did my first five-day fast, born out of curiosity, hope for improved health, and because I fancied the challenge! I fasted at home, simply following the advice in the book (which I still refer to today when I fast), and trusting my feelings and intuition. It was tough and I had to overcome many doubts and downs, but I felt wonderful afterwards, like new born.

I have fasted more or less every year since 2005 (apart from while I was pregnant with my daughter and the years after she was born). I have fasted in spring, summer and autumn. I much prefer a spring fast, so for the last five years I have fasted in March. This time of year feels right for me because it feels like I am in sync with nature waking out of its hibernation, the sun is gaining strength and offers many hours of bright sunshine and light. That said, March is not normally a warm month so it also feels right to cosy up on the sofa with a woollen blanket, a hot water bottle or heat bean bag, to read, doze and daydream.

Practice mindfulness with tea ceremonies during a fast.

For me, fasting means abstaining from all foods, so I drink water, fresh herbal teas and (diluted) fresh fruit and vegetable juices. I have always fasted at home, in my familiar surroundings, and with my family around me. The longest I have fasted is seven days, but I have come to realise that five days is optimal for me to achieve my goals. I have fasted while working in the past, and continued to buy and prepare food for the family. My daughter says that the food I cook tastes particularly good when I’m fasting! I have friends who fast with organised groups who spend a week in a hotel somewhere in the countryside, which is also lovely. I prefer my own company, and following my own rhythm.

I feel the benefits of a fast immediately, and during the months that follow. I feel light, slender, strong, peaceful, and radiant! I no longer catch seasonal colds and I haven’t had a chesty cough in many years years. Following a fast I often decide to abstain from certain foods for a period. One year I gave up cheese for some months – to see what difference it made to my wellbeing, another time I stopped eating sugar for ten months, and in 2025 I stopped drinking caffeine altogether.

Since 2020 I have been on a fascinating journey of personal development and self-discovery. Books, teachers, and experiences increased my knowledge manifold, but I was still seeking answers to my questions. Eventually my path led me to turn inwards and find the answers within myself. Spending time with our selves is vital for understanding why we feel and act the way we do, what we like and dislike in our lives. In a hectic life filled with tasks and responsibilities, it’s easy to neglect this “me time” and prioritise others’ needs instead of our own. Fasting gifts us this ideal opportunity to slow down and spend time with our selves. Whilst we physically need to take time out, we no longer have the many food matters to deal with that usually plague our thoughts and consume hours of our day, so we free up time in our day to turn inwards and focus on the matters of the heart and soul.

I recommend fasting for many reasons. However, I now fast mainly to create space for being myself. This may require further explanation for you to understand what I mean by this, so I recommend reading my post "Inner work".