5 Fasting Fails

5 Reasons Why Fasting Fails

During Ramadan, about half of the world fasts from sunrise to sunset. This is a religious tradition for Muslims who practice Islam. The Ramadan fast consists of not eating any foods or drinking any beverages during the day time. However, there are several different ways to fast. Fasting is simply giving up something one enjoys: internet, video games, sex, etc., for hours, days, or even weeks at a time. I recently tried to fast from food and failed miserably. Here are my 5 fasting fails.

5 Fasting Fails

#1 I'm Addicted to Food

With all of the GMO's (genetically modified organisms), sugar (high fructose corn syrup), salt and fat pumped into our foods, it's no surprise that I craved it. The mere thought of food was so arousing that I was literally fantasizing about eating cheesy, greasy foods. My mouth would start to water and I would seriously start to go through food withdrawals.

5 Fasting Fails

#2 Food is All Around Me

As a summer intern at the busiest airport in the state of Ohio, I was tempted at each concourse. There was every type of food you can possibly imagine just one floor down from my desk. Those warm, delectable, soft icing covered rolls from Cinnabon... Those pulled pork cheese fries from Bar Symon... One dollar pretzels every Wednesday at Auntie Anne's... Crispy hot wings from the Black owned business Winners... Vino from Vino Volo... Chick-Fil-A, Bruegger's Bagels, Dunkin Donuts... I QUIT!

5 Fasting Fails

#3 No Accountability Partner

I should have started my fast with a group of girlfriends. We could have held each other accountable. We could have been the rock for one another in times of weakness. Being a single woman and mother, I am the boss of my household. I have no one to answer to but myself. Just like going to the gym is easier with a buddy, fasting is too. 

5 Fasting Fails

#4 Not Enough Prayer

I needed to fast in order to get clarity from my Source, to make a life changing decision. I was hoping to clear out the funnel of communication, by eliminating food for three days. I should have started to prepare at least a week in advance physically, mentally and spiritually. Choosing to start cold turkey without the proper preparation was a complete disaster from the start. I should have planned out time for prayer, meditation, and things to do when I felt the hunger pains.

5 Fasting Fails

#5 I Was Weak

I had not built up any tolerance that would sustain me through the times of temptation. My weakness for being satiated with food took over my goal. The habit of eating immediately when I see or smell food completely took over me. I'm not obese or over weight, but I am addicted to eating on demand. Most of the time I wasn't even starved. I was just used to eating whenever the mere thought of food invaded my mind. Food is a weakness for me. I'm ashamed, but willing to be honest with myself. Although I failed my fast, I learned a lot about myself. Thankfully, God is merciful and His love is unconditional. I was still granted the clarity I was looking for.

Have you ever tried fasting? Leave a comment telling us about your experience. Thanks for reading!