Health and fitness trends are constantly evolving with time. In the field of abstinence, one ritual has not only fueled the wave of fasting but has also gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts and diet lovers. This fasting practice, called ‘Bhikshu Vrat’, emphasizes discipline and self-control.
What is monk fasting?
Monastic fasting, often associated with intermittent fasting, involves cycles of abstaining from food followed by periods of eating. It is a form of intermittent fasting or alternate day fasting that involves drinking only water or other zero-calorie beverages such as black tea or black coffee for 36 hours once per week. The focus is not only on physical benefits like weight management, but also on mental discipline and spiritual development. It comes across as a practice deeply rooted in meditation and spiritual connection.
its origin
The origins of the 36-hour fast can be found in ancient monastic traditions, where it was used as a powerful tool for spiritual purification and discipline. The monks, motivated by a desire to develop self-control and look within themselves, voluntarily adopted this fasting practice. By abstaining from food for 36 hours, he aimed to increase his meditation and establish a deeper connection with his spiritual essence. People from different walks of life began to recognize its benefits, leading to its widespread adoption beyond religious contexts.
Who should not do the monk fast?
Nutritionist Archana Batra explains, “People who embrace the idea of mindful eating, self-discipline, and connection with their inner self may find monk fasting in line with their wellness goals. However, it is necessary that individuals with certain physical conditions such as pregnancy avoid practicing this fast. People with existing health conditions such as diabetes and migraines should also consider consulting a health care professional.
Potential Drawbacks
If your goal is to lose weight, monk fasting may not give the results you are looking for. “It defends itself, and even if you go on a very low-calorie liquid diet, it may just retain fat. You may eventually lose muscle, which is not a good idea,” explains dietitian Kavita Devgan, and also adds that it can lead to nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue and sometimes even dehydration.
“Also, I should also point out that skipping meals and severely restricting calories can be dangerous for people with medical conditions like diabetes, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, or those taking certain medications. So, these people should be extremely careful before starting anything like this,” cautions Devgan.
health facilities
According to dietitian Garima Goyal, here are some of the potential health benefits associated with monk fasting:
It may contribute to weight loss by reducing calorie intake and promoting the use of stored fat for energy (but this also depends on individual metabolism, overall diet and fasting consistency).
Some studies suggest that this style of fasting may enhance metabolic health by improving insulin sensitivity and regulating blood sugar levels.
It is associated with lower blood pressure levels, cholesterol control and better heart health.
According to some research, intermittent fasting may have neuroprotective effects, potentially enhancing brain function and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Improving gut health through a more balanced microbiome is another health benefit associated with intermittent fasting.
Diet before and after fasting
Before starting the monk fast, it is important to nourish the body with nutritious food. Choose a balanced diet containing lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats. This sets the stage for sustained energy during the fasting period,” says nutritionist Archana Batra.
Breaking the fast correctly is as important as the fast itself because in the interim (fasting period), the body is not making the optimal enzymes needed to digest food. “So, always break your fast with easily digestible food, something that can fully energize your digestive system. Start with small portions and then keep increasing what you are eating. If you’re really hungry and eat a lot of food, this won’t work. Dietician Kavita Devgan says, “You can have soup with vegetables or khichdi.”
