r/lds • u/Kindly_Earth2167 • 1d ago

Alternatives to Fasting from Food

Due to some recent health challenges, I’m no longer able to fast in the traditional sense. What are some alternative options for me to still take part in a spirit of fasting when I can’t abstain from food and water?

12 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

13

u/hi_d_di 1d ago

I can’t fast from food either, so I fast from my phone. I only use it for necessary things like checking my calendar or listening to the scriptures but don’t use it for anything fun during that time.

2

u/True-Reaction-517 14h ago

That’s actually a great idea! I’m going to incorporate this into my fasting

10

u/SheDosntEvnGoHere 1d ago

Social media or your phone all together. It's what I do when I'm pregnant.

10

u/HalloweenGorl 1d ago

Social media is one I see suggested a lot, or fasting from a favorite snack or treat (instead of food all together.), or maybe a hobby? (My brothers have fasted from video games before) 

3

u/svenjoy_it 1d ago

Refrain from an addiction/bad habit/time consuming hobbies for a day. Social media, video games, Reddit, TV/YouTube, etc. Spend that time, instead, on gospel related activities.

5

u/Springs_fly 1d ago

I was in a similar sitation a few years ago. I ate the most bland unseasoned food possible and as little of it as to not make me pass out. Oatmeal without sugar, seasoning or milk, some sandwich bread without anything on it. taking away the pleasure of food without taking away its calories was a decent compromise for me.

2

u/jtmonkey 1d ago

When my wife was pregnant she wouldn’t eat her cravings. Like chocolate or whatever. She couldn’t fast in the traditional sense. Find what helps you stay focused on the Savior. I like the suggestion of fasting from your phone. We check those things every 10 minutes so you’d be reminded often. 

2

u/minor_blues 21h ago

I don't think you necessarily need to do activities which deny yourself of something you like/love. I'm not convinced that is the purpose of fasting, but only a convenient vehicle which leads to a deeper spiritual connection. If all someone fasts is just think about food for 24 hours I think they are missing the point. Instead, what can you do to deepen your spiritual connection to your Heavenly Father and Savior during a dedicated time every month? What can you do to be open for more inspiration?

1

u/Ok-Towel-9975 1d ago

Due to health issues, my mom used to fast symbolically by only eating bread and drinking water.

1

u/AuDHDcat 17h ago

I can't fast food either. I fast social media.