MB #046 One Habit That Transforms in Many Ways

Read time: ~3 Minutes

Hey friend,

In today's issue, we're going to discuss the single most overlooked, yet crucially important action you can take to transform your health and your walk with God.

That action is fasting. Now, before you check out and archive this email due to a gross disinterest in "starving yourself" - humor me for a couple of minutes. I know you'll be glad you did. 

A fasting method that I recommend clients investigate and with the approval of their doctor, integrate regularly, is gaining lots of attention. It is a 42-hour fast. This type of fast involves abstaining from all calories for 42 hours straight, with only water and electrolytes. Though recently popular, there’s nothing new about fasting.  

Fasting, including this increasingly popular 42-hour fast, is not a modern invention but a timeless practice deeply rooted in human history. Our ancestors, in their pre-industrial/pre-modern agricultural societies, naturally experienced fasting a lot but it is also seen all through scripture (see some examples here) as a practice exercised often.

The fact that a person can easily thrive through a prolonged fasting period is a testament to the human body's remarkable adaptability and resilience, shaped by the fact that our God is incredibly creative. 

While the physical benefits of the 42-hour fast are well-documented and we'll outline those in detail, its spiritual implications, particularly for Christians, are profound. In the Christian tradition, fasting is more than a health practice; it's a form of worship, a discipline for spiritual growth, and a way to deepen one's relationship with God.

As we abstain from physical nourishment, we learn to rely more on spiritual sustenance, drawing closer to God and aligning our physical discipline with our spiritual awareness. This fast can be a time of prayer, reflection, and renewal, offering a unique opportunity to strengthen both body and soul.

Embarking on the Fasting Journey

As we delve into the health benefits of the 42-hour fast, we need to recognize that these physical transformations mirror spiritual truths. The process of autophagy, for example, is not just about the cellular repair that happens during a fast but can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual renewal and rebirth that often is taking place as we fast. God knew what He was doing when we created the concept of the fast - and He is the one who created the spiritual, relational, AND physical benefits that we experience. 

Similarly, improvements in insulin sensitivity and cognition are physical manifestations of the clarity and focus we can gain spiritually through fasting. The reduction in inflammation and the promotion of longevity are physical blessings that allow us to serve God and our communities more effectively.

Fasting has numerous studied physical health benefits, including: 

• Increased insulin sensitivity

• Cellular repair & renewal

• Weight loss

• Prevention of chronic disease

• Improved cognition

• Reduced inflammation

Before we dive into the health benefits, here are a few additional philosophical and logistical details to consider.

Guided by Rhythm

The recommended approach for the 42-hour fast involves aligning it with the natural circadian rhythms, starting at sundown and concluding at the end of the third day. This synchronization not only leverages your body’s intrinsic metabolic processes but also resonates with the biblical principle of marking days from sundown to sundown, reminding us of the natural order established by God (for there was evening and there was morning on the XYZ day...). This alignment can further enhance metabolic health, improve sleep quality, and boost immunity. 

It is typical to incorporate a 42-hour fast at least once or twice per month. Those with larger weight loss goals can increase the frequency at which they do these. However, a prolonged fast like this may not be right for everybody. For those new to fasting, it’s best to first try a shorter fast like circadian rhythm fasting or 16:8 to observe how your body responds to calorie restriction. As always, consult with your physician to determine if fasting is safe for you personally...."

*The above is an excerpt from our brand new 'Ultimate Guide To The 42-Hour Fast: Benefits, Considerations, And How To's.' If you'd like to finish reading the guide, it's available 100% free with nothing required of you - here on the Mission-Fit website. 

That's it for this week. Cheers, y'all!

-Chris

PS. When you’re ready, there are 2 ways I can help more:

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