about fasting
the average person can do it, no problem.Most people can go without food for 30 hours without any side effects. Exceptions include, but are not limited to:
• Children younger than 12 and the elderly
• Pregnant or nursing women
• People with specific medical conditions or eating disorders
If students or parents have any concerns, have them check with a doctor before participating.
the 1-2-3 of Famine fasting
1. Get some shut-eye.
With lower calorie intake, energy levels won’t be as high as normal, so encourage teens to get a decent amount of sleep before and during Famine weekend.
2. Get juiced.
Make sure that plenty of juice and water are on hand during Famine weekend to ensure proper hydration. (Note: Avoid acidic juices like O.J.)
3. Go for gut-friendly foods after the fast.
Easy-to-digest foods like rice, pasta, and fruit are best.
the upside of getting turned inside-out
when you fast, you’re in good company
In the Bible, people fasted for a variety of reasons. Some did it to get right with God (Nehemiah 9:1). Some fasted as an act of worship (Acts 13:2). And Jesus Himself fasted to get ready for His public ministry (Matthew 4:2).
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me . . .”
—John 4:34 (NIV)
fasting can bring you closer to Christ
Fasting helps break through the clutter of our noisy world — so students can focus their thoughts and prayers on what really matters to God.
experience is the best teacher
The hunger pangs students feel help them better identify with those in need.
fasting helps students bond in a big way
Tackling a big challenge like the Famine breaks down walls and unites students. (Nothing melts cliques like having something in common — like feeling a gaping hole in your stomach for 30 hours!)
creative fasting alternatives
• Techno-fast
Go without TV, the Internet, cell phones, video games, movies, etc. for a defined amount of time (except for online Famine fundraising . . . that’s still on the menu!).
• Single serving
Eat a single serving of rice or beans from a Dixie cup to get a perspective on what “portion control” means to those in extreme poverty.
• The “ONE”
What’s that one awesome food you just can’t live without? Chocolate? Chips? Taco Bell Fourth Meal? Live without it for a specific amount of time and put the money you would’ve spent toward helping hungry kids.
• Skippity-doo-dah
Skip a meal or two rather than going the full 30 hours. Again, put the money you would’ve spent toward your fundraising goal.
