I am not the best faster in the world. So to prepare, I have learned a few tips and tricks to help ease the 24+ hours of fasting needed for Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av.
Some of the best tips revolve around things you should and things you shouldn’t ingest before the fast.
DRINK WATER. Lots of it. Chug gallons if you have to.- DRINK POWERADE / GATORADE. Has extra electrolytes which you’ll need throughout the day, although I don’t know how long it’ll stay in your system.
- EAT PROTEIN. Protien will give you energy for the day – or most of it.
- EAT SOME CARBS.I used to eat tons of carbs before a fast, but I realized that carbs just make me tired … and because carbs are heavy, my stomach is expanded and thus hungrier earlier. Have a moderate portion, take more protein and liquids.
- EAT LOTS OF POTASSIUM. Orange Juice, bananas, Gatorade.
- AVOID CAFFEINE. I’ve seen people wean themselves off of coffee and soda a week before a big fast to prepare. Many people who get massive headaches on fast days are daily coffee drinkers. Caffeine-withdrawl headaches are no fun!
- USE A CAFFEINE SUPPOSITORY. While I don’t do this, I have family members who do. If you can’t give up coffee and need a caffeine jolt during the day, you can use a suppository for your caffeine fix. Ask you pharmacist for these.
- TAKE AN ASPIRIN (or similar). Taking one of these right before the fast for preventative measures can be helpful.
Thank you to @sarahklinkowitz @rabbichaim @samir @weinberg81 @sweberman for contributing their thoughts to Dani aka @YeahThatsKosher.
