Plus: Download Your Free "Dinner and Done" Guide for Intermittent Fasting and Wellness
As we approach Yom Kippur, a day filled with spiritual reflection and fasting, and the joyful celebration of Sukkot right after, it's the perfect time to focus on how we can support both our body and soul during this sacred season. Fasting, especially for women over 40, can bring challenges like fatigue, cravings, and even post-fast discomfort. But with the right approach, fasting can become a powerful tool for your health and wellness—not just spiritually but physically as well.
The Power of Intentional Fasting
Many of us have grown up with the idea of fasting as a religious obligation, something we do once a year on Yom Kippur as a way to atone and reflect. However, fasting can also be an intentional health practice that supports the body's natural rhythms and resets our metabolism—especially when paired with mindful eating before and after the fast.
Intermittent fasting, for example, is a structured approach that allows the body time to burn stored fat and balance blood sugar levels. It’s an excellent tool for women over 40 who may be dealing with hormonal shifts, weight management issues, or inflammation. By incorporating the principles of intermittent fasting into your daily life, you’ll find it much easier to transition into a 24-hour fast, like the one we observe on Yom Kippur.
How to Prepare for a 24-Hour Fast
Hydration is key. In the days leading up to Yom Kippur, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to prepare your body for the day of fasting. Stay away from overly salty or sugary foods that can leave you dehydrated or cause energy crashes.
Eat a balanced meal the night before. One of the most common mistakes people make before a fast is loading up on carbs. Instead, aim for a meal rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. This helps to keep you feeling full longer and stabilize blood sugar levels so that you don’t experience energy dips during the fast.
Breaking the Fast: Do it Right
After the fast is over, it’s tempting to indulge in large quantities of food, but this can leave you feeling sluggish and uncomfortable. Instead, start with light, easily digestible foods, such as:
Lentil soup or a simple vegetable broth for nourishment
Eggs and leafy greens for gentle protein and fiber
Hydration with water and herbal teas before reintroducing solid foods
Skipping the heavy carb-laden post-fast meals like cake and sugary juice will keep your blood sugar balanced and prevent the crash that leaves many feeling exhausted.
Using Intermittent Fasting for Post-Holiday Balance
Once Yom Kippur is over and we’re transitioning into the joyous festival of Sukkot, it’s easy to get caught up in celebratory meals and desserts. But Sukkot doesn’t have to mean abandoning your health goals! Intermittent fasting can help keep you balanced through this time.
By adopting the Dinner and Done method, where you make your evening meal your last for the day, you can give your body the time it needs to digest and reset before the next day’s meals. This not only helps support fat burning and hormone balance but also ensures you wake up feeling lighter and more energized each day.
Free Download: "Dinner and Done" Fasting Guide
To help you feel prepared and empowered going into Yom Kippur and Sukkot, I’ve put together a free PDF guide that explains the benefits of intermittent fasting, how to prepare for a fast, and tips for breaking the fast in a healthy way.
In the guide, you’ll also find:
Low-carb dinner ideas to prepare your body for fasting
Tips for reducing stress and inflammation before and after the fast
Different intermittent fasting windows (12:12, 14:10, and 16:8) and how to choose the best one for you
A bonus recipe for an anti-inflammatory Ginger Turmeric Shot to boost your wellness
Why Fasting Can Be Transformational for Your Health
Fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food—it’s about resetting your body and giving it time to heal and regenerate. Especially for women over 40, fasting can be a key tool for:
Balancing blood sugar and reducing the risk of insulin resistance
Supporting hormone regulation (which is crucial during perimenopause and menopause)
Reducing inflammation, which can help prevent chronic illness and improve your overall well-being
Promoting fat loss in a way that’s sustainable, without feeling deprived
By incorporating these strategies into your Yom Kippur fast and your everyday life, you’ll feel more in control of your health and empowered to make choices that align with your wellness goals.
Final Thoughts: A Holistic Approach to Fasting and Wellness
This year, approach Yom Kippur and Sukkot with intention—not just spiritually, but physically as well. Your body is a vessel for your soul, and by nourishing it properly, you can connect more deeply to both your physical and spiritual self.
Take a few moments to reflect on your health goals, and how fasting can be a tool to support both your body and your soul in alignment with your values. If you're ready to take the next step toward holistic wellness, download the free "Dinner and Done" guide to get started.
[Download Now] and share it with friends or family who are also looking for a balanced approach to fasting and health!
Wishing you a meaningful fast and a joyful Sukkot,
Lily Aronin
Holistic Nutritionist & Wellness Coach
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