Fasting isn’t just a wellness trend—it’s deeply rooted in many cultures and religions. From Lent in Christianity to Ramadan in Islam, Yom Kippur in Judaism, and various Hindu fasting rituals, the practice of abstaining from food has long been associated with reflection, devotion, and healing.

But beyond its spiritual significance, fasting has powerful health benefits too. Techniques like intermittent fasting can activate SIRT1, a gene linked to longevity, and trigger autophagy, your body’s way of clearing out damaged cells and recycling nutrients. It’s a natural reset button for your system, giving your body time to rest and digest, while also reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity.

We all fast overnight (unless you’re a midnight snacker!) and simply extending that window can be a gentle way to begin. However, fasting isn’t suitable for everyone.

If you do choose to fast, then gradually reduce your feeding window to 10 or even 8 hours for great benefits. Just remember to make nourishing and nutritious choices in between.

If fasting isn’t for you, then maybe consider the “hara hachi bu” approach, eating until you’re 80% full. It’s a gentler way to support longevity without the extremes.