While hunger pains and weakness are an expected effect of the Yom Kippur fast, one need not dehydrate, faint or get sick while fasting. There are several ways to prepare oneself physically for a healthy fast.
Days before the Fast
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Days before the Fast
- Stop eating foods with high caffeine and sugar content.
- Begin drinking more water than usual.
- Eat something small every two hours (nosh).
- Avoid foods with caffeine and salt.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Plan the final meal before the fast early enough in the afternoon so there is no rush to finish before the fast begins.
- Plan the menu of this final meal so that it contains high carbohydrate and low salt foods.
- Do not eat too much in the meal before the fast, but drink plenty of water.
- Leave time after the meal and before the fast to drink warm water with sugar and brush teeth.
