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Eat, Fast, Feast: Heal Your Body While Feeding Your Soul—A Christian Guide to Intermittent Fasting
"New York Times bestselling author and senior fellow at the Discovery Institute brings together the trending topic of intermittent fasting with the ancient Christian tradition of fasting for spiritual awakening"--
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2020
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1645 people want to read
About the author
Jay W. Richards
27 books64 followersJay W. Richards has served in leadership positions at the Discovery Institute and the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion & Liberty, and is currently a Visiting Fellow at the Heritage Foundation.
He has written many academic articles, books, and popular essays on a wide variety of subjects, from culture, economics, and public policy, to natural science, technology, and the environment. His previous books include The Privileged Planet: How Our Place in the Cosmos is Designed for Discovery, with Guillermo Gonzalez (Washington DC: Regnery Publishers, 2004); The Untamed God: A Philosophical Exploration of Divine Perfection, Immutability and Simplicity (InterVarsity Press, 2003); Are We Spiritual Machines?: Ray Kurzweil vs. the Critics of Strong Artificial Intelligence, as editor and contributor (Discovery Institute Press, May 2002); and Unapologetic Apologetics: Meeting the Challenges of Theological Studies, as editor and multiple contributor, with William Dembski (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, February 2001).
Money, Greed, and God: Why Capitalism Is the Solution and Not the Problem (HarperOne, May 2009), seeks to explain the market economy to people who don’t like economics, and defend it against its religious critics.
Richards is also executive producer of several documentaries, including The Call of the Entrepreneur, The Birth of Freedom, and The Effective Stewardship Curriculum (Acton Media and Zondervan, 2009). He has been featured in several television-broadcast documentaries, including The Call of the Entrepreneur, The Case for a Creator, The Wonder of Soil, and The Privileged Planet, based on his book with astronomer Guillermo Gonzalez.
A self-described “shameless generalist,” he has academic specialties in philosophy, theology, and political science, including extensive research in formal logic.
He has a B.A. with majors in Political Science and Religion, an M.Div. (Master of Divinity) and a Th.M. (Master of Theology), with a thesis on social philosopher Michael Polanyi (from whom F.A. Hayek got his concept of “spontaneous order”). He also has a Ph.D. (with honors) in philosophy and theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. While at Princeton, he helped restart and edit the Princeton Theological Review, and led extracurricular apologetics seminars during his four years there.
His work has been covered (and sometimes harshly criticized) in The New York Times (front page news, science news, and editorial), The Washington Post (news and editorial), The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Times, Nature, Science, Astronomy, Sky and Telescope, The Scientist, Physics Today, California Wild (California Academy of Science), New Scientist, The Chronicle of Higher Education, American Enterprise, Congressional Quarterly Researcher, Human Events, American Spectator, First Things, Science & Spirit, Science & Theology News, Christianity Today, Crisis, National Catholic Register, World, Breakpoint, American Atheist, World Socialist of the International Committee of the Fourth International, and many other academic and popular outlets.
He has been interviewed for stories in print publications not just in the U.S., but also in Germany, Switzerland, France, New Zealand, Canada, Spain, and the UK.
Jay Richards has lectured at scores of academic conferences as diverse as the Evangelical Theological Society and the Western Economic Association, on scores of college and university campuses, at many public policy meetings, and on several occasions has lectured to members of the U.S. Congress and U.S. congressional staff.
He has written many academic articles, books, and popular essays on a wide variety of subjects, from culture, economics, and public policy, to natural science, technology, and the environment. His previous books include The Privileged Planet: How Our Place in the Cosmos is Designed for Discovery, with Guillermo Gonzalez (Washington DC: Regnery Publishers, 2004); The Untamed God: A Philosophical Exploration of Divine Perfection, Immutability and Simplicity (InterVarsity Press, 2003); Are We Spiritual Machines?: Ray Kurzweil vs. the Critics of Strong Artificial Intelligence, as editor and contributor (Discovery Institute Press, May 2002); and Unapologetic Apologetics: Meeting the Challenges of Theological Studies, as editor and multiple contributor, with William Dembski (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, February 2001).
Money, Greed, and God: Why Capitalism Is the Solution and Not the Problem (HarperOne, May 2009), seeks to explain the market economy to people who don’t like economics, and defend it against its religious critics.
Richards is also executive producer of several documentaries, including The Call of the Entrepreneur, The Birth of Freedom, and The Effective Stewardship Curriculum (Acton Media and Zondervan, 2009). He has been featured in several television-broadcast documentaries, including The Call of the Entrepreneur, The Case for a Creator, The Wonder of Soil, and The Privileged Planet, based on his book with astronomer Guillermo Gonzalez.
A self-described “shameless generalist,” he has academic specialties in philosophy, theology, and political science, including extensive research in formal logic.
He has a B.A. with majors in Political Science and Religion, an M.Div. (Master of Divinity) and a Th.M. (Master of Theology), with a thesis on social philosopher Michael Polanyi (from whom F.A. Hayek got his concept of “spontaneous order”). He also has a Ph.D. (with honors) in philosophy and theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. While at Princeton, he helped restart and edit the Princeton Theological Review, and led extracurricular apologetics seminars during his four years there.
His work has been covered (and sometimes harshly criticized) in The New York Times (front page news, science news, and editorial), The Washington Post (news and editorial), The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Times, Nature, Science, Astronomy, Sky and Telescope, The Scientist, Physics Today, California Wild (California Academy of Science), New Scientist, The Chronicle of Higher Education, American Enterprise, Congressional Quarterly Researcher, Human Events, American Spectator, First Things, Science & Spirit, Science & Theology News, Christianity Today, Crisis, National Catholic Register, World, Breakpoint, American Atheist, World Socialist of the International Committee of the Fourth International, and many other academic and popular outlets.
He has been interviewed for stories in print publications not just in the U.S., but also in Germany, Switzerland, France, New Zealand, Canada, Spain, and the UK.
Jay Richards has lectured at scores of academic conferences as diverse as the Evangelical Theological Society and the Western Economic Association, on scores of college and university campuses, at many public policy meetings, and on several occasions has lectured to members of the U.S. Congress and U.S. congressional staff.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 3, 2020
I wanted to read this during Lent while practicing some modified fasting. I like the idea of mixing some of the ancient Christian wisdom on fasting with modern knowledge about gut health, intermittent fasting and the keto diet. There’s so much good information here. But also, the attitude of the writer was so challenging for me, hence the lower score. There’s no real understanding of how most of us want to eat because it tastes good and just don’t have the dieting discipline that he clearly has had for tons of his life. And he has a wife who is choosing to cook for him a lot, which most of us don’t have. The smugness is annoying. Also, his discussion of the science and theology are way out of his expertise zone and the dogmatic way he talks about some of it made me dislike the entire project. And yet. I’m definitely inspired and appreciate the overarching desire to connect these parts of our lives.
However sheltering in place during the corona virus means I’m eating what’s in the house, and not having all the special food needed for keto diet has messed with my Lenton plans.
However sheltering in place during the corona virus means I’m eating what’s in the house, and not having all the special food needed for keto diet has messed with my Lenton plans.
October 27, 2022
While I'm hearing a lot about intermittent fasting from the health/ medical field, I'm stunned to not be hearing more about it from Christians, or Jews, who have practiced fasting as spiritual discipline for thousands of years. Into this void writes Jay Richards. The new book summary released Nov 2019 references that Richards has written on this topic for The Stream. My spouse and I are starting to read these 14 articles. Link here...
https://stream.org/tag/fastingbodyand...
A study guide was posted. We are enjoying the book and working through the study guide for Lent, review to follow...
https://dk4dsgfbgkmll.cloudfront.net/...
I'm excited for this book to come out and hear what Richards has to say!
I did read the book and post a full review. For some reason, it is not showing up on this "hardcover" book version of GR, though the dates read appear. To read my full review, click here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://stream.org/tag/fastingbodyand...
A study guide was posted. We are enjoying the book and working through the study guide for Lent, review to follow...
https://dk4dsgfbgkmll.cloudfront.net/...
I'm excited for this book to come out and hear what Richards has to say!
I did read the book and post a full review. For some reason, it is not showing up on this "hardcover" book version of GR, though the dates read appear. To read my full review, click here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 23, 2020
I just finished the book and am 10 pounds lighter. I listened to Jay Richards' interview on Bible Answer Man while I was driving home one day and it sounded like a book that I needed to read. I love it and intend to do this the rest of my life because it is not a diet; it is a way of life. I have a degree in nutrition and I have seen the changes and discoveries that have happened down through the years. In the 70s, eggs were practically forbidden because they contain lots of cholesterol. Breakfast was a must. After all you fasted for 7 to 8 hours while you slept. Later the new food pyramid had bread and grains as the strong base of the pyramid--6 to 11 servings. Obesity and diabetes are out of control. He recommends a keto diet and working up to fasting. I still have a hard time accepting that low carb and high fat is healthy, or course not all fat is healthy, and he explains all that. First week you fast for 16 hours and there is a 8 hour window you have to eat the keto diet. Next week, three days with a 20 hour fast and a 4 hour window for eating. Next week--three days with one meal a day and 23 hours of fasting. Eventually you can work up to 36, 72 hours of fasting because your body is in ketosis and using the fat stores. The author gives Biblical background on fasting and how fasting has been used in the church, and how we have gotten away from the practice. I like the spiritual aspect of this book, and the spiritual aspect is necessary for me to get my appetite under control. I have never been obese but my appetite was sort of running my life. This may not work for everyone, but this is a way of life for me.
December 26, 2023
Richards, Jay W. Eat, Fast, Feast: Heal Your Body While Feeding Your Soul. HarperOne, 2020.
This book “changed my life.” Prior to 2017, I had been in great shape. Because of a few kettlebell injuries, I slowed down. As a result, the 165lbs of mostly muscle turned into a much heavier looking 170 lbs of muscle and fat. While I stayed strong, I never could drop the extra pounds. By following Richards’ program, albeit with a few modifications, I lost twenty pounds in four months.
This book is “keto for people who don’t want to go full keto.” To be sure, Richards, albeit a brilliant philosopher and economist, is not a nutritionist. Take up any diet changes with your physician. That said, if you, like me, are an average American with a McDonalds diet, then you cannot do any worse than listen to Richards. Strictly speaking, his case is unassailable. This is how the church (and much of humanity) lived for centuries. True, we have better access to food today (thanks to capitalism and technology), but we also have easier access to refined sugar and complex carbohydrates, which we perhaps do not need.
He convinced me of intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is a new way to say how the church has historically viewed eating and fasting.
Does it Work?
It worked for me. I cannot go full keto for whatever reasons. That said, timing my meals and cutting back on carbs and sugar has worked wonders for me. I feel better and I have lost twenty pounds in four months.
He is not advocating full keto, though for all practical purposes that is what it is. Your body should burn fat instead of sugar, and it needs to get used to doing that. Intermittent fasting helps reset that pattern.
I do intermittent fasting about four times a week. I eat supper around 6 PM and do not eat again until noon the next day.
Key Points
Fasting is easier than dieting, and it works. Dieting generally does not work in the long run. Dieting (unless specifically Keto or Atkins) aims for caloric deficits, which is good but does not address the problem. If you are still burning sugar instead of fat, then you will not get anywhere. Once your body gets used to burning fat for fuel instead of corn syrup and twinkies, then fasting is easy.
And by fasting I mean intermittent fasting. It is uncomfortable for a while, but it is far, far easier than generic dieting. Dieting makes you "hangry." Fasting does not. Indeed, you can sometimes get a "runner's high" during an intermittent fast. And if you end a fast by a legit feast (eating real foods, not canola oil), then it is a quite pleasant experience.
Conclusion
There are areas where I do not follow all of his advice. Richards is a Roman Catholic; I am not. He does not hide his faith, but this book is not written in such a way that non-Catholics cannot benefit. In any case, the book “works.” It worked for me, and with the proper guidance, if necessary, from your physician, it can work for you.
This book “changed my life.” Prior to 2017, I had been in great shape. Because of a few kettlebell injuries, I slowed down. As a result, the 165lbs of mostly muscle turned into a much heavier looking 170 lbs of muscle and fat. While I stayed strong, I never could drop the extra pounds. By following Richards’ program, albeit with a few modifications, I lost twenty pounds in four months.
This book is “keto for people who don’t want to go full keto.” To be sure, Richards, albeit a brilliant philosopher and economist, is not a nutritionist. Take up any diet changes with your physician. That said, if you, like me, are an average American with a McDonalds diet, then you cannot do any worse than listen to Richards. Strictly speaking, his case is unassailable. This is how the church (and much of humanity) lived for centuries. True, we have better access to food today (thanks to capitalism and technology), but we also have easier access to refined sugar and complex carbohydrates, which we perhaps do not need.
He convinced me of intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is a new way to say how the church has historically viewed eating and fasting.
Does it Work?
It worked for me. I cannot go full keto for whatever reasons. That said, timing my meals and cutting back on carbs and sugar has worked wonders for me. I feel better and I have lost twenty pounds in four months.
He is not advocating full keto, though for all practical purposes that is what it is. Your body should burn fat instead of sugar, and it needs to get used to doing that. Intermittent fasting helps reset that pattern.
I do intermittent fasting about four times a week. I eat supper around 6 PM and do not eat again until noon the next day.
Key Points
Fasting is easier than dieting, and it works. Dieting generally does not work in the long run. Dieting (unless specifically Keto or Atkins) aims for caloric deficits, which is good but does not address the problem. If you are still burning sugar instead of fat, then you will not get anywhere. Once your body gets used to burning fat for fuel instead of corn syrup and twinkies, then fasting is easy.
And by fasting I mean intermittent fasting. It is uncomfortable for a while, but it is far, far easier than generic dieting. Dieting makes you "hangry." Fasting does not. Indeed, you can sometimes get a "runner's high" during an intermittent fast. And if you end a fast by a legit feast (eating real foods, not canola oil), then it is a quite pleasant experience.
Conclusion
There are areas where I do not follow all of his advice. Richards is a Roman Catholic; I am not. He does not hide his faith, but this book is not written in such a way that non-Catholics cannot benefit. In any case, the book “works.” It worked for me, and with the proper guidance, if necessary, from your physician, it can work for you.
August 17, 2020
Last year I read Jason Fung's book The Obesity Code and would highly recommend it for a beginner's understanding of the sceince of fasting and the health benefits it presents.
Recently I went looking for a book that would highlight some of the spiritual (Christian) connections with fasting while still taking into account the health side. It seems most books look at one aspect or the other (body or soul). Richards' book is a fabulous marrying of these two different reasons why someone might choose a lifestyle that involves fasting.
Growing up in a Protestant tradition that does not encourage or value fasting, I have very little working knowledge of its presence in church history and why one may (or may not) fast, especially when coupled with prayer. Richards does an excellent job of sharing with his readers the history of fasting and feasting, as well as different church calendars that involve fasting and how that has evolved over time. This is well integrated into a teaching that also looks at the science behind fasting, as well as the health benefits. Richards also presents an excellent 6-week plan that could benefit many who are looking to begin a type of intermittent fast but don't know how to start (or have had terrible experiences in the past). This is an accessible book for anyone and one I would encourage Protestant or Catholic Christians to check out if looking for more information on fasting (and feasting!)
Richards lost one star from me because of his treatment of vegetarianism. His food recommendations are definitely for meat-eaters and he makes a couple of side comments that show his unappreciation for plant-based diets. Come on, Richards, don't alienate some important segments of your readership!
If you are well-versed in intermittent fasting, you know for a fact that it is completely compatible (and healthy) for those who abstain from meat to fast and that their bodies can enter ketosis in the same way that meat-eaters do. I would hate for someone who is vegetarian or pescatarian to write off fasting (or write off Richards) because of this.
Recently I went looking for a book that would highlight some of the spiritual (Christian) connections with fasting while still taking into account the health side. It seems most books look at one aspect or the other (body or soul). Richards' book is a fabulous marrying of these two different reasons why someone might choose a lifestyle that involves fasting.
Growing up in a Protestant tradition that does not encourage or value fasting, I have very little working knowledge of its presence in church history and why one may (or may not) fast, especially when coupled with prayer. Richards does an excellent job of sharing with his readers the history of fasting and feasting, as well as different church calendars that involve fasting and how that has evolved over time. This is well integrated into a teaching that also looks at the science behind fasting, as well as the health benefits. Richards also presents an excellent 6-week plan that could benefit many who are looking to begin a type of intermittent fast but don't know how to start (or have had terrible experiences in the past). This is an accessible book for anyone and one I would encourage Protestant or Catholic Christians to check out if looking for more information on fasting (and feasting!)
Richards lost one star from me because of his treatment of vegetarianism. His food recommendations are definitely for meat-eaters and he makes a couple of side comments that show his unappreciation for plant-based diets. Come on, Richards, don't alienate some important segments of your readership!
If you are well-versed in intermittent fasting, you know for a fact that it is completely compatible (and healthy) for those who abstain from meat to fast and that their bodies can enter ketosis in the same way that meat-eaters do. I would hate for someone who is vegetarian or pescatarian to write off fasting (or write off Richards) because of this.
October 31, 2023
Split feelings here. In many ways, not a great book. The author can come across as self-righteous. A lot of the science is questionable (the section on natural selection was just confusing). And the material that makes this book unique - the spiritual perspective on fasting - could have been better developed and likely isn't accessible for someone outside the "Catholic bubble." On the other hand, a better and more practical introduction to both the lifestyle and spiritual aspects of fasting than what I've seen thus far.
March 15, 2020
Not just intermittent fasting with a religious spin to it, but a promotion of ketogenic diet. Not very helpful with regards to the ketogenic aspect: too many question left unanswered.
Want to read
September 24, 2022Recommended by Andrew Pudewa
July 18, 2022
A good read that makes a biological and spiritual case for incorporating fasting into your lifestyle, supported by a ketogenic diet. This just wasn’t the best timing for me to read it with parishioners giving me carbs and sugars left and right…
August 17, 2020
Interesting concept that is poorly presented and edited. If better organized, this book could be half the length. Too much time is spent on repetition of the same general ideas - fasting used to be the norm in many cultures, fasting has health benefits, a ketogenic diet plus fasting is ideal. I would have liked much more in-depth discussion of the historical and scientific research in support of these concepts, and less repetitive, personal anecdotes from the author about how great he feels. Also, it's annoying when he writes how this isn't another "diet," when it very clearly is.
For all his verbosity, the author skimmed over the scientific processes at work, just repeating jargon he gleaned from somewhere else. And many of his guidelines seemed unrealistic - How do I measure grams of carbs/protein/etc. in my foods? Am I really supposed to get a machine to measure my insulin to monitor effectiveness? And do I want to live a life where a square of dark chocolate (or half a grapefruit) is such a huge indulgence?!?
Overall, very disorganized and tangential. Especially irrelevant is the chapter that dismisses evolution/natural selection (for no reason) and his final affirmation of the Eucharist. (This is a book about fasting that, up until this point, seemed like it was trying to appeal to a broad Christian audience.) I really like the premise of this book, but as a Catholic, I would be embarrassed to share it with anyone after those two sections.
Still, I am planning to try regular fasting and a ketogenic-ish diet, so there was something compelling within this jumbled mess.
For all his verbosity, the author skimmed over the scientific processes at work, just repeating jargon he gleaned from somewhere else. And many of his guidelines seemed unrealistic - How do I measure grams of carbs/protein/etc. in my foods? Am I really supposed to get a machine to measure my insulin to monitor effectiveness? And do I want to live a life where a square of dark chocolate (or half a grapefruit) is such a huge indulgence?!?
Overall, very disorganized and tangential. Especially irrelevant is the chapter that dismisses evolution/natural selection (for no reason) and his final affirmation of the Eucharist. (This is a book about fasting that, up until this point, seemed like it was trying to appeal to a broad Christian audience.) I really like the premise of this book, but as a Catholic, I would be embarrassed to share it with anyone after those two sections.
Still, I am planning to try regular fasting and a ketogenic-ish diet, so there was something compelling within this jumbled mess.
February 8, 2020
Very informative; just what we needed today as Christians!
October 27, 2022
I first read this book in January of 2020, right before life slid into the big change of the COVID-10 pandemic. I had begun learning about intermittent fasting from the health/ medical field, but was stunned by the silence of Christians, who have practiced fasting as spiritual discipline for thousands of years.
Into this void writes Jay Richards. The book summary released Nov 2019 referenced that Richards had written on this topic for The Stream, so my husband and I started reading the 14 articles we found there in the fall of 2019. Link...
https://stream.org/tag/fastingbodyand...
Then, my husband and I read the book together. Richards also did numerous interviews (podcasts, articles, etc) to promote the book, which can be found around the internet.
My initial 2020 impression was:
“If I could get this book delivered during the pandemic, I’d be sending it to several friends and family members. Richards presentation is even better than I hoped. My husband and I read it. Then, we worked on a Lenten fast that has ended in an Easter feast, with preparation to continue developing a fasting lifestyle.”--- end
I have since revisited the book in January of 2021 and now 2022, and plan on soaking it in again as Lenten preparation for as many years needed until these ideas become a strong foundation for fasting practice. As with his book on economics (Money, Greed and God, link below), Richards provides thorough research of a topic – in this case fasting and nutrition – and then examines the information in light of historical Christian teaching/ practice and Biblical study.
Money, Greed and God: Why Capitalism is the Solution and Not the Problem (10th Anniversary Edition), Richards, 2019.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
In Eat, Fast, Feast, Richards questions both his Biblical interpretations with scientific discovery and his scientific interpretations with Biblical truth, covering common questions and concerns believers have in the practice of fasting. Some chapters are focused on the pragmatic plan Richards has developed for personal fasting (a KETO diet gradually implemented via intermittent fasting throughout Lent, culminating in a Holy Week fast of longest duration), while others share the Biblical and historic practice of Christianity (including healthy and unhealthy practices and what distinguishes the two). I greatly appreciate Richards’ sensitivity to the entirety of Christian practice by Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant believers. I’m also appreciative of the detailed work done on the Appendices (1 Additional Books, 2 The Six Week Plan at a Glance, 3 How to Prove your Burning Fat for Fuel), Notes, and Index.
I have been told on numerous occasions that fasting is not for my complex medical situation. However, recent studies have indicated fasting might be beneficial. Coming from a family that practiced Lenten fasting through generations, I have long desired to try. Richards’ book gave me enough information to make intermittent fasting a regular part of my life.
As for the physical…
The text is helpfully researched, cited and indexed. I could never fully implement the keto diet (how does one get 80% of calories from fat? pg. 95), but rigorous cutting of carbs has been beneficial in both resetting my body and making longer fasts attainable. I feel better after fasting, even though it’s gotten harder after our initial success in Lent 2020. I’ve also had fails where I intended to fast, but my body/ mind would not let me, forcing me to choose between fasting and functionality in daily duties. Richards’ approach has helped me to become physically (and spiritually) comfortable knowing when to change my plans to fast and how to get back to moving toward long-term goals. Richards practical direction is intended as a starting point on your own fasting journey. As such, the pragmatic tips are well researched and tremendously helpful, but not authoritative. You may need to discuss with your doctor (which I did) if you are medically complicated.
While Richards sparingly comments about his wife, Ginny’s, experience with fasting, (and mentions a friend with PCOS going through the protocol pg. 208-209), Richards’ own practice is the focus. I have the impression their children are (almost or completely) launched and their childbearing years completed. Therefore, his insights are perhaps more applicable to men (both body and lifestyle). As a wife and mother, who has complicated health diagnoses and is raising growing children, I quickly recognized I was unable to implement Richards’ practice entirely.
There is also a significant discussion around women’s health and fasting that Richards does not cover. Women must change fasting practice throughout our life cycle in ways that men do not have to consider (beyond their relationship with their wife). I needed to do more research into how to navigate these personal female and familial dynamics. I found secular articles such as the following helpful, but long for a scholarly spiritual + nutritional practice guide for women.
Jarreau, Dr. Paige. “Your Menstrual Cycle on Intermittent Fasting.” LifeApps.io, October 6, 2020. Accessed April 2, 2022
https://lifeapps.io/fasting/your-mens...
For the spiritual…
I’m thrilled to be able to engaged in fasting as spiritual discipline as my progenitures, and no longer feel separated from the discipline due to my chronic health problems. I appreciate how Richards covers pitfalls encountered by previous believers. His insights have helped me work through areas where my belief or practice were pulling me away from walking more closely with the LORD. Of course, being more intentional about eating has also curbed my greediness for sweets, as I make the practice of setting aside my physical desires to pursue spiritual vitality a regular rhythm of worship. I particularly found the chapters, 9 Fasting for Discipline, Sacrifice, and Holiness, 11 Fasting for Better Prayer, and 16 Fasting to Clear your Mind, valuable in growing my understanding of fasting as spiritual practice. I’m still wrestling with the ideas of 16 Fasting for Spiritual Warfare every time I read through in preparation for Lent, which is tribute to the orthodoxy upon which the chapter is based.
My husband and I read the book and worked through the posted study guide for Lent 2020. Though we haven’t done it again, we recommend, especially if you are discussing/ implementing with a spouse or small group...
https://dk4dsgfbgkmll.cloudfront.net/...
In the last 3 years, Eat, Fast, Feast has become my go-to guide for Christian fasting and Lenten preparation. In this book, Jay Richards has served Christians across denominations in helping us develop a spiritual practice the contemporary church has neglected. Highly recommended.
Into this void writes Jay Richards. The book summary released Nov 2019 referenced that Richards had written on this topic for The Stream, so my husband and I started reading the 14 articles we found there in the fall of 2019. Link...
https://stream.org/tag/fastingbodyand...
Then, my husband and I read the book together. Richards also did numerous interviews (podcasts, articles, etc) to promote the book, which can be found around the internet.
My initial 2020 impression was:
“If I could get this book delivered during the pandemic, I’d be sending it to several friends and family members. Richards presentation is even better than I hoped. My husband and I read it. Then, we worked on a Lenten fast that has ended in an Easter feast, with preparation to continue developing a fasting lifestyle.”--- end
I have since revisited the book in January of 2021 and now 2022, and plan on soaking it in again as Lenten preparation for as many years needed until these ideas become a strong foundation for fasting practice. As with his book on economics (Money, Greed and God, link below), Richards provides thorough research of a topic – in this case fasting and nutrition – and then examines the information in light of historical Christian teaching/ practice and Biblical study.
Money, Greed and God: Why Capitalism is the Solution and Not the Problem (10th Anniversary Edition), Richards, 2019.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
In Eat, Fast, Feast, Richards questions both his Biblical interpretations with scientific discovery and his scientific interpretations with Biblical truth, covering common questions and concerns believers have in the practice of fasting. Some chapters are focused on the pragmatic plan Richards has developed for personal fasting (a KETO diet gradually implemented via intermittent fasting throughout Lent, culminating in a Holy Week fast of longest duration), while others share the Biblical and historic practice of Christianity (including healthy and unhealthy practices and what distinguishes the two). I greatly appreciate Richards’ sensitivity to the entirety of Christian practice by Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant believers. I’m also appreciative of the detailed work done on the Appendices (1 Additional Books, 2 The Six Week Plan at a Glance, 3 How to Prove your Burning Fat for Fuel), Notes, and Index.
I have been told on numerous occasions that fasting is not for my complex medical situation. However, recent studies have indicated fasting might be beneficial. Coming from a family that practiced Lenten fasting through generations, I have long desired to try. Richards’ book gave me enough information to make intermittent fasting a regular part of my life.
As for the physical…
The text is helpfully researched, cited and indexed. I could never fully implement the keto diet (how does one get 80% of calories from fat? pg. 95), but rigorous cutting of carbs has been beneficial in both resetting my body and making longer fasts attainable. I feel better after fasting, even though it’s gotten harder after our initial success in Lent 2020. I’ve also had fails where I intended to fast, but my body/ mind would not let me, forcing me to choose between fasting and functionality in daily duties. Richards’ approach has helped me to become physically (and spiritually) comfortable knowing when to change my plans to fast and how to get back to moving toward long-term goals. Richards practical direction is intended as a starting point on your own fasting journey. As such, the pragmatic tips are well researched and tremendously helpful, but not authoritative. You may need to discuss with your doctor (which I did) if you are medically complicated.
While Richards sparingly comments about his wife, Ginny’s, experience with fasting, (and mentions a friend with PCOS going through the protocol pg. 208-209), Richards’ own practice is the focus. I have the impression their children are (almost or completely) launched and their childbearing years completed. Therefore, his insights are perhaps more applicable to men (both body and lifestyle). As a wife and mother, who has complicated health diagnoses and is raising growing children, I quickly recognized I was unable to implement Richards’ practice entirely.
There is also a significant discussion around women’s health and fasting that Richards does not cover. Women must change fasting practice throughout our life cycle in ways that men do not have to consider (beyond their relationship with their wife). I needed to do more research into how to navigate these personal female and familial dynamics. I found secular articles such as the following helpful, but long for a scholarly spiritual + nutritional practice guide for women.
Jarreau, Dr. Paige. “Your Menstrual Cycle on Intermittent Fasting.” LifeApps.io, October 6, 2020. Accessed April 2, 2022
https://lifeapps.io/fasting/your-mens...
For the spiritual…
I’m thrilled to be able to engaged in fasting as spiritual discipline as my progenitures, and no longer feel separated from the discipline due to my chronic health problems. I appreciate how Richards covers pitfalls encountered by previous believers. His insights have helped me work through areas where my belief or practice were pulling me away from walking more closely with the LORD. Of course, being more intentional about eating has also curbed my greediness for sweets, as I make the practice of setting aside my physical desires to pursue spiritual vitality a regular rhythm of worship. I particularly found the chapters, 9 Fasting for Discipline, Sacrifice, and Holiness, 11 Fasting for Better Prayer, and 16 Fasting to Clear your Mind, valuable in growing my understanding of fasting as spiritual practice. I’m still wrestling with the ideas of 16 Fasting for Spiritual Warfare every time I read through in preparation for Lent, which is tribute to the orthodoxy upon which the chapter is based.
My husband and I read the book and worked through the posted study guide for Lent 2020. Though we haven’t done it again, we recommend, especially if you are discussing/ implementing with a spouse or small group...
https://dk4dsgfbgkmll.cloudfront.net/...
In the last 3 years, Eat, Fast, Feast has become my go-to guide for Christian fasting and Lenten preparation. In this book, Jay Richards has served Christians across denominations in helping us develop a spiritual practice the contemporary church has neglected. Highly recommended.
September 1, 2020
Transformative. I’ve known for years I “should” do something to improve my metabolic health, but have focused more on weight loss and management. Finally, Jay Richards clear directions and focus on fasting as both a tool to improve bodily health and participate in a long-neglected spiritual discipline has helped me develop new practices that I actually enjoy.
Richards, a Catholic, writes from an ecumenical perspective that shows he understands and appreciates Protestants, making his spiritual guidance easy for anyone to adopt.
My husband and I both read the book and tried many of his recommendations. We have not tried all-day fasts, but are now consistently maintaining 18-19 hours fasts with mini feasts on Sundays. We track our fasts with the Zero app. We have been sharing a morning devotional time using the Daily Prayer app. We are seeing the benefits of this lifestyle and thank Jay Richards for writing this book.
Richards, a Catholic, writes from an ecumenical perspective that shows he understands and appreciates Protestants, making his spiritual guidance easy for anyone to adopt.
My husband and I both read the book and tried many of his recommendations. We have not tried all-day fasts, but are now consistently maintaining 18-19 hours fasts with mini feasts on Sundays. We track our fasts with the Zero app. We have been sharing a morning devotional time using the Daily Prayer app. We are seeing the benefits of this lifestyle and thank Jay Richards for writing this book.
February 22, 2022
I’ve read so many books and articles on the health benefits of fasting (not all of the popular ones) but something was always missing. Finally, I found this book. As a liturgical Christian, the spiritual aspects of fasting is what I wanted to explore. This was perfect.
Do I necessarily think everyone needs to follow a keto/lchf way of eating all the time? No. The author doesn’t really either, though that is his solution to regaining control over your metabolism. This I agree with. Combined with the historical perspective of fasting and feasting, I’m very well prepared to go forward incorporating fasting into my spiritual life as well as my physical life. We should not separate the two, as Christians.
Do I necessarily think everyone needs to follow a keto/lchf way of eating all the time? No. The author doesn’t really either, though that is his solution to regaining control over your metabolism. This I agree with. Combined with the historical perspective of fasting and feasting, I’m very well prepared to go forward incorporating fasting into my spiritual life as well as my physical life. We should not separate the two, as Christians.
May 18, 2024
Did I skim a lot of this? Yes. Because I realized it focused a lot more on the science and methods of fasting/eating rather than the Biblical practices of fasting - which is what I was expecting. Like I was expecting more focus and commentary on the Biblical stories and teachings on fasting.
Definitely learned things, but this book is written as if you are transforming your lifestyle into one of a ketogenic diet.
I will say that it is helpful in teaching your body how to fast well. The American and diet of the 21st century is dramatically different than that of the first and earlier centuries. We’ve taught our bodies to rely on sugar so I think that Richards does a nice job giving information and plans for how to prepare your body to fast well.
Richards is Catholic, so that has influence. There’s a point where he recommends praying a prayer to an angel, and in the chapter on feasting, eucharist.
Feel like it could have been much more condensed.
Definitely learned things, but this book is written as if you are transforming your lifestyle into one of a ketogenic diet.
I will say that it is helpful in teaching your body how to fast well. The American and diet of the 21st century is dramatically different than that of the first and earlier centuries. We’ve taught our bodies to rely on sugar so I think that Richards does a nice job giving information and plans for how to prepare your body to fast well.
Richards is Catholic, so that has influence. There’s a point where he recommends praying a prayer to an angel, and in the chapter on feasting, eucharist.
Feel like it could have been much more condensed.
April 11, 2022
Eat, Fast, Feast: Heal Your Body While Feeding Your Soul—A Christian Guide to Intermittent Fasting by Jay W. Richards 336 pages
Genre: Health, Nonfiction, Religion > Faith; Food abd Drink > Food; Christianity > Catholic; Spirituality, Christian > Christian Nonfiction, Self Help
Featuring: Dr. Jason Fung, Bible Verses, The History of Fasting Around the World, Fasting Calendar, Judaism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Western Christianity, Eastern Christianity, Easter, Lent, Advent, Ember Days, Nutritionism, Darwinism, Feasts and Super Feasts, Fasting and Praying, Six Week Plan, Appendix, Notes [Works Cited], Index
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quotes: "Things have gotten so soft in recent decades, though, that most Christians have never really seen liturgical fasting in action. To witness it, we have to turn to the Eastern Rite and the Eastern Orthodox traditions."
"You can see where this is going. The complete story is long and winding, and even involves distinctions between more-and-less-fatty fish. But the basic trend is simple. It starts with water-only fasts and ends with various and sundry abstinences qualified with ever more quirks and exceptions."
My thoughts: Page 21 of 336 - I wasn't sure I needed to read this book but after I read about a six week plan, I was sold.
70 - This makes so much sense. I was very interested in the portion on produce changing over the decades.
123 - This was pretty enlightening.
139 - I like this plan a lot.
165 - This went a little left.
241 - This book is going up and down in interest.
This book was good but not great. It was interesting to read about how 40 days of fasting turned in to fish on Fridays, how peaches use to be small and bitter, and Sunday is never referred to as the Sabbath in the New Testament, however some of the information wasn't for me. I'm not Catholic so while I enjoyed the history I wasn't interested in the saints, pope, various holy days and the superiority that was sprinkled in the text. Overall this book was less about intermittent fasting and more about following the fasting calendar. As a Nonfiction Christian book it's still a 3, my rating wasn't based on intermittent fasting but the book as a whole, fasting in general.
Recommend to others?: Yes and no. If you want to learn about the history of fasting in religions and want to fast and pray this book is great for providing a foundation of spiritual motivation. If you want to learn about the benefits of intermittent fasting this book is informative but only touches the topic on a minor level.
Genre: Health, Nonfiction, Religion > Faith; Food abd Drink > Food; Christianity > Catholic; Spirituality, Christian > Christian Nonfiction, Self Help
Featuring: Dr. Jason Fung, Bible Verses, The History of Fasting Around the World, Fasting Calendar, Judaism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Western Christianity, Eastern Christianity, Easter, Lent, Advent, Ember Days, Nutritionism, Darwinism, Feasts and Super Feasts, Fasting and Praying, Six Week Plan, Appendix, Notes [Works Cited], Index
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quotes: "Things have gotten so soft in recent decades, though, that most Christians have never really seen liturgical fasting in action. To witness it, we have to turn to the Eastern Rite and the Eastern Orthodox traditions."
"You can see where this is going. The complete story is long and winding, and even involves distinctions between more-and-less-fatty fish. But the basic trend is simple. It starts with water-only fasts and ends with various and sundry abstinences qualified with ever more quirks and exceptions."
My thoughts: Page 21 of 336 - I wasn't sure I needed to read this book but after I read about a six week plan, I was sold.
70 - This makes so much sense. I was very interested in the portion on produce changing over the decades.
123 - This was pretty enlightening.
139 - I like this plan a lot.
165 - This went a little left.
241 - This book is going up and down in interest.
This book was good but not great. It was interesting to read about how 40 days of fasting turned in to fish on Fridays, how peaches use to be small and bitter, and Sunday is never referred to as the Sabbath in the New Testament, however some of the information wasn't for me. I'm not Catholic so while I enjoyed the history I wasn't interested in the saints, pope, various holy days and the superiority that was sprinkled in the text. Overall this book was less about intermittent fasting and more about following the fasting calendar. As a Nonfiction Christian book it's still a 3, my rating wasn't based on intermittent fasting but the book as a whole, fasting in general.
Recommend to others?: Yes and no. If you want to learn about the history of fasting in religions and want to fast and pray this book is great for providing a foundation of spiritual motivation. If you want to learn about the benefits of intermittent fasting this book is informative but only touches the topic on a minor level.
April 18, 2022
After reading the mixed reviews, I was surprised at how much value I got from this book and how much I enjoyed it! Despite being Catholic my whole life and reading about/practicing intermittent fasting for the physical benefits for the past 5 years or so, this had a lot of fresh information and brought the faith/physical sides together in a new way for me. I like that he focuses on the way God designed us both spiritually and physically, and proposes that a lifelong cycle of true fasting, eating, and feasting is in line with how we were created. A lot of emphasis is put on ketosis, but good scientific reasons are given for doing so. I was inspired by this to try fasting for the full day on Good Friday, and like he continually says, it wasn't as hard as I expected!
Read
April 16, 2024Intermittent fasting has been a hot topic in the health and wellness blogsphere for years! Through this time I've been searching for a Catholic perspective on fasting as not just to improve physical health but for spiritual strength. Jay Richards was interviewed by Patrick Coffin in early 2020 to discuss this new book, and I quickly pre-ordered a copy with the intention to apply these principles through Lent 2020! Highly recommend this book. I've already handed out half a dozen copies to friends.
January 31, 2020
Wonderful and thorough treatment of the history and science of fasting. While Richards is a Catholic and much of his treatment of fasting and feasting comes from that perspective, this book is perfectly accessible to any Christian tradition.
I’ve tried several of Richards’ fasting recommendations and can honestly affirm that they do make real fasting much easier.
I’ve tried several of Richards’ fasting recommendations and can honestly affirm that they do make real fasting much easier.
February 2, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. I can't wait to apply what I learned about fasting to this coming Lent. Also, I have been hearing a lot about Ember Days from other sources, so reading more about this fasting practice has encouraged me to adopt it.
February 21, 2020
It was more about methods for fasting and not as much about the spiritual side of fasting. The reasons and history of fasting in the church were discussed but most of the book was how to adapt to a fasting lifestyle. Interesting and easy to read.
March 26, 2020
This book was life-changing. It got me on the right track in regards to my diet. I also really enjoyed learning a little bit more about the Christian tradition of fasting.
May 13, 2020
Amazing journey
Well worth the read and to follow along. One of the most powerful experiences of my life. If you want a shift and are able to, then do it.
Well worth the read and to follow along. One of the most powerful experiences of my life. If you want a shift and are able to, then do it.
August 28, 2020
Due to unhelpful stereotypes, you might expect that a book that styles itself a Christian guide to fasting to be solid on religion, but shaky on science. If anything this book leans the other way.
In terms of the science, it is well researched, citing a wide array of primary sources as well as some high quality secondary sources (such as Dr. Jason Fung's "The Obesity Code." He does a great job of making highly complex biologic processes simple and easy to understand. It's no easy feat to have a book that talks about insulin, glucagon, mTOR, IGF-1, AMPK, autophagy, and apoptosis and still have the reader come away feeling like they have a handle on what was communicated.
He also shows a keen understanding of the methodology of science, especially of some of the limits that scientific methods have when they are attempted to be applied to nutrition.
My main issue with the book is that it says that it is a "Christian" perspective on fasting, when it really means "Catholic." That might not sound like a significant point, but consider how shocking it is for a protestant to read statements like this:
"Don’t know where to start? Commit the Prayer to St. Michael to memory and pray it throughout your fast."
It's worth noting that when he says "St. Michael" he means Michael the archangel. I'm not sure if that makes it worse, but it certainly doesn't make it better.
This doesn't mean that this books treatment of Christian spirituality has nothing for Protestant Christians (he quotes many figures from church history as well as contemporary protestants such as John Piper), but it does mean that Protestant Christians will have to read it with more of a filter than they might have anticipated.
One of the most interesting things about this book is that it's probably the only book on fasting that I've read that doesn't come from the perspective of neo-Darwinism (and I've read a lot of books on fasting). He has one chapter where he actually argues that human metabolism, which is a complex system suited to adapt to any naturally occurring food environment on Earth, could have come from natural selection, which only prioritizes immediate benefit through survival of the fittest.
As you might expect from the subtitle, even though this book is called "Eat, Fast, Feast," it's really mostly a book about fasting. That being said, the main philosophy is true to the title. For the author, we should spend a lot of time eating healthfully (for him this means a ketogenic diet, which I certainly consider healthy, but it's not the only healthy option), but also embrace a "fasting lifestyle" with daily fasts through time restricted eating (TRE) and occasional longer fasts. There is one chapter on feasting, which he also considers important. Most of the discussion of feasting outside the last chapter is a recurring mention of "mini-feasts" that happen on Sundays when you open your eating window to 12 hours.
Overall, I thought this was a very good book. There are three parts that the author needs to hit: 1. the science, 2. the Christian perspective, and 3. the practicals. Here's how I would grade each of those:
1. The science: A
2. The Christian perspective: B-
3. The practicals: B+
It's certainly a helpful book. It is definitely worth reading, especially if you are looking to get into fasting. My personal take: if you're not looking to get into fasting, you should be. Normally I try not to push my perspective of fasting on people, but I figured you read this far on my review of a fasting book so it's okay.
In terms of the science, it is well researched, citing a wide array of primary sources as well as some high quality secondary sources (such as Dr. Jason Fung's "The Obesity Code." He does a great job of making highly complex biologic processes simple and easy to understand. It's no easy feat to have a book that talks about insulin, glucagon, mTOR, IGF-1, AMPK, autophagy, and apoptosis and still have the reader come away feeling like they have a handle on what was communicated.
He also shows a keen understanding of the methodology of science, especially of some of the limits that scientific methods have when they are attempted to be applied to nutrition.
My main issue with the book is that it says that it is a "Christian" perspective on fasting, when it really means "Catholic." That might not sound like a significant point, but consider how shocking it is for a protestant to read statements like this:
"Don’t know where to start? Commit the Prayer to St. Michael to memory and pray it throughout your fast."
It's worth noting that when he says "St. Michael" he means Michael the archangel. I'm not sure if that makes it worse, but it certainly doesn't make it better.
This doesn't mean that this books treatment of Christian spirituality has nothing for Protestant Christians (he quotes many figures from church history as well as contemporary protestants such as John Piper), but it does mean that Protestant Christians will have to read it with more of a filter than they might have anticipated.
One of the most interesting things about this book is that it's probably the only book on fasting that I've read that doesn't come from the perspective of neo-Darwinism (and I've read a lot of books on fasting). He has one chapter where he actually argues that human metabolism, which is a complex system suited to adapt to any naturally occurring food environment on Earth, could have come from natural selection, which only prioritizes immediate benefit through survival of the fittest.
As you might expect from the subtitle, even though this book is called "Eat, Fast, Feast," it's really mostly a book about fasting. That being said, the main philosophy is true to the title. For the author, we should spend a lot of time eating healthfully (for him this means a ketogenic diet, which I certainly consider healthy, but it's not the only healthy option), but also embrace a "fasting lifestyle" with daily fasts through time restricted eating (TRE) and occasional longer fasts. There is one chapter on feasting, which he also considers important. Most of the discussion of feasting outside the last chapter is a recurring mention of "mini-feasts" that happen on Sundays when you open your eating window to 12 hours.
Overall, I thought this was a very good book. There are three parts that the author needs to hit: 1. the science, 2. the Christian perspective, and 3. the practicals. Here's how I would grade each of those:
1. The science: A
2. The Christian perspective: B-
3. The practicals: B+
It's certainly a helpful book. It is definitely worth reading, especially if you are looking to get into fasting. My personal take: if you're not looking to get into fasting, you should be. Normally I try not to push my perspective of fasting on people, but I figured you read this far on my review of a fasting book so it's okay.
Read
August 3, 2025Fasting is a practice I have become interested in recently. I have done several stints of intermittent fasting over the past couple of years and can see the benefits of giving my body a break from the diet I have eaten for most of my life. Also, my local church in San Antonio, Texas, begins each year with a fast that I have taken part in as well. This has led me to learn more about fasting.
In my biweekly Bible study class, someone recommended the book Eat Fast Feast by Jay W. Richards. The leader of our bible study group recommended the book after he lost nineteen pounds by following what he read from it. That intrigued me, and I bought the book to find out more about it.
Richards notes that fasting has been a widespread spiritual practice across the planet and has a long history in western civilization. However, people in modern times have viewed fasting with suspicion. He argues that fasting is good for the mind, body, and spirit. For a healthy lifestyle, it must be part of your daily routine.
He introduces a six-week plan designed to make fasting a regular part of your life, detailing why this period is key for a healthy change to your diet. Week One begins with a “ketogenic” diet of natural fat, moderate protein, and low carbs to start fasting correctly. This period begins the transformation our bodies need to fast correctly, away from the processed sugar that our modern diets have been accustomed them to. Week Two starts intermittent fasting, where one fasts for sixteen hours and eats only for eight hours each day. This type of fasting has become popular in today’s culture and continues the transition into making fasting a permanent lifestyle change.
Week Three moves into a 20/4 fast where you only eat for four hours and fast for the rest of the time. You restrict your calories but have a shorter window to eat. Also, he has a mini-feast alongside the fasting as well. Week Four goes into three days of fasting for twenty-three hours and only eating one hour a day during that period. Richards recommends this type of fasting on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with a mini-feast on Sunday. These two weeks can seem extreme on the surface, but I could see why this time period kicks a fasting lifestyle into high gear.
Week Five steps up the fast into an all-day affair on those three days from week four and on the non-fast days continues with a ketogenic diet. Week Six leads one into fasting from thirty-six to seventy-two hours with a feast on Sundays. As you can read, Richards takes this fasting to levels that seem impossible for everyday people. However, he provides plenty of evidence both from a health and spiritual perspective that it is possible for everyday people to make it a regular part of their lifestyle.
Also, he explains the importance of feasting after fasting and provides biblical evidence to support his argument in the book. Richards incorporates a Catholic viewpoint in his argument, while also showing how fasting is practiced by Christian Protestants.
Eat Fast Feast is one of those books that came into my life at the appropriate time and feeds my curiosity about fasting. If you are interested in this practice, then I highly recommend this book. I want to make fasting a part of my lifestyle, and now I have to blueprint to do it.
In my biweekly Bible study class, someone recommended the book Eat Fast Feast by Jay W. Richards. The leader of our bible study group recommended the book after he lost nineteen pounds by following what he read from it. That intrigued me, and I bought the book to find out more about it.
Richards notes that fasting has been a widespread spiritual practice across the planet and has a long history in western civilization. However, people in modern times have viewed fasting with suspicion. He argues that fasting is good for the mind, body, and spirit. For a healthy lifestyle, it must be part of your daily routine.
He introduces a six-week plan designed to make fasting a regular part of your life, detailing why this period is key for a healthy change to your diet. Week One begins with a “ketogenic” diet of natural fat, moderate protein, and low carbs to start fasting correctly. This period begins the transformation our bodies need to fast correctly, away from the processed sugar that our modern diets have been accustomed them to. Week Two starts intermittent fasting, where one fasts for sixteen hours and eats only for eight hours each day. This type of fasting has become popular in today’s culture and continues the transition into making fasting a permanent lifestyle change.
Week Three moves into a 20/4 fast where you only eat for four hours and fast for the rest of the time. You restrict your calories but have a shorter window to eat. Also, he has a mini-feast alongside the fasting as well. Week Four goes into three days of fasting for twenty-three hours and only eating one hour a day during that period. Richards recommends this type of fasting on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with a mini-feast on Sunday. These two weeks can seem extreme on the surface, but I could see why this time period kicks a fasting lifestyle into high gear.
Week Five steps up the fast into an all-day affair on those three days from week four and on the non-fast days continues with a ketogenic diet. Week Six leads one into fasting from thirty-six to seventy-two hours with a feast on Sundays. As you can read, Richards takes this fasting to levels that seem impossible for everyday people. However, he provides plenty of evidence both from a health and spiritual perspective that it is possible for everyday people to make it a regular part of their lifestyle.
Also, he explains the importance of feasting after fasting and provides biblical evidence to support his argument in the book. Richards incorporates a Catholic viewpoint in his argument, while also showing how fasting is practiced by Christian Protestants.
Eat Fast Feast is one of those books that came into my life at the appropriate time and feeds my curiosity about fasting. If you are interested in this practice, then I highly recommend this book. I want to make fasting a part of my lifestyle, and now I have to blueprint to do it.
October 6, 2022
Book #34 in 2022
4 Stars
This book is good but uneven in its goodness.
Pros:
- It’s good to see a Christian writing on this forgotten spiritual practice
- Richards has some excellent easy to understand discussions about what happens to us physically when we fast, and stresses the need for metabolic flexibility
- The author walks you thru different types of fast from an initial 16/8 time restricted window to a multi day fast
- The author tries to incorporate research into his discussions while alternating chapters with spiritual perspectives
Cons
- He’s a little too pro-Keto diet while barely hiding at times his disdain for vegan diets (if that’s your thing). I thought he could have done a better job with persuasiveness instead of being needlessly combative though he does try to check himself in this
- Out of 28 chapters there is only one on feasting, and even then he barely scratches the surface. The book & reader would have benefitted from a bit more of an exploration on this topic, especially since Feast is in the title
- He is a bit too pro Roman Catholic (& it’s hard to fault him for this since that’s what he is) but he does try to moderate it a bit and even quotes some Protestants from time to time. But still, “we can offer our suffering for repentance” / “salvific suffering” keeps me from being able to offer an unqualified endorsement.
Other than that, this book is an enjoyable read and a challenge to think more about eating, fasting, and feasting.
John Piper’s book on fasting, A Hunger for God, is a good compliment to Richards’ book, though it doesn’t touch on the physical components.
Overall, I am thankful for Richard’s effort and benefited from reading it and will no doubt go back to this book again and again.
4 Stars
This book is good but uneven in its goodness.
Pros:
- It’s good to see a Christian writing on this forgotten spiritual practice
- Richards has some excellent easy to understand discussions about what happens to us physically when we fast, and stresses the need for metabolic flexibility
- The author walks you thru different types of fast from an initial 16/8 time restricted window to a multi day fast
- The author tries to incorporate research into his discussions while alternating chapters with spiritual perspectives
Cons
- He’s a little too pro-Keto diet while barely hiding at times his disdain for vegan diets (if that’s your thing). I thought he could have done a better job with persuasiveness instead of being needlessly combative though he does try to check himself in this
- Out of 28 chapters there is only one on feasting, and even then he barely scratches the surface. The book & reader would have benefitted from a bit more of an exploration on this topic, especially since Feast is in the title
- He is a bit too pro Roman Catholic (& it’s hard to fault him for this since that’s what he is) but he does try to moderate it a bit and even quotes some Protestants from time to time. But still, “we can offer our suffering for repentance” / “salvific suffering” keeps me from being able to offer an unqualified endorsement.
Other than that, this book is an enjoyable read and a challenge to think more about eating, fasting, and feasting.
John Piper’s book on fasting, A Hunger for God, is a good compliment to Richards’ book, though it doesn’t touch on the physical components.
Overall, I am thankful for Richard’s effort and benefited from reading it and will no doubt go back to this book again and again.
March 6, 2023
I am quite disappointed with this book because it looks more like a promotion of keto diet (which I'm not a fan of) than fasting. And fasting is why I bought it in the first place. There are some good points, but as I kept reading, it seemed like I am a living proof of all the opposite. According to author, it is almost impossible to fast if you eat carbs and your body is not used to taking fat as fuel. I am 33, I eat tons of carbs my whole life, I mean, I really often eat only pasta (not even wholegrain) for lunch, my breakfast is often only fruit (500-700 g each day, yes, I can eat that much), there was a time I used to eat at least 200 g of chocolate per day (a few years)... I know it is not a healthy diet, but that is not the point right now. Despite that, I used to fast for a few days, mostly 3, since high school. I never had feeling of hunger, I never had any symptoms but more energy. At least a few times a week I eat only one meal a day. I had times of overeating (around 2.000 kcal at once). According to book, I couldn't be possible to fast with such ease with this lifestyle. But I do. I forgot to mention i have diagnosed insulin resistance (accidentally, and i have none symptoms of it) but I am not overweight (author also connects overweight with insulin resistance), I never was. I have 59 kg on 166 cm height. Yes, I have little abdominal fat, but almost not worth mentioning. I would really like to hear the explanation of my case because according to this, and many other books I've read, it seems like I'm a medical phenomenom.
March 22, 2022
I wouldn’t recommend this book unless you’re completely unfamiliar with fasting and are okay with a shallow overview of the religious tradition of fasting.
I was drawn to this book because I regularly fast for health reasons and was interested to learn more about the spiritual aspect of fasting. Unfortunately, the book spent far more time on the health benefits (of which I am already well versed) than it did on the spiritual benefits.
The organization of the back is also frustrating. The author proposes a 6 week fasting plan that gradually builds each week, culminating in a several day-long fast. Yet, this plan is not presented in one section. Instead, he intersperses each week among general information on fasting. I’m not sure why he organized the book this way; it made little sense to me.
Another issue that bothered me is the author’s unhealthy attitude towards diet and exercise in general. He seemed to be a fanatic in his daily approach to health, but being too controlling in the name of “health” is often, ironically, unhealthy and points to control issues. The author is not a health expert, and I caution readers against implementing his advice wholeheartedly. The paleo/primal/ancestral/whole foods movement advocates a balanced approach that incorporates mind, body, and soul. The author’s approach, in my opinion, was extreme and rigid and in contravention of the health experts he referenced.
I was drawn to this book because I regularly fast for health reasons and was interested to learn more about the spiritual aspect of fasting. Unfortunately, the book spent far more time on the health benefits (of which I am already well versed) than it did on the spiritual benefits.
The organization of the back is also frustrating. The author proposes a 6 week fasting plan that gradually builds each week, culminating in a several day-long fast. Yet, this plan is not presented in one section. Instead, he intersperses each week among general information on fasting. I’m not sure why he organized the book this way; it made little sense to me.
Another issue that bothered me is the author’s unhealthy attitude towards diet and exercise in general. He seemed to be a fanatic in his daily approach to health, but being too controlling in the name of “health” is often, ironically, unhealthy and points to control issues. The author is not a health expert, and I caution readers against implementing his advice wholeheartedly. The paleo/primal/ancestral/whole foods movement advocates a balanced approach that incorporates mind, body, and soul. The author’s approach, in my opinion, was extreme and rigid and in contravention of the health experts he referenced.
April 8, 2020
Very inspiring book. I began this journey for lent this year having no idea that my lenten promises and sacrifices would evolve into much bigger sacrifices as we are all locked down during a pandemic. I thought about throwing in the towel when I faced the possibility of not having access to keto-friendly foods and the likelihood of becoming infected while searching them out. Would it be irresponsible of me to search for healthy, keto foods when going we are being asked to stay home? Should I just hunker down and consume the least perishable foods over going out for fresh foods weekly? Should I really deny my body nutrition that it may need to fight off an illness several days a week? In the end, I kept coming back to the section on spiritual warfare. The point isn't solely health or weight loss. While that is a benefit, the point is understanding and returning to long forgotten roots of Christian fasting and the spiritual significance of denying the self. I have held fast to the plan. With only 5 days til Easter, the most challenging three days of fasting to go, and a family who is home more that I still have to cook for, I'm hopeful that with all the extra prayer time and much to pray about, I can do it. I cannot think of a more important time to return to our roots and fast as spiritual warfare in the face of a global pandemic.
August 7, 2021
What I liked about this book:
I enjoyed reading the parts about the history of fasting in different parts of the Christian tradition -- there is some mention of Ramadan as well, but barely more than mentioned in passing. He also attempted to tie it to prayer and wisdom in a way that I found fruitful.
In general, the author respects the idea that there is value in practices that have survived the test of time, which is a framework I stand behind as well.
What I didn't like:
Alas, the problems of this book are manifold. The author wades confidently outside the area of religious practice into nutritional science, exercise, biology and theology, and just from being a generalist reader of these fields it is clear that he is out of his depth in all of these fields. He also seems to be oblivious to the fact that sustainably cycling multiple fasting protocols while working out six times a week might be a bit of a stretch for most people.
I would have expected him to discuss fasted training more, since clearly he has experience with it. But other than that one should be happy combining resistance training/HIIT with fasting I didn't take away anything related to how to put it into practice.
I learned some things from reading this book, but the author would have benefitted from a more focused approach to the subject matter.
I enjoyed reading the parts about the history of fasting in different parts of the Christian tradition -- there is some mention of Ramadan as well, but barely more than mentioned in passing. He also attempted to tie it to prayer and wisdom in a way that I found fruitful.
In general, the author respects the idea that there is value in practices that have survived the test of time, which is a framework I stand behind as well.
What I didn't like:
Alas, the problems of this book are manifold. The author wades confidently outside the area of religious practice into nutritional science, exercise, biology and theology, and just from being a generalist reader of these fields it is clear that he is out of his depth in all of these fields. He also seems to be oblivious to the fact that sustainably cycling multiple fasting protocols while working out six times a week might be a bit of a stretch for most people.
I would have expected him to discuss fasted training more, since clearly he has experience with it. But other than that one should be happy combining resistance training/HIIT with fasting I didn't take away anything related to how to put it into practice.
I learned some things from reading this book, but the author would have benefitted from a more focused approach to the subject matter.
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