Foods to Break a Fast

Fasting is a powerful way to cleanse and detoxify the body. Fasting as a method of cleansing is a practice that goes back to ancient times. Equally as important to not eating during the fasting period is knowing what to eat, and in what quantities, after the fasting period has ended. Remember to take it easy on your digestive system and take advantage of the opportunity to work with a clean slate.

Leafy green vegetable such as spinach, lettuce, celery, kale and chard are excellent after fasting. These foods are very easy on the digestive system and also have high alkalinity--ideal for optimum health. These are best when digested raw with light apple cider vinegar (blood purifier/insulin balance).

Nuts and seeds offer are excellent sources for protein, and are also easy on the digestive tract. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts (omega-3 source), almonds, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts and macadamia nuts are healthy seeds and nuts to eat after a fast, and really at any period when a healthy snack is desired.

Fruits are arguably nature's most perfect food. Fruits such as pears, apples, bananas, oranges, pomegranate, kiwi, melons and grapes are good fruits to eat after a fast. Fruits are very light on the stomach, easy to digest and offer the body a variety of needed nutrients that help to make the transition much easier.

Lentils in the form of lentil soup is an excellent way to end a fast. Lentils are protein-rich and not heavy on the stomach. Add any additional vegetable to accent the lentils and flavor the soup. Use sea salt rather than iodized salt when preparing meals.

After a fast it is never a bad idea to eat a serving of brown rice. Brown rice differs from white rice because the grain section in the brown rice is still intact. Nutritionists and dietitians recommend brown rice as an all-around source of nutrition.

Oats are ideal to eat after fasting. Eating oats has a wide range of benefits, and particularly after fasting. Eating one serving of oats after a fast is a good way to provide the body with vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese, protein and magnesium.