Step 1: Embrace the Chaos
First things first: fasting with kids is like trying to meditate in the middle of a bounce house. Accept that there will be chaos. Embrace it. Know that at some point, you’ll be making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while silently chanting your fasting mantra: “I do not need this sandwich. I do not need this sandwich” while drinking a FAST:RX!
Step 2: Timing is Everything
Schedule your fasting window to avoid peak hunger hours—yours and theirs. If possible, start fasting after their bedtime, when the only temptation is the sound of your own stomach growling. Sure, you might become a nocturnal creature, but at least you won’t have to explain to your three-year-old why mommy is nibbling on a celery stick instead of joining the pizza party.
Step 3: Master the Art of Distraction
Kids are excellent at distraction. Use this to your advantage! When they start snacking on something delicious, distract yourself by joining in on their activities. Play a game, read a book together, or unleash your inner artist and draw an epic chalk mural in the driveway. The key is to keep your hands busy and your mind off the fact that you just handed them a granola bar that you would have gladly devoured.
Step 4: The Power of Pretend
Remember when you used to pretend that the floor was lava? Well, now you get to pretend that you’re not hungry. It's even easier with our fasting water that is made with ingredients that target hunger! Channel your inner actor and pretend that fasting is the best thing ever. Put on your most convincing smile and tell your kids that you’re fasting because you’re secretly a superhero in training. They might not believe you, but at least they’ll be entertained while you sip your herbal tea like it’s ambrosia.
Step 5: Get the Kids Involved
Turn fasting into a family affair—sort of. Explain to your kids that you’re trying something new and fun (emphasis on fun) called “grown-up time” where you don’t eat, but you do other cool stuff instead. They might even want to join in with their version, which is usually just them eating a single vegetable and declaring themselves full. Hey, it counts!
Step 6: Reward Yourself (and Them)
Make a deal with yourself: if you stick to your fasting plan, you get a reward. And no, I don’t mean food. Promise yourself something you really want—like an hour of uninterrupted silence or an episode of that show you’ve been trying to watch for six months. And if the kids are extra supportive (or at least not actively sabotaging you), reward them too. A happy household means less stress, and less stress means you’re less likely to raid the pantry at 11 PM.
Step 7: Don’t Sweat the Slip-Ups
Spoiler alert: you might mess up. You might find yourself eating the crusts of your kid’s sandwich before you even realize what’s happening. It’s okay! The important thing is to get back on track without guilt-tripping yourself. Parenting is hard enough without adding extra pressure. Just laugh it off, reset, and remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can.
