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.
FAQs:
How do I intermittent fast with a busy family schedule? The key is choosing a fasting window that works around your family's routine, not against it. Many parent-fasters skip breakfast and break their fast at lunch or dinner when the family eats together. Prepping your meals in advance and having FAST:RX on hand during the morning rush makes it much easier to stay on track.
What fasting schedule works best for parents? 16:8 is the most popular for parents because it's flexible — you can shift your eating window earlier or later depending on the day. Some parents prefer eating from noon to 8pm so they can share dinner with their family. The best schedule is the one you can actually stick to consistently.
How do I cook for my family while fasting? Cooking while fasting gets easier with practice — focus on the sensory experience of preparing food rather than eating it, and remind yourself that your eating window is coming. Having FAST:RX during cooking can help manage hunger and keep your energy up so you're not tempted to snack.
Can I exercise while fasting as a parent? Yes — fasted exercise is very effective for fat burning and can fit well into a parent's schedule (early morning before the kids wake up is a popular time). Make sure to replenish electrolytes before and after with FAST:RX, especially if you're doing moderate to intense exercise.
What can I drink to keep my energy up while fasting? Black coffee, green tea, and electrolyte drinks are your best tools for sustained energy during a fasting window. FAST:RX is particularly effective because it addresses the root cause of fasting fatigue — electrolyte depletion — rather than just masking it with caffeine.
RELATED ARTICLE:
1. https://drinkfastrx.com/blogs/stories/how-to-feel-full-while-fasting-smart-strategies-that-work
