Hey how’s it going?
Your questions and comments about fasting cause me to wonder, what is your purpose for fasting? For that matter, what is the purpose of your friend, his pastor, and other church members fasting?
Remember the story Jesus told in the book of Luke 18:11-14 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers---or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
And again Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:16-18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
I believe that you must first examine your purpose for fasting, if you are seeking divine understanding, a closer walk with God, or a spiritual strengthening then are these worth laying aside a few weeks physical training to free you completely for spiritual training?
However if you are planning on fasting for the physical benefits then your training will remain purely physical minded and still will require some adjustments to your workouts.
A nutritionist can tell you the benefits of fasting for the body and recommend the adjusted workout plan suitable for you and your body.
So, what is your reason for fasting?