Fasting at Aro Ha isn’t about restriction - it’s about refinement. It's less about what you take away, and more about what you allow in: presence, clarity, and deep connection with your body.
Whether woven into a weeklong retreat or explored in the quiet of your own home, a fast can be a potent reset. Below, we share some gentle scaffolding to support a one-day fast - the same one guests experience at Aro Ha - inspired by the recipes and rituals in our Plant to Plate cookbook.
Why fast?
Fasting is an exploration of our relationship with food - and with ourselves.
Studies suggest fasting can:
- Lower insulin levels
- Burn fat & build muscle
- Aid in cellular repair
- Boost metabolism & reduce inflammation
- Support neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells)
- Offer clarity, calm, and increased 'awakeness'
But the benefits go beyond the physical. At Aro Ha, we use fasting as a portal into sacred silence. It's a digital detox, a nervous system reset, and a chance to listen in. Without the usual noise (literal and internal), you'll be amazed at what surfaces.
A simple fast, Aro Ha-style
The day before:
- Minimise (or better, remove) caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and processed carbs.
- Shop for your teas and broths.
- Sip anti-inflammatory tea throughout the day.
- Have an early, plant-based dinner to ease into your fast.
Your fast day:
Hydration is essential - and not just plain water. Add a pinch of salt to aid electrolyte absorption. Herbal teas and broths are your friends.
Here's a sample structure:
- 9:00am Anti-inflammatory Tea
- 11:00am Maca Hot Chocolate
- 2:00pm Savoury Miso Broth
- 4:00pm Ayurvedic Detox Tea
- 6:00pm Healing Broth - or gently break your fast with Kitcharee
Find recipes in our Plant to Plate Cookbook
Want to go deeper? Make it a mini-retreat.
Put your phone away. Speak only when needed. Take yourself on a silent walk. Journal. Stretch. Sweat. Meditate. Let stillness do its magic.
Breaking your fast
Your first post-fast meal is key. Aim for plants, warmth, and simplicity. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and anything processed. Kitcharee is our go-to: grounding, healing, and deeply satisfying. Honour the clarity you’ve created.
A note on caffeine:
Withdrawal can take 2–9 days. If this is your first caffeine-free fast, go gently. A gradual taper off in the days prior can help avoid headaches or mood dips.
In summary
Fasting isn’t a punishment - it’s a pause. It’s a reset, a ritual, and an invitation to meet yourself anew. As always, be gentle. Listen deeply. Let the silence speak.