09/20/2026
Yom Kippur is a day of reflection, prayer, and spiritual connection. And if you are choosing to fast, a little preparation can make the experience much more comfortable. ❤️
Here are some simple nutrition tips to help you prepare for and break your fast:
✨ Before the fast: Eat a balanced meal
Don’t try to “save calories” or eat as little as possible beforehand. Your body needs fuel!
Aim for a meal that includes:
🥚 Protein — chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, etc.
🍚 Carbohydrates — rice, potatoes, pasta, challah, oats, fruit
🥑 Healthy fats — avocado, olive oil, nuts or seeds
🥕 Vegetables and/or fruit for fiber and nutrients
Hydrate throughout the day.
Don't wait until the last minute to drink a huge amount of water. Sip fluids consistently throughout the day.
💧 What about electrolytes?
An electrolyte drink before the fast may help, especially if you tend to sweat a lot or live in a hot climate. Look for one that provides sodium and other electrolytes without too much added sugar. Electrolytes aren't a substitute for adequate food and fluid, though. Hydration starts with water and regular meals.
☕ Go easy on caffeine.
If you're a regular coffee drinker, suddenly eliminating caffeine can leave you with a headache on top of everything else. Consider reducing your intake before the fast rather than stopping abruptly.
🌙 When it’s time to break the fast… start gently.
While you may be tempted to eat quickly, this is a good time to practice awareness skills and slow down to reduce potential GI upset.
Start with fluids and something easy to digest, such as:
💧 Water or an electrolyte beverage
🍌 Fruit
🥣 Soup
🍞 Challah, toast, or crackers
🥚 Eggs
🍚 Rice or another carbohydrate
Then, when you're ready, have a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrate, and fat.
And remember: you don't have to earn food, and you don't have to compensate for the fast. Your body may be very hungry, and that's okay. Listen to it.
❤️ One important reminder: Fasting is not appropriate or medically safe for everyone. If you have diabetes, are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medications that require food, have certain medical conditions, or have a history of an eating disorder or disordered eating, please talk with your physician or dietitian about whether fasting is safe for you.
Your spiritual health matters.
Your physical health matters.
You don't have to choose one at the expense of the other.
Wishing everyone who observes a meaningful, peaceful, and healthy Yom Kippur. ✡️