Today is Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. It's a great time to look back on the year that just passed. Try Think about what was good, what we want to do better and  look forward to how we can accomplish whatever our goals are for the coming year. We ask God for forgiveness for all of the sins we committed the entire year.

Along with atonement comes fasting, not eating or drinking anything from Sundown on Friday to Sundown tonight. Fasting is a sacrifice to god, and also a traditional way to cleanse your body. In light of today being Yom Kippur, I'd like to discuss more of the health benefits to fasting.

Fasting will rest the digestive system that works so hard for you so often. Giving the system a needed break will let your organs function better when eating begins again. 65% of your body's energy is devoted to digesting when you eat. Freeing up this energy gives the body a chance to heal and recuperate other bodily issues.It can detox and repair cells, tissues and organs, eliminating foreign toxins as well as the natural metabolic wastes produced even by our healthy cells.

Emotionally and physiologically, taking a break from eating makes you think about food more and have a better appreciation of each ingredient that the body ingests. Fasting is a wonderful antidote for our usual over-indulgences. You can also observe things that are bothering you emotionally. Fasting gives you a clarity and deep understanding of your needs and feelings. Your awareness can focus in more accurately and determine the source of unpleasantness.

Fasting also gives you more energy and you makes you feel lighter on your feet.

A 24-hour to 48-hour fast is the perfect amount of time to give your body the cleansing time it needs.