The name “Yom Kippur” means “Day of Atonement,” and that pretty much explains what the holiday is. It is a day set aside to “afflict the soul,” to atone for the sins of the past year. This day is, essentially, your last appeal, your last chance to change the judgment, to demonstrate your repentance and make amends. Yom Kippur atones only for sins between man and G-d, not for sins against another person. To atone for sins against another person, you must first seek reconciliation with that person, righting the wrongs you committed against them if possible. That must all be done before Yom Kippur. (Judaism 101: Yom Kippur www.jewfaq.org/holiday4.htm)
I’m sure I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know…however, I searched throughly on “breaking the fast” and no where does it say that you should eat to the point of sickness. In fact, isn’t that a “sin? ” The idea of the Yom Kipper is probably one of my favorite Holiday meanings. And when used correctly it is a beautiful way to start the “new year”. But if you break the fast with over eating, make sure that is not on your list of atonements or you will be starting off your year in a very negative way.
NOT CHEATING AFTER THE FAST – if you don’t cheat you will actually let the fast be a great addition to your weight loss. After the fast, have a healthy on program snack AND drink at least 8 oz of water followed by an on program meal. Have toast with lox and 1 tbsp of cheese. Or light tuna or chicken salad with crackers and vegetables. Or a salad with grilled chicken. Then if you are still hungry have an on program snack an hour later. If you want the “fast” to be an addition to helping your weight loss you need to eat healthy and on program.
*You can not “fast” and then eat a bagel, lox and cream cheese or bagel and desserts etc. Just because you fasted that does not mean the unhealthy meal doesn’t count. Weight loss does not work like that. You will gain if you eat an unhealthy meal after the fast even if you fasted. *You also do not have to eat all the food and meals you missed from “fasting.” You will not starve if you do not include all your missed meals. The idea of “breaking the fast” is not to eat all of what you missed but to “break fast” by eating a sensible healthy meal.
Remember that the holiday is not about food – It’s about Atonement. It’s not about eating everything you missed out on. In fact, that would be counter productive in all areas of the atonement. The idea is to “give up” to atone for your sins. Not to replace everything once you break the fast. If you are trying to lose weight it would make sense to start your year by doing the right thing for your mind and body. “Fast” and eat a sensible on program healthy weight loss meal and feel amazing going into the “new year” with your sins behind you.
“Yom Kippur – or the Day of Atonement, – One of it’s beautiful meanings is about how to be a better person for the coming year.”
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
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