The Comeback of Fasting Traditions
Dry January, intermittent or water fasting, even Lent… These practices, borrowed from our ancestors, are making a comeback, urging us to rein in our excesses. And as it turns out, they bring genuine benefits to our health. For around the past ten years, European countries have embraced Dry January—a “January challenge” imported from the UK—which suggests taking an annual break from alcohol.
Quick Wins for Body and Mind
“The positive effects become apparent very quickly—in your mood, sleep, skin, weight, and your ability to resist falling back into old habits,” says Laurent Karila, addiction specialist at Paul-Brousse Hospital in Villejuif. “You actually experience benefits for up to six months afterwards. Provided that…”
The logic is simple: skip the drinks for a month and reap rewards that last the whole semester. Think brighter skin, a trimmer figure, more peaceful sleep, and yes, a steadier mood (goodbye, mood swings!).
Fasting: Trendy or Tricky?
Intermittent fasting, where you alternate between fasting and time-limited eating windows, is all the rage right now. And it’s not just for the overly committed—high-end fasting retreats in places like Germany’s Buchinger-Wilhelmi Clinic on Lake Constance are attracting over 6,000 people every year. The practice is so in vogue that even French executives on the verge of burnout are giving it a whirl, swapping its former joyless-diet image for full-on lifestyle experience. Mind you, that doesn’t mean it’s without risks: moderation and medical advice remain the order of the day.
What’s fascinating is how these old rituals find new relevance. Whether it’s Lent, Dry January, or simply skipping a meal or two, fasting no longer hides in the shadows of outdated traditions—it’s now a lifestyle choice, one that’s occasionally even televised, such as the Arte documentary airing this Saturday on the subject.
Putting Nutrition in Perspective
Of course, not everyone is convinced. One candid reader isn’t shy:
“Honestly, this is a bit of a ridiculous article, since plenty of other environmental factors affect human health—like insomnia, noise pollution, dehydration, depression, air pollution, asbestos, plastics, loneliness, and lack of exercise… In summary, nutrition is only responsible for about 20% of our health!”
It’s worth remembering that, alongside personal choices, public health also tracks other concerns. For example, Santé Publique France recently noted that between June 1st and July 2nd, 109 people died by drowning—a 58% increase over the same period the previous year. Clearly, many different factors shape our well-being.
The interest in fasting has even sparked student activism: on Friday morning, around thirty students at the University of Lyon blocked access to campus in protest after university administrators refused to allow them to hold a breaking-of-the-fast evening event in a university hall.
Even science is curious about fasting’s impact: after the war years, researchers wanted to understand how Europeans had been affected by food deprivation. The conclusions were decisive—our bodies and societies adapt and respond in significant, sometimes surprising, ways.
Whether seen as an extreme step, a healthful pause, or a passing fad, one thing is certain: fasting, in all its forms, is back in fashion. Some do it for the health perks, others for the mental reset—or even just to prove they can do it. The real secret might just be moderation: as with all good things in life, perhaps less really is more.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
