March 25, 2026

Understanding Fasting part 2

Understanding Fasting part 2

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

In our last blog on fasting, we were focused on shorter fasts such as water or juice fasting. We also talked about how you would go about doing a detox or cleanse, which lasts longer than a water fast typically last for 7 days. In this fast we will focus on more of a vegan or vegetarian type fast. While usually associated more with religious holidays this type of fast can also be done for health concerns such as those who have high cholesterol. (8)

B12 is one of those nutrients that in my experience can benefit anyone on a vegan or vegetarian diet. It is important for energy, nerve health, memory and can even benefit our mood! (4) Please see Invite’s B12 Lozenges, Methyl-B, and our extensive line of multi-vitamins for its important nutrient.
Alcar is a great idea when it comes to fasting because it can have quite a few benefits. For example, Alcar has been found to help with energy, memory and among other things nerve health. (5) If you are one of those people who have “brain fog” when fasting I have found Alcar to be helpful. Please see Invite’s Alcar + ALA and SuperFocus IQ powder. SuperFocus IQ is a great powder to mix into recipes when you are fasting! For example, you can make slow cooker bean soup! To a slow cooker add cauliflower (1 head) that has been riced or cut into tiny pieces. Add 1 cup of dry lentils (or bean of choice!), add spices of choice and enough broth that the beans and cauliflower are covered. Let sit overnight. You can put it in your fridge right in the slow cooker insert (I do this all the time). Cook for 8 hours the next day on medium or high. When it is done cooking add 4 or 5 scoops of SuperFocus IQ to your soup and blend until creamy. This portion makes 4 servings of soup! You can use a can of beans if you prefer, however I would just use more since as you know beans expand as they cook! You can also add SuperFocus IQ to your pancake mix so your pancakes will have a nice brain enhancer mixed in! Are you making a handed down family recipe for cookies? Try adding a few scoops of SuperFocus IQ!
Whey protein/ Plant protein are both options that can help increase the amount of protein in your diet. The main difference is that whey is from dairy and the plant protein is vegan! One wonderful place to add protein powder is oatmeal! After you cook your oats of choice add 1 scoop of protein powder, 1 scoop of oranges and even 1 scoop of SuperFocus. I like to add yogurt, and if you want it can be plant based! Mix these all together and top with a mix of berries and nuts! This can be made in large batches, so you have enough for a few days! You can also use protein powders in overnight oats. For example, take ½ cup oats, 1 tablespoon chia, and 2/3 cup milk of choice. Add in 1 tablespoon protein powder and 1 scoop of Oranges Hx. Mix it all together! In the morning, you can add whatever toppings you like. For a change of pace, you can use Cocoa Hx for a more desert type of breakfast! You can also add protein powder to the blender with frozen banana and milk of choice to make a nice creamy dessert. If you do not like bananas, you can use avocados!
Oranges Hx are in my experience a fantastic way to boost your energy!
Iron Plus contains iron and all the cofactors that help us absorb it properly. If you find yourself lacking energy when you fast it may be because your iron levels are low! A quick blood test can determine if Iron Plus is a good fit for you!
Digestive enzymes can also be a help addition to your supplements when you are fasting! Studies have found that they can help to break down foods. (7) When fasting you may be eating more certain foods that are more likely to cause gas, do not worry as you get used to these foods you are less and less likely to have stomach upset. In my experience digestive enzymes can help your body to adapt to these new foods. Please see Invite’s Digestive Hx.