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Today was my first breakfast in 29 days. For the last 29 days I joined roughly 1.8 billion people- about 24% of the earth's population - in fasting during the month of Ramadan. 18.5 hours a day. This is what I learned:

Humility:

We are not independent creatures. We are totally dependent on food. No matter who you are, without food you would die. Period. 

Gratitude:

There are people around the world without regular or guaranteed access to food or water. My fasting was voluntary and I knew there would be food at the end of it. I can't imagine what it would be like to not know when my next meal would be. 

Self-discipline and personal growth:

Abstaining from food is hard. Fasting not only forces you to rethink your habits but also forces you to simply get on with things. Your stomach is shouting, "feed me!" but your brain has to override these signals and say, "wait!" Mind over matter. 

Focus:

Numerous studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of fasting on the brain, including an increase in BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and HGH (human growth hormone). Speaking personally, I noticed that fasting focused my thinking and I was less distracted, more in the moment, feeling every moment. Also, you do not waste energy doing and speaking unnecessary things. 

About my relationships with food:

In this modern world food is a major part of our lives. I would like to say that I am in control of my eating habits but fasting has taught me that I am not. I like food too much! Like most people I probably eat a lot of things that I later regret and also probably eat a little more than I really need to. 

About what I eat:

When I broke my fast at 9pm having not eaten since 2:45am, somehow I really only wanted to eat good, wholesome, nutritious food. My cravings for stuff like cakes and chocolate etc. was hugely diminished. I also drank more water than usual. I learned that I can simply do without the junk that I'm used to. 

In conclusion:

After 29 days of fasting a feel humbled but refreshed. It was a very revealing experience. I feel like I have a different attitude towards food. Going forward I think I will be much more aware of what I eat, when I eat and how much I eat. I am also grateful that I can even eat at all, when there are millions of starving people around the world. 

I would definitely recommended fasting. Give it a try. Sometime. You might surprise yourself.