Moon Diet and Fasting

Ancient wisdom teaches us that the Moon has a profound effect on not only the Earth’s oceans and rivers but also on the human body.



Our ancestors used the phases of the Moon to nourish their bodies, preserve the environment, and enrich their spirits. They believed that to honor and sync your body to the Moon was the highest form of respect to your soul as well as the Universe.



Nature’s cycles are constantly providing us with guidance on how to live our best lives and take care of both ourselves and others. In our technology driven world, we have mostly become cut off from these cycles. In order to have comfort and convenience, we have sacrificed a great deal of ancient wisdom.



By observing nature and ancient traditions, we can become more in tune with ourselves and help channel the abundance of energy that surrounds us.



Our ancestors believed that each phase of the Moon required different ways of nourishing the body. The foods eaten during each phase were the ones that would be best absorbed in our digestive systems and the ones whose energy vibrated at the same level as the Moon’s energy. This Moon diet, or lunar diet, focused on just how in sync our bodies are with the Earth’s natural cycles and how we are intuitively drawn towards different foods during different lunar phases. Being aware of this can help optimize health and regulate your moods and emotions as well.



For example, the Waxing Moon phase is the time when people notice their food cravings increase. This is a time to listen to your intuition and feed your soul so that you can increase your strength and help revitalize your soul. The intuitive desire to increase the amount that you’re eating can sometimes be misunderstood and have you wanting to eat sweet or fatty foods. While the quantity of food increases, make sure that the quality of the food you’re eating is high. This is a time for bright and cheerful food. Utilize recipes that include things like grains, beans, and lots of vegetables. It is a time to experiment with new recipes and use new ingredients. Bring some magic and excitement to your cooking as a way to celebrate abundance and creativity. The Waxing Moon should be used to help boost your immune system so using herbs like ginger and turmeric can be extremely helpful.



The Full Moon is a time for feasting! Rich and delicious foods help to celebrate the bounty of Mother Earth. Hearty dishes that are full of flavor and lots of warming spices should be eaten. Incorporate foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, cauliflower, and cabbage. This is a time to soak up the bountiful Full Moon energy by celebrating the bountiful foods that the divine relationship between the Moon and Earth bless us with. Herbs like oregano, thyme, garlic, and cinnamon should be used. The Full Moon is a reminder to celebrate the fullness of your life and a reminder of all that we have to be grateful for, including the incredible bodies that we inhabit.



The Waning Moon encourages detoxification. This is a time to use up your leftovers and utilize what you have in your pantry and fridge. We feel naturally inclined to eat lighter foods that help to cleanse our systems. Simple, light, and fresh foods are key. Refreshing foods like citrus fruits can help energize you and reduce the body’s cravings. Make sure to stay well hydrated during this phase as your body is utilizing more energy to try to rid itself of negativity as it nears the end of the lunar cycle and begins anew. Foods like soups, fresh fruit, and salads should be eaten and herbs like rosemary, parsley, sage, and mint should be used liberally.



Historically the New Moon was a time for fasting. This is an incredibly powerful phase of the Moon as well as a time for inner work and self-reflection. Freeing the body of cravings and allowing your digestive system time to relax and reboot can be amazingly transformative. In the same way the New Moon grants you the opportunity to metaphorically become a new you and step into the next chapter of your journey, fasting during the New Moon can help get rid of anything in your digestive system that may have been lingering and allow it to start anew. Metabolism-boosting green tea or citrus infused waters can maximize this phase’s cleansing influence. The most important thing to focus on during this phase is hydration. Hydrating your body will optimize blood flow, flush out toxins, and boost energy levels. The New Moon is a time for heavy self-reflection and creating a game plan. The extra hydration helps with memory and overall brain function.



In modern day, because of how busy and hectic life can get, a lot of people utilize a more basic Moon diet plan to try to hone in on the energy of the New Moon and Full Moon. This is done through a period of 24 hour fasting during which you only consume water or juice. This fast stimulates the body and helps use enzymes vital for absorbing nutrients and breaking down food. Many people believe that doing a fast during the New Moon or Full Moon will help cleanse your body of toxins and negative energy and allow you to open yourself up to receiving abundance.



While each month’s lunar cycle asks us to change our eating patterns, each season comes with its own energy changes as well. Spring Moons signal new beginnings, awakenings, and growth. This is a time to eat foods that are vibrant and experiment with new dishes that connect you to the energy of spring. Summer Moons signal a celebration of life and a time for gratitude. Having picnics and meals outside can help us to connect to the bountiful energy of this season. Autumn Moons are a time for hearty and warming foods. They symbolize harvest time and eating should focus on comfort and community. Winter Moons are darker and colder than the rest so eating during this season involves warming foods that help keep our bodies strong.



Above all else, listen to Mother Earth and eat seasonally. She provides us with the most energetically vibrant foods tohelp us fuel ourselves throughout all of lunar shifts we experience



Following the lunar phase diet is an amazing way to improve your immunity and help detoxify the body. It is a way to connect with ourselves, the people around us, and the entirety of the natural world. When we become in tune with the energetically charged lunar cycles we go through, we can practice intuitive eating and help maximize the energy flowing through us.



Disclaimer: This is not intended to provide medical advice. It is always recommended that you consult with your doctor or a medical professional before making any dietary changes.