October 1, 1998

Advice for the Yom Kippur Fast

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An expert at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center hasinvaluable advice for your Yom Kippur fast.

According to Dr. Elliot Berry, head of clinical nutrition at theHebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, there are a number ofthings you can do in advance to ease your fasting:

• Take frequent drinks of water throughout the day before the fast begins.
• Your last meal before the fast should include complex carbohydrates, such as pasta, rice, potatoes and whole-grain bread. When complex carbohydrates are stored in the liver, water is retained so that the body suffers less dehydration during a fast.
• But be sure to eat a balanced meal before the fast. Proteins and fats are absorbed more slowly than sugars and provide the necessary energy. You should balance your meal with 55 percent complex carbs, 15 percent proteins and 30 percent fats.
• Do not overeat before you fast.
• Do not take salty or sweet foods or beverages before the fast, because they may make you thirsty.

Dr. Berry also has sound advice on the best way to break the fast:Break your fast with a drink (not carbonated) and a slice of bread ordry cake. After an hour, enjoy a full meal. -- Jewish TelegraphicAgency