I don't really prepare for long fasts, I just eat normally up until I start the fast.

An important part of the fast for me is to plan my meal coming off a longer fast. It gives me something to look forward to and keeps me from overindulging.

Just whatever I normally eat. It's so interesting to me...I could never fast before. Then I got fairly adept at it about 18 mos ago as my body slowly (very freaking slowly) ketoadapted). Now I regularly fast for 16-24 hours and really don't think anything of it - I don't even pay attention to what I ate last.

Right before the fast starts, it may be helpful to take a couple TBSP coconut oil (if you can tolerate it) just for the ready-made source of MCTs.

I'll probably have something low in protein ( to spare water) and High in fat. So maybe some squash with lots of butter or sour cream, a bunch of spoonfuls of coconut oil, etc. maybe a few egg yolks. I'm breastfeeding so I'll probably fast as long as my milk supply doesn't tank from dehydration. I'm skipping shul this year since I have to watch my son. I'm going I have some broth already defrosted in the fridge To break the fast and maybe a prebaked sweet potato in there too and then a nice hearty steak or something that night.

I've never fasted while doing paleo, so I'm really interested in seeing what it's like compared to past years which have been hellacious.

Just pig out at Burger King! Actually, doing VLC I often fast once or twice a week normally--I just don't get that hungry. And so, for me, at least, a high fat/moderate protein meal, as you questioned, seems the most logical. And yes, I drink water, but I pee most of that away overnight. While many are suffering on YK, it's just business as usual for me.

I have to say, (1) great question, it's on my mind, and (2) I actually enjoy fasting for religious purposes. It gives me more focus than unstructured IF does.

If I could, I would go for beef ribs, sauerkraut, and berries for dessert. Or baked fish, my preference there being an almond-crusted tilapia. Lots of veggies or potatoes on the side so that there is at least some carbs to help with the fast being longer than usual.

As a side note, in my experience, after about hour six I don't even think about the fact that I am fasting. Craving is gone, and I just focus on prayer or reading or whatever I might be doing. By hour 23, I notice it again though!

Shanah tovah, Caleb

I just eat a regular meal but make sure I have chicken soup prepared to break the fast. Many years ago, it was the caffeine holiday that gave me a killer headache. If you do have a caffeine habit, it's helpful to start reducing your intake this week in preparation. It's still very hot here and I will have to walk the dog before I go off to shul so the lack of water will probably be uncomfortable.