What is it Called When You Break Your Fast?

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

Over 250 million people worldwide practice some form of fasting, but many are unaware of the proper terminology and techniques for reintroducing food to their body. Whether for religious purposes like Ramadan or health reasons like intermittent fasting, understanding what is it called when you break your fast is key to optimizing its benefits and avoiding potential discomfort.

Quick Summary

The term for breaking a fast varies depending on the context, but common phrases include "breaking the fast" and specific terms like the Arabic word "Iftar" for the Ramadan evening meal. Safely ending a fast involves careful refeeding with easily digestible foods to prevent digestive distress and maintain health benefits.

Key Points

Breaking the fast: The general English term for ending a period of not eating, also the origin of the word 'breakfast'.
Iftar: The specific Arabic term for the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Refeeding syndrome: A dangerous metabolic condition that can occur after prolonged fasts if food is reintroduced too quickly, especially sugary and high-carb options.
Start with light foods: For safe refeeding, it's best to begin with easily digestible items like bone broth, soup, or soft vegetables before moving to heavier meals.
Dates and water: In Islamic tradition, the fast is broken with dates and water, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Mindful eating: Eating slowly and mindfully after a fast helps aid digestion, prevents overeating, and enhances the post-fast experience.
Iftar's spiritual significance: Beyond a physical meal, Iftar is a time for gratitude, reflection, and communal gathering in Islam.

General Terminology: Breaking the Fast

The act of reintroducing food after a period of abstinence is generally referred to as "breaking the fast." The word "breakfast" itself originates from this concept, marking the first meal after the overnight fast. This term applies whether the fasting is due to the natural overnight period or intentional intermittent or extended fasting.

Mindful Refeeding: The Post-Fast Meal

Careful refeeding is important after fasting, especially for longer durations. The digestive system slows down during a fast, and eating too much too quickly can lead to discomfort. For extended fasts, there's a risk of refeeding syndrome if not managed properly.

Common errors when breaking a fast include:

Eating excessively or rapidly
Consuming processed, sugary, or fried foods
Having a large initial meal
Neglecting proper hydration
Ignoring the body's hunger cues

Religious Observances: The Meaning of Iftar

During Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. The meal that ends the daily fast is called Iftar. This meal holds significant spiritual and communal importance, expressing gratitude and reinforcing community ties. Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates and water, following the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) practice.

Iftar and its spiritual significance

Iftar typically happens at sunset after the call to Maghrib prayer. There is encouragement to break the fast promptly, and it's considered a blessed act. Sharing Iftar with family and friends strengthens social bonds, and providing Iftar to others is seen as a highly rewarding deed.

Comparison: Fasting Break Contexts

The table below contrasts breaking a fast for health purposes with the religious observance of Iftar during Ramadan.


Feature	Intermittent/Extended Fasting	Ramadan (Iftar)
Purpose	Health, weight management, metabolic benefits	Religious observance, spiritual growth, empathy
Timing	Variable based on schedule (e.g., 16:8, 24-hour)	Daily at sunset during Ramadan
Recommended First Foods	Bone broth, simple protein, avocado, fermented foods	Dates and water, followed by a nutritious meal
Spiritual Component	Generally not included	Central, with focus on prayer and gratitude
Communal Aspect	Often a personal practice	Strongly communal, shared with others
Length of Fast	Varies from hours to days	Daily from dawn to sunset

The Healthy Way to Break Your Fast

Breaking a fast, regardless of its duration or reason, should be done gradually. While shorter fasts require less adjustment, longer fasts demand a more structured approach.

Prioritize Hydration: Begin by rehydrating with water, herbal tea, or electrolyte-rich drinks like bone broth.
Start with Light, Digestible Foods: Ease your digestive system by consuming small portions of items like soup, soft vegetables, or smoothies.
Introduce Protein and Healthy Fats: Gradually add sources like eggs, avocado, or fish to provide nutrients without overwhelming the system.
Avoid Heavy and Sugary Items: Stay away from processed foods, fried items, and high-sugar drinks immediately after fasting to prevent rapid insulin spikes and digestive issues.
Practice Mindful Eating: Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and pay attention to your body's signals to avoid overeating and improve digestion.

Conclusion

Ending a period of not eating is generally termed "breaking the fast," which is also the origin of the word "breakfast". In the specific religious context of Ramadan, this meal is called Iftar. The terminology used reflects the reason and cultural context of the fast. However, the method of breaking the fast is paramount. By mindfully reintroducing easily digestible, nutrient-dense foods, individuals can ensure a smooth transition, prevent discomfort, and maximize the benefits of their fast. This approach respects the body's metabolic processes. Religious practices like Iftar add layers of spiritual meaning and community engagement. Proper refeeding honors both the physical and the purpose behind the fast.

For more detailed information on safe fasting practices, consulting a resource like Dr. Jason Fung's work on fasting is highly recommended.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new fasting regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, literally. The word 'breakfast' is a compound of 'break' and 'fast', meaning the first meal you eat to end the overnight period of not eating. While it's commonly associated with the morning meal, the term can be applied to ending any period of fasting.

Iftar is the Arabic term for the evening meal with which Muslims break their daily fast during the month of Ramadan. It is typically a communal meal shared with family and friends at sunset, following the call to prayer.

For longer fasts, the best approach is to gradually reintroduce food. Start with small portions of easily digestible liquids like broth or smoothies. Over several hours or days, you can slowly add in soft foods, lean protein, and healthy fats while avoiding sugar and heavy meals.

In Islamic tradition, breaking the fast with dates and water is a practice derived from the Sunnah (teachings and practices) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Dates provide a quick, natural source of energy to replenish the body, while water rehydrates you after a day without fluids.

After fasting, you should avoid foods high in sugar, fat, and complex carbohydrates, such as soda, fried foods, and pastries. These can cause blood sugar spikes and digestive discomfort. It is also wise to limit raw vegetables and legumes, which can be hard to digest immediately after a fast.

Breaking a fast too quickly, especially a prolonged one, can cause digestive distress like bloating and cramping. In extreme cases, a rapid influx of food can lead to refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition involving dangerous fluid and electrolyte shifts.

Generally, black coffee without added sugar or cream does not break a fast, as it contains negligible calories and does not significantly affect blood sugar. However, adding milk, sweeteners, or oils will add calories and end the fasting state.