Lenten season is observed by most Christian churches, including Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists and Moravian.

Many struggles as to how to observe their fasting. What should one refrain from, how long should one fast and the times for prayers.

There are a few different types of fasting that one can observe, and for the kind of fasting that includes food, one should fast for a minimum of 12 hours.

There are six types of fasting to choose from that you can observe during this lent season;

The Daniel Fast

This is the fasting Daniel observed in the bible explained in Daniel 10:2-3 & 1:11-13. Daniel fasting involves eating vegetables and drinking water while abstaining from wine and meat. Initially, the fast lasted for 10 days and was later extended to 21 days.

The understanding of Daniel’s fasting allows one to eat all kinds of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, beans, non-dairy milk and vegetable oils.

Foods not allowed include; alcohol, animal products, yeast, refined grains, fried food, solid fats and caffeinated drinks.

Partial fasting

In this type of fasting, a person refrains from eating from sun up to sundown or from a specific time of the day, for example, from 7 am to 4 pm, meaning you can have a small meal before 7:00 am and after 4:00 pm.

You can also decide to do a total fast, Daniel’s fast, from eating a particular food group during fasting hours or any other fasting. This fast is best for those with stomach issues including those with ulcers

Complete fasting

Those who observe complete fasting can drink only water to maintain energy and no solid foods. Some drink juice as well.

You should know beforehand how long you are going to observe this fast.

Absolute fasting

The common type of fast known to many and yet many fail to observe is the absolute fast. During the fasting period, you do not eat nor drink anything, including water.

This is the fast done by Paul and Esther in the bible Acts 9:9 and Esther 4:16.

Sexual fasting

Paul in the bible poses the idea that married couples should abstain from sex to focus on their relationship with God through mutual consent.

As much as sex strengthens the bond between husband and wife, it also states that abstaining from sex for the sole purpose of praying is healthy. 1 Corinthians 7:3-6.

Soul fasting

Search for a particular area of your life that may be out of balance, and you believe needs to be changed, and start working on it. For example, cutting down your social media time, changing your habits, television time, and anything that takes more of your time not because it is terrible but to remind yourself that they do not run your life.