Together with fasting expert and nutrition coach Katya Bedrik, we have developed the Body & Mind Fasting Cure – a holistic fasting program for at home. The 7-day cure is designed to bring balance to body and mind, release new energy, and gather strength for a new phase of life. To launch the fasting program , we spoke with Katya to learn more about her and her journey to fasting.
Hello Katya, please introduce yourself briefly and tell us a little about yourself.
Hey! I'm Katya, and I live in Berlin with my two children and my partner. I'm a medically certified fasting leader and nutrition coach, and I founded my company, FrauWow, in 2020. There, I accompany women in monthly online fasting courses. I help them learn to eat healthier and get closer to themselves through fasting, so they have more energy and joy in their everyday lives.
How did you get into fasting?
Fasting has been a part of my life. I was born in Kazakhstan, and Russian culture has had a profound influence on me. Naturopathy played a major role there, as people lived in very precarious circumstances and were often left to their own devices when they were ill. Fasting is very important here. Almost every illness has been treated with fasting. So, as a child, I learned that fasting is a good thing. Then the subject disappeared from my life for a while. In my twenties, I revisited it. I learned about the Buchinger Method and fasted alone at home. Initially, my motivation, like many others, was purely physical. I wanted to heal my gut and get rid of skin imperfections. With each fast, however, I noticed more and more benefits; it felt like I was getting closer to myself, understanding myself better. I also fasted after my second pregnancy and the long period of breastfeeding to strengthen my body. This is where the idea of doing more with fasting first arose. And since I was dissatisfied with my job as a stylist in the fashion industry, I enrolled in training at the German Fasting Academy and simultaneously began offering online fasting courses for women. That's how FrauWow was born.
What does training to become a state-certified fasting leader look like?
I'm glad I chose the German Fasting Academy ) as my training center. This program consists of five modules, is taught by excellent instructors, and is medically examined at the end. The dfa maintains close ties with the Immanuel Hospital, the naturopathic clinic of the Charité Berlin , headed by Prof. Dr. Michaelsen. It has a research department where fasting is studied in clinical trials. The program was life-changing for me. Not only did I learn how professional fasting support works , but I also made friends for life.
What fascinates you about fasting?
A simple insight: By consciously abstaining from food , you learn to truly appreciate it . No one can claim to have experienced full enjoyment unless they have fasted before. A whole new world of appreciation and enjoyment opens up when you have consciously practiced abstinence.
How would you describe the physical and mental experiences of fasting?
At first, fasting can be overwhelming. It's only natural, because a large part of your life is simply gone: eating. I recommend thinking beforehand about what would be a good substitute to fill the free time you've gained. Anything that brings you joy is permitted. The physical and mental experiences can then be very different. I personally just feel light. My digestion is inactive, and the energy that the body used for digestion is now available for other things. For example, I become very creative and feel the urge to develop myself in new areas. Others are simply delighted that they have had a flat stomach for years, without bloating or pain, or they are amazed that they don't feel faint even though they go without food for days. Fasting meets everyone where they are, and that's what I like about it.
What have been your best experiences with fasting participants so far?
There are quite a few! One participant came because she was suffering from severe migraines. She had severe headaches almost daily and couldn't find any lasting relief. In my 14-day course, she was pain-free except for the first day, and the attacks stopped even after the course.
Another participant was able to stop taking her thyroid medication after the course. These are great milestones, but they require a lot of commitment and perseverance even after the course.
I'm also always touched by those new to fasting who hesitate to fast for a long time and then, after months, decide to come to my course and are so surprised by themselves. It makes me happy to see how my participants discover the strength within themselves, just as I did.
Why do you think everyone should try fasting?
Many people are dissatisfied with their bodies . They're unhappy with their appearance or with a few extra pounds. They judge their bodies and sometimes even consider them ugly. Pretty mean, isn't it? When you fast, you get a very good sense of how reliably and diligently your body works for you. People who fast often feel compassion for their bodies. They realize there are reasons why they look the way they do. This can be the first step toward more self-love and self-esteem.
How do you manage to take the first step and embark on the fasting experience?
Honestly? Just do it! As with so many things in life. Otherwise, our brains come up with all sorts of excuses as to why it's not a good idea. If someone is considering fasting, there must be a reason for it. First, be sure to check for any contraindications, then find the right support, sign up, and off you go! And yes, it's possible alongside work, at home, and with children.
How has fasting changed your life?
I've turned something I love into my career. What could be better?
What was important to you when developing the Body & Mind fasting cure?
By developing the Fasting Cure Box, I wanted to offer as many people as possible a simple and straightforward approach to fasting. I repeatedly received requests for a one-week course and recommendations for purchasing fasting products. This is how the idea of offering an all-in-one box was born, allowing flexible fasting at a convenient time in the comfort of your own home. With I DO, I found a great partner for this implementation, and I'm proud that the program was implemented according to my ideas.
Who would you recommend this fasting plan to?
The fasting program is aimed at anyone who wants to experience fasting effortlessly and at their own pace. Time-consuming research and shopping are eliminated. With step-by-step instructions and daily support, no questions remain unanswered, allowing you to experience your fasting journey with all your senses. All fasting tools are of high quality and can be easily used again and again. Since I pay close attention to the quality of my diet, it was also very important to me that the box contain only organic foods from controlled cultivation.
