I have a friend who wants to fast...

She is a great gal, very religious, so i pointed her to some sites that dealt with fasting and the religious aspects of it. i have tried to answer as many questions as i could that she had. I suggested she just try to fast for a day, maybe even just half a day to start. I also suggested she could try a fruit fast, or at least incorporate more fruits and veggies into her diet before fasting.

She is a smoker, and drinks coffee daily with cream and sugar. I explained what I could and also sent her links about the dangers of Sugar and caffeine.

She asked me if it would harm her to start a fast while still drinking coffee and smoking, and try her best to quit as she progressed.

I told her that any progress in slowing down and quitting would be beneficial. That i believe that fasting can help break those addictions. Was I wrong in saying that? Or do you agree?

My only fear is that still taking in caffeine while attempting a first time fast, may give her a bad experience. I also told her that fasting has helped me to quit smoking as well, as i was once a smoker.

I gave her the link to this site, and urged her to come read. But i think she is a little apprehensive about posting just yet. I have sent her many links actually, from sites i have read, and sites that have been recommended here.

Any advice i could give her that you may feel is beneficial for someone who has never fasted, and knows really nothing of it? I'm worried i might be missing something.