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Food can be a lot of things to a lot of people. It’s fuel, it’s medicine, it’s a reward, it’s a crutch. Even if you’re not obsessively counting macros, things can get complicated.

And that’s before you throw psychedelics into the mix.

Whether you're getting ready for your first journey or your fiftieth, questions around diet often come up. Should you fast? What foods should you avoid? How long before your session should you stop eating?

So we asked our network of psychedelic practitioners: how should I modify my diet before, during, or after a psychedelic experience?

They share their refreshingly simple tips on mindful eating below.

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Treat your body like a temple

Physical comfort isn’t the only reason (or even the main one) to adjust your diet. According to many practitioners, dialing in your diet is a way to venerate the experience ahead. As Wallace Murray puts it, "preparing the body is an act of respect," and your diet “helps you meet the medicine with clarity and reverence."

Most agree it’s best to start cleaning up your diet at least a few days beforehand. Louis Belleau recommends removing "anything that isn't real food. No processed snacks, no sugar, no packaged junk. Eat whole foods, mostly plants." Oxana Kirsanova explains that "removing alcohol, caffeine, sugar, dairy, and processed foods helps ensure the plant medicine isn't fighting through blockages or toxins."

If it helps keep you honest, treat this preparation as part of the ceremonial process. As Summer MacCool suggests, you can "think of your diet as part of the ritual, a way of attuning your body to receive, release, and remember."

Fasting isn’t for everyone

When it comes to fasting before your session, practitioners offered nuanced guidance that goes beyond simple rules. John Moos recommends "fasting for 6 hours, but if people feel low on sugar, they can drink juice or eat simple fruits." His reasoning is sound: "You don't want the onset of medicine to hit when you feel full."

However, several guides cautioned against rigid fasting protocols. Carla Detchon notes that "fasting is good if it works for you, but it's not necessary." Avery Collura agrees: "I do not personally recommend strict fasting unless it is a practice that already feels supportive in your life. For most people, a light, clean, grounding meal a few hours before the journey is enough."

Amanda Schendel offers a graphic memorable analogy: "Think of your body like a sacred drum. You do not want to muffle it with nachos right before the music starts." The sweet spot is where your body is nourished, but you’re not distracted by active digestion during your journey.

Trust your instincts

Maybe the most important theme across responses was the emphasis on turning inward for guidance, rather than following rigid rules. Gv Freeman suggests you "ask the medicine what you're supposed to eat," while Clara Mackinlay advises paying attention to intention: "Why are you reaching for certain foods or drinks? Are you nourishing yourself—physically, emotionally, spiritually?"

Post-journey nutrition requires the same mindful approach. Mary Decker reminds us to "nourish your body with clean supportive foods to aid integration." And Avery warns against punishing yourself in the name of discipline: "Let your body guide you. Cravings might show up, emotions might surge, appetite may change. Do not rush to 'cleanse' or restrict. Instead, ask: what would feel nourishing right now?"

As for how to access that inner wisdom, Lea Bayles offers some practical advice: "Soften into your body and ask: what foods help my brain and my body feel stabilized and clear? Notice inner guidance as feelings, images, or words arise."

Our take

The bottom line is, approach food with the same intentionality you'd bring to any other aspect of your psychedelic preparation.

But we’d take it a step further. Let's expand the concept of "diet" beyond just food. For instance, what information are you consuming? What conversations are you having? What content are you watching?

Think of it this way. If you wouldn't journey with a stomach full of junk food, you probably don't want to journey with a mind preoccupied from hours of doomscrolling, either.

Now here’s our super duper advanced pro tip. Ready? You don’t need to have a psychedelic trip planned to take good care of yourself.

Thanks to Ken B. from Honolulu, HI for submitting this week’s question. 🫠

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UNTIL NEXT TIME

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DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. The use, possession, and distribution of psychedelic drugs are illegal in most countries and may result in criminal prosecution.