Fasting is no easy task, even less so at the height of the summer. My physical preparations for the fast involve a 48-hour hydration binge in which my water bottle never leaves my side.  As for food, during those 48-hours I try to increase my intake of fruits and vegetables that are high in water. I save my fish, egg or dairy intake for erev Tisha B'Av, the day before the fast, in order to prevent bloating and increase my overall nutrient intake.  Below are three menus-- dairy, fish, and vegan-- to help you plan out your pre-fast meal.

Dairy Menu 1:

Greek Wheat Berry Salad

Tabouli Feta Salad

Pasta Roulade with Ricotta and Spinach

Shliskes

Dipped Straweberries or Chocolate Bread Pudding

Dairy Menu 2:

Strawberry Salad with Goat Cheese and Pecans

Greek Yogurt Caesar Salad

Pappardelle Pasta with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

Roasted Tomato Cream Gnochi

Goat Cheese Cheesecake

Fish Menu 1:

Corn and Wild Rice Kugel

Almond Olive Sole

Avocado Cream Pasta

Light Corn Salsa

Almond Pot au Creme

Fish Menu 2:

Nectarine and Tomato Salad

Pecan Crusted Honey Mustard Salmon

Polenta Portobellos

Warm Fingerling Potato Salad

Almond and Olive Oil Cake

Vegan Menu 1:

Linguini Grilled Summer Vegetable Salad

Lentil Rice with Carrots

Easy Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

Coleslaw with Crispy Tofu

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Vegan Menu 2:

Sweet Daikon Salad with Sesame Citrus Dressing

Zucchini Spaghetti Salad

Tofu and Mushroom Lettuce Wraps

Curried Vegetable Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Raw Date Brownies

Check out more Tisha B'Av pre- and post-fast ideas here.