as a muslim, i have to fast for a whole month (non stop) each year, it's hard, but i can clearly see the benefits during and after.
Also i was starting to get used to drinking beers (alcohol), but i had not to drink the whole month, and since then i don't drink (i don't miss it) for non muslims it might seems like it's crazy thing to do and you are harming yourself, but it's really easy for us and we miss it.