I started this fast at the top of the year and I've decided to continue with it [somewhat] as a lifestyle change. I've lost weight, my skin has changed, Im more energetic than ever in my life, more active an some have asked "How did you do it?". Well for starters, I stopped eating chicken [and turkey] a little over a year ago and I feel great. I have my opinions about chicken and how they are raised in unhealthy conditions, not only that, but I'm on this journey to "Eat Right For Your Bloodtype" by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo. My entire family has incorporated this regimen into their lifestyles. Anyway, back to the Daniel Fast. I spoke to a close friend last night and she asked me to do it with her. I obliged. Besides, I didnt like what I saw on the scale on Monday and I've picked up a few bad habits again.
The purpose of a fast is to align your flesh with your inner spirit. Your soul is greatly impacted during the Daniel Fast; it is the seat of our emotions, intellect, personality and will. This is where we experience cravings, frustration, anger . . . and even happiness. During the Daniel Fast, your soul may very well rebel against the dramatic change in your diet. Experiencing and winning this battle over the flesh is often one of the most powerful lessons of the Daniel Fast. Put your Spirit in charge of the fast. I know you may feel like giving up, taking a “bite” of some chocolate [my downfall], or drink some “herbal” tea, vitamin water, or Riesling. You must challenge your Flesh with your Spirit in this battle and have Integrity with yourself. Let your Spirit win. Speak an affirmation out loud – “I am whole and complete”, “I am a winner”, “I am fearlessly and wonderfully made”. When your flesh is acting out with a craving, take control of it with your Spirit (just as a parent takes control of a rebellious child). Ha!
Our bodies are clearly affected as our diet is changed, for some in very dramatic ways, during the Daniel Fast. Most people lose weight during the Daniel Fast [and i lost 12lbs!]. Many report healings from diabetes, allergies, arthritis and cancer. I strongly suggest that during the fast an herbal cleanse is used to achieve maximum results in weigh-loss, especially if this is your goal. You can purchase the 365 cleanse for $11.99 from Whole Foods (or Harry’s). Most cleanses in superstores are filled with chemicals, be sure to purchase a cleanse that has natural ingredients. READ THE LABEL.
During the detoxification from chemicals, sugars and impurities, you may experience headaches, leg cramps, fatigue and malaise. DO NOT BE ALARMED. You can always take Vitamins. Again, read the label to insure that the ingredients are whole and free from chemicals.
As you now know, fasting is not only used for weight-loss; it is always coupled with a spiritual goal. So during this time of fasting, you will want to focus on prayer, study and meditation. Take this time out to focus on the things you want for yourself and your life. Write them down, create a vision board, start a journal for this journey. Try reading an inspirational book [Dr. Wayne Dyer is one of my favorites :)]. Call, text or Ping someone close to you for encouragement.
Below is a list of foods that are allowed and a list of foods to avoid. Try your BEST to stick to this; you will love the results in the end. Resistance is key. Google recipes. My favorite site is: daniel-fast.com/recipes. There are plenty of recipes to choose from for Breafast, Lunch, Dinner and even snacks. Happy Fasting!
Just Say No!
All meat and animal products: beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
All dairy products: milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
All sweeteners: sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
All leavened bread: including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
All refined and processed food products: artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives. If its white, don’t eat it!
All deep fried foods: including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.
All solid fats: shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
Beverages: including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.
All condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salad dressings. Use the Special Seasoning Recipe or sprinkle EVOO, fresh lemon and a pinch of salt on a salad.
What is allowed:
All fruits: Preferably fresh, however you can eat frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon. My favorite is juicing; its quick easy and your can use the excess to make a casserole!
All vegetables: Preferably fresh, however you can eat frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers[minus the buns] are an option if you are not allergic to soy.
All whole grains: including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn [NO butter, cheese or caramel].
All nuts and seeds: including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
