Daniel Fast Guidelines & Meal Plan Week 1
Welcome to 2023! Let's get ready to detox! This is our fifth year and we have tips to make this year's fast smooth and profound for you.
First I want you to breathe... I know this can be a bit much. A mass overhaul of the system can send anyone into shock, doubt, or anxiety, but hopefully with our tips it will inspire feelings of motivation and endurance.
Honestly, last year was the first time in all 5 years of trying, that we finally made it to a point of comfortability. We didn't have to stress about what to eat and what not to eat. Plus we meal prepped at the top of the week. Check out our review of last year's fast.
Today, January 2, 2023, we kicked off the fast with fresh squeezed juice and oatmeal. For lunch we had two options: Tuna Fish or Veggie Stuffed Baked Potato. It's dinner time and I just finished the other half of my stuffed potato so I may not get around to eating the vegetable soup tonight but it's definitely on the stove simmering.
Do you see the broccoli and cheese on the potato? Cheese is a food to avoid. I'm lactose intolerant and I only drink almond milk. However, if you cannot find vegetarian or vegan cheese, please don't beat yourself up. This fast is not about being perfect.
So, what is this fast about?
When you fast and pray — two words that go hand-in-hand in scripture — you pursue God in your life and open yourself up to experiencing a renewed dependence on God, but it isn’t easy. It is a spiritual discipline that requires denying your physical and mental self because your stomach and your brain will most likely work overtime to remind you when and what they want to eat!
Spiritual growth is a top reason for fasting and may include:
- Fasting brings you closer to God
- Fasting makes you more sensitive to God’s voice
- Fasting helps break bad habits or even addictions
- Fasting shows us our weakness and allows us to rely on God’s strength
What is the Daniel Fast and How Can It Benefit Me? Check out this article for more information.
There are also many mental and emotional benefits beside the #1 physical benefit of losing weight and getting healthy!
Tips to Enjoy The Fast
#1. Tie your fast to a goal. What are you fasting for? Is it just to give thanks to GOD for the many blessings bestowed upon on? Are you praying and fasting to receive something in particular? If you tie it to a goal you'll be motivated to complete the fast as best as possible.
#2. Keep GOD first. Keep prayer and affirmations first.
God is meeting all of my needs:
Psalm 34:10 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those
who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
I will speak words of peace in every problem in my life:
Isaiah 26:3 3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds
are steadfast, because they trust in you.
I will not worry – I will trust that God is in control:
1 Peter 5:7 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
I will persevere until I see total victory:
Isaiah 54:17 17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you
will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is
the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this
is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.
God is meeting all of my needs:
Psalm 34:10 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those
who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
I will speak words of peace in every problem in my life:
Isaiah 26:3 3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds
are steadfast, because they trust in you.
I will not worry – I will trust that God is in control:
1 Peter 5:7 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
I will persevere until I see total victory:
Isaiah 54:17 17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you
will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is
the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this
is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.
#3 PREP MEALS & SNACKS. When you're eating healthy you may end up a lot more hungry than you were with the junk food, in the beginning. So make sure you have a lot of fluids like water and tea. Liquids can help you feel full. I would recommend snacks like trail mix and fruit. If you're a cookie and cakes person like me I would say find some vegan snacks ASAP!
We are also huge supporters of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, Skinny Pop Popcorn and dried fruit! Get your healthy snacks in order before you go crazy!
#4 DON'T REINVENT THE WHEEL! Instead of spending hours researching fancy or odd recipes, try tweaking the meals you already eat. For instance, let's say you love spaghetti and meat sauce. Instead of spaghetti you can substitute the noodles for shredded squash or zucchini. You can even try a whole grain or vegetable noodle and trade the meat sauce for a hearty vegetable sauce with mushrooms for the meaty texture. It's pretty simple.
#5 Remember Why You Started! Focus on the end goal. You got this!
Good Luck! Tell us how it goes. If you need more ideas please feel free to go back and read older articles from the last fast.
And Remember to Live in Your Magic...