Preparing for Daniel

This will be the 3rd year in a row that Jared and I will be experiencing the "Daniel Fast" for a portion of lent. It is called the "Daniel Fast" after what Daniel from the Bible did “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2, 3

Each year we have done the fast, we have been in community while doing it, which has made it much easier and even kind of fun. This year, I decided to push myself a little more, and am going to be doing the fast for 4 weeks instead of three. I think this year will be easier for me for a few reasons:
1) I know what to expect
2) I have found plenty of really good recipies (the first year we did the daniel fast we basically just cooked up veggies...that was really interesting)
3) I am already eating an almost vegetarian diet as is.

We have really enjoyed this challenging fast and we look forward to doing it again starting nexy Wednesday! Here is how it works for anyone who may be interested. I will be posting recipies throughout the time as well to help boost creativity!

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast:

All fruits.
All vegetables.
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.
All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
All legumes. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.
All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters, caffine free teas
Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast

All meat and animal products
All dairy products
All sweeteners
All leavened bread
All refined and processed food products
All deep fried foods
All solid fats
Beverages including but not limited to coffee, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.


~Angela M.