Daniel Fast

Have you ever done a fast? I haven’t. The prospect of not eating or only eating a minimal amount doesn’t really appeal to me. Somewhat ironically I’m starting the Daniel fast today. It’s based on one of the three-week fasts Daniel from the Old Testament did while in Babylon.

“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

This is my kind of fast as I can still eat actual food instead of starving myself! So what do I get to eat? The fast is basically a variation of a vegan diet: I cannot have meat or animal products (including eggs and dairy), no sweeteners, no processed food, no chemicals, no leavening agents and no solid fats. So what can I eat? I can eat fruits, vegetables, legumes and beans, nuts, healthy liquid fats, whole grains, spices (including salt and pepper) and water. Sounds pretty healthy, doesn’t it?

The reason for fasting to two fold: firstly, I wanted to try some sort of elimination diet or fast to see what I am allergic/intolerant to as my body is having issues as of late. My counsellor suggested the Daniel fast, so I looked into it. Given that it also has a spiritual component, I thought this would be a good idea as I am needing guidance from God as to what he wants me to do from this point on.

My goal is to find out what God wants me to do in my life and to find out what I am sensitive to, especially when I introduce things like dairy and eggs back into my diet. I know that I react to gluten, so I will not be testing for that (in case you’re wondering.)

I’m going to try to do the whole three weeks, but I am going to judge it a week at a time depending on how my body is feeling. I reckon, if what I’m eating (especially some beans and “health” foods that I don’t eat on a regular basis) makes me feel terrible, why continue.

I hope to share the meals that I have had (I’ve found some really interesting ones!) and how I’m feeling and reacting to what I am eating. It’s going to be challenging for me as I am definitely a meat and vegetables (+ baked goods) type of person. Please feel free to join me and follow along my adventures into veganism and fasting!

Have you ever tried a vegan or vegetarian diet? What recipes would you recommend?