If you want to try a healing therapy for a complete overhaul of your spiritual, physical, and emotional health, then you should try the Daniel Fast. In this fast, you’ll be eating Biblical foods to achieve a breakthrough in various aspects of your life.
Fasting is a natural method of abstaining from food and was regularly practiced by various people in the Bible, like Moses, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Peter, and even Jesus. The Bible is filled with over 70 references to fasting, but the practice has been out of fashion and is now beginning to rise again. Chris Pratt, who plays Star-Lord in The Guardians of the Galaxy, recently shared that he was on the Daniel fast for emotional and physical well-being.
What is fasting?
To fast is to abstain from food, drink, or entertainment for a period of time to attain a benefit in the body, mind, or spirit. There are many types of fasting, including: a water-only diet; an absolute fast (no water and no food); a partial fast (can have certain foods and drinks); and an intermittent fast (only eat during a small daily window).
What exactly is the Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast or diet is based on what the great leader from the Bible, Daniel, had when he went on a fast, as recorded in the Book of Daniel. During the fast, he only ate a plant-based diet and clean food as per the book in the Old Testament of the Bible in Leviticus chapter 11. Unclean foods include pork, shellfish, etc.
Menu of Daniel Fast
Here is the complete list of foods that you can eat during a Daniel fast.
Beverages
• Distilled water.
• Coconut water,
• Vegetable juice
• Homemade almond milk
Vegetables should be the main dish
• All vegetables, whether fresh or cooked
• Not canned vegetables
Fruits
• Fresh and cooked
• Not canned or preserved fruits
Whole grains
• Brown rice,
• Oats,
• Quinoa,
• Amaranth,
• Buckwheat
Beans and Legumes
• Dried and cooked,
• Not canned
Nuts and Seeds
• Raw,
• Sprouted,
• Roasted without the addition of salt
Foods to avoid:
• Iodized salt
• Sweeteners
• Meat, including shellfish
• Dairy products
• Breads,
• Cookies,
• Juices
• Coffee
Fasting and praying
When Daniel fasted, he would pray three times to God, and so, it is believed, fasting and praying have to go hand-in-hand for the Daniel fast to be a success. It is more of a spiritual discipline when you deny yourself the food that your stomach and brain crave or are habituated to.
How does a Daniel Fast benefit your physical health?
During the Daniel fast, your body's organs are given a break from the complex task of digesting foods, and the extra energy gives them a chance for restoration. The burning of stored calories also helps get rid of toxic substances in the body. For example, during a fast, the liver and immune system are freed up to detoxify and bring healing to other organs of the body.
Spiritual Benefits
• It brings you closer to God
• It breaks bad habits and addictions
• Fasting makes us depend more on God than on food
Mental/Emotional Benefits
• It relieves anxiety and brings peace
• Fasting helps clear the mind from feelings of negativity
• It helps heal relationships
Physical Benefits
• It aids in the cessation of our sugar addiction.
• It helps in the detoxification of the body
• It helps in weight loss
• It promotes healthy hormonal balance
Recipes to make during Daniel fast
Minestrone Soup
Ingredients:
• 7 cups vegetable stock
• 1½ cups of dried red kidney beans (rajma)
• 2 cups of white beans
• ½ cup carrots, diced
• 3 tomatoes, diced
• ¼ teaspoon oregano powder
• ¾ tsp chopped coriander leaves
• ¼ tsp dried thyme powder
• ½ cup onion leeks, cut in small pieces
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of cooked noodles,
• Sea salt
Directions:
1. Wash the kidney beans and white beans, cook them till tender, and keep them aside.
2. Boil the veggies in vegetable stock over medium heat for 10 minutes.
3. Add the boiled white beans, kidney beans, minced herbs, and sea salt.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes on low heat.
5. Serve with cooked noodles.
Stir-Fry Vegetables
Ingredients:
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of onion leeks thinly sliced
• ½ cup chopped broccoli,
• 1 sliced capsicum,
• 2 diced large carrots,
• ½ cup chopped cauliflower,
• Sea salt
• 1 tablespoon mix of garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper
Directions:
Stir-fry the veggies in 2 tablespoons of olive oil till tender.
Add salt and seasoning.
Serve with brown rice and dal.