There are two references to fasting in the Book of Daniel which are the source of the "Daniel Fast". The book of Daniel, Chapter 1, describes how Daniel and his three friends ate only vegetables and drank only water. (Daniel 1) At the end of the 10-day trial period, Daniel and his friends looked healthier than their peers who ate rich meals from fancy tables. In the Book of Daniel, Chapter 10, Daniel fasted again, not eating "good food", meat, and wine. (Daniel 10) You can also get a healthier body and a clearer mind by following this "fast" diet on a limited basis.
Step
The Daniel fast encourages a healthy diet. However, if you have certain health problems, consult your trusted health care provider before going on this 10 day (or 3 week) diet.
Part 1 of 3: Daniel's Fast and Your Relationship with God
Step 1. Avoid distractions
This is a sacred time between you and God. So, avoid television and radio shows.
Step 2. Start the diet by focusing on your faith
Worship God through sacrifice and love Him more than His bounty.
Step 3. Pray
Your days should be filled with selfless prayer. During fasting, increase the frequency of your daily prayers threefold or more.
Step 4. Spend time with God each day by studying the Bible
Step 5. Be diligent in asking God for answers to your prayers
Step 6. Ask God for guidance in your life
Part 2 of 3: Daniel's Fast, Part I
Step 1. Make your meals a little lighter for a few days before fasting
You should also reduce caffeine intake.
Step 2. In the first Book of Daniel, the Prophet ate only vegetables and fruits, and drank only water for 10 days
The short list of allowed foods is:
- All fruits and vegetables
- All legumes
- All grains
- Nuts and seeds
- Know
- Herbs and spices.
Step 3. On the other hand, there is also a list of foods to avoid
Remember that while observing the Daniel Fast, you are not allowed to eat artificial or processed foods and chemicals.
- All meat and animal products
- All dairy products
- All dry food
- All hard fat.
Step 4. Read food labels carefully
Food often contains hidden ingredients. Make sure the food you buy does not violate the rules of the Daniel Fast.
Part 3 of 3: Daniel's Fast, Part II
Step 1. Proceed to step two
In the Book of Daniel, Book 10, the Prophet fasted a second time for 3 weeks. Quoting the Bible, Daniel said "I did not eat good food, neither did meat nor wine enter my mouth." The second fast is essentially the same as the first, but the text specifically mentions three things to avoid:
- Wine
- All sweet foods (including honey)
- All leavened bread.
Step 2. Pay attention to how you feel after going through these two stages
If you feel more energetic and healthier, chances are you'll want to stick to a healthier diet. While you'll definitely want to eat more food you didn't eat during your fast, it's best to do so with full awareness of quality and portions. Some foods, such as dry foods and sugar, should be kept to a minimum.
Tips
- Pray more…You need God's strength and guidance.
- Keep your diet simple. Avoid processed foods, prioritize simple foods or raw foods.
- If for some reason you eat food that is not allowed during fasting, it is better to ask forgiveness and continue fasting rather than stopping it.
- Determine how long you will fast. In the end, you may want to keep the Daniel Fast longer than you originally intended.
- Keep healthy nuts at the office to avoid coworkers who always want to feed you.
- It's best to supplement your diet with a multivitamin.
- If you experience lethargy or headaches, drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Often, we don't know how much our body needs water, especially when fasting. However, you must be careful not to drink too much water. Too much fluid can be just as bad as a lack of fluids.
- We tend to focus more on helping others. Dedicate your fast to a specific person.
- Not drinking 30 minutes before eating and 30 minutes after will really help you in fasting.
Warning
- During fasting, you will face temptations, resist those temptations for the sake of Jesus Christ.
- Once you're done fasting, eat light meals and slowly work your way back up to your normal diet.
