Daniel Fast

So its that time again when our family takes the month of January (not the whole month since we aren't starting until Monday) to take part in a Daniel fast.  This all started a couple of years ago when the church we were attending challenged us (the congregation) to participant.   Ever since our family has taken the month to do some kind of Daniel fast.  Here is some information about a true Daniel fast. 

Foods to Eat

• All fruit - fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned.
• All vegetables - fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned.
• All whole grains - amaranth, barley, brown rice, oats, quinoa, millet, and whole wheat.
• All nuts & seeds - almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds. Nut butters are also included.
• All legumes - canned or dried; black beans, black eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans, kidney beans, lentils, pinto beans, and split peas.
• All quality oils - canola, coconut, grapeseed, olive, peanut, and sesame.
• Beverages - distilled water, filtered water, and spring water.
• Other - herbs, spices, salt, pepper, seasonings, soy products, and tofu.

Foods to avoid

• All meat & animal products - beef, buffalo, fish, lamb, poultry, and pork.
• All dairy products - butter, cheese, cream, eggs, and milk.
• All sweeteners - agave nectar, artificial sweeteners, cane juice, honey, molasses, raw sugar, syrups, stevia, and sugar.
• All leavened bread & yeast - baked goods and Ezekiel bread (if it contains yeast and honey).
• All refined & processed food products - artificial flavorings, chemicals, food additives, preservatives, white flour, and white rice.
• All deep-fried foods - corn chips, French fries, and potato chips.
• All solid fats - lard, margarine, and shortening.
• Beverages - alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, energy drinks, herbal tea, and tea.

So those are the basic guidelines but because I am pregnant and have 2 small children at home we still allow dairy (milk, eggs, cheese and yogurt) during this time and also whole wheat grains such as bread and tortillas.  I do not however cook recipes with cheese in them its only for a snack.  And we do our very best to stay away from all things processed. And we don't eat any baked goods during this month or things we would enjoy such as muffins and sweet breads. So with those basic guidelines to follow tonight I am packing up all junk food and processed food and packing them away for the next 21 days.  

The first day (or 3 I should say) is usually the hardest as our body try's to adjust to a new way.   But there are so many advantages to doing this type of fast.  For one where we live the weather is very cold and this time of year people are always fighting off colds and viruses.  What people don't always know is that viruses feed off of sugar so when we cut out that you may find that you feel healthier.  Another good thing is your focus changes and so does your taste buds.  As you change over the next 21 days it's like our body doesn't crave those things anymore.  Last year after doing our fast we stayed away from chips and pop for almost 6 months.  Of course when the summer came they become staples to accompany BBQ foods. 

So for meal planning ideas I will do my best to post recipes and pictures of what we will be eating for the next 21 days.  It will be different this year with 2 young kids; 1 who is very picky and won't be satisfied with a salad.  But I will try my best to expand his taste buds and keep him nourished during this time.   So here's whats on the menu this week

Monday: Crustless vegetable quiche

Tuesday:Tortilla salad bowls (whole wheat tortillas)

Wednesday: Red Lentil Soup

Thursday: Chef Salad

Friday: Veggie pizza (this is for son :) 

Saturday:  Veggie Chilli

For snack ideas we are doing lots of fruit, vegetables and nuts.  I think for breakfast I will do smoothies made with fruit (or spinach) and greek yogurt. 

If you are looking for more ideas and recipes check out my pintrest board here