Getting Ready for the Daniel Fast

The Daniel Fast is quickly approaching and if you haven’t started your preparation, I encourage you to do so.  Since repentance is a part of fasting, allow me to clear the air with a confession: (1) I have a problem with sugar and need to be delivered.  Yet I feel like Augustine, who when he was struggling with becoming a Christian and living a celibate life (SAINT Augustine had a concubine for years prior to his conversion) he is quoted as praying, “Give me chastity and continence, but not yet.”  Hello, somebody!! My sentiments exactly (about the fast that is, the rest is for another blog J!) and (2) my primary food groups have lately become meat, starch, and fat. I need a change, want a change, and it looks like a change is coming! 

I have learned that I have to be prepared for change so that it sticks. I’ve heard that it takes 21 days to create a habit…hmmmm…I think this fast is just what some of us need to break some bad habits and create some good ones.  I don’t want to do 21 days of sacrifice lusting after cheeseburgers, French fries, and snicker bars but to do it in a way that all of these things take their proper place in my post-fast life…Turn to your neighbor and say, “Moderation!”  Yeah, chances are slim to none that I will become a vegan but chances are great that I can adopt healthier eating habits, try some new things, and lean on God more than food when stressed. 

So, here are some things I’m doing to help me plan for the fast, focus myself, and  guard against temptation:

(1) Begin to list my personal prayer requests in the areas of spiritual, financial, direction, and overcoming breakthrough.  I want to pray and fast with purpose which means I need to be specific about what I am seeking God for

(2) Get me kitchen ready

 FOOD TIPS/SUGGESTIONS:  Feel free to use what works for you but this is what is helping me.  I am

Ø Stocking up on nuts and dried fruit for snacks I can carry in my bag wherever I go and won’t go bad.  I don’t want to get caught hungry with no options.  Costco has these freeze dried apples and pears.  1 ½ pears and 1 ½ apples in each snack pack.  20 packs for $12.69 and DELICIOUS.  Great sugar taste with no added sugar, as a matter of fact no added nothing-just pure, light airy, crispy fruit.  Tried it out on 2 independent tasters—2 thumbs up!

Ø Smart balance peanut butter has no added sugar, smooth texture, and slightly less sweet than regular.  Gonna spread it on whole wheat matzos or rice cakes to get some protein

Ø Stocked up on a lot of frozen veggies to steam and toss in a homemade vinaigrette.  Will post recipes if they turn out to be any good.

Ø I like French fries and potato chips A LOT.  Alternative—slice potatoes and/or sweet potatoes drizzle with just a bit of olive oil (1/2 tsp), spread out on baking sheet, season to taste and bake until they are as crispy as you like.  Baked not fried chips! Also a great way to cook asparagus (drizzle with a little lemon juice)

Ø Breakfast smoothies—blend fruit of your choice with ice in blender, simple, tasty, and filling.  Add wheat germ or oatmeal, not instant to add some bulk.  Want it creamy but know you can’t have dairy? Try adding a little rice milk or unsweetened coconut milk.  I’m perfecting the St. Clair Special which is a combination of coconut or rice milk (need to decide), banana, shredded coconut, strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple.  Buy big bag of frozen berries instead of fresh.  Lasts longer and cheaper. Got mine from Costco.  

Ø Wheat or whole grain pasta with marinara sauce (check for one without sugar) gonna add some veggies to the sauce

Ø Experimenting with beans and bean salads/bean and pasta salads

 Hope this helps! Holla back, it’s a blog, and let me know how you are doing.  I am excited about sharing these 21 days with you!