In the book of Daniel in the Bible, there are two references to fasting. In the first chapter of the book of Daniel, it is described how Daniel and his three friends ate only vegetables and drank only water. After ten days of testing, Daniel and his friends looked healthier than their peers who ate the rich back table foods. In chapter 10, Daniel once again fasts, abstaining from "pleasant food", meat and wine. You too can get a healthier body and clearer mind by following this diet / fasting in moderation.
Steps
Daniel's fasting promotes healthy eating, but if you have specific health problems, consult your doctor before committing to these 10 days (or 3 weeks) of dieting.
Method 1 of 3: Daniel's Fasting 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. Begin the diet by focusing on your faith
Worship God through sacrifice and love Him more than His gifts.
Step 3. Pray
Fill your days with selfless prayers. While fasting, increase the frequency of your daily prayers by three or more.
Step 4. Make time for God
Study the Bible throughout the day.
Step 5. Seek the Lord diligently to find answers to your prayers
Step 6. Ask for the Lord's guidance in your life
Method 2 of 3: Daniel's Fast, Part 1
Step 1. In the days leading up to the fast, make your meals lighter in some way
A particularly good idea is to reduce your caffeine intake.
Step 2. In the first Book of Daniel, the Prophet ate only vegetables and fruits, and drank only water for 10 days
A short list of acceptable foods includes:
- All fruit and vegetables
- All legumes
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds
- Tofu
- Herbs and spices.
Step 3. On the contrary, we also find a list of foods to avoid
Keep in mind that no prepackaged, modified, or chemical foods were allowed in the Daniel fast.
- All types of meat and animal products
- All dairy products
- All fried foods
- All solid fats
Step 4. Read All Labels Carefully - Foods often contain hidden ingredients
Make sure that the food you buy is compatible with the Daniel Fast.
Method 3 of 3: Daniel's Fast, Part 2
Step 1. Move on to step two
In Daniel, Chapter 10, the Prophet made a second fast which lasted 3 weeks. To quote the Bible: "They ate no pleasant food, no meat, no wine." The second fast is basically like the first, but the text specifically names three foods to avoid:
- Wine
- All sweeteners (including honey)
- All leavened bread.
Step 2. Evaluate how you feel after these two steps
If you are feeling more energetic and healthier, you are likely to feel the need to maintain these healthy eating habits. While it is inevitable to reintroduce many of the foods you have not eaten in the past few weeks, it is recommended that you do so with greater awareness of quality and proportions. Some things like fried food and sugar are best consumed in minimal quantities.
Advice
- Decide how long you will fast. You may wish to continue the Daniel Fast for longer than you originally decided.
- If you feel faint or have a headache, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. We often don't realize how much our body needs water, especially when we fast.
- However, be careful not to drink too much water. Too much fluids can be as bad as getting too little.
- It is recommended to supplement the diet with a multivitamin.
- Keep your diet simple. Avoid highly processed foods in favor of simply prepared foods or raw foods.
- If for any reason you should eat something that is not part of the fast, it is better to ask for forgiveness and continue the fast than to break it.
Warnings
- While fasting, you will face temptations. Resist temptation in the name of Jesus Christ.
- Once your fast is over, eat light meals and slowly return to your normal diet.
