Daniel Fast #3 Is Underway

15 posted on September 15, 2010

POSTED IN: Blog Posts

We’re a little bit nutty when it comes to healthy diets and we’re gluttons for punishment so it should come as no surprise that we’re back doing a 21-Day Daniel Fast for the third time now. The Daniel Fast is, as I like to describe it, kind of like a Vegan diet on steroids. It’s completely vegan – no meat or animal by-products (milk, cheese, eggs) – plus it also cuts out sugars, processed or refined foods, flour and bread. So what you’re left with is pretty much fruits, beans, whole grains and vegetables. Oh yeah, did I mention that coffee and caffeine are out too? Brutal.

Obviously there are a ton of health benefits to eating nothing but whole foods for three weeks and cutting out a lot of the crap in our Western diet. We always feel so much better when we’re done. It’s refreshing and rejuvenating – kinda like an annual detox program for our bodies every Fall.

But it is called a Daniel Fast (based on Daniel 1:8-14) and that’s our main reason for doing it. This is a time we set aside every year to intentionally deny ourselves so that we can seek God and connect to him spiritually. There are so many examples of fasting in the Bible such as Jesus starting off his earthly ministry by fasting for 40 days in the desert (Luke 4:1-14). While Lisa and I do struggle every year with the extreme shift in our diet, we look forward to setting aside this time for God to speak to us.

I’m sure we’ll be sharing more over the next few weeks about our progress. In the meantime however, here are a few sites with helpful recipes and information on the Daniel Fast.

DanielFast.Wordpress.com – this is probably the largest source of information and recipes online that I’ve found. There are some good free recipes on the site as well as a couple of inexpensive eBooks.
“The Daniel Fast” book by Susan Gregory – For those who can’t find enough recipes online, check out this book that is available at Amazon or local bookstores
Caring Carrot Recipes – A pretty impressive collection of recipes. You’ll be surprised just what kinds of dishes you can make on this diet (although not every recipe technically qualifies as acceptable on a true Daniel Fast – steer clear of the pastas and anything made with flour)
Daniel Fast Overview & Recipes from Elevation Church – Last year Elevation Church undertook a collective Daniel Fast as a congregation and published a great overview and some sample recipes. Definitely worth reading through.

This is a great time of year to undertake a Daniel Fast since there is an abundance of fresh local produce at your Farmers Markets and stores.

Have you ever been on a Daniel Fast or similar diet before? What recipes or resources did you come across to help you?

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September 15, 2010

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1 Dave Wilson said:

Brad,

Thanks for this terrific post. I’ve been doing a fair amount of study on fasting recently, and really appreciate hearing about your experience.

Could you add any insights on how you and Lisa are seeking to connect with the Lord during the three-weeks of your fast?

Thanks,
Dave
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September 15, 2010

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2 yaakova said:

I thought fasting was not supposed to announced publicly?
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September 15, 2010

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3 Theresa said:

Coffee is beans! I think they are allowed on the Daniel fast. This has to be heresy.
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September 15, 2010

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4 Cassie Hale said:

I’m Amy Beckey’s cousin and have been considering doing something like this for sometime now since I recovered from cancer. I really want to do this . . .
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September 15, 2010

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5 Ed said:

Wow… Been thinking of attempting a fast of sorts- exactly the thing I was looking to find. Great find- thanks for sharing Brad!
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September 17, 2010

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6 J-Rod said:

So, writing a post about fasting… how’s that work when you take Matt. 6:16-18 into account?
It’s good to encourage fasting, but when you shout from the mountaintops, “I’M FASTING” doesn’t that kind of negate the reason?
I know, my comment will probably be written off as ridiculous and filled with judgement but somebody had to say it.
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January 12, 2011

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7 Susan Gregory said:

Hey Brad! I just have to say WOW on your amazing site. I’m only sorry that I just discovered it.

I’m eager to spend more time here (probably after the fast since I am swamped right now, as you might imagine) but I have to say it’s one of the most attractive sites I’ve ever seen and my guess (and hope) is that the content is as stunning!

Thanks and congratulations!