I just realized that after having this blog up for over a year I've never actually explained what a Daniel Fast is! When people hear that I'm fasting, they often think that I am starving myself, but a Daniel Fast is very practical and really is just eating healthy foods. Our church does the fast for 21 days at the beginning of the year (when most people make New Year's Resolutions to lose weight anyway, so what a perfect time). They actually collaborate with several churches around the world, because amazing things happen when we all come together in prayer and fasting as a group! On an individual level, I can attest that very positive things come from fasting!
The fast is called the Daniel Fast because the practice comes from the Book of Daniel (see how that works! LOL!). When Daniel fasted, he drank only water and ate fruits and vegetables. There are a ton of resources for the fast if you just do a Google search.
So here's a quick rundown of the diet restrictions for the Daniel Fast (from WikiAnswers):
Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast
All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.
All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.
I would encourage anyone to do this fast and see the amazing things that come from it - the physical benefits, the clarity that comes from fasting, and the deep, genuine love and thanksgiving that you feel with fasting and prayer. It's amazing stuff!! : )
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I just stumbled upon this blog as I was searching for information about the Daniel Fast. My husband and I are starting it today. We initially thought whole wheat pita was okay, but then when I looked at the ingredients list it said it contained yeast. I searched the Daniel Fast website and it also said that pita contains yeast and is not allowed, only tortillas or homemade flatbreads without yeast. I see, though, that you have many pita recipes on your blog. Have you found pitas without yeast?
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! Unfortunately, I haven't found any pita without yeast. If we are fasting I usually make a homemade flatbread out of wheat flour and water. A spritz of olive oil and put it on the grill and top with veggies (and maybe some fresh pesto!). It's pretty dense since there's no yeast, but I actually like it.
ReplyDeleteThough I started this blog to keep track of my Daniel Fast recipes, not all the recipes on here are fast-friendly. Fasting has led me to want to eat healthier throughout the year, so I also have some vegetarian recipes throughout. We usually fast in January, so posts at different times of the year may or may not be applicable. I had an updated blog where I categorized better, labeling what was vegetarian, vegan, and fast-friendly, but unfortunately I had a virus and lost it. I will try to update this page with better labels now that I plan to use it more! : )