When I was preparing to do the Daniel Fast, I definitely thought that this wouldn’t be that challenging at all. I looked at the food list a few times, thought about recipes, and agreed to do the Fast with a follow Racer. Little did I realize that my dietary staples or at least go-to stomach-fillers were not on that list (sugar and leavened bread) and my last minute caffeine pick-me-up (coffee). I quickly realized this was going to be more difficult than I thought. From no fried foods or leavened bread, to constantly checking ingredient lists on food containers for sugar or milk products, the Daniel Fast is a lot more intense than I First presumed.
My friend told me that people commonly lose some weight during this partial fast (not the reason I chose to do this), but I completely understand why now. The traditional American diet consists of fried and processed foods, animal products (dairy, meat, and derivatives), and preservatives. All of which are not allowed on the Daniel Fast. Simply, a lot people are going ~vegan~ for 21 days. Being a vegan for a year and a half already, I’ve already lost the “some weight.” But, this vegan finds this further-restricted veganism to be challenging.
I understand why this was such a huge deal for Daniel and his companions. The food they were supposed to be fed was supposed to make & keep them healthy, and make them bulk up (muscle or fat, not clear to me). Living off of plants, unfried plants doesn’t trigger thoughts of bulky muscles or fat reserves, but lean and trim musculature.
To say the least, I’m stoked to have sugar, leavened bread, coffee, and some of the other foods that I couldn’t eat. Just to have greater variety in my meals. But, more importantly, I’m glad I’m doing the Daniel Fast. It’s been a great time of reflection, with God and about the food that I eat. To realize that I can actually live on less complexly cooked foods is somewhat insane. Foods that basically come from the ground and that’s it (even though I didn’t plant or pick them…except at the grocery store).
Here’s to an even healthier life, more reflection time with God, and one last week of winter holiday,
Angelica Moore
