Tips

5 Kitchen Gadgets to Make Your Daniel Fast Easier

March 12, 2019 By Kristen Feola

When it comes to the food portion of your Daniel Fast, the best way to experience success is to prepare. The more time you spend planning your meals, the better off you’ll be.

Since 2009, I’ve done the Daniel Fast many times. Over the years I’ve figured out several meal prep shortcuts, as well as what works and what doesn’t. Following are five gadgets that have saved me time and energy in the kitchen when on the Daniel Fast:

Silicone Mats – My aunt gave me three silicone mats several years ago for Christmas, and they’re one of the greatest kitchen gifts I’ve ever received. Now, I use them all the time. For example, instead of oiling a baking sheet to roast vegetables, I use a silicone mat, which makes clean up so much easier! You can also use the mats to make Butternut Squash Fries or Chipotle Black Bean Burgers.
OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowls -What I like most about these mixing bowls is the three different sizes. The little 1.5-quart bowl works great for fresh fruit, and the medium 3-quart and large 5-quart bowls are ideal for mixing just about anything. Another great feature is the three bowls nest well (they stack nicely), so they won’t take up much room in your cabinet. They’re also dishwasher safe. You can also select a multi-color option.
Chef’n Palm Brush – On the Daniel Fast, you’ll be consuming a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, which will need to be cleaned. I prefer the Chef’n Palm Brush because it fits so well into my hand. Also, the bristles are stiff and scrub produce well.
Good Quality Knife – Even though I have more than 20 different knives, I mostly use only two. . . and they’re both J.A. Henckels. I have a Santoku, which works best for big jobs, like cutting butternut squash, and a 4-inch paring/utility knife, which is great for smaller jobs, like dicing carrots. Another option is to invest in an 8-inch chef knife. Even though buying a Henckels knife is a bit of an investment, it’s one you won’t regret, especially if you want a product that will last for years.
Mini Serving Spatula – This spatula is a small but mighty tool. It’s one of my most-used kitchen items and is perfect for serving Daniel Fast Banana Bread or for transferring a hot Oatmeal Raisin Cookie from a baking sheet (lined with a silicone mat, of course) to a plate.

Before beginning your 21-day Daniel Fast, make sure you have the proper kitchen appliances and tools you’ll need. Having the right equipment on hand will certainly make your fast more enjoyable and effective.

For more information on making your fast successful, see my blog post, “How to Prepare for the Daniel Fast.”

Note: The Ultimate Daniel Fast website participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Don’t Quit the Daniel Fast

August 8, 2018 By Kristen Feola

More than once, I’ve received an email from someone who has “messed up” on the Daniel Fast. The question usually posed to me is, “Should I quit?”

When you participate in the 21-day fast, you determine to seek the Lord through increased time in His Word and in prayer. You also deny yourself the food you desire and decide to adhere to a fairly stringent – although healthy – way of eating for three weeks.

Messing up on the Daniel Fast could mean a variety of things. Maybe you caved and had a cup of coffee, stole a few French fries from your son’s plate, or gave in to the temptation to eat ice cream. However way you prematurely broke the fast, you may wonder if you should even continue at all.

My advice to you is, “No, don’t quit. Keep going!” Just because you fell off the wagon, so to speak, that doesn’t mean you should lie on the ground and stay there. You get up, dust yourself off, and get back on that wagon right away.

The Daniel Fast is difficult because fasting in any form is difficult. Just because you’re allowed to eat (as compared to a water fast when you’re not) doesn’t mean that your fast will be a breeze. Expect to be tempted. Expect to face challenging situations. And don’t be surprised if your fast doesn’t go as you planned.

I’ve done the Daniel Fast more times than I can count since 2009. Have I always completed the fast perfectly? Of course not! On my very first fast I used a salad dressing mix throughout the 21 days that contained sugar. I didn’t know it at the time because I never checked the ingredients on the label. Months after the fast, though, I saw “sugar” listed there as plain as day!

During another fast, I was a guest speaker at ladies’ luncheon. The woman who invited me had pre-paid for my meal. I remember feeling very torn inside, not knowing what to do. I wrestled for several minutes, trying to decide if I should show my gratitude to my friend and eat the non-Daniel Fast friendly food, or if I should polite refuse. I came off the fast for that one lunch because I didn’t want to be rude to my friend who had been so kind to me.

Just this past Monday I experienced another misstep on day 9 of the 21-day fast I’m doing with my church. Since day 1, I’d fasted one meal each day, usually breakfast. On Monday morning, my teenage daughter and I got into an argument, which made me feel frustrated and angry. I didn’t want to fast breakfast, so I planned on fasting lunch instead. Well, I ended up not only eating lunch but also dinner. I went the whole day without fasting one meal.

Did I feel like a loser? Yes. I even entertained thoughts of giving up. But my pastor had called our church to this fast, and I wasn’t about to let him or our church family down. More importantly, I wasn’t going to dishonor my God. On July 29^th, 2018, I made a commitment to the Lord that I would devote the next 21 days to fasting and prayer, so I wasn’t about to drop out. I got back on track the next day.

If you have a bad day and blow it while on the Daniel Fast, don’t quit. Keep praying! Keep believing! Keep going! Refuse to let shame rest on your shoulders because God certainly doesn’t condemn you. “For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust” (Ps. 103:14 NLT). When you make a mistake, you can be sure God is there, not to punish you but to show you His unfailing mercy and love.

Has something similar happened to you? How have you seen God give you strength to continue the Daniel Fast when you were tempted to quit?

Side Effects on the Daniel Fast

May 11, 2017 By Kristen Feola

A question I frequently receive from readers is, “Will I experience side effects on the Daniel Fast?”

Yes, you probably will. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Not all side effects are negative in nature. For example, during the January 2017 Online Daniel Fast, one woman (a diabetic), emailed to share how the fast decreased her blood sugar levels. On day 9 of her fast, her blood sugar was 114 (it’s normally 130-140). She was excited and encouraged by how the Daniel Fast was impacting her health in a positive way.

Many Daniel Fast participants have reported having significantly lower cholesterol numbers after 21 days. Other have testified to having more energy and being able to sleep more soundly at night while on the fast. Several men and women have lost weight by making healthier food choices and following the Daniel Fast Food List.

Sometimes, though, people do experience unpleasant symptoms on the Daniel Fast, such as body aches, fatigue, nausea, headaches, and digestive distress. Such side effects usually occur within the first few days of the fast as the body adjusts to a different way of eating. My advice to people who are struggling is, “Just hang on! You should feel better in a few days.” And, in most cases, they do.

One Daniel Fast participant found that easing her way into the fast has helped prevent negative physical side effects. She writes, “The first time I did the Daniel Fast, years ago, I had so much stomach distress that I was in great pain. The past three years I’ve adjusted the way I do the fast, and it has really helped. Week 1, I eat one meal a day Daniel Fast. Week 2, I have two meals per day Daniel Fast, and by Week 3, I’m doing a complete Daniel Fast. So if someone really wants to try the fast but finds it difficult, this modification might be an option they’ve not thought about doing.”

Following are a few steps you can take to avoid uncomfortable side effects on the Daniel Fast:

Drink plenty of water –The Daniel Fast includes many high-fiber foods, so it’s important to consume plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Water is also necessary to flush out any harmful toxins that have built up in your system over time. Try to drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses of water each day (you may need more, depending on your weight and activity level). If you’re not used to drinking that much water, take it slowly. You may have to work up to that amount.

Exercise – God created your body to be mobile, and it will work much more efficiently when you exercise on a regular basis. Plus, going on a walk, run, or bike ride will do wonders for you mentally.

Consider taking digestive enzymes – A digestive enzyme enables your body to break down food into smaller particles, making the food easier to absorb and assimilate. For example, if beans tend to make you gassy, you can take a digestive enzyme before eating them to reduce and sometimes prevent digestive distress. Sometimes the best route is a broad-spectrum supplement, such as Digest Gold by Enzymedica, that covers a wide variety of foods, such as fruit, vegetables, etc. Personally, I have found that Digest Gold helps me tremendously when I’m on the Daniel Fast.

But any physical challenges you may encounter on the Daniel Fast pale in comparison to the wonderful spiritual benefits you receive. You can expect to:

Hear God’s voice more clearly– You’re probably not going to hear the Lord speak audibly to you on a fast, although that would definitely be an amazing side effect! God typically chooses to communicate with us in a variety of other ways – through the Bible, other believers, prayer, and our circumstances. As you spend focused time in prayer and in God’s Word on the Daniel Fast, you’ll have greater understanding of truth as you’re led by the Holy Spirit.

Become more spiritually sensitive – Fasting changes your perspective and allows you to “see” things differently and more clearly. I believe it’s partly due to the fact that you’re hungry, which causes you to realize how dependent you are on the Lord for strength. When I’m on a fast, I’m usually more in tune with the struggles of people around me, which causes me to pray more fervently for them.

Participate in the suffering of Christ – Jesus fasted from all food for 40 days and nights in the wilderness in preparation for his public ministry (Matt. 4:1-11). When you and I commit to a fast, even a partial fast, we’re choosing to undergo one of the spiritual disciplines Jesus practiced while on Earth. By following Christ’s example, we are becoming more like Him, which leads to great joy and blessing. “Instead, be very glad–for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world” (1 Peter 4:13 NLT).

Enjoy God’s favor – Even though the Bible doesn’t contain a direct command to fast, God’s Word indicates that fasting should be a regular discipline in the believer’s life. The Lord is pleased when His children seek Him wholeheartedly, and He promises to reward our efforts when we do.

Know God in a deeper way – The main goal of a three-week Daniel Fast is to grow closer to the Lord. As you devote yourself to studying the Bible and spending time in prayer, you’ll learn more about the Lord and His ways.

The Daniel Fast is a unique, life-changing experience. If you’ve never participated in the three-week journey, you can see why it’s such a powerful spiritual discipline. Focus on all the benefits of drawing closer to the Lord, and trust Him to help you with any unexpected trials along the way. Yes, doing the Daniel Fast is a sacrifice, but it’s one that you’ll never regret.

For more information on the Daniel Fast and instructions on how to complete the fast successfully, be sure to get my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. Also, be sure to check out my FAQs page if you have specific questions about the Daniel Fast. Contact me with any question that’s not covered.

Protein Powder on the Daniel Fast

August 1, 2016 By Kristen Feola

The Daniel Fast is an extremely healthy way of eating and provides a wide variety of nutrients that nourish the body. Sometimes, though, people get nervous about a three-week abstinence from meat, dairy, and eggs. They’re worried that the Daniel Fast foods won’t supply them with adequate protein. I understand their concern.

But animal products aren’t the only foods that contain high amounts of protein. Beans, lentils, quinoa, nuts, seeds, asparagus, broccoli, kale, spinach, and sprouts are good sources of this important nutrient as well.

If you have a medical condition that requires you to keep your protein levels higher than 20% or you do serious weight lifting, you may consider using a protein powder to supplement your intake. You can’t just use any protein powder, though. Remember, since animal products aren’t allowed, anything with whey is not acceptable.

Protein powder that’s Daniel Fast friendly is one that’s vegan, plant-based, and free of any form of added sugar or caffeine (that includes chocolate!). Check the ingredients label to be sure the powder adheres to the Daniel Fast food guidelines. One product I’ve used is Garden of Life Organic Plant Protein – Smooth Unflavored. It contains organic pea seed, organic flaxseed, organic cranberry seed, organic chia seed and organic pumpkin seed. Plus, it’s gluten free, vegan, dairy free, soy free, and non-GMO whole food protein. The Smooth Vanilla flavor is tasty, but it does contain stevia (whether or not to use stevia is a personal decision; it’s plant based but could be considered an added sweetener). My favorite Garden of Life protein powder is Smooth Chocolate, but I only have it when I’m not on the Daniel Fast since chocolate isn’t allowed. Another product I’ve used is Carrington Farms Coconut Protein Blend. The only ingredients are coconut powder, pumpkin powder, and pea powder (all organic). However, I use much less than the recommended serving size. The label calls for 2 scoops, and I typically only use 1/2 to 1 scoop for an 8-ounce smoothie.

I used protein powder for the first time during my August 2015 Daniel Fast, and I was able to make a variety of delicious smoothies with it (see my Smoothies page for recipe ideas). Sometimes I had a smoothie for breakfast. Other days I enjoyed a refreshing smoothie as a snack after my morning workout.

If you’re concerning about consuming an adequate amount of protein on your fast, a plant-based powder is certainly an option you may want to consider.

How to Prepare for the Daniel Fast

December 26, 2015 By Kristen Feola

The Daniel Fast is a unique type of fast because you can eat, unlike a liquid fast where only water or juices are consumed. But just because you can have food doesn’t mean the Daniel Fast is easy.

Fasting, in any form, is difficult because you’re doing battle physically and spiritually. However, there are steps you can take to strengthen you for the fight. Following are ways you can prepare your heart, mind, and body for your 21-day Daniel Fast journey.

Spiritual Preparation
1. Pray
Begin praying for your Daniel Fast even before it begins. Ask the Lord to reveal any unconfessed sin, unforgiveness, or rebellion. When God reveals it to you (and he will), confess your sin quickly and repent. Take time to get your heart ready for what God wants to do in and through you on the fast.

2. Read verses on fasting.
Take time to study passages in the Bible that have to do with fasting. It will help you gain insight on people fasted, the ways God responded to their prayers, and what God requires of His people on a fast. Suggested passages are Isaiah 58, 2 Chron. 20:1-4, Ezra 8:21-23, Neh. 1:1-4, Est. 4:15-17, and Matt. 4:1-11).

3. Buy a journal or use a notebook.
Use a journal or notebook for prayer requests, praises, and answers to prayer. Record what the Lord shows you through his Word.

4. Write down prayer requests.
What do you want to see God do during your fast? Take time to identify your primary motivations for fasting. Record your prayer requests in your journal or on a separate piece of paper. Keep the list visible, and pray over those needs throughout your fast. Make sure you include requests for others and not just your own requests.

5. Find a prayer partner.
It’s important to have a trusted friend or family member who can be your prayer partner during your fast. Ideally, you should choose someone who is doing the fast with you, but it’s certainly not a requirement. The key is to ask someone who will lift you up and keep you accountable.

Physical Preparation
1. Ease into the fast.
Start cutting back on restricted foods about a week before the fast begins. Reduce your intake of caffeine, meat, dairy, sugar, and processed foods. Doing so will help your body adjust to the Daniel Fast and also reduce the severity of any unpleasant side effects. Trust me, the temptation to eat everything you can’t have on the fast will be strong, but splurging will only make the transition much more difficult. Also, it’s a good idea to increase your water consumption before your fast begins.

2. Plan your meals for the first week.
The key to success with the food portion of the Daniel Fast is proper planning. It will save you time in the long run and help prevent the frustration of trying to decide at the last minute what to eat. Having a plan will also keep you from indulging in foods that don’t fall within the Daniel Fast guidelines. If you want help with this process, you can find three weeks of meal plans in my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. Take advantage of the fact that some of the meal planning for your fast has already been done for you!

3. Make a grocery list for the first week.
Putting a list together before you go to the grocery store will make your shopping much more efficient. Again, I provide a grocery shopping list for each meal plan in my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast.

4. Get your kitchen ready.
Make sure you have the proper appliances (ex. blender, cutting board, food processor, etc.) and utensils (ex. knives, spatula, garlic press, etc.) before embarking on this three-week adventure. When preparing recipes, having the tools you need will make everything much easier. Check out my blog post, “5 Kitchen Gadgets to Make Your Daniel Fast Easier,” for help in this area.

5. Prepare food ahead of time.
Look at the first week’s recipes on your meal plan to find ways you can speed up food preparation and make it more efficient. For example, if you’re making Taco Soup for dinner on Sunday, go ahead and prepare the Taco Seasoning on Saturday, so it’s ready to go.

6. Cook and freeze meals.
Every time I do the Daniel Fast, I carve out a few hours the weekend before the fast begins and make a few meals, such as Baked Oatmeal, Black Bean Chili Bake, and Tuscan Soup. Then I freeze half of each recipe. That way I have food when I don’t have time to cook or need a quick go-to meal. You’ll really appreciate this step when you reach the third week of your fast.

Proper preparation is the key to making your fast successful. My book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, provides the resources you need. It includes 21 daily devotions, 100+ Daniel Fast recipes, grocery shopping lists, meal plans, and more. You can find The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast in bookstores or online.

When you do your part in getting ready, God will do the rest!