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Daniel Fast Taco Burgers

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Daniel Fast Taco Burger



Taco Burgers

This brown rice and lentil burger is a hearty, filling choice on the Daniel Fast.

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped red onion
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup cooked brown lentils
  • ¼ cup flaxseed meal or whole grain flour
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Taco Seasoning
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, and cook until soft and translucent.
  3. Place cooked onions, brown rice, lentils, flaxseed meal, and Taco Seasoning in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse about 12-15 times or until mixture has a “meaty” texture. (If you don’t have a food processor, place ingredients in a large bowl, and stir. Use a potato masher to bind ingredients together.)
  4. Scoop out 1/3 cup of mixture, and place on an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet that has been rubbed with olive oil. Flatten and shape into a circle. Repeat with the remaining mixture to make 5 burgers.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes. Flip burgers (a thin metal spatula works best), and cook another 15 minutes.
  • Instead of baking the burgers, you can cook them in a skillet on the stovetop. Prepare skillet by adding about 1 teaspoon or olive oil and rubbing the oil on the surface to prevent sticking. Add burgers to skillet, and flatten with a spatula. Cook 5 minutes, or until bottoms are browned and slightly crispy. Flip, and cook another 5 minutes.
  • Top with Salsa and Super Easy Guacamole.
  • Other topping ideas: Sliced olives, chopped green onions, and chopped tomatoes.

Broiled Brussels Sprouts

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Broiled Brussels Sprouts

 

Broiled Brussels Sprouts

Coconut oil provides a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to these naturally bitter vegetables. And, before you get too excited, that is NOT bacon in the photo! What you see is the result of broiling with a little bit of Date Honey (see Notes below). But this recipe is still very good, even without bacon.
2.77 from 13 votes
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 4
Calories 114 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 12- ounce package frozen Brussel sprouts
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook Brussels sprouts according to package directions. Drain.
  • Add coconut oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat.
  • Place under oven broiler on top rack (a small toaster oven works well). Broil 15-20 minutes, depending upon the degree of broiling you prefer. Stir halfway through cooking time.
  • Transfer to a glass dish, and serve warm.

Notes

  • When you mix the coconut oil with the salt and pepper, stir in 2 teaspoons of Date Honey to add a touch of sweetness.
  • Substitute coconut oil with a different oil (avocado oil, walnut oil, etc.).

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 6gFat: 4gFiber: 6gSugar: 4g

Protein Powder on the Daniel Fast

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Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
Strawberry-Banana Smoothie

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.

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.

Garlic-Sesame Edamame

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Garlic-Sesame Edamame

Garlic-Sesame Edamame

Kristen Feola
Edamame is a great choice on the Daniel Fast. Each 1/2 cup serving contains 8g of protein and 4g fiber. You'll enjoy the combination of flavors in this classic Japanese dish.
4.80 from 5 votes
Print Recipe
Course Main Course
Servings 5
Calories 133 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 14- ounce package frozen edamame (shelled soybeans)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced (about 1 teaspoon)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Cook edamame according to package directions. Drain.
  • While edamame is cooking, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds, and cook until lightly toasted, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat, and place in a small dish.
  • With the same skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Once oil is heated, add garlic and cook about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  • Add oil, garlic, sesame seeds, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to drained edamame. Stir well, and serve.

Notes

  • Add another teaspoon of lemon juice, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 133kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 8gFat: 6gFiber: 4gSugar: 1g

August 2016 Daniel Fast

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August 2016 Daniel Fast
One decision can totally change the course of your life. The person you marry. Where you to go to college. Which career you choose.

In August 2009, I chose to participate in the Daniel Fast for the first time. I stepped out in faith, believing God would help me and sustain me. I also anticipated the Lord would work powerfully as I trusted in Him.

And He did. In more ways than I can count.

Now, seven years later, I feel like I’m experiencing déjà vu. Again, our pastor has called for a church-wide Daniel Fast in preparation for the launch of a new campus. Again, he is asking the congregation to join him and the leadership team in prayer and fasting. Again, I’m expecting the Lord to work miracles as I draw near to Him.

But this unique opportunity to draw near to the Lord isn’t just for me. It’s not just limited to the people of James River Church. It’s also for you.

Is there a situation in your life that needs God’s intervention? Are you desperate to hear from the Lord on a particular issue? 

Maybe you’re struggling with your job or facing financial ruin. Perhaps your marriage is falling apart or your child has turned away from the Lord. Or, you need God’s direction regarding an important decision. Whatever your situation, you can experience the presence of the Lord and know Him in a deeper way through the Daniel Fast.

Will you join me? Remember, your decision to commit three weeks to focused prayer can change everything. Everyone who joins the fast will receive encouragement and support from me. After all, we’re in this together!

May the Lord go before us and be glorified as we fast and pray in His name!

kristen signature green.jpg

If you decide to join the August 2016 fast, be sure to get your copy of The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast (if you don’t already have it). My book will help you prepare physically and spiritually.

The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast

January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast – FIGHT!

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January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast logo

This past year I’ve struggled more with prayer than during any other time in my life. There have been days I haven’t wanted to pray. And I didn’t. There have also been times when I couldn’t pray because the hurt was so deep.

My heart has been heavy for family members who continue to reject the Lord. Friends whose marriages are falling apart. People who are facing life-threatening illnesses and addictions. And, of course, I’ve been broken over my own sin.

So much devastation. So much despair. And I’m weary.

But God has reminded me that I must not let up. Now isn’t the time to get lazy in prayer. Now is the time to FIGHT!

The struggles we face aren’t random or coincidental. Forces of good and evil are in conflict all around us. A powerful and present enemy, Satan, wants to steal, kill, and destroy God’s work in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones. But God doesn’t want us to shrink back in fear. He wants us to engage! But, in this battle, physical weapons like guns, knives, or hand grenades are useless. We must put on spiritual armor and fight through prayer! 

The good news is that we’re not alone. God is fighting FOR us and WITH us. And, the best part is, He won’t be defeated.

“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deut. 20:4).

This January you have the opportunity to fight the good fight with thousands of believers around the world. Make plans now to participate in the January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast. The three-week online fast will be held January 3-23, 2016, and the theme, of course, is, “FIGHT!”

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4).

Will you make the commitment to participate in the Daniel Fast this January? Will you fight on your knees in prayer?

(Online registration has closed for this event.)

God has great plans for you in 2016. Seek His face through prayer and fasting, and praise Him now for the victories to come!

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

Say “Yes” to the Daniel Fast!

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Say "Yes" to the Daniel Fast
This past Sunday morning was like déjà vu. You know, when you feel as if you’ve been in the same situation before. The thing is, I have. Nearly six years ago.

In August 2009, I sat in the same church under the same pastor, hearing the same challenge to seek the Lord through the Daniel Fast. I eagerly accepted. Even though I’d never done a three-week partial fast, I was excited to see what God would do as I submitted to Him. But I had no idea how that one decision – that one “yes” – would change the course of my life.

I couldn’t have dreamed I would write a bestselling book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast.

That my website would become a worldwide resource and ministry tool.

That God would open many doors for writing and speaking.

That I’d publish a second book, Spiritually Strong.

And, that’s just the beginning.

Two days ago, as my pastor shared his reasons for calling our church to a time of praying and fasting, I heard a familiar voice: Will you trust me? Will you commit to three weeks of fervent prayer? Will you set aside your agenda and seek my will?

Again, I answered, “Yes.”

Less than two weeks from today, our church will begin a corporate Daniel Fast. Already, I’m beginning to pray. Already, I’m asking God to prepare my heart and to move powerfully among our church and community. Already, I’m believing this Daniel Fast will be miraculous in ways I can’t even imagine.

God is also calling you. Can you hear His voice? Listen closely because He is speaking.

Will you accept His invitation? Will you step out into the unknown and pursue a deeper relationship with God? Will you commit to a three-week Daniel Fast?

The Lord wants to show His love to you and demonstrate His power in your life. Don’t let fear or disobedience rob you of the blessings God wants to give you.

Just trust Him. Just say, “Yes.”

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

Roasted Red Cabbage

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Roasted Red Cabbage

Roasted Red Cabbage

If you're not already a fan of cabbage, this dish will turn you into one! Roasting cabbage in coconut oil gives it a wonderfully sweet flavor. Enjoy!
3 from 2 votes
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 8
Calories 37 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1-1 1/2 pounds red cabbage, cored and roughly cut into wedges/pieces
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Place cabbage in a large bowl. Add coconut oil, and stir well. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir again.
  • Arrange cabbage pieces in a single layer on an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes. Flip cabbage, and roast until tender and the edges are browned, about 10-15 minutes more. Serve.
  • Yield: 8 servings (serving size: ½ cup)

Nutrition

Calories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Asparagus, Kale, and Pine Nut Sauté

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Asparagus, Kale, and Pine Nut Sauté

Asparagus, Kale, and Pine Nut Sauté

This Daniel Fast vegetable dish was created when I was on day 11 of a fast. I wanted something new and different. So I bought a pound of asparagus, grabbed a bunch of fresh kale from my garden, and came up with this tasty recipe. If you like asparagus, you'll love this simple sauté.
4 from 2 votes
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 6
Calories 85 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 pound asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ¼ cup chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 cups torn kale, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces, and lightly packed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, julienned or 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts. Cook 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring occasionally. Transfer pine nuts to a bowl or plate.
  • Add sesame oil, asparagus, and onions to skillet. Cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, water, kale, basil, and salt. Stir well.
  • Cook another 2-3 minutes or until asparagus is crisp tender (if skillet starts to get too dry, add another tablespoon of water). Sprinkle with pine nuts, and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 3gFat: 6gFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Roasted Acorn Squash with Sage

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Roasted Acorn Squash with

Roasted Acorn Squash with Sage

4 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ -2 pounds acorn squash
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground sage or 3-4 fresh sage leaves, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rinse squash and scrub well to remove any dirt. Cut squash in half, and remove seeds and pulp. Follow the natural lines of the squash to cut into long pieces; then cut again into 1-inch cubes.
  • Place squash in a large dish. Mix in olive oil and stir well. Add sage, salt, and pepper. Stir again to coat.
  • Arrange squash cubes in a single layer on an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet. Bake 30-35 minutes or until edges are slightly browned (or longer if you desire more "roasting").
  • Yield: 6-7 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)

The Daniel Fast and Lent 2015

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Lent 2015

Up until a few years ago, I didn’t really understand the purpose of Lent. My knowledge was limited to these facts: 1) My Catholic friends gave up a food item, such as meat, to prepare for Easter, and 2) They attended a special service on Ash Wednesday and received a black mark on the forehead. That’s it. That’s all I knew about Lent. Since that time, I’ve become more educated about the significance of this sacred event.

The purpose of Lent is to reflect on Jesus Christ — his life, death, burial, and resurrection. Ash Wednesday, or “Day of Ashes,” marks the beginning of the Lenten season, which this year is Wednesday, February 10th. In the typical Ash Wednesday service, the priest or pastor applies ashes in the shape of the cross on the forehead, while speaking the words, “For dust you are and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19). The ash cross is a visual reminder of our need for repentance and God’s offer of forgiveness.

Although mostly observed by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians, Lent is becoming increasingly popular among evangelicals and other denominations. Typically, people abstain from meat and may also give up other vices, such as sweets, television, or social media. Many believers may also choose to participate in the Daniel Fast as a way to observe Lent.

The Daniel Fast is a 21-day partial fast based upon the prophet Daniel’s experiences in the Bible. The purpose of the Daniel Fast is to restrict commonly enjoyed foods as an act of worship and consecration to God. On one occasion, Daniel was greatly concerned for his people and sought the Lord’s wisdom during a time of prayer and fasting. Daniel 10:2-3 says, “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips.” The meaning of “choice food” is not clear; however, most commentaries conclude that he ate no bread or sweets. The Message paraphrase sums up Daniel’s eating habits during that time: “I ate only plain and simple food.”

The idea behind the Daniel Fast is not to duplicate Daniel’s menu but to imitate his spiritual hunger. Daniel’s passion for the Lord caused him to seek spiritual food rather than physical food, which should be the desire for anyone doing the Daniel Fast. For more information on doing the Daniel Fast, click HERE.

How will you prepare for Easter this year? Consider doing the Daniel Fast as you celebrate what the Lord has done for you! 

Download my Lent 2015 Prayer Guide!

Lentil-Vegetable Soup

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Lentil-Vegetable Soup

Lentil-Vegetable Soup

I love soup because:
1) It’s easy to make.
2) It’s a healthy comfort food that warms you up on a cold day.
3) If you make a big pot for lunch or dinner, you don’t have to cook as much the next day or two (hooray for leftovers!).
The last benefit is probably the most important when you’re on the Daniel Fast. The less time you spend in the kitchen, the better. Then you’ll be freed up to read the Bible and pray. So, remember, when it comes to meal planning for the Daniel Fast, soup is always a wise choice. I hope you enjoy this tasty vegetable soup recipe as much as I do.
4.55 from 22 votes
Print Recipe
Course Soup
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet peas
  • ½ cup chopped carrots
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups Vegetable Broth or water see Recipe Notes
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed and sorted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • Chopped fresh parsley, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add zucchini, peas, carrots, celery, onions, and cook until vegetables are softened. Stir in garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly so garlic doesn’t burn.
  • Pour in water, tomatoes, and lentils. Add salt, thyme, and pepper, and stir to combine. Heat to boiling, and then reduce heat. Simmer with lid slightly tilted for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle in parsley before serving.
  • Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute vegetables, depending upon your preferences. Other ideas are green beans, lima beans, parsnips, potatoes, and/or summer squash.
  • If you don’t have time to make your own Vegetable Broth, you can use a store-brought brand that’s Daniel Fast friendly. I recommend Kitchen Basics Unsalted Vegetable Stock.