The Daniel Fast

Last year I talked about how we look at the new year all wrong and immediately set ourselves up for failure by focusing on what's wrong with us and making resolutions to correct all of those things that are wrong. We all know that resolutions don't work.

Last year I focused on hope instead of failure. This year I am joining my church in participating the The Daniel Fast from January 2-January 23.

The Daniel Fast comes from Daniel 10:3, "I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over."

It's a pretty strict fast. Think vegan but with more rules. It's going to be really tough but I've decided to do it for several reasons.

1. God asked me to.

2. It's cleansing for the body, mind, and soul. While your body is being cleansed because you aren't eating any processed or fried foods, meats, or dairy products, you have an opportunity to get in a good place with your mind and soul as well. Instead of eating junk food or mindlessly snacking, pray or meditate.

3. This will give me an opportunity to find out what God wants me to do with my life in 2013.

4. This is a large commitment. It is an opportunity to show God the desire of my heart through an outward display of discipline.

5. There is the additional added bonus of almost guaranteed weight loss, healthier habits, and getting rid of my dependance on caffine.

Daniel Fast Food List

You can eat all fruits and veggies. It doesn't matter if they are fresh, frozen, or canned. Just watch for added sugar or salt.

All whole grains including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn (just not buttered and has to be the kind you pop yourself with oil and not the packets). You can have oatmeal as well, but again not instant.

All nuts and seeds including all natural nut spreads like peanut butter. Just check your peanut butter label for molasses, which is not allowed.

All beans are allowed and can be either canned or dried.

All quality oils like olive, peanut, sesame, grape seed, canola.

All soy products including unsweetened soy milk and tofu.

Spices such as cinnamon, pepper, garlic, small amounts of salt, and herbs.

Vinegar including balsamic vinegar (great for a salad dressing substitute).

Water, 100% fruit or vegetable juice. Unsweetened almond milk (not vanilla or chocolate, just plain).

Things you can't have are all meats, dairy, fried foods, sweeteners (sugars, syrups), all refined and processed foods (artificial colors, flavors, white rice, white flour, preservatives), solid fats (butter, margarine), caffine, leavened breads, alcohol.

Is anyone else doing The Daniel Fast or any other fast for the new year?

I'll be sharing on my progress as well as recipes as the days go on.