The Daniel Fast...21 Days

The Daniel Fast is a biblically based partial fast. It is a method of fasting that men, women and young people all over the world are using as they enter into the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting.

"In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled." Daniel 10:2, 3

I have 4 more days left in the Fast. I intended to do more blogging about my experience but life has been busy, as usual;) Here are some random thoughts...

I naively thought, since I don't weigh 300 lbs. I totally went into the Fast thinking..."I don't have food issues." Ummm...I do;(

Yes, I like coffee but I was not as addicted to it as I thought. After a couple days of headaches...all was fine.

Although caffeine may heighten some of my issues...it doesn't cause them.

I think my body was more addicted to sugar and carbohydrates.

I struggled to put in the miles I would like. But trust that God will get me back to where I need to be for the mini-marathon:)

I thought I would miss sweets the most...NOT! I want MEAT!

I am most definitely an emotional eater:( Learning to pray...or at the very least grab a healthier snack during these times.

I have a stronger will-power than I thought.

My relationship with God is GOOD...but it could always be stronger.

God knows what is BEST...even if I do try to give him lots of reasons why I shouldn't/can't obey.

HE is my best friend!

I actually like vegetables...EVEN asparagus!

Fruits are good too...a great natural sweetener.

I ate lots of nuts. I have always liked cashews but pistachios are my new FAVE!

Popcorn without butter is actually not bad...especially with raisins.

It is VERY hard to grocery shop for all natural foods...even the ones you think are "healthy" MOST have additives:(

My will-power was perhaps tested more than some during this Fast. I cooked regularly for the kids, ate out a few times and even got them Ritters. NOT easy but I survived it...

Hunger pangs are sometimes just signs of dehydration...drink some water, wait a few minutes and then if still hungry, have a healthy snack;)

Hunger pangs are actually good...if you are trying to lose weight. This means your body is gonna have to tap into your fat storage:)

Think I will definitely make some changes in my eating habits...even after the Fast.

Need to remember to "eat to live" NOT "live to eat"...also NOT easy for me since I LOVE FOOD!

Some days were more of a challenge than others. Mostly, I felt at peace with my decision and stronger for it.

I like the way my jeans fit and that the numbers on the scale are down.

There were times when I felt like bawling...because I chose this Fast. MANY go hungry...but not by choice:(

My Grandma Grace, rest her sole, really did traumatize me a bit as a child. I always felt the need to "clean my plate". I have even, Lord forgive me, used this on my kids. And no we can't box up our leftovers and send it to Africa;( BUT...we also should NOT treat our bodies as trash cans. I have to stop eating my kids leftovers. It is OK to throw it in the actual trash.

Kids really do follow our example. My kids are definitely requesting more "healthy" snacks, along with their ice cream/cookies;)

Eating what is "convenient" is my worst enemy.

My husband is EXACTLY the man I thought he was. He is AMAZING!

All that call me "Mom", are FIRST His children. I feel honored to be their Mommy. Will there be more...only God knows for sure;)

Yes...I will be happy for Monday morning. BUT, I am so glad I stuck with this Fast. I have learned much and LOVE my Lord even more. I owe it ALL to Him!!!

Thank you Jesus!!!