Wrapping Up My Annual Daniel Fast

So, every year, to start my year I do 21 days of prayer and fasting. Back in 2019 I (virtually, of course) joined Transformation Church with Pastor Michael Todd. Each year they start the year out with 21 days of prayer and fasting and let me tell you - I will never not do it. Honestly, sometimes I get convicted to do it throughout the year, not just January.

Pastor Mike always says, “give God the 1st 21 days of your life and watch him bless the rest.” I was always familiar with fasting but never really grasped the concept behind it nor did I do know how to do it with intent.

Fasting is essentially denying your flesh of things you’d normally indulge and using that time to ask God to strengthen your faith and relationship with him. So that’s exactly what I do. 21 days - no sugar, no meat, no alcohol, no processed foods. Best known as the Daniel Fast. Now for me, it’s not too much of a challenge because I’m typically plant based. But my sweet tooth? Baby, that is no joke.

Nonetheless, God works. I hear him so clearly when I fast and intentionally set out time to prioritize our relationship and focus on Him and His word. Normally I’d also take a social media hiatus but running a business and trying to properly market & be relevant, made it super challenging. So, I committed to posting primarily business things about the studio AND setting a time limit for Instagram usage (highly encouraged).

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I won’t keep you long, but if you haven’t tried the Daniel fast, I really do recommend giving it a go to help you on your spiritual journey! Maybe start with 7 days, then 14, and I promise 21 will be a piece of cake (all pun intended because I really want some cake right now).

Honestly, I’m typically a creature of habit. So, I kind of just find fast-friendly recipes and stick to it the entire 21 days. “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” 😂

Here's a look at what my diet consisted of while fasting!

Week One

Breakfast: Lara bar, bowl of fruit and a smoothie

Lunch: Roasted red potatoes, sauteed broccoli, and brown rice with lentils

Dinner: Vegan chili and a side of roasted Brussel sprouts

The first week is typically the hardest because you're transitioning from your normal diet to something very strict. For me, cravings kicked in around day 3. I would crave things I normally don't even eat, which is literally just a test of your faith to the fast and God.

Week Two

Breakfast: Lara bar, bowl of fruit and a smoothie (I know you're probably like "girl that's the same thing, but honestly this is my breakfast even when I'm not fasting).

Lunch: Plant based turkey burgers (from Trader Joes. course), roasted red potatoes, and sauteed broccoli.

Dinner: Vegan Chili (Yes, again. Because I made enough to last me)

By week two, I'm typically adjusted to the routine. Cravings are still very much present but nonetheless I'm praying my way through.

Week Three

Breakfast: Vegan Breakfast Sandwich (Beyond meat, Just Egg, Dairy Free Cheese).

Lunch: Back to my roasted red potatoes, sauteed broccoli and brown rice with lentils.

Dinner: Meatless Mandarin Orange Chicken (you guessed it, from Trader Joes) with Jasmine Rice.

Week three flies by. By now the things I craved have seemingly disappeared. I always feel like I can go longer than 21 days and sometimes I do.

Here's a really good resource I used when I fasted for the very first time! I kind of just found things that worked and made it happen!

As I grow in my spiritual maturity, I try to think less about fasting being some sort of performance act and more so obedience to what God can do in my life. I heard in a sermon some time ago that we shouldn't fast to seek God's hand but to see his face and hear his voice. So, I entered this fast praying "God reveal whatever it is you want to reveal to me. Even if you don't do a big thing for me, let me hear you clearer than ever." And as always, He does exactly what he needs to do!

By now, my fast has concluded and I'm feeling great. I'll probably fast again in the next few weeks because I really do feel I need to be in consistent state of fasting for clarity and direction!

Dropping a reminder I've heard AND needed this week:

Take up space in the earth. Don't play small. As you think it, so it is. Know who you are and who's you are, show up fully.

Love and light. Always.