Happy April Fools Day everyone!
I completed the Daniel Fast and learned a lot about myself during the fast. Fasting is something that you should try, because it helps you focus on those things that matter most.
I ended the Daniel Fast on March 22, 2011. I had no intentions of ending on that date, but since it was my husband’s birthday on that date, I wanted to enjoy the celebration and not be a party popper.
I dusted off a few raw vegan books and started reading to refresh my mind. The last week in March was the time, that I ate a high raw vegan diet. I did very well and did not tell myself that I could not eat cooked foods. I left the cooked food option open.
I find that when I put limits on myself, I tend to have a harder time adjusting to change. But this time it was not hard at all for me to eat a high raw vegan diet for a few days.
Lessons I learned after completing the Daniel Fast (DF)
1. Self-control. This fast helped me realize that I am in control and there is no need to do things just because I feel like it.
2. No need for sweet foods. The longer I stayed away from sweet foods, the more I found myself not missing the added sweetness. I do not have any desire to eat desserts or sweet foods, only the foods sweetened naturally.
3. Taste buds very sensitive. While on the DF, I could not tolerate too many sweet foods. A few times I had smoothies that were way too sweet for me. Any other time, I have no problems drinking smoothies.
4. All things are possible. Whenever doubt came into my mind, it did not stay for long.
5. Read labels more. I am a food label reader most of the time, but after the DF, I find myself reading the food labels even more. I do not dart into the grocery store and dart out. I take my time and carefully read the labels.
6. Eat more whole foods. Prepackaged and highly processed foods are less appealing to me. Whole foods are what I am more drawn too, since doing the DF.
7. Clarity and focus. During the DF my thinking was clearer. I was able to really stay centered and focused on many things.
8. Mellow attitude (relaxed). I usually let small things get to me, but while on the DF, nothing really got me upset. I was cool and calm about many things. When I look back on it, there were many things that should have gotten under my skin, but for some reason, those things did not faze me.
You Should Fast
Fasting is a good way to cleanse the body and the mind; sometimes resulting in weight loss. It helps your mind be clearer and your focus be right on point.
You do not have to do a major fast. Fasting a few hours a month will do wonders for your mind, body and spirit. I believe fasting helps you stay balanced and centered.
One of my blogging friends, is doing the DF and I am very excited for him, because I know he will notice great changes. Here’s what Bryan told me about the DF.
That said, guess what? I WENT VEGAN! Okay, just for 21 days so far. I’m on the Daniel Fast. Along with my wife. She has been vegetarian for 2 months and loves it. I have only started it with this fast, but I can already tell I feel better.
Go Bryan! 🙂
I urge everyone to give fasting a try. You will not die from missing a few meals or even your favorite foods. You will however, gain a greater sense of self-awareness, clarity, focus and much more.
Image: happykanppy “Vegetables in Basket” / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Yes, you really can taste sweetness more after removing sugar from your diet. There’s even some scientific study about how sugary drinks dull your taste buds. You become more sensitive to a sweet taste fairly soon after cutting them out. Here’s a link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jun/09/sugary-drinks-dull-tastebuds-study?CMP=twt_fd
Hi Mary!
Thanks fro sharing the link, I’ll check it out. The title sounds interesting!
I believe this totally. What was the effect of the fast on your skin, care to share?
Going from a fast to a raw food challenge. You are inspiring!
Tai,
Thank you and thanks for subscribing to my You Tube channel. I truly appreciate it! 🙂
I haven’t tried the Daniel Fast specifically, but I’ve tried to adhere to various dietary restriction in the past relating to meat and added sweeteners. Like you I was really amazed by the amount of natural sweetness in so many foods that I once found rather bland. I specifically remember biting into a raw carrot and thinking “Whoa!”. I think just for that experience I’ve started taking food less for granted and really try to fully experience everything I eat. Have you found a greater appreciation for food through your experience with the Daniel Fast?
Hi Kyle,
The taste buds definitely get re-awakened. 😉
Yes, it really makes you think about food in a different way.
Thank you for stopping by and welcome to my blog!
Evelyn P.
Hey Evelyn,
Way to go! Awesome about your results. We did the Daniel Fast, and I have to say, I did feel better in my body without the meat (imagine that!) and the sugar. Did you go all out with no caffeine? We stayed away from coffee. THAT was perhaps the hardest part!
One thing I think this fast did for me was make me more aware of WHERE my food comes from. I am undecided on just how far I will take it in my daily life, but I definitely eat a lot more vegetarian meals now.
Thanks for the shout-out and support!
Hi Bryan,
Thank you!
I’m glad you feel better! I don’t normally drink caffeinated beverages, so I had no problem with that. I know giving up caffeine can be tough.
Yeah, it will make you think more about food and what you put in your body. I’m glad you’re eating more veggie meals. 🙂
You’re welcome!
Blessings,
Evelyn P.
Hi Evelyn:
What a wonderful post. You did it. and doing it made you feel so many positive strategies, wonderful.
It is true about fasting, it teaches “self” everything.
Keep up the good work.
Have an awesome week end.
Fran A
Hi Ms. Fran,
It is good to see you! 🙂
Fasting does teach “self” everything. So very true!
Thank you and you have a great weekend too!
Evelyn P
Hi Evelyn,
I have to tell you I really admire your will power. Sugar is a tough one for me. I find it so hard to stay away from sweets. I think it’s great you take such good care of yourself. It’s very interesting to hear about your results. Thanks so muchf or sharing this Evelyn!!
Hi Dandy,
Sugar is very tough to stay away from. I try and sometimes I mess up, but I keep going.
I’m glad you stopped by!
Have a great weekend!
Evelyn P.
It sounds like you had a great experience fasting. It was interesting to learn more about your experiences. Have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Jo,
Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your weekend too!
Evelyn