A Daniel Fast for Lent

[Scout]

I’m considering doing what is know as a “Daniel Fast” for part, or all, of Lent. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a combination of the fasts Daniel did in chapters 1 and I think 10 of the book of Daniel. Basically, you drink only water, fruits and vegetables and whole grains. No sweeteners, no processed foods, no meat, etc.

I’m wondering if anyone here has ever done anything like this or has heard about it. I haven’t decided if I’m going to do it because I hate starting something and not being able to complete it. However, I feel that spiritually, it would really help me draw closer to God during Lent. And, heaven knows, I really need to draw closer to Him.

So, what are your thoughts?

Scout :tiphat:

 

[LARSCOUT0311]

Never tried that one. On days of fasting(Ash Wednesday and Good Friday) I take only bread and water…usually alot of water throughout the day. On days of abstinence I take rice and beans and a flat bread(pita, naan or even a fried bsicuit made by frying biscuit dough)in order to get enough starches and protein and to use that day as somewhat of a fast as well.

Isn’t it seem kind of strange how we all look forward to fasting?

 

[baltobetsy]

If what I am recalling reading about is indeed the Daniel Fast, it seems very complicated. For myself, I would choose a way of fasting that simplifies eating rather than complicating it, so as to leave my mind free for spiritual things instead of rules and recipes.

 

[Susan_Gregory]

The Daniel Fast really isn’t complicated. It’s a plant-based eating plan (Daniel ate only pulse - food grown from seed and drank only water) and the only beverage is water. Also, no sweeteners and no processed foods.

So the Daniel Fast is centered around fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

You can Google Daniel Fast and find great information about this fast which literally millions of men, women and teens use as their method of fasting.

 

[Scout]

I’m reading a book on it now, and one of the things I like about the book is that it has a 21-day menu included so that everything is planned out. That makes it very simple for me because I don’t have to get bogged down with the little things. I can focus on the big picture-getting closer to God.

The book also has some great instructions on how to make the fast a success-such as planning ahead of time and easing one’s self into the restrictions. For example, beginning to drink more water about a week before the actual fast so that your body doesn’t go into a state of shock when caffeine is eliminated from the diet.

I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to do it. I want to talk with my doctor and priest. I wanted to start it on Wednesday, but then I realized that I could start eliminating things as a part of Lent before I actually started the fast. That way if I decided I wasn’t ready for it, I was already doing something for Lent. And, if I decided I did want to do it, I was already preparing for it. After all, I don’t have to do the fast the whole time of Lent, do I? I think it would be okay to just do it part of the time, like the 21 days that are recommended in the book.

I would like to know if anyone has done anything like this before, though. And if the spiritual results are worth the effort. I would hope so, but I’d just like to get some personal feedback.

Thanks for everyone’s (name removed by moderator)ut so far.
Scout :tiphat: