Until just a few months ago, my diet was pretty sad. I was a sugar addict and ate my fair share of processed foods, mainly just out of convenience. I’m a busy mom and it’s much easier to throw a frozen pizza in the oven than to cut up and saute fresh veggies in order to start a healthy dinner. Pathetic, I know. Because of my eating habits, I just didn’t feel well. I was sluggish, a bit on the depressed side, had bad headaches at least 3-4 days a week, and often had back pain. My clothes were getting tight and I knew my eating was getting out of control. I live in an area of the country that is cold 9 months out of the year, so there are long stretches of the year where I can’t get outside for much exercise. I’ve also gotten into this terrible habit of eating comfort foods full of carbs and sugar, so I put on 10 pounds every single winter. I don’t eat a lot, I just don’t eat the right things. By Spring, I feel horrible, yet I continue to let the cycle continue. God began convicting me that He has more for me.
You see, our bodies and this life are a gift. God has given them to us, so we should show our thankfulness by the way we treat them. When we are given a gift, we typically take care of it in order to show the giver that we are appreciative. We don’t misuse the gift or destroy it. Why should our bodies be any different?
In February of this year, our pastor began talking about doing “The Daniel Fast” as a church because we would soon be in the season of Lent. If you are unfamiliar with Lent, this is the 6 1/2 week period leading up to Easter Sunday. It’s a time of reflection and remembrance for Christians as we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us through His crucifixion and resurrection. Many people “fast” or give up various things in order to better focus on the season. The small sacrifice of giving up certain types of food or an activity (such as tv or social media, for example) serve as reminders to pray as the cravings hit. The Daniel Fast is based on Daniel 1:8, 12, 13, 15 which says,
“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way… ‘Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.’ At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.”
The modern-day Daniel Fast lasts 21 days and is the cleanest form of eating you can find: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, sprouts, etc. can be consumed. On the other hand, meat, poultry, fish, white rice, bread, caffeine, preservatives, additives, white flour, sugar, etc. are to be avoided. I knew that I was supposed to participate as soon as I heard our pastor announce the fast, but I absolutely DID NOT want to. I casually mentioned it to my husband hoping he would blow the idea off which would make it easier for me to ignore what I knew I was supposed to do. But, the opposite happened. As soon as I mentioned it, he said, “I’ll do it.” SIGH.
I began doing some quick research because I had no clue what I was doing. I found some Daniel Fast approved recipes and we headed to the grocery store. I was surprised to find that healthy eating really doesn’t cost as much as I thought it did (the expense of healthy eating was a common excuse that I often used in order to avoid it). The next day, the fast began and, I admit, I did not go into it with a great attitude. The first week was HARD. Cooking was time-consuming, I craved carbs and sugar, and wondered if it was all worth it. We had family in from out of town at the end of the first week and they requested some of their favorite foods that can be found in our area of the country. Their requests are also some of my favorites, so saying no to big, fresh donuts, pizza, and the most delicious ice cream sundaes I’ve ever had was difficult. But, I persevered with a little bit better (but not much better) attitude.
By the end of the 2nd week, I started realizing a few things. First of all, the amount of time it took to cook was really not that bad. I had to get creative with when to squeeze it in, but I was doing it. Also, I was surprised at how much better I was feeling. My body was getting rid of the crap I had put into it for years and my energy was increasing. My weight was decreasing and my clothes were fitting better. One of the most exciting realizations that I had was that I hadn’t had a headache in 2 weeks! I knew that I was doing exactly what God had called me to do.
The conversation I had with my husband on the 21st day (which was March 21) was shocking compared to where I had been when the fast began. Instead of being excited that we’d soon be able to once again eat whatever we wanted, we were both a little sad that it was ending. We were feeling the best we had felt in years and absolutely did not want to go back to where we were 3 weeks prior. So, after a little tweaking, I am happy to report that we are still eating clean for the most part. We have occasional “cheat days” but overall, we are on track. I’ve also added a little dairy simply because I like cheese and enjoy a periodic glass of milk. We have continued to eliminate meat, white flour, white sugar, bread, fried foods, preservatives and additives, white rice, margarine, etc. We are both down 10 pounds and are feeling great.
Here are a few things I’ve learned from clean eating:
- When God tells us that we need to exercise self-control, that includes our food choices. Being controlled by sugar cravings is not pleasing to Him.
- I have much more energy when good things are going into my body. The natural foods that God gave us fuel my body much better than manufactured and processed foods.
- Eating clean allows my body to stay at my natural body weight. I was amazed by how quickly I dropped 10 pounds simply because I was able to rid my body of the terrible foods I had been eating.
- Cutting sugar from my diet has eliminated headaches. There have been a few times on cheat days that I’ve eaten some sugar and within an hour or so my head is pounding.
- God gave us life so that we can serve Him. If I treat my body well, I will have the energy and focus to follow him well.
- I LOVE avocado! I had always turned my nose up to this fruit, but it’s become one of my favorites. It’s chocked full of nutrients and is easy to add to a variety of dishes. I even enjoy slicing it in half and eating it with a spoon.
- My rice steamer can be used for more than just rice, and I don’t know why I never realized this! Our favorite meal has become brown rice and beans. I simply put brown rice, water, diced onions, green peppers, and celery, a can of red beans drained and rinsed, a can of Rotel, a tablespoon and a half of cumin, and a tablespoon of oregano in my steamer, turn it on, and within 25 minutes it’s all set to go. Add some avocado and you have a filling, delicious, healthy meal.
My goal is to next get our children on board. We’re not quite there yet. As a matter of fact, as my husband and I were eating our black bean soup for dinner last night, one of our older teenage kids said, “I feel like you guys eat the same thing every night, just a slightly different color brown.” I think it’ll take a bit of convincing to get her to join us.
I am only 9 ½ weeks into this, and I must rely on God in order to continue. I still have sugar cravings at times, and I know that if I don’t stay on guard, I’ll be right back to where I was. I’m praying that He will give me the strength to continue moving forward. Apart from Him, I can do NOTHING. I hope this post inspires you to eat healthily. We only get one life to live and we need to make the most of it. Take the time to take care of yourself and serve God even with your diet. And whatever you do, Don’t Wait!
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