The Daniel Fast: Part 1

We are almost one week into the Daniel Fast and definitely taking it one day at a time! The fast has definitely been interesting- very challenging on some days and easier on others. I am grateful for the easy days, but also embracing the challenging days as I know that's when I need to lean in most and turn to God to help me through. I have prayed way more than I ever would if I wasn't doing the fast!

 I will admit, I thought I would experience more "side effects" like mental clarity, an energy boost and weight loss. I've lost 3 lbs since starting the fast. You would think I would have lost 10 lbs by now with all the things I have eliminated (of course, Kyle has)!  I think for me that is partly because of the high carb nature of the fast. I will say, I have NEVER been able to stick to a diet of any sort or abstain from wine (except for when I was pregnant) for more than a few days. This fast has been great because it has revealed to me that I can and the funny thing is I KNOW that I can't cheat. It just isn't an option!

Every day I try to write down a few words to sum up my day. Here is my journey so far:

Day 1- Struggled. Thought about food or lack thereof most of the day. Had to grab internet at Dunkin Donuts and I got to smell the donuts! Torture! 

Day 2- Woke up feeling lighter and refreshed

Day 3- Struggled in the morning with getting out of the house. Made it to work out. Headache in afternoon. On edge

Day 4- Felt good most of day. Kind of bored, which just showed us our weekends revolved around eating and drinking. Whoops! Napped when Charlotte napped. Went to see a movie and brought our approved snacks with us! 

Day 5- Felt rather defeated! Went to an event that had lots of yummy food and wine! That was a challenge. 

Day 6- Woke up with major stomach issues! Not sure what it could be as everything i am eating is fresh. Took the day off from working out and tried to feel better. 

Day 7-Today was much better! I was busy and didn’t have much time to think about being hungry or missing things. Didn’t eat lunch until 2pm, but felt very satisfied with my hummus and veggies 

Here are some of my go to snacks:
-  Bare Cinnamon Banana Chips 
-  Way Better Sweet Potato Chips
- Skinny Pop Popcorn 
- Hummus with Carrots, Celery and Cucumbers
- Cashews, Sunflower Seeds, Salt & Pepper Pistachios
- Brown Rice Cakes (plain or with natural peanut butter or guacamole)
- Cotton Candy Grapes (these are amazing and worth the $10 I spent on them today at Publix)
- Honey Crisp Apples

Some of my go to snacks! Jury is still out on Brad's Crunchy Kale!

As I mentioned earlier, Kyle and I quickly realized that our weekends involve going out to eat and indulging. So, we were happy to find some restaurants that were Daniel fast friendly and also available in a quick pinch if we didn't have something to eat at home.

Chipotle- Brown Rice, Black Beans, Veggies, Salsa, Guacamole. Their corn tortillas are also "safe". 

Toss Green- We had their Mango and Grain Bowl. Their dressings are home-made and their Cashew Dressing and Avocado Vinaigrette are approved! 

Grain & Mango Bowl with Avocado Vinaigrette

Fresh Jax- We actually haven't had their food yet, but they have many vegan options, including a sweet potato curry. You can follow them on instagram for their weekly features. 

I made a delicious salad on Saturday night! I would definitely make it again. You can find the recipe here. I substituted Spring Mix for the Spinach and used my Vitamix Blender to make the dressing! 

Roasted Chickpea, Quinoa and Tomato Salad with Avocado Basil Dressing 

Tomorrow I am trying a Vegan Hearty Slow Cooker Chili  for our Disciple Group meeting tomorrow night. I'll let you know how it goes! I chopped all the ingredients tonight and then will throw in the crockpot in the morning to simmer all day. Sounds yummy! 

That's all for now! Will be back with another update soon! Praying we survive the Labor Day weekend! No hotdogs or hamburgers for us! :)