Whenever we sit down to a meal, many of us say grace and ask God for His blessing for the food we are about to consume. We ask His blessing regardless of the type of food we are about to consume, and whether or not it is beneficial or harmful to our bodies. Perhaps we ask for a blessing because most of the time we know we are not eating what is best for us.
According to Mayo Clinic, obesity can cause a variety of serious health problems. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer and breathing disorders are just a few of the health complications that can present themselves in an obese individual. It is also possible that obese people may be discriminated against.
The Bible tells us that our bodies are the temple of God and that we are not our own (1 Corinthians 6:19). God likely would not approve of all of the yo-yo diets and pills that are floating around. He wants us to care for our temple with the knowledge that He lives there too.
Daniel teaches us that by honoring God and being obedient to his faith by not defiling his body with harmful food, he can not only maintain his health, but he can also be strong and gifted. This should be a lesson for all of us to shy away from the table, the sugar and the caffeine. Daniel definitely would have refused a diet soda.
This can not only be an example of a fast, but of a complete life change that will bring permanent weight loss results. While most choose the 21-day fast and then return to normal eating habits, you can keep the good habits you have established and carry them through life for slow but permanent weight loss. It is exhilarating to know you are no longer addicted to caffeine and sugar.
Start by removing everything in your home that would be too big a temptation for you. Limit yourself to eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and brown rice (see Daniel Fast List online for complete list of foods permitted). Peanut butter will become your new best friend, and substituting rice cakes for bread will make a huge difference in your weight loss.
Morning coffee can be substituted by making yourself a cup of hot water with fresh lemon juice. I recommend putting fresh lemon in all the water that you drink, and make sure you drink at least 8 glasses per day. For a weight-loss boost, put two teaspoons of Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in your first glass of water in the morning with lemon juice (drink with a straw, as otherwise it may darken your teeth).
After you have completed your 21-day fast, add some lean meat and dairy into your diet. You can stay caffeine-free with decaf coffee and try to eliminate soda altogether. You should now be completely free from sugar cravings, and if you do not bring it into the house it will be much easier to avoid. Be sure to get a good healthy walk in every day – it's good for both the body and the brain.