Fasting Preparation

When you decide to partake in any type of fast it is important to prepare. Preparation not only comes in the form of buying groceries, but also in getting yourself mentally prepared for what you are about to do. When we jump into things without thinking through them, it can sometimes backfire on us and cause us to lack the ability to endure. In the next few paragraphs, I am going to give you a few tips to help you be successful along your fasting journey. Please keep in mind these tips are for spiritual/biblical fasting. One of the best ways to help get your mind on track with your fast and to focus in on what you are about to accomplish is to write it down. Make a plan for the next 21 days or however long you have chosen to fast. Don’t just plan your food or shopping list, but determine your purpose for fasting and write it down. Why are you fasting? Is it for healing, financial, career, marriage, family issues? Be specific. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead guide and direct you as to why you should be fasting. Fasting will require you to deny your flesh, basically your own personal will for that of God. (Romans 12:2) Fasting will allow the Holy Spirit to show you the areas where you are weak. So it is important to confess your sins to God and ask for forgiveness from anyone whom you may have offended. One of my favorite scriptures (Mark 11:24-25) reminds us that God will give us the “things” we desire, but that changes if we are holding on to any unforgiveness. Two parts of the preparation phase depend on decision making. You must decide what you will fast from and how long. Both of these decisions are important. If you are new to fasting, it is ok to start slow. Begin with a few days or a daytime fast (6am to 6pm) and see how you do. The Holy Spirit can bless you to endure a longer period of time. Just be sure to go into the fast knowing that it may be possible for you to go longer than you intended. Now as for what to fast from, as I have stated before, fasting from food is what is considered fasting. Other things such as television, social media, etc are ok, but to really experience God, you should remove food. Moses did not have Facebook and Daniel wasn’t turning off the tv… Lastly, I want you to know that the fast won’t be glorious. Your body will be going through detoxification. You will experience irritability, hunger pains and headaches to name a few. But on the flip side, you will begin to experience more of God as he speaks to you throughout this process. Remember to fill the time you would normally spend eating, with reading your bible and praying. Preparing to end a fast is just as important as preparing to start one. Come off of it slowly. Don’t rush into eating those greasy fried foods or drinking those sugary drinks you haven’t had for the duration of your fast. This can cause you to become sick. Pace yourself. Below I have added some sample menus to help you begin planning out your days as you prepare for this time of prayer and fasting. Sample Menus Breakfast Ideas: (Choose one daily) 1. Oatmeal I cup oatmeal (not instant) with 1/4 cup chopped apples, 2 Tbs. raisins, 1 Tbs. chopped walnuts and pinch of cinnamon 2. Daniel Fast Smoothie 1 cup calcium-fortified unsweetened soymilk, 1 small banana, 1/2 cup frozen berries of choice, 2-3 ice cubes; whip in blender 10 almonds or 20 pistachios Lunch Ideas: (Choose one daily) 1. Flatbread with Salad 3 cups fresh baby spinach topped with 1/2 cup sliced strawberries, segments of 1 small orange, 2 Tbs. toasted sliced almonds, 1 1/2 tsp. olive oil and apple cider vinegar to taste 1 whole-wheat flatbread 2. Quick Mediterranean Platter 1 medium sliced tomato, 1 small sliced ball pepper, 1/4 cup pepperoncini, 5 large olives, 1/3 cup hummus 1 1/2 oz. whole-wheat flatbread 3. Easy Veggie Soup Simmer 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as scallions, carrots, and greens), 1/2 cup white beans and herbs to taste in 2 cups vegetable broth 1 baked sweet potato, 1 tsp. olive oil, rosemary or other herb to taste Dinner Ideas: (Choose one daily) 1. Pasta 2 cups whole-grain pasta1 serving Easy Pasta Sauce (recipe below) Easy Pasta Sauce:Saute 1/2 cup each diced bell pepper and onion and 1 clove chopped garlic in 1 Tbs. olive oil.Stir in 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce plus herbs, salt and pepper to taste; simmer for 30 minutes. (Makes 6 servings). 2. Pineapple-Cashew Rice Heat 1 tsp. olive oil in pan; lightly brown 1/4 cup drained crushed pineapple (no syrup); stir in 3/4 cup cooked brown rice, 2 Tbs. chopped cashews; top with fresh chopped cilantro to taste 1 1/2 cup steamed broccoli or snow peas 3. Corn, Blackbeans and Avocado 3 cups chopped romaine, 3/4 cup each canned corn and black beans, 1/3 of an avocado, 1/4 cup fresh chunky salsa and lime wedges Snack Ideas: (Choose two daily) 3 cups air-popped popcorn1 small tangerine/mandarin orange ____________________________ 1 whole-grain flatbread1 1/2 tsp. natural nut butter ____________________________ Mango Smoothie:Blend 1 cup calcium-fortified unsweetened soymilk with 1/2 cup chopped, frozen mango, plus optional dash of cardamom ____________________________ 8 large olives1/2 large whole-grain pita ____________________________ 1/2 cup chickpeas with sprinkle of salt and 1 tsp. olive oil, roast at 375°F for 45 minutes, stirring often ____________________________ Daniel Fast Trail Mix:1 Tbs. each raisins or chopped dates, chopped dried apple, unsalted nuts and sunflower seeds Sample Menus Source: Woman’s World, 3/26/12 pp, 18, 19

Related posts:
Types of Fasts
Why should I fast? What is it?
7 Ideas to Celebrate Lent