#Unity Girl begins 21-Day Daniel #Fast Day 1

This is a year of new beginnings, a new chapter and a new life.

I started this year with a ceremony at my church where we wrote down all that we wanted to "Let go" and lit it and burned the paper. It was very symbolic and representative of what I wanted, which was to let go and release the past so that I could start a new life, clean slate. After the ceremony, I "Got Drenched" and was baptized with water by my church family. Another amazing and powerful experience, letting the waters wash away anything about who I was that I wanted to let go and embracing the Christ-centered me. What a weekend!

So now as I begin this journey into my new life, I want to be focused and aware. I want to be sure that I am listening to my innate Divine nature and following my intuition to do what God has called me to do. So today I begin a fast. A Daniel Fast to be specific. I like that this fast is Biblically rooted and that I am doing something that my brothers and sisters have been doing for millenniums. Daniel 1 - New International Version http://shar.es/WA1jb

The most important thing about a fast is the intention. My intention is to refrain from certain foods so that I can become close to God. How can I do that? Through prayer, quiet time with God. So not only am I refraining from food, but I am committing to spend significant time in prayer and meditation over the next 3 weeks.

My first question was about what I should eat... And I found this list. So Let's Get this Party Started...

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast (read the labels-- no sugar no chemicals)

All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon

All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.

All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.

All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.

All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.

All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.

Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.

Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast

All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.

All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.

All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.

All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.

All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.

All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.

All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.

Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol