Today. the six of us began a three-week fast.
Now, please do not think for one single minute that I am depriving myself the children of food.
I would NEVER do that.
(to children or me!)
But we are partaking in the Daniel Fast. If you’re unfamiliar with the Daniel Fast, think Vegan with more restrictions. Basically we are only eating things that came from a seed and water…with a few modifications. And those modifications? Mostly made for the children.
So, any dairy, meats, processed things, preservatives, and sugars are gone.
And when we brought home the groceries yesterday we made them GONE. We didn’t throw anything away that we could eat after breaking our fast, but we moved it all to the basement.
Out of sight, out of mind, right?
Right.
The boy and I carefully planned our menu. Whereas I try very hard to ask the kids what they want for dinner and make kid friendly meals, we know these are not going to be on their lists of requests in the beginning. But we had a meeting and we discussed the fast. Why we are doing it, the benefits of fasting and answered all the questions they might have. We told them they had to at least TRY what was made for dinner and if they didn’t like it, they could have an alternative — something that was Daniel Fast approved and they liked. (So we’ve got rice, salad, peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti, and a host of other things.) Oh and they aren’t allowed to go, “ewww gross.”
But I have to be honest. I might struggle with that one too.
The older two, my kids, have been through this before. We did it a few years ago with modifications and I have to tell you, it’s insanely helpful for the ADHD that Thing 2 and I possess.
But it’s so freaking expensive.
And for that reason, in addition to the time it takes to prepare most of the meals, I was apprehensive about tackling it again.
I’ll be honest. It was the boy’s idea. He’s mentioned wanting to try it no less than eleventy bajillion times since first hearing me talk about it. And I shared with him my hesitation, but committed to giving it a whirl. We are going to try it for at least a week, although both of us would like to carry it through the remainder of Lent, giving us a little more than 5 weeks to continue.
We’re on day 1.
I miss my coffee.
The lack of caffeine headache was terrible yesterday, but gone today. But I miss the taste. I miss the routine.
Instead of doling out vitamins and the normal cereal/pop tart breakfast this morning and making coffee for the boy and I, I found myself doling out fruit, soy milk, and home made granola.
I have to admit. I felt much better about giving them that, instead of the junk, despite the ease of the latter.
And so, I’ll try to document the fast here. We have many things that make this a tad difficult. We did tell the kids that it was their choice whether to break or honor the fast while they were with their other parents. The last time, my kids stuck to it and I would ship them off with a bag of food when they left.
This time?
I don’t know what they will do.
However, I do know that Thing 1 is fasting this week by only having a liquid diet and Thing 2 is fasting by eating only fruit and veggies.
I think they are crazy, but I’m so stinking proud of them. I love when the kids do things to draw closer to God. Makes my heart swell up like a big balloon. And I’m hoping that the fast, coupled with the reading of Daniel and the set of devotions we have for dinner time will allow me to do the same thing.
So what exactly are we eating?
Well, last night I made home made corn chips and cut up pineapple, watermelon, and the like. I also made home made granola. Most of these things are now gone, so I’ll need to make more tonight.
Tonight, I’ll make Kale chips and roasted chick peas. (For the record, 4 cups of dry chick peas is equal to 12 cups cooked. You know, just in case you have a recipe that calls for 4 cups of COOKED chickpeas. Just sayin’)
These are all for snacks, of course.
But as far as meals go?
Monday:
Homemade Veggie burgers (made with carrots, onions, black beans, corn, and potatoes) and sweet potato fries
Tuesday:
Faux Fried Rice and Asian Noodle Salad
Wednesday:
Hat off to the chef chili with tofu
Thursday:
Sweet Potato salad and Tofu Scramble
Friday:
Stuffed Peppers
Saturday:
Moo Shu Vegetables and Indian Flatbread
Sunday:
Leftovers
So there you have it.
We’ll see how we do. I’m excited, nervous, hesitant all at the same time…
Fasting in the Fast Lane won’t be easy, but I have no doubt that it will be very beneficial to us all.
And who knows… we might adopt more of this lifestyle when we’re all done.
(Although, I would like my coffee back.)
Until next time…
THe first 6 days are the hardest, and after about day 12, everyone should be tuned in to the new foods. Just watch that first cup o joe when/if you come off the diet. Somebodyll have to peel you off the ceiling.
ok, I’m all for teacting children about religion and helping them understand lent. BUT…..where the heck do you get off starving these children? If you are SO obsessed with religion and wanting these babies to understand then why not allow them to chose what they would like to give up? Have you even considered what this is going to do to their little bodies? My guess is they will lose weight and have massive bouts of upset tummies. Man,……to each their own I guess but I must say dear…..YOU ARE DEAD WRONG IN DOING THIS!!!!!!
In response to Ti. As a parent and I’m assuming that you are not I would never allow children to go hungry. If you actually took the time to read what was written instead of attacking with your uninformed comments you will find the meal plan that we are on is healthy and well researched. So that being said enjoy the Big Mac that you are munching on and keep your inane comments to yourself.
wow! i am so sad your post was misunderstood. i applaud you and the boy both. you are great parents. i know you love those kids of yours and are raising them in a loving, caring, healthy home.
i’m sure you won’t, but don’t let others deter you. the daniel fast is fine – it’s balanced and healthy. how anyone could think you are starving your children when you are offering them whole grains, vegetables and healthy protein alternatives is beyond me. isn’t that what we are told we are supposed to eat all of the time by doctors and health experts? i want to come over and eat at your house.
just wanted to send my support to you.
I’m not sure what kind of a name Ti is…Chinese? Indian maybe? Any-who, I find it interesting that someone would attack you for actually feeding your children healthy food. Lord save us that you would actually offer them Sweet Potato fries – are you insane? Have you given ANY thought to the amount of attention they will be able to give by NOT having the sugars in their normal diet? You’ve sincerely gone mad…your house will now be the most focused, healthy, family in all of Roanoke.
Someone call Social Services.
PS: I’m clearly being sarcastic & I applaud your efforts. The very fact that you are guiding your family to step aside from the normal routine in an effort to focus on what’s important is commendable. Just imagine if you asked them to only eat bread & water for 40 years… Oh wait, that’s already been done (manna).
OMG the horrors of a healthy diet without fats and preservatives…someone give me a phone!!! If I understand correctly, you are not limiting their food intake, but are instead giving them foods that are good for the mind, body and soul.
Ti – Maybe you should reread this post and use the little invention called Google to find out more about the Daniel Fast.
If I’m not mistaken you gave Thing 1, 2, 3 & 4 the option of doing the Daniel Fast didn’t you? You are not starving your children, you are feeding them better than 99% of others, including me. You should be applauded rather than ridiculed for feeding your children nutritiously.