Veganuary/Daniel Fast

‘And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.’ Genesis 1:29  

I’m doing Veganuary again this January. I’m a so-called flexitarian having eaten vegetarian, pescatarian, and plant-based diets for a period of time – days, weeks, months, then going back to eating meat. Some of the products I’ve found while eating plant-based have become regular buys. While Koko milk and Hellman’s Vegan mayo have become permanent substitutions in my kitchen.  

Veganising favourite dishes helps to transition and while those vegan versions often taste great with others let’s just say I miss the meat/dairy versions. Non-plant-based foods I love are ackee and saltfish, curry goat, fish and chips, macaroni cheese, pizza, and cheese on toast. Any dish with cheese as a major ingredient makes committing to a fully vegan diet unlikely. Eggs are easier, I’ve swapped eggs out with flaxseed ‘eggs’ in baking, only now and again, I feel like egg and bread. I also really like some vegan yoghurts and ice-creams I’ve tried by Jude’s, Magnum, The Coconut Collaborative, Koko, and Oykos. By sticking to a flexitarian diet, I believe I’m near to reaching the right balance between all food groups for myself.  

The NHS website mentions a vegan diet can lack calcium, iron, vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. Therefore, foods replacing meat and dairy must contain these nutrients. Vegan diets are not necessarily healthy because refined carbohydrates, mock meats, and sugary foods are all vegan. However, since those foods are processed, they have little nutritional value.  

Opting for a balanced plant-based vegan diet is ideal. Certain plant foods actually have higher amounts of nutrients than meat, fish, and dairy; so, a balanced plant-based diet can be full of all the vitamins and minerals our bodies need. Caution must be exercised and advice sought when making long-term major dietary changes. Plan your food replacements and listen to your body paying attention to any signs of fatigue, deficiency, or ill health. This article identifies eight potential health risks to watch out for with suggestions on how to avoid them.   

Generally, this diet also has a lower carbon footprint. Local – better still, home-grown plant-based food is even more eco-friendly and healthier. We can see the physical and environmental benefits of balanced plant-based eating. What about spiritually? With the right omissions, a plant-based diet becomes Daniel’s diet.  

Daniel’s Fast  

‘Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.’ (Daniel 1:12) 

‘I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.’ (Daniel 10:3)  

Following Daniel’s diet requires eating/drinking plant-based and wholegrain foods only plus cutting out: beverages, sugar/sweeteners (honey, maple syrup, agave, etc.), leavened bread/yeast, solid fats (butter, margarine, etc.), processed foods and deep-fried foods.  

Add prayer and meditation and you’ll be doing the Daniel Fast whether for 21 days or a time of your choosing.  

‘And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth and ashes.’ (Daniel 9:3) 

Fasting helps us grow spiritually strengthening our relationship with God as we draw closer to Him. We demonstrate when Jesus said ‘…it is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ (Luke 4:4) when the devil tempted Him. At that time Jesus had been fasting for 40 days it was a complete fast where He ate nothing. Partial fasts or total fasts are rewarding when done in the right heart condition with proper attitudes and pure motives. (Matthew 6:16-18)  

Are you taking part in Veganuary?  

Will you fast this year? Fasting doesn’t have to be food and drink, it could be fasting from secular entertainment or social media for example.  

To prepare for an extended fast from food and drink plan your meals and shop for what you need in advance. Use up items with a short shelf. Freeze what you don’t use if suitable for freezing. Bread, milk, meat, and fish are freezable as is grated cheese.

Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance asking for strength to complete the fast ask Him for understanding for whatever is shown to you during that time. Help yourself by moving tempting food/drink out of sight and easy reach. Remember Jesus’ was tempted when He was hungry. During a partial fast, you shouldn’t be hungry however you may have a craving for something besides it is possible to be on auto-pilot and grab a snack from the fridge-freezer or cupboard that’s not allowed while plant-based dieting or fasting.  

Let’s Pray  

Lord, we know you intended for us to be perfectly healthy. In this sinful world, our health is compromised in many different ways from the food and drink we consume, and the products we use to the air we breathe. Lead us to the right dietary choices for our bodies together with other healthful choices so that we may be in good health honouring You in our temples. May we receive the physical benefits of a balanced plant-based diet and blessings of prayer and fasting for Your word says ‘man shall not live by bread alone’. All these things we pray in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.