Kristen Feola
CBN.com –SUMMARY
"The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast" is an inspiring resource for Christians who want to pursue a more intimate relationship with God through the 21-day commitment to a Daniel Fast. Author Kristien Feola says that when we deny ourselves certain foods—such as sugars, processed ingredients, and solid fats—we will not only embrace healthier eating habits, we'll also discover a greater awareness of God's presence. Feola explains the Daniel Fast in easy-to-understand language, provides 21 thought-provoking devotionals for each day of the fast, and shares more than 100 tasty, easy-to-make recipes that follow fasting guidelines. In a conversational style, Feola helps you structure the fast so you can spend less time thinking about what to eat and more time focusing on God. You will also discover that "to fast" means "to feast" on the only thing that truly nourishes- God's powerful Word.
HOW TO GET THE FAMILY INVOLVED
Kristen encourages families to involve the older children in a fast but be practical with them as well. They can give up sugar or soda- especially for teenagers who can understand what a fast is. It is also nutritionally safe. They will get protein, vitamins and minerals. For smaller children, it is not always practical for a mom-on-the-go but it is a great opportunity to teach older kids about fasting.
CHALLENGES TO EXPECT
Some people have no side effects but most people experience headaches, tiredness or even an upset stomach or joint pains while the body detoxes. Drinking water helps to alleviate these symptoms. Caffeine withdrawals can be difficult for a working person. Gradually removing caffeine from one's diet will help withdrawal symptoms.
REINCORPORATING FOOD BACK IN
Just as there are symptoms when foods are removed from one's diet, there can also be symptoms when they try to reincorporate certain foods back into their diet. In particular avoid eating too much sugar, meat or greasy foods all at once.
DIET OR A LIFESTYLE?
Kristen has had a lot of people after the fast see such improvements in their health and overall well being that they continue with a Daniel Fast food lifestyle- maybe not as strict but making diet adjustments that they have learned work well for their body.
FASTING & YOUR HEALTH
Several people have contacted Kristen who have had health improvements because of a Daniel Fast. Kristen herself discovered that she had gluten sensitivity. A Daniel Fast is not just a religious act, it is actually good for one's body and can cleanse and de-stress the body from toxins and unhealthy foods.
FASTING & YOUR FAITH
Kristen says that fasting has helped her grow in her faith. It has brought her closer to the Lord. She has found that denying her flesh through fasting has taught her to quiet herself before God and to listen to what He is saying to her. She has learned perseverance, how to press in to God and it has increased her prayer life.
FAMILY FRIENDLY RECIPES
Kristen recommends smoothies, vegetarian chili- recipes that she might already make with some adjustments. Her book has a number of recipes that her kids love like baked oatmeal, rice and beans, black bean burgers, apricot breakfast bars and her favorite, almond butter bites, which contain almond, coconut, cinnamon and maple syrup.
PRACTICAL TIPS
Kristen recommends exercising, going for a walk. Staying active and drinking a lot of water helps flush out all the toxins out of the system as well as making sure to get enough sleep.
KRISTEN'S TOP 3 REASONS TO FAST
1. It narrows her focus on the Lord, she is more focused on Him and not as distracted with every day life
2. Kristen finds that is increases her prayer life and the intensity of her prayers
3. It increases her desire to share the Gospel with people with greater passion and boldness