This is a whole new opportunity to facilitate growth in the inner person through denying self of certain foods and drinks. Susan Gregory offers this book as a guide for a form of partial “fasting,” a fast that allows the foods eaten by Daniel and the three Hebrew boys during their initial period of  Babylonian captivity. For spiritual reasons, these young men refused to eat the King’s food and drink. Instead, they drank water and ate pulse, any seed-bearing food (vegetables, fruits, and grains). They fared very well.

As Gregory explains, a true “fast” is a relationship of denying food or drink for the purpose of a spiritual goal. The Daniel Fast incorporates devotionals, biblical background, a food list, and recipes. It is easy to read but serious in intent. My church ladies have participated in the Daniel Fast two times and are eager to do it again. They also purchased the workbook which works well as a compliment study. This is an excellent group activity. We saw much improvement in our physical health during the fast and also noticed a sharpness in our spiritual side as we completed the study.

All the women on the fast felt more energy, clearer mind alertness, and felt a greater sense sense of well-being during The Daniel Fast. They are determined to continue eating healthier by choosing to prepare and eat health building foods as part of their daily diets. This is an exceptional opportunity to get a handle on the negative influences of processed foods and sugars on our bodies. It truly is an amazing month-long, revitalizing make-over. It works best when done with a partner or group. There was so much joy and excitement in the group. The ladies were excited about feeling better, losing a few pounds, and gaining spiritual insights, with much more buy-in by the participants than I have ever experienced before in leading women’s studies. . .which is saying a lot.