A Healthier Lifestyle Through God-Given Nutrition
Are you familiar with the Daniel Fast? In the first chapter of Daniel, the story begins after Daniel and his companions are imprisoned in another country. The king observes their high intellect and wisdom and decides to use them to benefit his kingdom. They were given the privilege of eating the king’s food (meats) and drinking the king’s elegant wine. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank” (Daniel 1:8, KJV).
Daniel appealed to the chief steward to permit a ten-day test where he and his companions would only eat vegetables and water. Daniel asked the steward to make his decision based on the results. The test was approved. To their amazement, ten days later, Daniel and his companions were fairer and more robust in appearance than all the other youths. The steward kept his word and permitted them to continue their way of eating.
With faith in God, Daniel practiced courageous discipline. It couldn’t have been easy to stick to a healthy diet when rich foods were in abundance to tempt his taste buds. Passionately, he held to his beliefs. As a result, the king recognized Daniel and his companions to be far above all the other youth in matters of wisdom and understanding.
Over the past few years more and more scientific research demonstrates the best way to reduce inflammation in blood vessels, lower risk for heart disease and cancer, bring diabetes under good control, and manage weight is to follow a diet like the one Daniel ate. Eat more plant-based foods. Examples include beans, vegetables, fruits, quinoa, farro, and avocados (my favorite) and lower intake of processed foods and sugar sweetened beverages. Research also demonstrates that intake of at least two servings of fermented foods (i.e. Greek yogurt, sauerkraut, Kombucha) daily will further improve gut health also resulting in lower inflammation in the body.
What’s interesting is that science has finally caught up with God’s dietary plan for us found in the first book of the Bible, Genesis 1: 29: “Then God said, I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”
Indeed, it’s not easy making dietary changes when the majority of food at Thanksgiving, Christmas, restaurants, banquets, weddings, funerals, anniversaries, and reunions is similar to the king’s food. However, it is still possible. I pray that you will make the decision to first fill your plate with vegetables, beans, and fruit and let your meat (if possible) be a piece of fish, preferably salmon. When you start to feel different and begin to notice the changes in your appearance, may these differences be just enough to continue you on a healthier God-given life journey.
God satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103: 5 kjv
Interested in reading more of my writings: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732039615
