THE FAST AND THE DELICIOUS

Every January, I join millions of other Christians and enter a period of fasting and prayer.   I like starting the year off with clarity and direction and for me that is always a result of fasting.  One year I did a juice fast for 15 days.  Another year I fasted breakfast and lunch and only ate when the sun went down.  That lasted 21 days.  This year, my plan was to do the Daniel Fast, based on Daniel in the bible.   Daniel ate only fruits and vegetables and drank water for 10 days.  At the end of the fast he had more wisdom and vision and looked better too.  (Daniel 1:12-17).  This is what I wanted to do.  However, in my research for the fast, I came across a plan:  The Daniel Plan, also primarily based on scripture but encourages a healthy way of life.  I was intrigued.

The Daniel Plan is a program designed by Pastor Rick Warren, Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Mehmet Oz.  Concentrating on Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus and Friends, this plan guides you in to making better health choices and helps take your relationship with God to another level.  I decided, for 40 days, instead of just doing a Daniel fast, I would follow the Daniel Plan and so far, it has been amazing! 

As with any fast, you want to begin with goals in mind.  What is the purpose?  How long will it last?   Often times in the bible when a group was called to fast and pray, it was to move God in some way to move in our lives.  The same applies with this plan.  The way it has been designed, it encourages you create smart goals and in the process of achieving them, you draw near to God and create healthy habits. 

Every month I share a recipe (because I love to cook!) and it usually corresponds to what is going on in my life.  So for this month’s recipe, I have a fast friendly, crown pleasing appetizer for the big game, compliments of The Daniel Plan. 

Try the dip…its delicious!  And try The Daniel Plan.  You won’t regret it!

Mending Maria

Super Bowl Sunday Dip

Mark Hyman MD

A remake of the classic seven-layer dip, this is a super dairy- and gluten-free party food. Serve with sliced fresh vegetables. Serving size: ¼ cup

Ingredients:

1 cup vegetarian refried beans

1 medium avocado, chopped (about 3/4 cup)

3 tablespoons minced red onion

2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon finely chopped oregano

1 teaspoon minced jalapeño pepper

1/4 cup minced cilantro

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 cup diced roasted red bell pepper (page 150)

1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

Preparation:

1. Spread the refried beans in a shallow bowl or platter.

2. In a small bowl, stir together the avocado, red onion, lime juice, oregano, jalapeño, 2 tablespoons of the cilantro, and the salt. Spread the mixture on the refried beans.

3. Sprinkle the roasted red pepper over the avocado mixture and top with the tomatoes and remaining cilantro.