One of the first things you think about as you prepare for your Daniel Fast is the foods that you’ll eat. And that’s all okay. However, please keep in mind that the Daniel Fast, or any kind of spiritual fasting, is not about the food.

Yes, you will change what you eat during your fast. This is a time to prepare simple meals and to reduce the importance that food has in your life.

As we work to fast food, we want to remember that it “isn’t about food!” Keep the first thing the first thing which is to have more time to spend with God, to draw nearer to Him, and to allow more of Him in your life. Otherwise, it is just a diet. We want to make space for more of the Lord.

Here are six tips you can use to make sure you don’t focus on the food and instead seek first God and His kingdom.

One:

We already said this, but during your fast, spend more time with the Lord! Your capacity to hear Him and connect with Him will increase. The whole goal of our 21-day fast and prayer is to know the Lord more. Plan for how you will do this. It will be challenging at first and will get easier as you move through the 21 days.

Two:

Have a little meeting with yourself. Think about the importance of satisfying your appetite during your fast. Are you willing to deny the flesh? Are you willing to learn how to crucify the flesh so you can draw nearer to God? Eating more simply will help you in this part of your spiritual journey.

Three:

Plan simple and easy-to-prepare meals. Free up time and thought to give to the Lord by preparing meals in advance.

Four:

Find simple recipes for your Daniel Fast. Over the next 21 days, what are three breakfasts that you can consume? What are 5-6 dinner meals? What are three snacks you can prepare and have available? How can you use leftovers for lunches? Or what are 3-4 simple lunch menus you can plan? Use the recipes above to help.

Five:

If you prepare meals for others who are not on the fast, consider making the foods you consume during your fast part of the meal you serve to others. If you have soup with salad, then serve that to your family and then add an entree or another side dish for them. Be an example to those around you. Remain in joy and love.

Six:

Notice the changes going on in you as you change the way you eat during your fast. Discover how cravings disappear. Notice the increased energy you experience and the healing that your body may undergo.