Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages in the world. From the morning rush to the evening pick-me-up, for many people it’s an essential ritual, but what does it mean for those who are on the Daniel Fast? The Daniel Fast is an ancient spiritual discipline and form of fasting that helps cultivate a more intimate relationship with God. Its rules are simple: no meats, no sweets, and no breads – with only water, vegetable juices, and plant-based foods allowed to be eaten.
Rather than completely foregoing coffee, many practicing the Daniel Fast are finding ways to consume it in a way that maintains the spirit of the fast. Whether that merelly means adding milk, or considering an alternative like cold brew, consuming a cup of Joe can still be part of your routine and can add balanced energizing benefits to the fast.
For starters, and as with all food and drink habits, listening to your body and understanding how your body reacts to coffee is key. If you feel like coffee is necessary, milk can be added to regular coffee and if you can, switching to milk with a lower fat content and reducing any added sugars can help alleviate some of the burden of the ingredients included in ‘traditional’ coffee. Additionally, many people have found success through trying out alternatives to ‘traditional’ coffee, like cold brew.
Cold brew is a process of preparing coffee, which creates a smooth and non-acidic cup of coffee (Martinussen et al, 2019). As the name suggests, it is brewed with cold water, and its advantages are, in comparison to regular coffee, that the cold water allows for a longer, richer extraction of the beans, making it less acidic and more flavourful. Meaning when drinking, it will not produce the harsh heartburn taste that some people may experience with hot coffee.
In terms of the ingredients, when it comes to cold brew, all that is required is cold water and coffee beans.This makes it a much more ‘natural’ type of coffee as it does not require added sugars/syrups, which in turn eliminates additional calorific intake and is ideal for those wanting to stick to healthy eating habits. It also ensures that it remains Daniel Fast friendly as everything used is within the fast requirements.
A Closer Look At the Health Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee can offer various health benefits that many participants of the Daniel Fast find particularly appealing. Cold brew coffee is rich in antioxidants, proteins, and minerals (Aparicio-Ugarriza et al, 2018) which can be beneficial in boosting the body’s natural defence system, help keep our bodies healthy during the fast, and increase the energy levels. These health benefits may be attributed to a combination of caffeine and the natural compounds found in coffee beans, that are enhanced during the cold brew process (Martinussen et al, 2019).
On top of the health benefits, the sheer convenience of cold brew coffee provides those on the Daniel Fast another way to enjoy their daily cup of coffee from the comfort of their own home. It is also a cost-effective option: as it usually yields more batches, it can additionally reduce the appearance of lines at coffee shops and/or help busy individuals skip an unnecessary step.
However, cold brew coffee does have drawbacks too. For example, when brewed with cold water, it requires more ground coffee beans, adding to the cost of your weekly shop. It also has a long brewing time characteristic to the cold water, meaning it can take up to 12-24 hours to actually make a cup of cold brew coffee. Moreover, it also carries greater risk of bacterial contamination because of its overall long brewing time.
Determining the Appropriateness of Coffee During the Fast
Another downside to consider when it comes to coffee is its activation as a stimulant, which can increase heart rate and blood-sugar levels. But, with the correct intake of coffee during the Daniel Fast, it can help provide the boost of energy that is needed during the day. It is important to note however, that the goal of the fast is to cultivate a more intimate relationship with God and stay away from anything that could alter your spiritual discipline.
Still, in determining whether or not to consume coffee during the Fast, it is important to consider your own health, nutrition, and goals. Coffee can still be a part of the routine and can provide balanced energizing effects to the Fast – as long as the user is mindful of their own body and respects the purpose of the Fast – having an intimate relationship with God.
Other Coffee Alternative Options During the Fast
People practicing the Daniel Fast can still enjoy their favourite cup of coffee without necessarily having to drink coffee as an energy booster. One such alternative is mate, an herbal tea whose leaves have been steeped in hotwater, and has an all natural caffeine content. It doesn’t necessarily have to be made hot either; some followers of the fast have discovered a unique twist – cold mate, which is a combination of regular mate with a generous amount of fruits added in.
Mate also boasts many similar health benefits to that of cold brew coffee, such as providing a natural energy boost and offering several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the body. One particular difference with mate in comparison to cold brew coffee is, where the latter carries a greater risk of bacterial contamination, there have been no reports of this with the herbal tea.
Another popular alternative, which many turn to during the Fast, is sourdough bread. Sourdough bread exists within the Daniel Fast as it covers the ‘no breads’ rule. Naturally vegan, sourdough bread is made from grains that have gone through a natural fermentation process and typically uses a sourdough starter. It’s a nutritious and filling option for those practicing the Fast; benefiting from grains, lactic acid, and a natural amount of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Weight Loss While On the Daniel Fast
As it goes with any dietary change, the key to weight loss is consistency. When practicing the Daniel Fast, essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins are consumed, leading to nutrient-dense meals. Additionally, when participating in the Fast, participants tend to decrease their caloric intake by eliminating processed, sugary sweets, fatty meats and dairy products, which makes it a perfect opportunity to lean in on healthier and more balanced foods, leading to weight loss.
When it comes to beverages, coffee and other alternative drinks such as mate, provide key vitamins and minerals while maintaining their calorie content low. Furthermore, by consuming coffee in today’s popular cold brew coffee, participants have the opportunity to have a companion beverage on the go, with fewer calories and additional minerals that can help support the weight loss process improved by the fast.
Practicing Moderation During The Fast
Whether it is coffee, mate, sourdough bread, or other snacks, everything should be consumed in moderation when participating in the Daniel Fast. People should pay attention to their own body to determine how their body responds to the added ingredients in these snacks and drinks, and thus, be able to create a personalized balanced intake for their Fast.
Additionally, it is important to remember that the Daniel Fast is a spiritual practice and therefore is meant to be taken as such. While it is intended to benefit the body, the emphasis is placed on the cultivation of a closer relationship with God. Therefore, food should not interfere with the spiritual aspect of the fast.
Mindful Eating During The Fast
In a nutshell, the Daniel Fast is about mindful eating. So, it is important to pay attention to what is being ingested into the body and practice moderation in the consumption of coffee and other beverages. It is encouraged to start by choosing foods – and drinks – that are whole and unprocessed, favoring plant-based options. In addition, cold brew coffee can be an excellent choice enabling participants to still enjoy their cup of Joe while sticking to the Daniel Fast.
Moreover, the Fast can be a time to listen to your body and create your own ritual with the coffee and other snacks being consumed during the Fast. Overall, it is important to remember that coffee can still be part of the Fast with the right choices; particular consideration should be given in order to benefit from maximum enjoyment while still understanding and respecting the purpose of the Daniel Fast.
Supplementing The Daniel Fast With Spiritual Practices
Spiritual practices are key when it comes to the Daniel Fast, as it is meant to create a closer relationship with God by freeing the body from the fog of physical cravings. The Fast should enable the participant to be fully present and open to potential spiritual insight, which starts with being mindful of the food choices. Additionally, journaling, prayer and worshiping are recommended activities to center in on the spiritual aspect of the Daniel Fast.
Moreover, meditation can help transform and cleanse on a deeper level. The Daniel Fast can be just the starting point in this process, by bringing the mind and body back to its original form. While on the fast you can use meditation to bring back the focus to its original purpose, which is to become closer to God through the act of self-purge.
An Effective Integration of Diet and Spirituality
By understanding the motivation behind the Daniel Fast and utilizing key practices, anyone can cleanse and identify the most important aspects of their life. All of these activities combined with a healthy, balanced diet can help individuals create an effective integration of diet and the desired spirituality.
Overall, the Daniel Fast offers a great opportunity for individuals to connect, learn and grow. By paying attention to the body’s reactions to different foods, one can cultivate a strong connection to both spiritual and physical nourishment. As seen, cold brew, mate and other plant-based options are great additions to the Daniel Fast and can support the Fast’s numerous benefits.
