Day 5 - Fast Friendly Feasts

Hi friends and happy Thursday! I want to congratulate you and myself for making it this far into our 21 Days of Blogging journey! I hope you have been enjoying it just as much as I have. Yesterday's topic was little heavy, so to break it up a little, today I thought I would share with you all my favorite fast friendly meals and snacks. If you're doing the Daniel Fast, you know there is a very small window of opportunity when it comes to food, so you've got to get creative. If you're not doing the Daniel Fast or just aren't fasting at all, then you can just enjoy these recipes as alternative options for some of your favorite foods! Let's get into it.

Black Bean Chili - Perfect for a hearty meal that is dairy and meat free! Perfect for this cooler time of year and allows you to feel full. When I do the Daniel Fast, I always struggle with feeling full enough to sustain myself for the day - this meal helps with that.

Ingredients:

• Can of Black Beans

• Can of Green Chili Tomatoes

• Can of Corn

• Chicken Broth

• Half of Green and Red Bell Pepper

• 1-2 Tabs of Beef Bouillon

• Butter

• Minced Garlic

• Onion Powder

• Garlic Powder

• Sazon

• Salt and Pepper to taste

1. In a medium pot add a tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. While simmering on Med/Low heat, cut up both peppers to your liking. Open all your cans but only drain the corn. Once the garlic is fragrant, add in your canned items and peppers.

2. Sauté these ingredients together for about 5-7 mins still on Med/Low heat. Season these items with a little salt and pepper. After 5-7 minutes, add in your chicken broth. Mix together and put a lid on for about 10 mins.

3. After 10 mins, remove the lid and add your beef bouillon and remaining seasonings. Add as much seasoning until you are fully satisfied with the taste. Place the lid back on for another 10 mins on Low heat.

4. Add your favorite garnish and enjoy! This can serve 2-3 people.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa - This isn't really substituting anything because salsa is fast friendly - but this adds a fun twist and helps you get your protein in! It's super refreshing and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• Can of Black Beans

• Can of Corn

• Roma Tomato (2)

• Has Avocado (1)

• Half of a Purple Onion

• Oil

• Vinegar

• Cilantro

• Lime

• Adobo

• Creole Seasoning

• Black Pepper

1. Dice up your onion, tomatoes, and avocadoes AND drain both canned items. Add these things to a bowl.

2. Then, add in about 3 tablespoons of oil and a tablespoon of vinegar. Add in all your seasonings along with the juice of half a lime.

3. Mix the ingredients together and garnish with the cilantro. Enjoy this with a nice bag of blue corn tortilla chips!

If you plan to go out with friends and don't know what to eat while you're out? Here's my go to Chipotle order during the Daniel Fast! Chipotle - Salad Bowl, Brown Rice, Black Beans, Sofritas, Fajita Veggies, Guacamole, Salsa, Corn and the Vinaigrette dressing

Last but not least, my favorite snacks!

1. Apples and Peanut Butter

2. Bananas and Peanut Butter

3. Plain Oatmeal with Bananas

4. Veggie Straw Chips (Ranch Flavored)

5. Blue Corn Chips and Guacamole

6. PICKLES!!!

I know this post wasn't super spiritual but I hope it still helped in some way! These are things I still eat even when I am not fasting just as replacements for other bad eating habits I have from time to time. And don't forget that fasting isn't about pressure, it's about power. The power doesn't come from your ability to be perfect every day for 21 days, it comes from your yes and willingness to surrender!! Then, let God do the rest. Have the best day!

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the opportunity to grow and change. We thank you that even in times of being without, you still take care of us. We pray that you would receive our continued surrender over the next 17 days of the fast. We love you and honor you. In Jesus name, Amen.