Let’s finish with some nitty-gritty practical details. I realize this might be a little late–I’ve heard from several of you that you’re already in the middle of your 40-day fast. But whether you’re already in the middle, or still considering and praying about embarking on a fast, hopefully these “field notes” will be encouraging along the way.
FASTING SURVIVAL GUIDE
The day before the fast began, a dear friend gifted me with what she called a “fasting survival guide.”
In an incredible labor of love, she put together a special journal with a color-coordinated pen 😉 and a special message and scripture tucked away into a tiny envelope at the top of the page for each day of the fast. Every single day! Every single morning I would come downstairs, get my Bible and my journal, and open my special envelope and read her encouraging message and scripture. 
It was SUCH a huge blessing to have this personal encouragement and to have a special verse from God to begin my day. It also helped me be mindful about journalling every day, and keeping record of all the emotions, experiences, and insights from God. I can’t imagine doing the fast without it — it was truly my survival kit!
RECIPES
I only share these as an example of one way to embark on a 40 day fast. This was what I did, and it provided adequate nutrition. Physically, I felt great. I had no headaches, stomach aches, no physical issues. Of course, the Lord will guide you to what you should go, but in case this can be helpful:
Protein Shake (Breakfast)
- 1 cup rice milk (or coconut milk) plus about another cup of water/ice (Costco’s brand has no added sugar and is the best price in the 12-carton case)
- Spoonful of sunflower butter (I got at Costco)
- Vega or Orgain protein powder (Orgain chocolate is my fav, Costco carries both)
- 2 tsp. Dandy blend (optional: This is a detox tea blend that I love. But it tastes delicious without.)
Blend until smooth.
Smoothie (Lunch)
- 1 cup rice milk, coconut milk, or water
- 1/2 mango or 1 frozen peach
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- Amazing Grass superfood powder
- 5 TB chia seeds (added after blending)
Blend until smooth, then add chia.
Rice & Spinach (Dinner)
- Brown rice (Costco has a great deal on organic, short-grain brown rice that’s delicious)
Cook according to directions, then add:
- 1 TB coconut oil
- 2-3 TB hemp seeds
Serve over a plate of baby spinach.
*After a few weeks, we felt freedom to add lime juice, cilantro, and sometimes garlic or onions (which tastes like heaven after eating it plain for awhile!)
—
Final thoughts: Usually it’s easier to be hungry in the morning rather than late afternoon. Even though I’m an early-riser, I aimed to have my breakfast shake between 9-10am, lunch between 1-2pm, and then could make it to dinner around 5:30pm without completely falling apart. 😉 I’d go for a daily walk around 12:30-1:30pm which helped me really focus in prayer during hunger, plus walking made it less tempting to eat lunch early. If there was a day I felt particularly tired (or cold, which is very common when fasting) I’d take a hot shower and drink a cup of hot herbal tea.
That’s it! I know many of you are in the middle of, or just about to embark on a 40-day fast, and I’d love to hear how God leads you in your specific fast, what you lay aside, how He meets you, what you learn, etc. I’ve been struck by how simple it is to just set something–anything–aside for a season in order to seek the Father more fully.
While I’m not in the middle of a fast now, I feel like God is constantly showing me ways I can turn aside from distractions, fillers, and needless things in order to sharpen my focus and look to Him more fully. I don’t always obey His nudges, but I long to. I’ve never regretted a single moment seeking His face, and we will never regret forsaking an earthly pleasure in order to know Him more. It’ll be worth it.
{Thanks so much for following along on this series. Happy weekend. Thanks for reading.}