Spiritual Preparation
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:8)
He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:1-4)
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. (Psalm 118:1-5)
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4: 11-13)
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God,which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:4-8)
Physical Preparation
Approximately 5-7 days prior to your fast, eliminate (or greatly reduce) the following:
- sugar, caffeine, and salt.
- meat, dairy, fried foods
- gluten (bread, pasta, sweets)
- eggs
Approximately 5-7 days prior to your fast, increase the following:
- salads
- other fresh fruits and veggies
- water and herbal teas
- fresh fruit and veggie juices (I juice at least once per day during this time)
The Shopping List
Veggies
Fruits
Roots and Herbs
Bottled or Filtered Water
It will also be important to keep yourself hydrated and flush the toxins your body will be releasing by drinking plenty of water in between juices– another minimum of 2 quarts a day. Let your urine be your guide (it should be pale yellow). I like to up the nutritional value of my water by adding lemon and cucumber slices as well. A good rule of thumb is to drink 16oz of water after every juice meal.