The Daniel Cure: Christ-Centered Lifestyle Approach Calls Individuals to Take Back Their Faith
Mary, a 46-year-old mother of two, walked into the meeting room with her head held high and a beaming smile on her face. She seemed eager to share her story. "I have never been able to stick with a healthy eating plan. I've been overweight since I can remember. And now I feel great! I'm in control of my eating with the Daniel Fast plan and I believe I can maintain this approach for the rest of my life!" Mary's confidence was new for her. As someone who had been obese, and now had hope, she had a new lease on life.
As you may know, the lifestyle disease known as obesity has increased to epidemic proportions in recent years and afflicts children, adolescents, and adults from all walks of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 36% of adults currently living in the United States are obese – up from approximately 13% just 50 years ago. By the year 2030, approximately 42% of adults living in the United States are estimated to be obese.
While obesity is strongly associated with the increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain forms of cancer, the economic burden of obesity is staggering. For example, The Campaign to End Obesity estimates obesity-related costs at close to $190 billion a year in the United States, with numbers only to rise.
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What is the answer to obesity?
What can halt this crisis? While the answers vary – ranging from surgical intervention to increased physical activity to psychological counseling – most experts agree that dietary modifications, like those used by Mary, should be the first course of action for the majority of individuals. Unfortunately, the long-term success of most dietary plans is poor and most people quickly become frustrated and give up.
Enter the Daniel Cure plan. Based on the Daniel Fast, a 21-day period of prayer and partial "plant-based" fasting, the Daniel Cure is a lifestyle approach aimed at healthy living. Although most individuals begin the Daniel Fast with the goal of becoming closer to God during a time of focused prayer, like Mary, many have been amazed by the physical transformation that also takes place.
Having personal experience with the Daniel Fast, Dr. Bloomer designed a clinical study back in 2009 to determine the potential health benefits of this plan. The results were more than impressive and other clinical studies have been conducted since, documenting the health benefits of the Daniel Fast program (see www.danielfastresearch.com). In particular, individuals have lost a significant amount of body weight, as well as experienced reductions in blood pressure, blood cholesterol, blood glucose and insulin, and systematic inflammation. The majority of participants following the Daniel Fast also feel physically energized, with more focus and clarity of mind.
Why the Daniel Cure?
Perhaps you are concerned about your own health or the health of your loved ones – and believe that the Daniel Cure plan might be just what you need to take control of your health. While the nutritional guidelines of the Daniel Cure are based on scientific evidence, it's important to note that the Daniel Cure plan is not simply about food and is in no way just another diet program. The Daniel Cure addresses the whole person – spirit, soul and body. During a spiritual fast – and with the Daniel Cure approach – you gain your guidance from God and consider His desire for your health. Then, you move toward improved health in your attitudes, habits and submission to the Creator.
With other dietary plans, either you act as your own guide and then work hard to stay on track or you seek the guidance of an industry "expert" who then takes on the responsibility of working with you to hopefully achieve the desired outcome. While such an approach might work fine for the minority, the reality is that the majority of individuals will fail with such an approach. In fact, evidence indicates that close to 90-95% of all individuals attempting to launch a successful program of healthy eating will ultimately fail.
The Daniel Cure approach is different because you partner with your Creator and come to Him in focused prayer, you surrender your carnal self to Him, and you allow Him to take full hold of your life to change you according to His will from inside out. Seek His empowerment as you tackle the challenge of improving your own health and then rejoice as you grow closer to Him spiritually.
Like Mary, overcoming a lifetime of poor eating habits, possibly involving addictive behavior, is a daunting task. We certainly do not want to make the mistake of attempting to do this in our own power. As believers in Christ Jesus, we have the Creator of the universe living within us, walking with us every step of the way.
The Daniel Cure is all about seeking guidance from the Lord as you begin this journey. He will meet you right where you are.
