What is The Daniel Plan?
Inspired by the Bible story from the first Chapter of the Book of Daniel, The Daniel Plan is a 52-week program to help you adapt a healthy lifestyle--not just another short-term diet. The Daniel Plan curriculum has been designed by three world-renowned doctors including brain expert Dr. Daniel Amen, functional medicine pioneer Dr. Mark Hyman, and heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz. Since being launched January 15, 2011, more than 9,500 people have started the plan, including Pastor Rick Warren who announced his goal of losing 90 lbs.
As part of the Saddleback Church "Decade of Destiny" campaign, The Daniel Plan provides weekly education, motivation and resources via www.danielplan.com to help improve your physical--and spiritual--health. On the Website, you can enter your profile, update your progress and be a part of one of the largest clinical studies about changing lifestyle habits.
5 Healthy Habits & Basic Rules of The Daniel Plan
To simplify the wide range of information provided for The Daniel Plan, we've outlined the primary Healthy Habits and Basic Rules of The Daniel Plan. Each of these topics, and more, are addressed in-depth at www.danielplan.com. Try using the "search" function to quickly access specific information.
1 - Personalize the plan
2 - Eat right
3 - Add physical and mental activity
4 - Fill nutrition gaps with supplements
5 - Stay motivated
1 - Personalize Your Plan
- See your doctor(s)
- Annual checkup
- Get full blood panel (optional)
- Record basic statistics, take quizzes
- Weight, waist size, blood pressure
- Body Mass Index (BMI), Medical Symptom Questionnaire, Resting heart rate
- Brain type
- Get started - Enter your numbers and complete your Health Profile and Extended Profile by clicking "Get Started" at www.danielplan.com.
2 - Eat Right
- Real, whole, fresh organic, unprocessed foods & spices
- Vegetables and fruits
- Foods containing Omega 3 fats and fiber
- Drink green tea, skim milk and water
- Eliminate toxic items
- Don't drink your calories (sodas, juices)
- Read the label: If you can't pronounce it, put it down.
- High fructose corn syrup/hydrogenated oils/sugar/enriched
- Consider detoxifying your body to address potential food allergies
- Meal timing & snacks
- Eat nutritious breakfast with lots of proteins
- Add healthy snacks throughout the day
- Low fat lunches
- Light dinners
- Proteins
- Free-range poultry, wild fish
- Legume, nuts
- Dining out strategies
- Ask for the nutritional profiles
- Order what you want, not what's on the menu
- Use cost-effective strategies
3 - Add Physical and Mental Activity
- Enhance your flexibility
- Get moving: Aerobic conditioning
- Add strength training
- Engage in group classes
- Try Fitness Ministries like Walk and Worship, Sports & Adventure
4. Fill Nutrition Gaps with Supplements
- Take a Multi-vitamin every day
- Make sure you get enough Vitamin D
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA)
5 - Learn Ways to Stay Motivated
- Join/Start Small Group or find a workout buddy or health champion
- Take the Spiritual Health Assessment
- Rest, Journal your journey
- Help others by becoming a Health Champion
- Stay connected online
- www.danielplan.com
- Watch the monthly webcasts
- Attend quarterly Daniel Plan seminars
- Facebook, Twitter