Eating The Daniel Plan Way means you can eat anything based on one rule: Eat real, whole food. Eat a colorful variety of real, whole foods from real ingredients that you make yourself – or that are made by another human nearby. If it was grown on a plant, eat it. If it was made in a plant, leave it on the shelf.
We don’t count calories on The Daniel Plan, but focus on the quality of food and overall long--term health. When you consume lots of fresh vegetables and low-glycemic fruit, a moderate amount of lean protein, healthy whole grains and healthy fats, your palate will begin to change and you will be able to make better, satisfying food choices without the need to count every calorie.
The Daniel Plan is rooted in a simple principle: Take the junk out, and invite the abundance in. It’s a high-carb diet—but they are unrefined, unprocessed, low-glycemic carbs, otherwise known as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans.
Using The Daniel Plan “perfect” plate visual will give you an easy guideline for any meal:
– 50 percent non--starchy veggies
– 25 percent healthy animal or vegetable proteins
– 25 percent healthy starch or whole grains
– Side of low--glycemic fruit
– Drink – water or herbal teas.
Simple Tips for Eating The Daniel Plan Way:
– Fill half your plate with colorful (non--starchy) vegetables.
– Limit starchy vegetables such as potatoes, winter squash, or cooked beets (only 1/4 of your plate).
– Limit (or eliminate) sugar and flour products.
– Eat protein for breakfast such as a whole food protein shake, whole eggs, or an omelet, or have dinner for breakfast. Or incorporate more nuts and seeds into breakfast.
– Add good fats to your diet such as extra--virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds, and extra virgin coconut butter.
– Replace starchy pasta choices with some gluten free grains such as buckwheat, black or brown rice, or quinoa.
– Consider additional sources of protein such as beans such as lentils or chickpeas.
– Choose a lean protein source (animal or plant) at every meal.
– Carry snacks such as nuts and veggies with hummus to avoid a food emergency.
– Plan ahead so you’ll be satisfied throughout the day.
It’s about abundance, not deprivation when you’re eating The Daniel Plan way. Your daily choices, with God’s limitless power, done with a community of friends, can help you launch each day with intention and purpose. Progress begins with a shift in perspective: focusing on the good and acknowledging the abundance.
