So I have been fasting for approximately 1.5 weeks so far. I am at the halfway mark. Here's my update on my fast. Keep reading for food ideas! I will make a separate post for recipes.
When I first started, it was surprisingly easy. It definitely helps that I am partnering with my church on this journey. The past few times that I have participated, I did it alone and there were many temptations. It definitely made it harder to persevere through it all. Having friends and my niece joining me has strengthened me. However, this week (my second!) is harder than my first. I started having a busy schedule and energy is definitely required. I get hungry easily and sometimes feel unsatisfied after eating a meal. It was important to remember why I am doing this fast. It is not for any dietary reasons, but only for the sake of God's glory and power to show through.

In this transition stage that I am in, it is hard to not compare yourself to others around you. During school, everyone is doing the same thing--take classes, procrastinate and attempt to finish homework. However, it is no longer the case. Everyone is spread out, doing their own things. During my first week, I felt hopeless because I lacked purpose. And it definitely does not soothe your pains to go on social media. During the nights, I would pray my thoughts and worries. And yes! God does answer your prayers, in His timing of course! His timing may not seem the best at times, especially when we feel sucky. However, I chose to trust in the Lord and His goodness through it all. Anyways, at the end of my first week, I received my first acceptance into graduate school! Woooohoooooooo~~ And it felt as if all my worries of being a waste of space were silly. It was definitely a reassurance that this stage that I am in is not forever. God has good things in stored.

Another thing I learned was that sugar is in everything nowadays. Looking at labels has made me aware of how much sugar/cane sugar/corn syrup has infiltrated our food system. It is sad because there are so many times when I want to snack... but oh no, it's plagued with sugar.

My Pro-Tip: Changing up your meals is important! Be sure to add lots of variety in your meals so that you don't get bored. In addition, having Daniel fast food readily available allows you to prevent temptation! So think of some readily available snacks or leftovers when you are experiencing the "hangry" symptoms.

Here are some of the food ideas that I have been munching on:
- unsalted peanut butter (crunchy of course!) + a lil bit of honey sandwich
- oatmeal with unsweetened soymilk, topped with bananas
- pasta tossed with veggies of all sorts (mushrooms, corn, onions, garlic)
- baked potato wedges, seasoned with salt, pepper, rosemary and other herbs
- chinese mustard & tofu soup: add some ginger slices, firm tofu, chinese mustard (gai choy), sweet potato chunks (my favorite! but optional) into a pot of hot water, boil for one hour and slurp away~
- Chinese papaya soup (featured in the bottom picture):  papaya, corn, shitaki mushroom, white fungus (雪耳), dried orange peel, Chinese almonds (南杏+ 北杏), lotus seeds (莲子)
- baked sweet potatoes for some yummy sweet carbs
- hot pot! add daikon, tofu, various types of mushrooms, taro, tomatoes, leafy greens, corn cobs & other veggies
- stir-fry: just add some veggies and let yourself get carried away on the pan!
- garlic bread (click here for recipe!)
- berry banana smoothies (will post recipe soon!)

Thanks for reading! If you are fasting too, I pray that God will provide for you in many ways! Good luck.

--- J.