10 Day Diet of Fruit

The 10-day fruit diet is a detoxifying cleanse whose roots go back to biblical times. Based on the Old Testament's Book of Daniel, the diet is derived from the reported nutritional habits of Daniel. Banished to a lion's den, Daniel walks out unharmed when God closes the mouths of the hungry lions. But Philip Bridgeman, author of "Daniel's Diet," remembers Daniel not for this heroic bout with the lions but for his ability to maintain a strict and healthy diet in the face of temptation of the greatest foods and wines.

History

According to the Bible, Daniel was a slave of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon after conquering Jerusalem in 605 BC. Babylonians believed in integrating select slaves into their culture, teaching them their language so they could be put to work doing clerical duties. Daniel was one of those selected to live on the king's grounds and be taught. In order to entice these slaves, they were allowed to eat and drink anything from the king's own kitchen, however much they liked. Daniel refused to go crazy and eat everything in sight like the other slaves. He chose to be physically and spiritually healthy, eating only fruits and vegetables and drinking only water.

10-Day Challenge

The king was unhappy with Daniel's refusal to eat as the others did, and Daniel made an offer. After 10 days, he would be measured against the other slaves, and their appearance would be compared and judged. If Daniel did not look healthier than these other men, then he would be used as slave labor or, worse yet, put to death. According to the Book of Daniel, "At the end of 10 days Daniel looked healthier and better nourished than the youths who had been eating the food supplied by the king."

Fruit

Bridgeman makes the case for fruit, saying it is one of the most nutritious food groups yet is eaten the least. Eating solid, healthy, natural foods not only improves your spiritual heath but relieves your digestive system of the burden of unnatural foods. And according to nutritionist Jay Robb, fruit is nature's perfect cleansing food. A diet of fruit can rid your body of the toxins of everyday life, leaving your body feeling physical fit and your mind at ease. Throughout the 10 days, fresh fruit should be consumed every two to three hours, at least five times a day.

Foods

While fruit is the primary ingredient, other wholesome vegetables or nuts can substitute a couple of meals. Kathleen Roberts of Lovetoknow.com lists these foods as:

Artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, kale, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, peppers, radish, rutabaga, scallions, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips and zucchini.

Additionally, nuts and seeds, brown rice, whole grain oats and barley are allowed.

Warnings

The 10-day fruit diet is a cleansing program and should not be continued past 10 days. Consult your doctor before drastically changing your eating habits. Take a few days before starting the program to gradually ease your body into the diet change; a sudden change in diet can cause vomiting, irritability and fatigue.