Monday, January 13, 2014 - 6:05pm

Tyler, TX (KETK) Americans are constantly searching for a diet plan to help lose weight quickly. Whether this is through a juice cleanse, the Paleo diet, Atkins, or a number of other fads, the list gets longer and longer each year. However, most overlook one that has been around for 2,000 years, and comes from the bible. This is commonlyknown as the "Daniel Fast".

This diet is a detox that requires eating only fruits and vegetables for 10 days. There are a few variations of this strict vegan diet, but for some, beans, oats, and barley are allowed. Vitamins and lots of water are also recommended.

However to some, this is notjust a diet. It isconsidered a fast. KETK spoke with Senior Pastor Demarcus Pierson from Omega Ministry, who's entire congregation is participating in this fast. Pierson said, "The Daniel Fast is pretty much a fast that of course we have derived from the bible, for our spiritual enlightenment and enhancement". This stems from the prophet Daniel, who challenged the king by refusing to eat the food he offered. Instead, onlyconsuming fruits and vegetables for 10 days. If Daniel failed to be as healthy as the others, hewould be put to death or enslaved.At the end of his fast, he came out healthier and stronger than the King's servants (Daniel 1:12-13). Pastor Demarcus shared the main goal in participating inthis fast is, "To really get closer to God and to help build and discipline our souls and our body".

For others who use this as a diet plan, Nutritionist Jon Shoop from Total Nutrition, believesthis is a diet that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Shoop said, "It is a dietI would recommend. The only issueI see with it is getting enough calories in throughout the day, because it is very, very hard to get enough calories simply from vegetablesandfruit". Shoop recommends incorporating fish orchicken if this diet is maintained for longer than 10 days. Also, like any diet, it is important to contact your nutritionist or doctor to follow a proper routine.

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Bible-based diet sweeps East Texas