What is the Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast or Daniel Diet is based upon the prophet Daniel’s dietary and spiritual experiences as recorded in the Book of Daniel in the Bible. It’s a partial fast that focuses very heavily on vegetables and other healthy whole foods, but leaves out any animal sources of protein. Many users of this biblically-based fasting method follow it for 21 consecutive days.
The Daniel Fast: Its Origin
The Daniel Fast is based on verses from the Bible found in Daniel 10:2-3. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.”
The Daniel Fast: Its Purpose
While the Daniel Fast is cleansing your body by omitting certain foods for a limited time, the deeper and true basis of intent is for spiritual connection. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink. Your focus is to be on God, not on the fleshly things of the world. Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God.
During the Daniel Fast you will want to concentrate on prayer, Bible study, and reflection. The Daniel Fast is a great way to enter into preparation for growing in the Lord.
The Daniel Fast: The Guidelines
The basic guidelines for the Daniel Fast include eating:
- fruits, nuts
- vegetables
- water only to drink (to flush out toxins) Some say natural fruit juices may be included if they contain no preservatives, sugars, etc., but even those juices should be very limited. Coffee and tea are not permitted.
- The Daniel Fast should eliminate all meats, pastries, chips, breads, and fried food.
First-Time Fasting? No Worries!
- Do I have to fast every day? Not at all. Even skipping one meal or choosing certain days counts.
- Health concerns? Listen to your body and stay hydrated. Safety first!
- Can I fast from other things? Yes! Social media, TV, or other distractions are perfect alternatives.
Does fasting actually work?
Throughout the Bible, united prayer and fasting often came right before a major victory, miracle, or answer to prayer. It’s a way we align ourselves with God and stand against the enemy. Many spiritual giants—Moses, Elijah, Esther, Ezra, Job, David, Daniel, Peter, Paul, and even Jesus fasted. Now it’s your turn to see what God can do through it!
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Foods to Include
- Fruits: All fresh, frozen, canned (without added sugars), and dried fruits are allowed. Examples include apples, bananas, berries, oranges, and grapes.
- Vegetables: All fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables (without added sauces) are permitted. This includes leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.
- Whole Grains: Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas are excellent sources of protein and should be included in your meals.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are great for healthy fats. Nut butters (without added sugars) are also allowed including peanut butter.
- Healthy Oils: Olive oil, coconut oil, and other plant-based oils can be used for cooking and dressings.
- Beverages: Water is the primary beverage. Herbal teas and natural fruit juices (without added sugars) may also be consumed in moderation.
- Other: Tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.
Foods to Avoid
- Animal Products: All meat, dairy, and eggs should be avoided.
- Processed Foods: Foods with added sugars, artificial ingredients, and preservatives are not allowed.
- Refined Grains: White rice, white bread, and other refined grain products should be excluded.
- Caffeinated Beverages: Coffee and caffeinated drinks are typically avoided during the fast.
- All sweeteners including sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
- All fried foods: Potato chips ect.
