“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting.” – Daniel 9: 3

The Daniel Fast is a 21-day partial fast based upon the prophet Daniel’s experiences in the Bible.  The purpose of the fast is to restrict commonly enjoyed foods as an act of worship and consecration to God.  Someone who chooses to undergo a Daniel Fast demonstrates a physical commitment to pursue a closer relationship with the Lord.

On one occasion, Daniel was greatly concerned for his people and sought the Lord’s wisdom during a time of prayer and fasting.  Daniel 10: 2-3 says, “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips.”  The meaning of “choice food” is not clear; however, most commentaries conclude that he ate no bread or sweets.  The Message translation sums up Daniel’s eating habits during that time: “I ate only plain and simple food.”

​The idea behind the fast is not to duplicate Daniel’s menu but to imitate his spiritual hunger.  Daniel’s passion for the Lord caused him to seek spiritual food rather than physical food, which should be the desire for anyone doing the Daniel Fast.

The food guidelines are given to help you set boundaries for your fast.  They’re not meant to push you into legalism.  The focus of the Daniel Fast is not the food.  Instead, it’s all about setting your eyes on the Father and drawing near to Him.
FOOD LIST *
FOODS TO EAT:
  • All fruit – fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned
  • All vegetables – fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned
  • All whole grains – amaranth, barley, brown rice, oats, quinoa, millet, and whole wheat
  • All nuts & seeds – almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds; unsweetened almond milk; nut butters are also included
  • All legumes – canned or dried; black beans, black eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans, kidney beans, lentils, pinto beans, and split peas
  • All quality oils – avocado, coconut, grapeseed, olive, peanut, sesame, and walnut
  • Beverages – herbal tea, distilled water, filtered water, and spring water
  • Other – unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, or soy milk; herbs, spices, salt, pepper, unsweetened coconut flakes, seasonings, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, soy products, and tofu
FOODS TO AVOID:
  • All meat & animal products – beef, buffalo, fish, lamb, poultry, and pork
  • All dairy products – butter, cheese, cream, eggs, and milk
  • All sweeteners – agave nectar, artificial sweeteners, cane juice, honey, molasses, raw sugar, syrups, stevia, and sugar
  • All leavened bread & yeast – baked goods and Ezekiel bread (if it contains yeast and honey)
  • All refined & processed food products – artificial flavorings, chemicals, food additives, preservatives, white flour, and white rice
  • All deep-fried foods – corn chips, French fries, and potato chips
  • All solid fats – lard, margarine, and shortening
  • Beverages – alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, energy drinks, and caffeinated tea​

​*Overview & Food List Source:   http://www.ultimatedanielfast.com/ultimate-daniel-fast-about-the-daniel-fast/ (Author, Kristen Feola)
HELPFUL TIPS
  • Plan all of your meals & snacks for one whole week.  Shop for all ingredients and prepare snacks and easy meals ahead of time.
  • In the days or even meals leading up to the beginning of the fast, make your meals somewhat lighter and leaner.
  • Set time aside to read your Bible each day and seek God's guidance in your life.  Start each day by praying, and pray throughout the day.
  • During the fast, drink at least 8 glasses of water each day, with a gallon per day being your goal.
  • As much as possible, take snacks and meals with you to work and when you go out, keep temptation at a minimum.  
  • When you have finished the fast, continue to eat light meals and keep positive changes in your diet.
  • If you don't already, keep a journal handy during the fast.  Be ready to jot down what you sense God is telling you!
Here's a helpful infographic you can use!
​* Created by Dr. Axe (https://draxe.com/nutrition/daniel-fast/)
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