The Daniel Fast is based on the fasting experiences of the prophet Daniel, as described in the Bible. In the book of Daniel, there are two significant fasting periods where Daniel abstains from specific foods to draw closer to God. The first is found in Daniel 1:12 where Daniel and his companions eat only vegetables and drink water for 10 days. The second fast is in Daniel 10:2-3, where Daniel refrains from eating "pleasant food" for 21 days.
This fast is typically done as a spiritual discipline to focus on prayer, seek God's guidance, and grow closer to Him, often over a 21-day period. It’s not only about abstaining from certain foods, but also about dedicating time to prayer, Bible study, and reflection.
What is the Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, meaning that some foods are consumed while others are avoided. It’s often described as a plant-based diet, free from animal products and processed foods. This fast emphasizes a whole-foods, plant-based eating approach, mirroring the simplicity and humility Daniel practiced during his time of seeking God.
The purpose of the Daniel Fast is spiritual growth. By removing rich, pleasurable foods from your diet, you can focus more intently on prayer and connecting with God, reminding yourself that He is the source of all provision.
Foods to Eat on the Daniel Fast
Amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, freekeh, millet, oats, purple rice, quinoa, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, whole grain pasta, whole wheat, and wild rice
Black beans, black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans, kidney beans, lentils, peanuts, pinto beans, and split peas
Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, nut butters, peanuts (actually legumes but people think of them as nuts), pecans, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), pine nuts, pistachios, poppy seeds, walnuts, sesame seeds, soy nuts, sunflower seeds
All vegetables are allowed (fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, and canned)
All fruit is allowed (fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, and canned). However, any dried fruit shouldn’t contain added sugar (check ingredients to be sure
Oils (such as coconut, olive, and sesame, for example) are allowed but should be used minimally. For example, you can sauté foods in olive oil but avoid deep-frying them
Water should be the main beverage on your Daniel Fast. Distilled, filtered, sparkling, spring, and mineral water are allowed as well. However, you may have 100% fruit juice on occasion (just don’t overdo it). You can also use 100% fruit juice in recipes. Also, unsweetened non-dairy milk is acceptable (such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk)
- Unleavened bread (whole grain bread made without yeast, sugars, or preservatives
- All herbs, spices, and seasonings are allowed, including salt and pepper.
- Soy products (such as edamame and soy nuts) and tofu are acceptable.
Foods to Avoid on the Daniel Fast
- Meat (bacon, beef, bison, chicken, lamb, pork, and turkey).
- Dairy (butter, cheese, cream, milk, and yogurt)
- Fish
- Eggs
Agave nectar, artificial sweeteners, brown rice syrup, brown sugar, cane juice, corn syrup, honey, malt syrup, molasses, and raw sugar.
Yeast and, therefore, leavened bread isn’t part of the Daniel Fast.
White flour and white rice. Only whole grains are allowed on the Daniel Fast. A whole grain product contains the entire grain kernel ― the bran, germ, and endosperm
Foods that contain artificial flavorings, chemicals, food additives, and preservatives.
Examples are corn chips, French fries, and potato chips. (Baked chips are acceptable if they don’t contain restricted ingredients. Check the label for “baked” to be sure.)
Butter, lard, margarine, and shortening.
Milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate syrup, and cacao
Alcohol, coffee, caffeinated tea, and energy drinks