What is the Daniel Fast?

The Daniel Fast is a spiritually motivated 21-day partial fast based on the experiences of Prophet Daniel in the Bible. The objective of this fast is to restrict usually enjoyed foods as an act of consecration and worship to God. The person who chooses to follow a Daniel Fast will demonstrate a physical commitment for pursuing a closer relationship with god.

On an occasion, Daniel who was very much concerned for his people sought wisdom of Lord during the 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." Meaning of the term "choice food" is unclear; however, most interpretations conclude he did not eat sweets or bread and he ate only simple and plain food."

The idea behind this fast is to imitate Daniel's spiritual hunger instead of duplicating his menu. His passion for the Lord made him to seek spiritual food instead of physical food- it should be the desire for any person who follows the Daniel Fast.

The focus of this fast is not on the food. Instead, it is all about setting our eyes on the Lord and drawing near to Him. The food guidelines given help we set boundaries for our fast. They are not meant to force's into legalism.

The Daniel Fast Food List
All fruit - fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned.
All greens - fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned.
All complete grains - amaranth, barley, brown rice, oats, quinoa, millet, and complete 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 also are covered.
All legumes - canned or dried; black beans, black eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), amazing northern beans, kidney beans, lentils, pinto beans, and split peas.
All pleasant oils - avocado, coconut, grapeseed, olive, peanut, sesame, and walnut.
Liquids- 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 keep away from at the Daniel fast

All meat & animal products - Sir Francis Bacon, beef, buffalo, eggs, fish, lamb, fowl, and beef.
All dairy merchandise - butter, cheese, cream, milk, and yogurt.
All sweeteners - agave nectar, synthetic sweeteners, brown rice syrup, cane juice, honey, molasses, raw sugar, syrups, stevia, and sugar.
All leavened bread & yeast - baked goods and Ezekiel bread (if it includes yeast and honey).
All subtle & processed meals products - synthetic flavorings, chemical substances, food additives, preservatives, white flour, and white rice.
All deep-fried ingredients - corn chips, French fries, and potato chips.
All strong fat - lard, margarine, and shortening.
Beverages - alcohol, carbonated liquids, espresso, energy drinks, herbal tea and tea.