WHAT IS A DANIEL FAST?
The Daniel Fast is designed to better connect us with God. As a church, we will take 21 days to deepen our relationship with God through fasting certain foods and liquids. During the fast, we are focusing on what God wants to do in our personal lives as well as what He desires to do in our faith family.
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, which means we will eliminate some common things from our daily diet but will have generous options of other foods and liquids available. Specifically, we will avoid all meat, sweets, and dairy. We will eat generous portions of fruits and vegetables. We will drink only water and juices.
*If you have any known medical conditions or suspect such conditions, consult your doctor before beginning the fast.*
RESOURCES
If you look online, you will notice that there are many ways to do the fast. This is, in part, due to the lack of clarity in the Bible as to exactly what Daniel did during his fast. It is best to define your food guidelines before the fast begins, understanding that not everyone will be able to participate in exactly the same way. This fast requires preparation because many meals need to be made at home, but you can also eat out if you choose wisely. Some sample recipes are included below with an even wider variety available elsewhere online.
WHAT CAN I EAT ON THE DANIEL FAST?
FOODS TO EAT DURING THE FAST
All Fruits: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned (watch for added sugar)
All Vegetables: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned *Veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy*
All Whole Grains: Barley, Oats, Whole Wheat, Brown Rice, Popcorn (no butter), Oatmeal (plain), Grits (no butter), Quinoa, Rolled Oats, Millet, Rice Cakes (plain)
All Nuts & Seeds: All Nuts (raw, unsalted), Almonds, Sprouts, Cashews, Peanuts, Sunflowers, Flax, Sesame, Walnuts; All Nut Butters that are all-natural, including almond and peanut butter (no sugar added)
All Legumes: These can be canned or dried; All Beans (Black, Cannellini, Garbanzo (Chickpeas), Great Northern, Green, Kidney, Pinto, White); All Peas (Black Eyed Peas, Green Peas, Split Peas), Lentils
All Quality Oils: Canola, Coconut, Grapeseed, Olive, Peanut, Sesame
Liquids: Lots of Water, Unsweetened Soy Milk, Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Rice Milk, 100% Fruit/Vegetable Juice (no added sugar)
Other: Tofu, Salt & Pepper, Herbs & Spices, Seasonings, Soy Products, Vinegars
FOODS TO AVOID ON THE DANIEL FAST
Meat & Animal Products: Meat, Poultry, Fish
Dairy Products: Butter, Cheese, Cream, Eggs, Milk, Yogurt
Sweeteners: Sugar (raw, refined), Sugar Substitutes (Splenda, etc.), High Fructose Corn Syrup (found in many foods), Cane juice (found in many foods), Molasses
Leavened Bread & Yeast
Refined & Processed Food Products: White Bread, Flour & Rice, Food Additives
Deep-Fried Foods: Corn Chips, French Fries, Potato Chips
Solid Fats: Lard, Margarine, Shortening
Beverages: Alcohol, Carbonated Drinks, Coffee, Energy Drinks, Tea
COMMON FOOD FAQS
What about prepared foods?
Read the labels of all prepared foods. The Daniel Fast in its purest form is sugar-free and chemical-free. If you use any canned fruits, vegetables, packaged foods, or prepared sauces, read the label to be aware of what is included.
What about pasta?
Make sure the label says whole grain pasta with no additives (watch for sugar).
I know it says raw, unsalted nuts, but what about roasted nuts?
The goal would be to stick to raw, unsalted nuts. These are harder to find so in a pinch just make sure you get plain roasted nuts with no preservatives.
How do I get enough protein in my diet while on the fast?
The following are protein-rich foods that are allowed on the Daniel Fast: almonds, nuts, sunflower, seeds, lentils, quinoa, brown rice, split peas, whole grains, and tofu.
What kind of peanut butter is allowed?
Natural peanut butter with no additives (watch for sugars including molasses) is best. Smucker’s creamy natural peanut butter has nothing in it but peanuts.
What about popcorn?
Since corn is a vegetable, it is a great option. Just make sure to use an air popper or pop it in a pot on the stove. Stay away from microwave popcorn as it is loaded with chemicals and additives.
How can I identify whole grain foods?
Typically if the ingredient lists "whole wheat," "rolled oats," or "whole corn" as the first ingredient, the product is a whole grain food item. Another way to identify whole grains in the foods you eat is to look in the nutritional facts information and check if the food item contains dietary fiber. If it contains a significant amount, it most likely contains whole grains. "Wheat flour" is not a whole grain and therefore does not indicate a whole-grain product.
What about salad dressing?
Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon or lime juice are great options. Also, see recipes on our Recipes page or elsewhere online to find out how to make your own tasty dressings.
Where can I go out to eat?
You can go anywhere and order cautiously, knowing ahead of time that you may be ordering a salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and a baked potato with no extras.
How much can I eat?
As long as they are the appropriate foods, we are recommending eating until satisfied with no limits.