What is the Daniel Fast?

  

The Daniel Fast is based on the prophet Daniel’s fasting experiences as recorded in the Bible. The fast is a biblically based partial fast. According to Daniel 1, the results were: (v. 17) learning, skill, wisdom, spiritual understanding, favor, and better appearance! (v. 19) In Daniel 10, the fast resulted in answered prayer and spiritual insight. (vv. 11-12) One of the great things about the Daniel Fast is that you are not limited to any specific amount of food, but rather to the kinds of food you can eat.

Helpful Directives

Step 1: Be Specific

Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.

Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment

The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. "Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (Daniel 1:8).

Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline

Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can't discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for their health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. 

Step 4: Pray to Perceive Sin's Role in Poor Health

Repentance is linked to health according to James.

Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others

Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of
Israel with the young men who ate the king's food.

Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat

Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.

Food List for Daniel Fast:

All Fruits

These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, etc.

All Vegetables

These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not
limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, etc.

All Whole Grains


This includes but is not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley,
grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.

All Nuts and Seeds

This  includes but is not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut
butters including peanut butter.

All Legumes

These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto
beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.

Quality Oils

Includes but is not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.

Beverages

Only water or natural fruit juice for a beverage.