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.
Three Key Components to the Daniel Fast
Only fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes & whole grains.
Only water or natural fruit juice for a beverage
No sweeteners, breads, meat, eggs or dairy products
The Daniel Fast Food List
All fruit // fresh, frozen, juiced, or canned
Apples, apricots, bananas, cherries, grapes, lemons, limes, peaches, pineapples, strawberries, watermelon, etc.
All vegetables // fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned
Asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, veggie burgers, etc.
All whole grains
Whole wheat, brown rice, millet, barley, oats, quinoa, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes, popcorn, etc.
All nuts & seeds
Sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame, nut butters (including peanut butter).
All legumes // canned or dried
Dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.
All quality oils
Olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages
Natural fruit juices, spring water, distilled water, other pure waters.
Others
Tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs, spices.
Foods to Avoid While Fasting
All meat and animal products
Beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish, etc.
All dairy products
Milk, cheese, cream, butter, eggs, etc.
All sweeteners
Sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice, etc.
All leavened bread
Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods
All refined and processed food products
Artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, foods that contain artificial preservatives.
All deep fried foods
Potato chips, French fries, corn chips, etc.
All solid fats
Shortening, margarine, lard, foods high in fat.
Some Beverages
Including but not limited to: coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.
The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast by Kristen Feola
A great resource for the Daniel Fast, written by James River Church’s very own, Kristen Feola, is The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. In the book, Kristen provides insight and a history on the Daniel Fast, 21 powerful devotionals for each day of the fast, and over 100 simple recipes that follow the fast’s guidelines. In the book, you will learn how to get the most out of the fast by spending time in God’s Word.
