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There are two references to fasting in the biblical book of Daniel from which the "Daniel Fast" is drawn. Daniel, chapter 1, describes how Daniel and his three friends ate only vegetables and drank only water. (Daniel 1)[1] At the end of a 10-day trial period, Daniel and his friends appeared healthier than their peers who ate the rich foods from the royal table. In Daniel, chapter 10, Daniel fasts again, abstaining from "pleasant food," meat, and wine. (Daniel 10)[2] You, too, can gain a healthier body and clearer mind by following this diet "fast" in moderation.
Steps
The Daniel Fast promotes healthy eating. But if you have specific health concerns, consult with a trusted health care provider before committing to this 10-day (or 3-week) diet.
The Daniel Fast and Your Relationship to God
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1Avoid distractions. This is a sacred time between you and God,[3] so avoid secular television and radio programs.
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2Start the diet by focusing on your faith. Worship God through sacrifice and love Him more than His gifts.Advertisement
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3Pray. Your days should be filled with unselfish prayer. During the fast, increase the frequency of your daily prayer time by a factor of three or more.
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4Reserve time with God during the day by studying the Bible.
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5Seek the Lord diligently for the answers to your prayers.
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6Ask for God's guidance in your life.
The Daniel Fast, Part I
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1Make your meals somewhat lighter for a few days leading up to your fast. It's an especially good idea to reduce your intake of caffeine.
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2In the first Book of Daniel, the Prophet ate only vegetables and fruit, and drank only water for 10 days. A short rundown of acceptable foods include:[4]
- All fruits and vegetables
- All legumes
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds
- Tofu
- Herbs and spices.
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3Conversely, there is also an agreed upon list of foods to avoid. Keep in mind that no artificial or processed foods nor any chemicals are allowed in the Daniel Fast.
- All meats and animal products
- All dairy products
- All deep fried foods
- All solid fats.
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4Carefully read food labels. Foods often contain hidden ingredients. Make sure the foods you buy are compliant with the Daniel Fast.
The Daniel Fast, Part II
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1Move to stage two. In Daniel, Book 10, the Prophet went on a second, 3-week fast. To quote the Bible, Daniel "ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine."[5] The second fast is basically the same as the first fast, but the text specifically names three things to avoid:
- Wine
- All sweeteners (including honey)
- All leavened bread.
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2Assess how you feel after the two stages. If you feel more energetic and healthier, it is likely that you will want to keep up healthier eating habits. While reintroducing many of the items you've not had during the fast is inevitable, you may want to do so with greater consciousness for quality and portion size. And some things, like fried food and sugar are best kept to a new minimum.
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat should I read in the Bible when I'm fasting?
Alice BCommunity AnswerStarting in Daniel was good for me. Adding Psalms or Proverbs for meditation is also good. -
QuestionCan I have hot chocolate on the Daniel fast?
Community AnswerAssess your motive for each choice. The purpose of a fast is to deny your flesh and feed your spirit. Chocolate tends to be an indulgence to make us feel good (comfort, caffeine, warmth, etc.) and can feed an addiction in some cases (sugar, caffeine, endorphins). Thus, no is probably the best answer, bearing in mind the purpose of the fast. -
QuestionWhat is leaven bread?
Community AnswerLeaven bread is bread whose ingredients include a rising agent such as yeast. Most bread you buy is leavened bread. Unleavened bread is usually flat and non-puffy. Pita bread, matzo and tortillas are all examples of unleavened bread.
Warnings
- During the time of fasting, you will face temptations, resist them in the name of Jesus Christ.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- When you have finished fasting, eat light meals and slowly build back up to your normal diet.⧼thumbs_response⧽
Things You'll Need
- Bible
- A place and time(s) to pray.
- Good variety of fruits and veggies
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References
- ↑ http://niv.scripturetext.com/daniel/1.htm - Daniel 1
- ↑ http://niv.scripturetext.com/daniel/10.htm - Daniel 10
- ↑ https://www.allaboutprayer.org/daniel-fast.htm
- ↑ https://ultimatedanielfast.com/ultimate-daniel-fast-food-guidelines/
- ↑ https://www.biblestudytools.com/nkjv/daniel/10-3.html
- Fasting For Spiritual Breakthrough by Elmer L. Towns, published in 1996 by Regal Books, Ventura, California.
- Honoring God Through The Daniel Fast by Terrance Day, published in 2009, http://www.danielfast.net/
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