CHURCH
​
(Disclaimer: Full Gospel believes that fasting, in any capacity or context, is a PERSONAL consecration between the individual and our God. This document is presented as an informative baseline to be used as a guide or resource in your pursuit of connection with Holy Spirit.)
General Guidelines for the Daniel Fast
The guidelines for a Daniel fast are based on the commitment of Daniel and his friends to not defile themselves with the king's choice food and wine. Instead they asked for "some vegetables to eat and water to drink" (Daniel 1:8-20).
Daniel Fast Guidelines:
-
Drink only water
-
Eat vegetables - defined as plant-based foods: vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
-
Abstain from all other foods - meat, animal products like dairy and butter, any processed foods, baked goods, sweeteners, artificial ingredients, etc.
The bible doesn't include a detailed food list, so there is some disagreement about whether certain foods should be excluded or included. None of the packaged convenience foods that we have today existed in Daniel's time. Would Daniel have eaten peanut butter and granola bars? Those options were not even available! I don't think it's necessary to spend lots of time on, but you should determine from the beginning exactly what you plan to eat and where you draw boundaries - then stick to the plan!
Precautions and Side Effects
This is not intended to be medical advice, so please consult your physician. Although the “Daniel plan” is generally safe, it's always wise to speak with your physician about any major diet changes. If you're pregnant, nursing, on medication, under the age of 18, or have any type of medical condition you should definitely check with your doctor.
Possible side effects include: Nausea, Headache, and Fatigue.
Gradually reducing caffeine, sugar, and other items before your fast begins will mitigate these side effects.
Starting and Ending Your Daniel Fast
Some ways to make the transition and process of fasting more effective:
-
Increase your water intake. Recommendations are 64-96 ounces per day, or drink half your body weight in ounces, but you may feel best to drink even more while you're fasting.
​
-
Increase your intake of high fiber foods such as vegetables, beans and whole grains - the Daniel fast contains lots of fiber, which is good for your body but can be uncomfortable if rapidly increased and your body is not adjusted.
​
-
Prepare in advance. Have a meal plan, go grocery shopping, and prep your food before you get started. Try to fix a big salad and/or soups so you have something ready when you're in a hurry.
​
-
Get plenty of rest throughout. Your body will need it, and your mind will be better able to focus on the purpose and intent of your fast.
​
-
Avoid overly tempting situations if possible. Now is not the best time to go to a restaurant buffet.
​
-
After your fast - SLOWLY incorporate excluded foods back into your diet. It can be really challenging, but your body will feel miserable if you gorge the day after your fast ends.
Foods to Avoid on a Daniel Fast
Animal Products: meat, fish, eggs, dairy (butter, cheese, milk, yogurt)
Sweets: any form of sugar, agave, honey, molasses, syrup or artificial sweeteners
Baked Goods: leavened breads, muffins, cakes, cookies, etc.
Refined and Processed Foods: any artificial additives/chemicals/preservatives, packaged snacks like bars, chips, pretzels, cookies, white breads
Drinks other than Water: alcohol, coffee, carbonated beverages and sodas, energy drinks, tea, juices that aren’t 100% natural
Foods to Eat
Here is a long list of foods included within a Daniel fast. Try to eat a variety of foods, vegetables of different colors, and fruit in moderation (since it does contain sugar).
Examples include (but not limited to):
Fruits and Vegetables
All fruits and vegetables are included on the Daniel Fast: fresh, frozen, canned, or dried.
Apples, Avocado, Bananas, Berries, Citrus, Dates, Figs, Kiwi, Grapes, Lemons and limes, Melons, Pears, Pineapples, Oranges
Artichoke, Asparagus, Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Cucumber, Eggplant, Ginger, Greens, Lettuce, Onions, Potatoes, Squash, Tomatoes
Whole Grains
Barley, Bulgur, Brown Rice, Grits/Polenta, Millet, Oats, Quinoa, Legumes
Canned or dried beans: black, kidney, pinto, white
Black eyed peas, Lentils, Peas, Soybeans
Nuts and seeds
Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Peanuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts, Pumpkin, Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds
Olives
Fresh or dried herbs
Spices
*Optional Items*
The following items could be considered "controversial" on a Daniel Fast. People who have decided to follow a purely whole food, unprocessed plant-based plan may omit the following foods. Others, especially if brand new to fasting, may choose to include some of the following items.
Plant based oils (olive, grapeseed, sesame)
Nut butters: Almond, cashew, peanut
Non-dairy milk substitutes: Almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, etc
Vinegar
Flat Bread
Sea salt or Himalayan salt
Soy Sauce