New Health Guide
The Daniel Fast is based on the Book of Daniel in the Bible. The fast limits food options to only fruits and vegetables. In addition to sacrificing foods, it also includes a spiritual aspect and aims to strengthen a fasters’ relationship with God. Foods should be eaten in their natural state, which in many cases means raw. Fasters should carefully read any labeled foods and speak with their doctor prior to participating in this or any fast.
The Daniel Fast is a combination of food fasting and spiritual practice. It promotes healthy food choices and encourages bonding with God. The belief is giving up rich foods allows you to bring health and balance into your life. Prior to fasting, you should ensure you have no heart disease or other health issues.
The Daniel Fast is based on passages from the Bible’s Book of Daniel. It is primarily vegan and practiced by the Jewish and Christian religions. Many religions incorporate fasting into their religious practices and combine prayer and fasting to boost their health and reach a higher spiritual level.
The Daniel Fast is pulled from two specific scriptures in the Bible that describe the life and practices of Daniel. The prophet Daniel, in Daniel I, ate nothing except fruits and vegetable and drank only water. In Daniel 10,the prophet eliminated bread and meat products for 21 days.
This is a general overview of the fast, but more specific details have been incorporated into the guidelines for the fast. If you choose to participate in the Daniel Fast, consider the following:
The following chart provides categories of food included on the Daniel Fast, as well as foods that are restricted. The lists are helpful for those participating in the fast for the first time and can be used as a guide when shopping for groceries.
| Foods to Eat on Daniel Fast |
|
| Fruits |
This category can include fresh, frozen, juiced, dried, or canned fruits. Fruits include but are not limited to bananas, blackberries, apples, apricots, cantaloupe, boysenberries, blueberries, figs, cherries, honeydew melon, raspberries, cranberries, grapefruit, grapes, guava, kiwi, lemons, limes, pears, mangoes, oranges, papayas, peaches, nectarines, pineapples, raisins, plums, prunes, watermelon, strawberries, tangelos, and tangerines |
| Vegetables |
This category can include fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned vegetables. Vegetables include but are not limited to broccoli, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, beets, asparagus, sweet potatoes, collard greens, cabbage, carrots, parsley, cucumbers, cauliflower, celery, mustard greens, chili peppers, ginger root, rutabagas, corn, potatoes, eggplant, garlic, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onions, radishes, sprouts, scallions, spinach, squashes, tomatoes, watercress, turnips, yams, and zucchini. If you are not allergic to soy, veggie burgers are also an option. |
| Whole grains |
This can include millet, whole wheat, brown rice, quinoa, oats, whole wheat pasta, barley, rice cakes, grits, whole wheat tortillas, and popcorn. |
| Legumes |
This category can include canned or dried legumes. Legumes include but are not limited to split peas, dried beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, lentils, cannellini beans, black eyed peas, black beans, white beans. |
| Nuts and seeds |
This list includes cashews, sunflower seeds, sesame, and peanuts. You can also enjoy nut butters, such as peanut or almond butter. |
| Quality oils |
This includes olive, peanut, canola, grape seed, and sesame. |
| Beverages |
Limited to only water, including spring water, distilled water or other pure waters. |
| Other foods |
Vinegar, tofu, seasonings, soy products, salt, herbs and spices. |
| Foods to Avoid on Daniel Fast |
|
| Meat and animal products |
All meant and animal products including beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and fish, as well as others. |
| Dairy products |
All milk, butter, cheese, cream, and eggs. |
| Sweeteners |
All sugar, honey, raw sugar, molasses, syrups, and cane juice. |
| Leavened bread |
Including Ezekiel Bread because it contains yeast and honey, and baked goods. |
| Refined and processed food |
Including artificial flavorings, white flour, white rice, food additives, chemicals, and foods that contain artificial preservatives. |
| Deep fried foods |
Including but not limited to French fries, potato chips, and corn chips. |
| Solid fats |
All shortening, lard, margarine, and foods high in fat. |
| Beverages |
Including but not limited to tea, coffee, herbal teas, energy drinks, carbonated beverages, and alcohol. |
If you would like to view a collection of recipes that are suitable for the entire 21-day Daniel Fast, click here
http://danielfast.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/daniel-fast-cookbook-2/
These videos offer a variety of tips for completing the Daniel Fast. It is a useful resource for those considering or just beginning the Daniel Fast.
Those who do not already meditate or practice quiet time each day will want to include this practice during their fast. This time gives you an opportunity to connect with God and pray. Many faster recommend beginning the day with this quiet time because it sets a tone for peace and faith from the very beginning. Quiet time can also include Bible study and other religious readings.
Every fast should begin with a goal. You might want to write down the details of these goals. Include information about why you are fasting, if you wish to achieve healing, restoration, or direction, or if you want to heal external issues, such as your marriage. Fasting can also help you deal with professional and financial struggles. During your fast, you will need to ask for spiritual guidance, in addition to praying and reading the Bible.
You can prepare for your fast by confessing your sins and asking for guidance in the weaker areas of your life. You will also want to forgive those who have hurt you and ask for forgiveness for your indiscretions. Your goal at the beginning and during the fast is to surrender your life to God and reject worldly desires.
