A Spiritual Commitment
Biblical fasting takes a lot of discipline and strength—strength which you can only receive from God. Your private discipline will bring you rewards in Heaven, says Matthew 6. The Daniel fast is a spiritual commitment to the Lord.
“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat and is full of nutritious and healthy foods. However, if you have special dietary needs, you should consult your health professional before you start this fast. You can then modify the fast to meet your specific health needs.
During the Daniel Fast it is best for you not to consume any sugar or sweeteners of any kind, nor should you have any caffeine or artificial chemicals. Many people experience a physical detox during the first few days of the fast including headaches, fatigue, leg cramps and other typical symptoms. You can reduce these effects by weaning yourself from these foods before the fast begins and also by drinking at least 1/2 gallon of filtered water each day before, during and after the fasting period.
Anytime you have a concern about symptoms you may experience, be sure to contact your health professional. Fasting should never be harmful to your body!
The Food List
All Fruits
These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon
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, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy
All Whole Grain
Including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn
All Nuts & Seeds
Including but 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
All Oils
Including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame
Beverages
Including only water: spring, distilled or other pure waters, not including waters with carbonation
tofu
soy products
seasonings, herbs and spices
Foods to Avoid
All meat and animal products
Including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish
All dairy products
Including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs
All sweeteners
Including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
All solid fats
Including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat
All refined and processed foods
Products which contain but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and artificial preservatives
Beverages
Including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol