“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”
Daniel 10: 3
1. What is the Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is a kind of partial fast. Another kind of partial fast is a complete fast between certain hours of the day such as from 6AM – 6PM. However, this kind of fast, the Daniel Fast, originated out of the book of Daniel in the Bible. The scriptures do not specifically state this as a fast, but in modern terms, abstaining from doing something or not eating specific things for a season for the Lord is often identified as fasting. So, in this kind of partial fast, Daniel 10:3, one abstains from consuming animal products and highly processed foods that contains artificial flavors, chemical additives or preservatives for an extended period of time.
2. What foods are not allowed on the Daniel Fast?
Meat, fish, and dairy (egg, cheese, milk, butter, etc.), sweeteners/added sugar (honey, maple syrup, cane sugar, stevia, etc.), refined grains (white rice, white flour), refined oils (canola, vegetable), deep-fried foods, yeast, leavening agents, vinegar, carbonated beverages, tea, and coffee.
3. What foods are allowed on the Daniel Fast?
Fruits (Fresh/frozen/dried), Vegetables (Fresh/frozen – such as potatoes, broccoli, carrots, etc.), Whole grains (Brown rice, Quinoa, Oats, popcorn, whole wheat flour), Legumes (peanuts, beans, peas, lentil, etc.), Nuts (Cashews, pistachio, pecan, etc.), unleavened bread, water, fresh juices without additives, plant-based milks (almond, cashew, oat), olive oil, coconut oil, Himalayan pink salt/sea salt, herbs, seasonings/spices.
4. Do I need to fast all 21 days, or can I do the Daniel Fast for 10 days?
Fast as you are led by the Lord and write it down so as to not stray away from that which He has led you to do, whether it be 21 days, 14 days, or 10 days. We shouldn’t be so set in our ways about a fast that we miss the Lord’s guidance; it’s all about being submissive to the Lord’s leading, and for each person and in different seasons, this fast or any fast might look different.
5. What if I break the fast, should I start over?
You don’t need to start over, move forward-press forward and ask the Lord to give you the strength to continue the fast He is leading you in. Fasting shouldn’t lead you into condemnation, it’s a spiritual discipline such as reading the Bible, praying, or worshiping. We cannot do it without Him. It is He who keeps us.
6. Can I take medications/multivitamins?
Please don’t neglect prescribed medication, unless specifically led by the Lord to do so, or with your doctor’s advice/permission. Multivitamin is a personal choice.
As a reminder, it’s not so much about what we are putting into our bodies, but the sacrifice that comes with it. It’s not about what we can or can’t get away it. In the Daniel Fast, we are sacrificing, meat, sugar, processed foods, tea, coffee, etc. for a limited time to seek the face of the Lord. Ask God for His strength and grace when fasting, He will give it to you. Yield to His supernatural assistance, for when we are weak, He is strong!