Foods that we can eat and to avoid
LIST OF FOODS INCLUDED AND ALLOWED IN YOUR DIET DURING THE FAST:
All fruits. Fruits include, but are not limited to: apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon. You may eat them fresh, frozen, dried, canned; just be sure there is no added sugar.
All vegetables. You can consume your vegetables fresh, frozen, juiced or canned! Vegetables include, but are not limited to: artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, greens, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini.
All nuts and seeds. You can have sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame and any other member of the nut and seed family. Nut milk and nut butters are also allowed, including all natural peanut butter with no added sugar (you get used to it and it is really good!)
All legumes. Dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, navy beans and white beans, canned or dried.
Beverages. Water is the beverage of choice when fasting, including spring water or even distilled water if you like. You will likely make some smoothies but these will be meal replacements and using unsweetened almond, cashew or soy milk. Herbal teas are good as well.
Other: All herbs and spices are allowed, as is vinegar Be careful with the salt!
LIST OF FOODS TO AVOID ON THE FAST:
All meat and animal products. This includes fish.
All dairy products.
All sweeteners. Sugar, raw sugar, syrups, molasses, and cane juice are not allowed on the Daniel Fast. Honey is a toss-up here. Some do consume it, seeing it as a natural food. Others consider it a pleasant food that Daniel would not have eaten so we leave it up to the individual.
All leavened bread is excluded. This includes any Ezekiel Bread that contains yeast and all baked goods, commercial or homemade.
All processed foods. Artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives are forbidden.
All deep fried foods. Examples are potato chips, French fries, and of course any breaded, fried foods.
All solid fats. This consists of shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat. Remember in the approved list, quality, healthy oils are allowed!
Beverages. Coffee, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol are all prohibited on the Daniel Fast.
MORE CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE FAST FOOD LIST
As we have said many times, every fast is personal and some are very strict in their interpretation and then others do not cook, do not have time to cook or maybe do not have access to certain things and so they have to adapt and make it work for them.
We do not judge another’s fast!
For example, some use Ezekiel Bread but it does contain yeast, which is leaven, and that would be forbidden on the normal Daniel Fast. Whole grains are totally different. If it contains WHEAT FLOUR, it is NOT a whole grain. Read the ingredient list. You are looking for whole wheat, rolled oats, whole corn as some of the first ingredients. What you do NOT want to see listed is yeast, sugar, wheat flour, flour, high fructose corn syrup, etc.
If you have access to an organic or health specialty grocery, you might find some Daniel Fast approved foods such as whole grain flatbreads and tortillas. They are wonderful for making veggie sandwiches. Just be sure you are reading the labels and see that the ingredients are allowed on the fast.
But even though the physical benefits of a Daniel Fast are wonderful, the spiritual benefits are what we are concentrating on. We are not fasting to get God’s attention, change His mind or manipulate Him into doing something for us. If we are fasting, and going to all of this trouble to change our mealtime, but we are not praying? We will have wasted 10 or 21 days of our lives.
Embarking on the Daniel Fast is more than just changing what you eat; it's a holistic journey that can truly transform your body and spirit. When I first started my Daniel Fast, I admit, the 'foods to avoid' list seemed overwhelming! But I quickly learned that focusing on the incredible variety of foods I could enjoy made all the difference. It's an amazing opportunity to explore delicious plant-based meals and discover how nourishing they can be. One of the biggest game-changers for me was learning to embrace plant-based milk. The original list mentions unsweetened almond, cashew, or soy milk, and I've found these to be incredibly versatile. I love using unsweetened almond milk in my morning smoothies with a handful of berries (hello, vitamin C!). Cashew milk is wonderfully creamy for a richer texture, and soy milk is a fantastic option for protein. There are also oat and coconut milk options, just be sure to always check the labels for added sugars, as those are a no-go on the Daniel Fast. Experimenting with different plant-based milk varieties has opened up so many possibilities for creamy soups, savory sauces, and even just a refreshing glass of 'milk' with my whole-grain flatbread. Beyond just the basic lists, I started thinking about the amazing nutrients I was getting from all these whole, natural foods. For instance, I quickly realized how easy it was to get essential vitamins and minerals. Getting enough vitamin C is super simple on the Daniel Fast because so many fruits and vegetables are packed with it! Think vibrant citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, juicy strawberries, blueberries, and even bell peppers and broccoli. I make sure to include a variety of these daily to keep my immune system happy. And what about vitamin E? This powerful antioxidant is crucial for healthy skin and eyes. I found that regularly incorporating nuts and seeds into my diet was key. Sunflower seeds are a fantastic source, as are almonds. A sprinkle over my salad or a spoonful of all-natural peanut butter (no added sugar, of course!) became a delicious way to boost my intake. Dark leafy greens like spinach, which are definitely allowed, also contribute to my vitamin E levels. Then there's zinc, a mineral vital for everything from immune function to wound healing. I was pleasantly surprised to learn how many approved Daniel Fast foods are rich in zinc! Legumes are your best friend here – think lentils, black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas. I often whip up hearty bean chili or add lentils to my salads. Nuts like cashews and almonds are also great sources, as are pumpkin seeds. It’s comforting to know that I’m nourishing my body with such important minerals directly from whole foods. To truly make the Daniel Fast a success, I’ve learned a few practical tips. Meal planning is crucial; it helps prevent last-minute temptations. I spend some time each week mapping out my meals and snacks, focusing on variety. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new recipes using the allowed ingredients. Seasoning is your friend – herbs and spices can elevate simple vegetable dishes into something truly gourmet. And remember, while the physical benefits are wonderful, the spiritual focus is paramount. I make sure to pair my dietary changes with reflection and prayer, making it a truly enriching experience. It's not just about what you eat, but the intention behind it.