Well, we are drawing closer to New Year’s Day, which will mark the beginning of the 21-Day Daniel Fast for many. Others will start their 21-Day Fast on Sunday, January 6th, which is the first Sunday of the year. Still others will commit to a shorter period of spiritual fasting, but still give a “first fruits offering” of themselves to the Lord by beginning the New Year with prayer and fasting.
The 21-Day Fast is the most popular, primarily because that is the model set out by Daniel in Chapter 10:2, 3 – “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.”
I hope you will find all the information you need on this site to be successful on your fast. One thing I want to advise: be prepared! First, have the right kinds of foods in the house that you can eat for the Daniel Fast. See the Daniel Fast Food List. Also, plan your menus and prepare the foods so they are available to you. See the Daniel Fast Cookbook, plus there are many recipes on this site that you can make ahead.
Second, you might want to get rid of or at least put away foods that are tempting. Kind of like the biblical accounts of Jewish women as they prepared for the Passover by cleaning their houses from top to bottom and removed all yeast from their homes. Many Jews engage in this same practice today when they prepare for the Passover.
Third, plan time to prepare meals as they will likely take a little longer than when you are not fasting. Most of the mels you prepare will be from scratch since there are so few prepared products that don’t have chemicals in them. So you will want to set aside enough time to prepare your meals, not only for those you will have at home, but also those you will have at work or when you are traveling.
Of course, you also want to prepare your heart for the 21-Day Fast. Seek the Lord’s guidance as you get ready to start the fast. Are there issues in your life that you need to address? Are their needs in your family or ministry that can use special attention? Are you seeking healing? Do you feel oppressed by financial bandages? These last few days of the year are an excellent time to search your heart, open yourself to the Lord, and allow Him to lead you into you personal 21-Day Fast. See The Daniel Fast for the Body, Soul and Spirit.
Continue to visit The Daniel Fast Blog as I add content every day. Also, if you have questions, please leave a comment and I try to respond within a couple hours — many times immediately.
God bless you and I hope the very best for you as you set aside this time to give the first of yourself to Almighty God. Remember, He rewards those who diligently seek Him. So keep your mind on Christ and your focus on righteousness.
Zandile Dlamini said,
May 29, 2012 at 2:16 am
Me and a friend of mine started yesterday,today is our second day and I haven’t felt so much at peace. I pray to God for the strenght, guidance and protection during this time. I pray that God will strengthen others on the fast as well and continue to speak to us as we draw closer to Him.
Daniel Fast Team said,
May 31, 2012 at 6:58 am
Hi Zandile,
God loves you, and He is so very Faithful to keep you in the palm of His hand. He said He will Never leave you or forsake you, He will Always be right there with you, whether you feel His presence or not, He Is with you! I encourage you to study all scripture that refers to “Who you are in Christ!”, “In Him”, “Through Him”: Read the book of John and get to know Jesus in a new way: Look up scriptures about the spirit of man (the born again inner man that is made in God’s image and in His likeness and is made to live eternally with Him, soul (mind, will and emotions, flesh) and body (physical body, also flesh).
Additional Scriptures to study: 1 Corinthians 9:27, Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:17, Galatians 5:24, Romans 8:1, Romans 8:4, Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:25, 1 Corinthians 6:15, James 4:1
God has ordained for All of mankind to be “Imitators” of God.. Eph, 5:1. To Walk like Him, Talk like Him, and “to walk in Dominion on the earth and Subdue Everything that is a hindrance to us, and that includes our flesh with its’ desires and appetites! We are the Body of Christ! We are His hands and feet in the earth, and He needs us healthy and strong to fulfill the Great Commission He has entrusted into our stewardship!
If you to go to http://www.daniel-fast.com/ click on Spiritual Life, there is a wealth of spiritual aids to help strengthen, build up and encourage you in your journey. Be Blessed on your Fast!
Annette Coholan said,
May 25, 2012 at 7:53 am
I’m on day 19 of the Daniel Fast and I feel great. My question is why do you have to go off the fast after 21 days? Is is safe to continue?
Daniel Fast Team said,
May 26, 2012 at 10:47 am
Hi Annnette,
The Daniel Fast is a very safe way to eat. In fact, many people are turning to eating this way as their full-time plan. The Daniel Fast is like a “Vegetarian…. Plus More Restrictions” (no chemicle additives, no sweeteners, no caffeine, Drinking beverage of only water, and then Only whole grains) way of eating. If one does decide to continue on this way of eating, it is an absolute that you become stringent in knowing all about nutrition, the Where’s and How to’s of getting all your body needs (protein, iron, calcium, etc.) from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This is an easier endeavor than one may think because of all the information available. We do what we can here on the Blog site to educate for the fasting period, however to go to the next level you will want to do it right and increase your personal knowledge of your bodies nutritional needs. You will be healthier and stronger for it! Be Blessed on your Journey!
Ashley said,
May 24, 2012 at 3:17 pm
HI There!
My husband and I are challenging ourselves with the Daniel Fast. One question: is it okay to put cinnamon on veggies? (i.e- Sweet potatoes)
Daniel Fast Team said,
May 26, 2012 at 10:31 am
Hi Ashley,
Yes, cinnamon is fine. All seasonings and spices (natural, free of chemicals and sweeteners) are allowed on the fast. Be Blessed!
nhanee said,
April 28, 2012 at 2:18 am
Hello! thanks for the blog. I am really happy to see this blog now that the church I am attending is going to start with Daniel’s fast 4 days from now. Just i want to clarify if canned fruits is acceptable. I haven’t read the whole blog, i promised to read it once i am home. and maybe i will be posting more questions after. thanks again! nhanee
Daniel Fast Team said,
May 4, 2012 at 11:45 am
Hi Nhanee,
Yes, canned foods are allowed on the fast. And, this is where your “New Daniel Fast Exercise” comes into play, Label Reading. Not all canned foods are safe, so you’ll need to read alot Ingredients labels before you find a clean product free of sweeteners and additives, but they are available. I hope this helps!
nhanee said,
May 4, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Thank you so much Ma’am!
i am now in my 5th day! your blog helps me a lot in understanding not only in regards to the food allowed but most expecially the daily devotion you are sending me. I am expectanting a great experience with our Dear LORD during and after the fast, thank you for sharing everrything! Just i want to ask again, is nausea on the 5th day ok? I am having plainly nuts, vegetables and fruits.
Daniel Fast Team said,
May 7, 2012 at 2:10 pm
No Nausea is not a normal side effect of the fast. You may not be getting enough water or you have picked up a bug. Increase your water intake will help. As a general guideline for water intake, your body needs half its body weight in ounces of water per day, ie: 160lbs = 80 oz. of water daily. Add to that amount if you are experiencing any extreme conditions such as hot weather, cold weather, physical exercise or Detox. Foods probably aren’t sounding too good right now, however when you do eat, try to stick with old fashioned oatmeal, bananas etc., gentler foods for your stomach will help. I hope this helps and you’re up and feeling strong again soon!
Lola said,
April 20, 2012 at 5:52 am
Is it true you can add fish the second week and chicken the third week of the 21 days fast?
Daniel Fast Team said,
April 20, 2012 at 6:38 am
Hi Lola,
No that is not correct, the Daniel Fast is totally plant based. I hope this helps!
debbie said,
March 25, 2012 at 8:01 am
Has anyone lost weight??? I’m planning on starting the fast for the purpose of losing weight.
Daniel Fast Team said,
April 25, 2012 at 11:01 am
Hi Debbie,
The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat, and it is normal for people to lose a few pounds (5-18) while on the fast but not due to a lack of food, as we advise 3 moderate meals with 2 small snacks per day. Weight loss on the fast is directly connected to the removal of sugar, sweeteners, breads, and basically all “simple carbohydrates”: All of which are NOT allowed on the fast. (Simple carbohydrates are more refined, are usually found in foods with fewer nutrients, and tend to be less satisfying and more fattening): Table sugar, Corn syrup, Fruit juice, Candy, Cake, Breads made with white flour, Pasta made with white flour, Soda pop, such as Coke®, Pepsi®, Mountain Dew®, etc., Candy, All baked goods made with white flour, Most packaged cereals. As you know, maintaining healthy body weight is a combination of Caloric intake (eating three moderate meals with two snacks per day) and Exercise. You will want to pay specific attention to your protein intake, and you can get plenty of protein in Nuts and Peanut butter, Whole grains, Legumes (beans) and Leafy Green Vegetables. And, remember to Drink Lots of Water! As a general guideline, your body needs half its body weight in ounces of water per day, i.e.: 160lbs = 80 oz. of water daily. I hope this helps, Be Blessed in your Fast!
Lindsy said,
April 25, 2012 at 3:54 pm
Hey debbie,
I’m currently on day 8 out of 21 and so far I’ve lost 5 pounds.
myquest60 said,
March 24, 2012 at 7:55 pm
I have a question about the purposes to doing the fast. I’ve (well, my husband and I both) have been feeling for some time now that Father is wanting for us to eat better/take care of ourselves. I have gained some weight as well as my husband, and my husband (at age 35) is already on cholesterol and blood pressure medication. We are talking about going on a 21 day Daniel fast together as a way to kick off this time of obedience to the Lord in taking better care of ourselves, but also at the same time use it to kick off some weight loss at the same time. I don’t want to have fleshly motives but do know that I need to lose some weight to get healthy. Does it sound like I’m walking forward in this the right way? Thanks for your great blog!!!
Cindy
Daniel Fast Team said,
March 29, 2012 at 11:46 am
Hi Cindy,
The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat, and afterward if one chooses to keep this eating plan as a lifestyle (and many do), there are suggested slight modifications to the eating plan such as adding in occasional fish and chicken.
The Daniel Fast is an experience for the whole person – body, soul and spirit. Many people experience vastly improved health during their Daniel Fast since this is such a healthy way to eat. Remember, the definition of fasting is to restrict food for a spiritual purpose. With that said, yes the Daniel Fast can help you if being overweight or bringing your health back into balance is an issue in your life. Walking it out and changing those bad habits is the hard part, but you can do it and be healthier for it! This is where the Daniel Fast can help, by getting your focus off of weight loss and onto “your higher calling in Christ”, “Who you are in Him”, and in the process learning how to treat your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit with temple worthy Foods, Water Intake and Exercise! So Yes…You are absolutely going in the right direction.
I encourage you to go to http://www.daniel-fast.com and request a copy of the Meal Planning worksheet and a copy the Daniel Fast Guidelines, they will be emailed back to you. Look them over and formulate a plan of action that will break off those old habits and put into play some new good ones. And, stay plugged in with us at both of these sites, the Daniel Fast site and this site has all the resources you’ll need for a successful fast and life changing encouragement to keep you going forward.
Also, check out this site: http://www.DanielFastResearch.com which is amazing with the clinical research that has been done on the Daniel Fast. Richard Bloomer is wonderful man of God who is also a researcher from the University of Memphis. The results of his clinical studies are impressive. I hope this helps, Be Blessed in your Journey!
Cheryl Phoenix said,
April 16, 2012 at 5:47 pm
This is Day 16 of My Daniel Fast. In this time, my average blood sugar has dropped 80 points, my insulin intake has decreased 3 times, my mind is clearer, my constant cravings for carbs is totaly gone, my energy is higher, I am motivated to exercise (a bit) and I am finally able to clear my mind to meditate with God. I know this sounds too good to be true to those who have yet to experience the Daniel Fast, but it simply the truth. Thank you so much! – Cher
Isaac Motswagae said,
April 18, 2012 at 2:03 am
It is only through the grace of God that all things work together for good
Be strong and courageous
libragril said,
March 23, 2012 at 8:36 am
I just started the fast on 3/21/12 and I must say I feel really good 3 days in. My question is, can I drink chicken or vegetable broth if i make my own on this fast?
Daniel Fast Team said,
April 18, 2012 at 2:19 pm
The Daniel Fast is totally plant based, so no chicken broth….but yes you can have vegetable broth. Be Blessed!
*Marilyn said,
March 22, 2012 at 8:07 am
- Hi, I will be starting the Daniel Fast Monday (3/26/12). I have been conditioning my body, soul and spirit to allow God to do whatever He wants while I am on this fast. I am looking for restoration in God.
I just finished writing down the purpose of beginning this fast and got a little intimidated. I really want God to have His way. I am fasting and praying for Health issues that I have been dealing with for 12 years that is now affecting my health more and my marriage; fasting for my husband who is dealing with some addictions and strongholds; for our marriage; for direction in the church ministry and the ministries/gifts that He has given me to carry out, as well as direction with education.
- I would really like for everyone to pray with me as I know it will be a challenge because of things that are already occuring. I have also been being fought through prayer. I know that God has called me to be an Intercessor and I believe He is trying to bring me to another level, but lately it has been extremely hard for me to pray.
I did have two questions for anyone who knows:
1). What does it mean in the basis scripture for the Daniel Fast that “he did not anoint himself until the days were up.” I actually do anoint myself and my husband every morning with oil before we go to work. Should I take that literally and not do it (for me at least since I’ll be the one fasting), or does that mean something else?
and
2). Can you eat Sushi on the Daniel Fast? (I know not the Salmon, fish, scallops and such (meat)), but what about the ones with the vegetables?
Thanks for your help and for keeping me lifted in prayer as I fast. I will continue to pray for you all as well as you fast and experience God on a whole new level!
Daniel Fast Team said,
March 22, 2012 at 9:20 am
Thank you for your post Marilyn,
It is always a great encouragement to hear what the Lord is doing in His people while fasting.
As for your questions:
1) What does it mean in the scripture for the Daniel Fast that “he did not anoint himself until the days were up.”
Answer: Dan. 10:3 – Daniel was mourning. The custom in that time was that men would wear oils and perfumes in their hair. But since Daniel was mourning, this was not appropriate and therefore he was in a simple and plain dress and hygiene.
2) Can you eat Sushi on the Daniel Fast?
Answer: Vegetarian Sushi is fine when made with brown rice and is free of sweeteners and additives.
Be Blessed on your Journey!
Marilyn said,
March 27, 2012 at 11:58 am
Thank you for your response. This is the second day of my fast and I am grateful for what God has already shown me and excited about what He will do in the near future. I’m believing God for alot during this fast and trust that He will speak and let His will be done.
jael said,
March 13, 2012 at 11:09 am
i want to start my fasting tomorrow and i pray God to restore my marriage,i believe il recieve it in Jesus name.
Isaac Motswagae said,
March 13, 2012 at 9:37 pm
I am willing to pray with you for the restoration of your marriage and me and you should believe God for your marriage restoration.I know that God will make for you because you decided to run after Him for the solution of your problems.I am glad and happy that you did not went to human beings about your marriage matters.I know that God will do it for you.
Frances said,
March 25, 2012 at 7:06 am
I appreciated your point about using God instead of others for strength, although we need some human support too.
Marilyn said,
March 27, 2012 at 12:01 pm
God is so faithful and He will honor your effort and faithfulness to Him. I’m believing and praising God for restoring your marriage and everything else He is going to do in the midst of it. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Dorothea Filander said,
March 9, 2012 at 3:56 am
Gooo Day im from Namibia, im on my 5day of the Daniel fast,and its so Good so Good to seek the face of the Lord. Im fasting for many things and know that i will receive in JESUS MITGHTY NAME.Amen.
Isaac Motswagae said,
March 3, 2012 at 4:10 am
I wamnt to know more abpout 21 days fasting
Daniel Fast Team said,
April 9, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Hi Isaac,
To learn more about the fast this video may be helpful to you – What is the Daniel Fast? — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfRt9kJ7qio Be Blessed!
James Richardson said,
February 28, 2012 at 10:53 am
THANK YOU AND PRAISE THE LORD FOR YOUR HELP WITH THE DANIEL FAST
Lawrence R. Alexander said,
February 23, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Hello everyone who is experiencing the awesomeness of the Daniel Fast. My wife an I have been challenged to renew my continued relationship with God during this 21 day fast which started for us Ash Wednesday. It is truly an incredible journey that only you and God can experience together. I pray all the time for strength and guidance in all aspects of life. Believe me God will see us through this journey and we will be better Christians for it.
God bless everyone during your remarkable journey.