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. Daniel 10:2, 3
Get an immediate download of the Daniel Fast Guidelines at www.Daniel-Fast.com
The Daniel Fast is a plant-based partial fast. It is based on the Prophet Daniel when he was under the rule of Babylonian kings for their personal service. Daniel recorded three occasions of fasting, though he likely fasted many more times since he was a man of God.
Daniel 10:2, 3 is where we find the model for the 21-day Daniel Fast. From this passage, a guidelines have developed over the years, primarily by Christians who use this as a form of fasting. The Daniel Fast has grown in popularity over the last 3 or 4 years as it’s been championed by Pastor Jentezen Franklin of Gainesville, GA.
No Pleasant Food: This would include breads, sugars and sweet foods.
No Meat: All animal products are restricted on the Daniel Fast. That includes meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products (milk, eggs, cheese, butter, etc.)
No Wine: This restriction, coupled with previous fasts where Daniel drank only water (which is typical for biblical fasting), is where today’s Daniel Fast finds its roots for water only. Fruit and vegetable juices are acceptable.
See The Daniel Fast Food List for more details.
For a collection of recipes and menu plans that will take you through an entire 21-day Daniel Fast, click here.
Spiritual Fasting: The Daniel Fast is a restriction of food for spiritual purposes. So the fast addresses not only the body, but also ones spirit and soul.
See these two posts for more information about Spiritual Fasting:
The Daniel Fast is Always a Spiritual Fast
For more complete information about the Daniel Fast (and to have all the information easily accessible) consider The Daniel Fast for the Body Soul and Spirit.
Sonja said,
March 15, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Is there a certain time of year when the Daniels fast is to be done?
I see on the post most people started in Jan. My Church does a whole church Daniels fast every year before Easter. It Ends on Easter Sunday. From what I read we do it a little different than some of what I read. We start out the first 3 days no sugars of any kind, then now bread and sugar, then no meats bread and sugar and so on. Every 3 day we take away something. we are now down to nothing but juicie and veg. we will be on on a juicie fast the last 3 days and the last day we do a complete fast. My second question is does any one else do the Daniels fast this way.
Susan Gregory said,
March 16, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Hi Sonja,
No, there is no specific time when the Daniel Fast is practiced, however many followers of Christ start the New Year with prayer and fasting. Also, many Christians use the Daniel Fast with the Lenten disciplines.
Yes, others practice fasting in the way you described, however that really isn’t required for the Daniel Fast. It’s more of a hybrid, which is fine. The main thing is that the fasting discipline is unto the Lord for the sole purpose to grow spiritually and to pray for specific needs.
Blessings to you!
shelly powell said,
May 3, 2008 at 12:48 pm
What about vinegar? I see that many recipies have vinegar as an ingredient. Vinegar comes from alcohol and alcohol is prohibited. What’s a girl to do?
Susan Gregory said,
May 5, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Hi Shelly,
Some vinegar is made from wine, although when it is completed there is not alcohol in the vinegar. Many vinegars are made from fruit, also. So since you can’t “tie one on” with vinegar, it’s okay.
I hope this helps.
Julia Sefako said,
June 17, 2008 at 6:43 am
Good stuff
Joyce said,
August 11, 2008 at 8:04 am
Here is a recipe that I found for salad dressing that I tried during a detox program. I thought that it would be good for us “Daniel Fasters”.
Basic Salad Dressing: (2-3 servings)
Mix well in a shaker jar and store any leftovers in your refrigerator.
1/4 cup flaxseed oil (or 2 tbsp. each of flaxseed and olive oils) (I used just extra virgin olive oil)
1-2 TBSP. vinegar (apple cider, tarragon, rice, red wine, balsamic, ume plum)
1/2-1 TBSP water
1 tsp Dijon-type mustard (optional, but delicious) I used a little more. Whisked in to liquid for easy mixing.
Whole or minced garlic, oregano, basil or other herbs of choice. (I used several combinations.)
Increase recipe for multiple servings.
I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Susan Gregory said,
August 11, 2008 at 9:45 am
Dear Joyce,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this recipe. Most of us increase our servings of salads when on the Daniel Fast and finding prepared salad dressings is a challenge since so many include sugar or chemicals in their ingredients. So I am always on the hunt for recipes for tasty salad dressings.
One note to folks reading this – you will need to check the ingredients on the Dijon mustard as many producers include sugar as an ingredient. I have found a store brand that does not add sugar, so they can be found. You could also make your own homemade Dijon mustard and excluding any sweeteners such as honey or sugar.
Joyce, be blessed on your fast and I am very eager to try this recipe.
JANORA said,
October 1, 2008 at 9:57 am
Is there a menu to follow? I’m starting the 21 day fast today and would like to follow a guideline.
JANORA said,
October 1, 2008 at 9:58 am
Is there a daily menu?
Susan Gregory said,
October 1, 2008 at 10:42 am
Hi Janora,
I encourage you to purchase a copy of the Daniel Fast Cookbook. It’s an eBook so you can download and have it today! The Daniel Fast Cookbook has 21 days of meal and menu plans, plus enough recipes for at least 21 days of fasting.
The reason I wrote the book is because so many people needed help with recipes and menus. I get really positive comments, the book is very affordable, and useful.
Be blessed on your fast!
Cheryl Phillips said,
January 1, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Are nut and grain milks allowed such as almond milk, hemp milk, and rice milk?
Susan Gregory said,
January 2, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Hi Cheryl,
Yes, all the milks you described are okay on the Daniel Fast. You just need to make sure there is no sweetener added to the brand you buy. I buy unsweetened soy milk which has 100% soybeans and nothing else.
Be blessed on your fast!
Linda said,
January 4, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Hi, my husband and I are starting the fast this week. We’ve done it before for 7 days but this time we are doing it for 10 days. Is eating any kind of nuts allowed? for instance, the ones that are still in the shell?
Becky said,
January 7, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Many of the products I’ve looked at contain the words “evaporated cane juice.” Is this just another new “healthy” term for sugar? Also, if something like ascorbic acid or malic acid is listed that (the internet says) is a naturally occurring item, is that considered a chemical?
Orlando said,
January 7, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Can you eat millet and flax seed breads? The bread is made from soybean, flax seed, millet, wheat flour – non diary. Also, i am drinking juicy juice with V8 is that ok also?
Susan Gregory said,
January 8, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Hi Orlando,
My guess is that the bread has some kind of leavening product in it, unless it’s a flat bread. No leavening products are allowed on the Daniel Fast including yeast or baking powder.
Also, the only beverage allowed on the Daniel Fast is water. See Daniel 1. So drinking juice of any kind would be outside of the Daniel Fast Guidelines.
wanda said,
January 8, 2009 at 6:33 am
can you use cream of mushroom soup?
Susan Gregory said,
January 8, 2009 at 11:59 am
Hi Wanda,
It all depends on the ingredients. That’s why I tell people to READ THE LABEL. I know I am kind of a broken record about that, but it’s essential to find our the ingredient list whenever you purchase prepared foods during your Daniel Fast. Actually it’s a good habit all the time!
Most cream soups have milk in then and also sugar. So read the label and find the ingredients to make sure they are consistent with The Daniel Fast Guidelines.
Be blessed on your fast!
Laurie said,
January 8, 2009 at 8:02 am
Susan,
Is semolina pasta or Durum Wheat Flour & Wheat Bran (purchased at Indian market for Indian breads) ok on the fast? Thanks so much for your ministry! This is my second year on the fast.
Helen said,
January 10, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Is evaporated cane sugar in soy milk ok for the daniel fast
Susan Gregory said,
January 10, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Hi Helen,
No, cane juice (which is a type of sugar) is not allowed on the Daniel Fast. But you can find unsweetened soy milk. Also, the only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water (see Daniel 1). However using soy milk for recipes is fine.
Be blessed!
christen said,
January 12, 2009 at 9:53 am
Is there any store bought salad dressings that you know of that are okay? Like if its organic or something of that nature
Susan Gregory said,
January 13, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Hi Christen,
My latest favorite prepared salad dressing is Newman’s Own Oil and Vinegar Salad Dressing. You can go to the http://www.NewmansOwn.com site and get a coupon, too!
The main thing with salad dressings is to read the label as so many of the natural and organic also add sugar and other sweeteners.
Be blessed.
Ellen said,
January 21, 2009 at 9:39 am
HI,
My son is doing the Daniel fast he will be done this sunday, 21 days. Someone told us you could have things that say from concentrate is this true? He hasnt had any but i was just curious. I would also like to say how proud i am of him he has been very devoted its unbelievable!!!
Susan Gregory said,
January 22, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Hi Ellen,
Thanks for sharing this message about your son. Many young people are very committed to the fasting experience as they express their commitment to the Lord.
Concentrates are allowed if the ingredients are only those acceptable on the Daniel Fast. You can download a copy of the guidelines at http://www.Daniel-Fast.com
I hope the very best for your son as he seeks God in his life.
DeAnna said,
March 12, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Can I have Ranch with my veggies and salad?
What if I do this fast for three days only?
Crystal said,
May 4, 2009 at 11:23 am
My cousin and I are curious about the Daniel Fast. Can you tell me how I get started?
Susan Gregory said,
May 12, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Hi Crystal,
I encourage you to read many of the posts on this blog, go to http://www.Daniel-Fast.com and join the mailing list and then purchasing the eBook titled The Daniel Fast for the Body, Soul and Spirit. Getting started on the Daniel Fast is a big subject, but these resources will help you!
Be blessed!
Treceia said,
June 20, 2009 at 1:57 am
Can you use salt in the Daniel Fast?
Susan Gregory said,
June 25, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Hi Treceia
Yes, salt and all pure seasonings and spices are allowed on the Daniel Fast. You can get a set of the Guideline via email when you go to this site: http://www.Daniel-Fast.com
Be blessed
Karen said,
June 28, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Hi Susan,
I have an allegy to nuts; so is there any substitution for this food?
Susan Gregory said,
June 29, 2009 at 6:08 am
Hi Karen,
I suggest you just don’t eat nuts. I can’t really think of a substitute, but there are lots of fruits and vegetables that can be consumed during your fast. Many people forgo nuts during the fast since they have so many calories, so it would be okay to leave them out.
Amanda said,
July 10, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I am new to being a Christian and starting the Daniel Fast. I read somewhere that the fast is not commanded by the Bibile anywhere and am curious about this. I have been on the fast for 5 days and am wondering if I discontinue what happen?
Susan Gregory said,
July 13, 2009 at 10:56 am
Hi Amanda,
I am not sure where you got the information about the Daniel Fast not being commanded, but you may have received some incomplete information. Let me shed some light on the Daniel Fast:
The Daniel Fast is a method of fasting based on the fasting experiences of the Prophet in Daniel 1 and Daniel 10. It is a partial fast (some foods restricted), rather than a complete fast (all food restricted). It is not a “called fast,” like the Feast of unleavened bread. However, we are instructed to fast and there are many examples in the Bible where people fasted.
So, does the Bible command us to go on the Daniel Fast? No. However, we are instructed to fast in the Word of God and the Daniel Fast is a way to fulfill that discipline in our faith.
The purpose of fasting is for the believer to separate themselves for a period time when you will be more focused for a specific need by pressing into God with prayer and meditation. Prayer and fasting is completely biblical and is a spiritual discipline that is being discovered by many Christians today. The Daniel Fast is a great method for extended fasts (7-50 days) and that’s why it is so popular.
Regarding ending the fast? I would ask the Lord to show you whether you are to end the fast. Nothing will happen to you physically . . . however, if you are fasting for a specific purpose and need then you may be quitting too soon. That’s why you want to seek the Lord’s input on this matter.
I hope this helps!
roxy swindoll said,
July 15, 2009 at 4:28 am
My husband and I are currently on our second week of Daniel’s fast. We are really enjoying the challenge that the fast is causing to our bodies. There is actually joy in my heart for all the wonderful things the Lord had created for us to be satisfied without indulging.
I was wondering if we can adopt this as our permanent diet ?
Thanks for your ministry
Blessings
Rox
Susan Gregory said,
July 15, 2009 at 9:57 am
Hi Roxy,
I am so happy for you and your husband as you continue on the Daniel Fast. Our God is so good and not only does He want a healthy relationship with us, but He also wants us to be healthy! Many people discover the amazing health benefits of eating “The Daniel Way” and want to make permanent changes to their diet. Most use the Daniel Fast as a base and then add only a few food items back in including small amounts of fish, chicken and cheese. That’s the way I eat most of the time now, with the occasional “splurge.” I also resume drinking coffee, which is almost a cultural obligation for us from Seattle – the home of Starbucks!
Thanks for your kind words and I hope the very best for you and your husband as you continue the Daniel Fast.
Richmond said,
July 15, 2009 at 9:18 am
hi susan,
i didnt know that your from washington state, ellensberg..im also from Washington..im based here in Seattle..just wanna Praise God for what He placed in your heart to guide people and encourage them to present themselves as a living sacrifice before our MIghty God.
i just have a question regarding taking medications during the fast. is it allowed to take medicines during the fast?if so..is there any restrictions on the contents of the Medicine(Ingredients wise).coz i have a sorethroat and i was taking Sucrets Lozenges(and its inactive ingredients are corn syrup,FD&C blue 1, FD&C red 40,flavor,menthol,proplene gycol,purified water,sucrose,tartaric acid,titanium dioxide)i dunno if your familiar with these elements but i just wanna know if these are restricted from the fast..thanks and may God bless and keep you always!
Richmond
Seattle Wa
Susan Gregory said,
July 15, 2009 at 9:52 am
Hi Richmond,
I actually spent most of my life in Seattle. I “crossed the mountains” a couple years ago and now live on a small farm in Central Washington. I love it here and the peaceful setting is great for writing!
Yes, you should continue with medications. Your over-the-counter medicine is simple, however any time you are using other medications or prescriptions, you will want to check with your health provider. The Daniel Fast is a partial fast and rarely would it interfere with medications. But I always encourage people to check with health professionals to be sure.
Thanks!
DIANA said,
July 27, 2009 at 6:40 am
HI! Susan, I want to make sure on this. Above where the guidelines are, it states that water only, yet it also states that fruit and vegetable juices are acceptable.Are they really? Also I found Baked corn tostadas which are made of corn, lime and salt, Are these OK? How about these, baked corn, cactus and salt tostadas?I also found a Central Market popcorn which is organic popcorn and soybean oil, Is this OK? Thanks for your help. Be Blessed
David said,
August 5, 2009 at 3:27 pm
ok, a little more reading for informational purposes, than, im gonna try it…
David said,
August 5, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Soooo, my salads would have no salad dressing…right? no salad toppings either?
Susan Gregory said,
August 8, 2009 at 6:59 am
Hi David,
No, you don’t have to eat “naked salads.” You can salad dressings and toppings, as long as all the ingredients are allowed on the Daniel Fast. You can use sunflower seeds, black beans, dried soybeans and other toppings for your salad. Your salad dressings can be oil and vinegar with herbs. You can’t have all dressings or all toppings, but there certainly are some that fit the fill.
My favorite prepared salad dressing is Newman’s Own Oil and Vinegar Salad Dressing. All the ingredients conform to the Daniel Fast Guidelines.
Be blessed!
Crystal said,
November 2, 2009 at 8:58 am
What about noodles, like Ramen or whole wheat pasta?
Susan Gregory said,
November 5, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Hi Crystal,
Whole wheat noodles are allowed on the Daniel Fast. However, from what I know of ramen noodles they are made of processed flour and would not be okay.