One of the most frequently asked questions I receive about the Daniel Fast concerns herbal tea. People have a hard time understanding why they can’t have it on the fast, especially if it’s caffeine-free and organic. The same question is asked about fruit and vegetable juice.
The answer is really quite simple and it’s found in Daniel 1:12 where the Prophet’s words are recorded:
“Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.”
This is the anchor text that says we drink only water on the Daniel Fast. Tea and juice aren’t off the list because they are bad for you. They are off the list because there is no room for juice or tea in “drink only water.”
I hope this helps solve some of the confusion as to why no other beverages are allowed on the Daniel Fast. When you think “beverage” during the Daniel Fast, you think “water.”
Now, let’s move to a little bit of a complicated matter, and that has to do with “juiced fruit and vegetables” that are allowed on the Daniel Fast. The reason they are listed is tbecause many people have meals of juiced produce. It’s not a beverage . . . it’s a meal. One woman wrote to me today and told me she uses juiced meals when she’s traveling and at work. But she also accompanies the juiced meal with a beverage . . . which is filtered water.
Water has many benefits . . . including thwarting hunger, helping with detox headaches and cleansing the body. The average adult should drink at least 1/2 gallon of filtered water every day. If this is a new practice for you, you will be very surprised by the benefits you experience.
Nancy Alwin said,
January 6, 2009 at 9:25 pm
A word regarding water; hot or “very warm” water is quite as soothing as tea, we are just not accustomed to it; but most especially in the winter months such as now. I love to drop a sliver of lemon into a big warm cup of hot water and just breathe in the fragrance. Not only does it taste great, but warms your hands too!
Bonus: It is also a great way to cleanse your liver of toxins!
God bless each of you!
KATE KHUNOU said,
January 7, 2009 at 1:40 am
TELL ME, IS THE SKIM MILK ALSO NOT ALLOWED? BUT THANK YOU FOR YOUR CLARIFYING THIS FRUIT JUICE THING.
Kelli Tuter said,
January 7, 2009 at 2:45 pm
According to Daniel 1:12 he only ate vegetables and drank water;however, on this fast fruits, grains, legumes and healthy fats are allowed so why couldn’t we drink the herbal tea also?
judy said,
September 1, 2009 at 4:46 am
Read Daniel 1 and 12 and then prayer that God gives you clarification because if there is doubt don’t eat or drink it.
Rosie Quinonez said,
January 8, 2009 at 3:38 pm
You have eggs in your dairy section of the Daniel Food list, according to most food scientist, and nutrionists, eggs are Not a dairy product, but rather a meat “alternative” product. It is listed in the meat alternative section of the dietary pyramid. Could you clarify this for me?
Susan Gregory said,
January 8, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Hi Rosie,
In Daniel 1 we read the Daniel ate only vegetables (which would have included fruit) and drank only water. This is one of the anchoring scriptures for the Daniel Fast. Since eggs are not either fruit or vegetable, they are not allowed on the Daniel Fast. The other anchoring scripture is Daniel 10 where the Prophet ate no meat or precious foods and drank no wine. So from these scriptures the Daniel Fast has become a vegan diet with even greater restrictions.
I hope this clarifies it for you.
Eleanor Nichols said,
January 10, 2009 at 8:24 am
I would like to know if nuts allowed on the Daniel fast? Since nuts are consider to be a form of protein. And as far as juice should it be hand fresh juice or can it be organic store brought juice?
Susan Gregory said,
January 10, 2009 at 9:19 am
Hi Eleanor,
Yes, nuts are allowed on the Daniel Fast. However, the only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water. You can use 100% fruit or vegetable juice for cooking or adding to cereal (apple juice on oatmeal is great). But the only beverage we drink on the Daniel Fast is water (see Daniel 1).
Be blessed on your fast.
sharon said,
January 11, 2009 at 4:32 pm
can you give me some ideas for breakfast during the daniel fast. I am a type 2 diabetic and just trying to figure out some food i can have for breakfast. thanks
Susan Gregory said,
January 11, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Hi Sharon,
You’ve probably read that many men and women have been cured of type-2 diabetes on the Daniel Fast. However, I do encourage you to send a copy of the Daniel Fast Guidelines to your health professional to make sure it aligns with your specific health needs.
All whole grain hot cereals are allowed on the Daniel Fast. So a bowl of hot cereal with soy milk and fruit would be a great way to start your day. If you need increased protein, then you might consider a tofu scramble. There are breakfast recipes in the Daniel Fast Cookbooks . . . see http://Daniel-Fast.com
Be blessed!
Sandra Vernon said,
January 14, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Hello Our church is about to go on the Daniel Fast. I want what is strictly allowed and doe sthis fast include all hand held fruits and no canned ones???? Will be looking for your reply thank u
Susan Gregory said,
January 15, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Hi Sandra,
Natural supplements are okay during the Daniel Fast as are canned foods. You need to make sure of the ingredients in any prepared foods.
You will be blessed on the fast! It is an awesome experience!
Eleanor Nichols said,
January 14, 2009 at 6:58 pm
I am on day 4 of the Daniel fast, and I have notice that I have a coating on my tongue. I brush twice a day including my tongue. What else might I notice as time progresses. I had a headache and fatigue on day 3.
Mrs. S. L. Garrett said,
January 15, 2009 at 8:29 pm
You really do not have to answer this publically, but through my e-mail or call me if you like.
Last year, I could only go on the fast 3 days! I was so sick, vomitting, extremely tired, sleepy, couldn’t eat, irregular heartbeats, headaches; it was so bad I really thought I was dying, it took me 2 weeks to recover. In October 2008, I tried the Lemon/Maple Syrup diet, which consisted of no food, I stay on that 27 days with no problems whatsoever. January 2009, Daniel fast, same symptons as last year, this time, I was able to last 13 days, why, what is going on with my body?
Mrs. Garrett
310 412 3293 or 310 672 8886
victoria lopez said,
January 17, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Soy chai tea?
Susan Gregory said,
June 17, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Soy chai tea is probably okay. But you need to check out the ingredients to make sure there is no sweetener.
shannon said,
January 18, 2009 at 10:29 am
hi sandra,
i notice some of the recipes call for soy sauce, but i have yet to find one that did not have preservatives or sugar in it. can you help? thank you, shannon
Susan Gregory said,
June 17, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Hi Shannon,
You can find soy sauce without sweeteners. I buy a “generic” brand and it’s free of sweeteners and chemicals.
Pastor King said,
January 19, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Is soy milk acceptable for drinking or just on cereal?
Susan Gregory said,
January 22, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Hi Pastor King,
The only beverage allowed on the Daniel Fast is water (see Daniel 1), so unsweetened soy milk is fine in recipes and on cereal, but not as a beverage.
Be blessed!
Clara said,
January 20, 2009 at 7:47 am
I am on day 20 of the Daniel’s Fast. I have my mind made up to do the fast the entire month of January. It has been challenging, because I have been wanting to eat other foods. When I get like that I drink water, eat or fruit or go to scriptures. That was my healing method and it works. I want God to get the glory out of my life.
Nathalie said,
January 22, 2009 at 9:23 am
I am thinking of doing the Daniel Fast but am a little concerned about how this might interact with my allergies. I’m allergic to soybeans and I’m wondering what types of alternative protein sources I might use during the fast.
Susan Gregory said,
January 22, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Hi Nathalie,
There are many ways to have enough protein on the Daniel Fast with beans and rice, leafy green vegetables, whole grains and nuts. It is not necessary to consume soy products to get enough protein for this short period of time.
kateri said,
January 27, 2009 at 11:10 am
I noticed that daniel kept a strict fast of foods. He also states he did not annoint himself with oil. So what does that mean if we are folloing the diet so strictly?? How do we follow that part of the scripture??
Susan Gregory said,
January 27, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Hi Kateri,
The anointing of oil for a man could be akin to make-up for a woman. It meant that Daniel didn’t adorn himself, but rather he entered into a period of consecration and seeking the Lord.
Be blessed on your fast.
jack said,
January 28, 2009 at 7:57 am
Sandra
can you cook with country crock spread? Can u eat a peppermint for breathe?
Thanks
Susan Gregory said,
June 17, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Hi Jack,
Country Crock spread is not allowed, but eating fresh peppermint leaves for breath is a great idea.
Be blessed on your fast!
Dorothy McDonald said,
February 1, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Please tell me where it says that we can eat brown rice and legumes on the Daniel Fast, I thought it is only water, fruit and a little steamed veggies. Are there any scriptural references for this?
Help? Thankyou
Susan Gregory said,
February 6, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Hi Dorothy,
The Daniel Fast is based on the fasting experiences of the prophet in Daniel 1 and Daniel 10 along with typical Jewish fasting principles. In Daniel 10, it is implied that the prophet included foods other than fruits and vegetables, so that’s why whole grains and legumes are included on the Daniel Fast Guidelines.
Be blessed on your fast.
NIco Zeelie said,
February 3, 2009 at 10:22 am
Hi all,
I’m curious of why we are not allowed honey in the fast. I see it as natural.
The adults in the family are now on day 2. God is good to us.
Regards
Susan Gregory said,
February 6, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Hi Nico,
Your question is common because it seems that natural foods should be allowed. But all foods in the time of Daniel were natural . . . however, in Daniel 10 we read that the prophet ate “no precious foods.” That’s our reason why honey would not be allowed on the fast.
I hope this clarifies the standard.
Monica said,
February 5, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I’m wondering if they only drank water because there were no blenders? There is little difference between chewing fruit in your mouth, and putting it in a blender. I believe it is for each person to decide, otherwise the danger of legalism can creep in. The ultimate goal is to deny certain foods and honor God. There are many ways to do this and still be faithful to Him I believe.
Susan Gregory said,
February 6, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Hi Monica,
I do agree that there are many ways to do a partial fast, but the Daniel Fast is modeled after the fasting experiences of the prophet which are outlined in Daniel 1 and in Daniel 10 along with typical Jewish fasting principles.
The question I would challenge you with is “why do you want the food that would otherwise be denied on the Daniel Fast Guidelines?”
If your answer can be nonconvicting to the Holy Spirit . . . then it would be appropriate for you.
I hope this helps you and others who wrestle with some of the restrictions.
RON G said,
February 15, 2009 at 7:34 pm
I JUST CAME OFF A 21- DAY FAST FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY AND NOW MY CHURCH IS GOING ON A 21 DAY FAST IS THIS HEALTHY OR NOT I FILL UP TO IT
Jennifer Cole said,
February 22, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Hi, I did about 3 days of the January Daniel fast which was very fullfilling. I had however intended to do the Daniel fast for the entire Lenten period. My question is: are peas are allowed in the Daniel fast. I do not care for bread or rice so I am hoping peas are allowed and so get my carbs from peas like black eye peas. I am looking forward to put away my coffee cup and drink just water.
Susan Gregory said,
February 24, 2009 at 11:01 am
Hi Jennifer
Yes, all fruits and vegetables are allowed on the fast including peas, beans and other legumes.
Be blessed on your fast!
Stephanie Mason said,
March 1, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Hi Susan, is rice milk as in Rice Dream acceptable. It has no preservatives
or sweetners. I’m glad for the clarification regarding fruit or vegatable
juices. This is my first time on the Daniel Fast. I am hoping to continue
this fast in certain areas even after the 21 Day fast.
Thank you, Stephanie
Rosa Ortiz said,
March 20, 2009 at 6:34 am
My son and I just completed the 21 day Daniel fast a week ago and we had an extraordinary experience both spiritually and phisically, lots of changes transpired throughout the 21 days. I plan to start another 21 days with a couple of co-workers, is this OK for me to start another 21 days or would I need to wait a certain amount of time to do the fast again?
Susan Gregory said,
March 20, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Hi Rosa,
You should be fine to go ahead and start another fast as long as you’re eating a good, balance Daniel Fast diet.
I am so glad you had a successful fast with your son. What a great joy! God is so good and like you know, as we draw near to Him, He can draw near to us.
Be blessed on your fast.
Mpho Nojiwa said,
May 6, 2009 at 1:36 am
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for this site, it is such a blessing. You have clarified so many things for me I did wrong in my previous fast. I’m on the second day of another 21-Day fast and I’m expecting God to move even better this time around.
Thank you and stay blessed
Susan Gregory said,
May 12, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Dearest Mpho,
Thank you for your kind comments on the blog. God is good. My prayer is the Lord will richly bless you on your fast as you grow in the love and knowledge of Christ.
Be blessed!
Monique said,
June 30, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Hello,
I have completed 2 Daniel fasts in the past and have been immensely blessed. Each time though, I have gone through the physical struggle of forcing myself to be ok with denying certain foods that I want. I empathize with many posters!
Anyway, I’m embarking on the fast again for the month of July and I was wondering if salt was considered one of the delicacies not eaten on the first fast. I noticed as I was grocery shopping that lots of whole vegetable products contain sodium. What is the standard concerning this?
Susan Gregory said,
July 1, 2009 at 5:41 am
Good morning Monique,
Thanks for your post. As I type this message I pray that you will grow in the love and knowledge of our amazing Lord during your fast.
Regarding salt, it and all pure spices and herbs are allowed on the Daniel Fast. You can get a more complete list of the guidelines at http://www.Daniel-Fast.com.
Be blessed on your fast!
Rich Ignited said,
July 1, 2009 at 7:08 am
Hi..I am on my 3nd day on fasting and im kinda having some headaches and dizziness…what type of food should i eat to at least get rid of the headaches and dizziness?
and one more question..is it ok if you wanted to fast more than 21 days for a Daniel fast?or it needs to be exactly 21 days only?
Susan Gregory said,
July 6, 2009 at 8:21 am
Good morning Rich,
The best thing you can do to relieve headaches and other symptoms in early fasting is to drink lots of water (at least 1/2 gallon a day), eat foods high in vitamin C (or take supplements); and eat cantaloupe and bananas. Your symptoms are typical for many as your body experiences the detox process.
Regarding the length of the fast: yes, you certainly can continue. I have used the Daniel Fast for as few as 7 days and for as many at 50.
I hope this helps as you continue to grow in the love and knowledge of Christ.
Summer Shine said,
July 21, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Hello all,
I am getting married in October and am embarking on the Daniel fast as a way of sacrificing my body to improve my relationship with God before starting a life with a wonderful man. I also need to fit into my wedding dress. Does anyone have any experience with weight loss due to this fast?
Thank you,
Summer
Susan Gregory said,
July 23, 2009 at 6:52 am
Hi Summer,
Depending on what foods you choose to eat on the Daniel Fast, it’s very common for individuals to lose 10-25 pounds when on a 21-day Daniel Fast. The thing to keep in mind is that it’s still about calories and calorie burn. If you focus more on vegetables than on fruit and minimize nuts and nut butters, you will most likely lose weight plus clean out your system! I also encourage you to drink plenty of water – at least 1/2 gallon a day as this will help detox your body and also aid in your weight loss.
Congratulations on your new upcoming life as a godly wife!
kmemy said,
July 29, 2009 at 7:21 am
Hello,
I just want to say thank you for being an instruments of God’s glory.
This site has been a blessing & an enlightment for me for this Daniel’s fast.
I am on day 4 of Daniel fast & I am busting in energy as I started to eat the right kind of foods. On day one I was so tired, weak & fatigue.
I learned I wasn’t eating the balance diet I needed to substain me from this site. May God continue to bless you & give you more wisdom, more power in teh knowledge of him. Remain blessed.
Shalom
Susan Gregory said,
July 29, 2009 at 7:26 am
Dear Kmemy,
Thanks you so much for you kind words and encouragement. I am so glad the blog has helped you with your fast. That is my number one goal, to serve God by serving His people.
You have discovered some of the great health benefits of the Daniel Fast. As our body experiences the first stages of detox, fatigue may come. But then when the good quality foods we eat on the fast have a chance to really “feed our body and it’s systems,” then the energy level rises. Our Creator knew what He was doing when He created our bodies and the foods to sustain it!
Be blessed, dear one. And thanks again for writing.
linda bradford said,
August 17, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Hi Susan, just needed to know is chewing gum o.k on the danielfast? this website is a true blessing.Thanks
Susan Gregory said,
August 18, 2009 at 10:10 am
Hi Linda,
Thank you so much for your kinds words about the Daniel Fast site. It’s my great pleasure to serve God by serving His people.
As far as the gum goes, I have yet to find any gum that is sweetener-free or chemical-free. Perhaps there is some that fits the bill at a health food store. But all that I’ve seen have syrups or other sweeteners added.
Sorry! Please let me know if you find anything that is suitable so I can pass it on to others.
Sekiel said,
August 18, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Hi Susan,
Can we have bottle flavored water?
Susan Gregory said,
September 1, 2009 at 8:18 am
Hi Sekiel,
The only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water. However it’s acceptable to add lemon, cucumber slices, mint or the like to your water . . . as long as it is still water and not tea. One of the fine lines on the Daniel Fast. The flavored bottled waters would be acceptable if all the ingredients are natural and there are no sweeteners or chemicals.