The Daniel Fast – is it Really Hard on the Budget?
by Susan Gregory on January 9, 2011
I am eager to hear from men and women about the cost of the Daniel Fast eating plan. I read posts from men and women saying they can’t afford to go on the Daniel Fast because it’s too expensive.
Please leave your thoughts about this so I can address if from a place of more specific information. What is too expensive? And what are the comparisons?
My food bill goes down during the Daniel Fast. So that’s why I am curious about this claim that, “the Daniel Fast is too expensive and so I can’t fast.”
Thanks for your help! I am eager to hear from people who will give specific information and not just generalities, which have already been supplied.
Thanks in advance for your help!
155 Comments
Post a comment
I have found the Daniel fast to be very budget friendly! However, I don’t try to cook things with expensive ingredients and I buy the produce that is on sale. Right now in Florida strawberries are super cheap so I have been eating a lot of them and freezing them for smoothies. On the other hand I won’t buy a yellow bell pepper that costs 3 dollars when I can buy a green one for 69 cents. A recipe never has to be followed perfectly instead use a cheaper vegetable substitute. I look forward to implementing dietary changes when I am done fasting. Thank you Susan for all of your hard work! God bless!
Well said Wendy, Be Blessed!
(first off I think the meal plan my church is following is a bit different than what is on this website…)
This is my first time to try the Daniel Fast. Our bill was higher than normal. I buy groceries for myself, my husband, my 3 yr old daughter, and my parents. Normally we can average a tight budget of 100-125/week (splurging on large quantities of meat once a month). But, last week I bought for the week, and I spent $125, plus mom spent about 80. We didn’t buy regular food for my daughter…she’s a great eater and I don’t ever cook separate meals for her.
Because my husband is a big meat eater atypically, and my dad has a large sweet tooth, we had to find plenty of fillers for them. I think what costs so much is that we had to buy all whole wheat pasta’s and brown rice, etc. We didn’t have anything on hand for the fast…typically half of our meals come from our pantry stocks…so if I didn’t have to buy so much main meal ingredients…we would have been fine. BTW our family loves this “diet” and are planning on incorporating this as a partial lifestyle.
Hello, Can I use Hemp Protein Powder on the Daniel Fast? Hemp seed is a natural seed which I use in smoothies and on my oatmeal and want to get the protein powder.
Yes, if there are no sweeteners in the mix . . .
Be blessed!
I am doing the Daniel Fast for the third time. My food bill has gone up considering that I have little ones that I still make “normal” meals for. They try my food, but don’t like it. My husband is also fasting, but felt called to do a liquid only fast. He has cut out all foods for 21 days. This is his second time. If he was doing the Daniel Fast, our grocery bill would be very high. But, the benefits…we aren’t eating out at all so we save money there. Also, if you are doing this for purposes of your faith and seeking out God, God will honor your commitment and take care of your budget. Our budget is not God’s budget
I hope this helps and encourages you.
I can see where people think that their cost goes up. If it were just my husband and I on the fast I can imagine our cost going down b/c we are not buying soda, meats, breads, etc. However, we have two kids and my father that lives with us. So we are still buying all the things we would normally buy for their lunches and dinners. We tend to buy more veggies than normal because they are just eating that as a “side” and we may be eating it as a “meal” We normally don’t “snack” a lot. But, on the fast we tend to snack on nuts and things that we typically do not buy. We don’t complain about the cost going up b/c we understand this is a sacrifice…food and the pocket book. I have had people tell me that we should have our kids just eat the the things that we eat. But, I personally can not send my six year with nuts and fruit for lunch…or black beans that i KNOW he will not eat. As they get older and can understand the meaning and purpose behind a biblical fast I’m sure that it will get easier and then maybe our grocery bill will go down.
Hi Susan,
I am on day 18 of the fast. What a journey. I am so grateful that the Holy Spirit led me to do the fast. To give you some feedback with regards to the budget, our food bill is definitely less than what it used to be. I don’t make extravagant meals, I have broccoli and corn for breakfast, banana for a snack, stir fried brown rice and tomato for lunch, potato and veggies (mostly green beans or zucchini) for dinner. If I do get hungry before bedtime, I find that an apple helps. All my fruits and veggies are organic, I just couldn’t find organic lemons, but I wash my lemons with a fruit&veggie wash that I got from a health food store, it cost $4
My husband and I have a $100 food budget for 7 days. I have never been able to stick to that before. Oh, and I only use olive oil and sea salt. NOTHING else. You don’t need anything else.
Thanks you for your commitment Susan, God bless you.
Hi there I am on day 3 of the Daniel Fast and I am really enjoying it and finding it a blessing. With regards to cost my diet mainly consisted of processed foods and microwave meals, as I am a guy living alone (not a real excuse I know!!) but I have found that buying fresh foods is much cheaper as it does several meals where as a microwave meal or processed meal would generally do just one. The cost is not too relevant to me even though Im unemployed and have a budget I consider this an investment in spirtual discipline and drawing close to God.
Well done Gordan, and Amen!
Hi, my aunt and I are going to try the Daniel Fast next week for the first time. I read the vegetables that are allowed and was wondering if green beans are allowed. I’m aware that the list says “including but not limited to”. So, is it okay to eat green beans? I hope so because I love them.
Hi Vanessa,
The statement “including but not limited to”, simply means, that this is a partial list… only intended to be an example, not a complete list!
An example would be: All vegetables are allowed which would include: peas, carrots, spinach, lettuce, avocado. But not limited to only these, so any and all other vegetables that you find (like green beans), are also allowed even though not listed. So yes, enjoy your green beans just watch what you put on them. I hope this helps!
For me the Daniel fast has caused my grocery bill to go up. Buying fruits and veggies and organic grains and food is extremely pricey. Almond milk and soy milk is about 4-5 dollars alone. However I consider it to be a good investment and will do the fast.
Hi Celcilie,
When you remove from the budget the things you are not buying like prepared foods, sweetened foods, dairy, meats and prepared breads, you’ll find those funds are now available for beans, brown rice, whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables. But it really is a process, and does take a renewing of your mind which is something that does take place during your fast. Today I shopped for all Daniel Fast allowed foods. I spent $80 and bought enough for more than 40 meals . . . whole wheat pasta (on sale) . . . frozen vegetables . . . red sauce (on sale) . . . lite canned fruit (no sugar added and again on sale). Dried beans, oatmeal . . . I encourage you to pray about the food and your budget. Consider what foods you are using on the Daniel Fast that are spiking your budget and see if you can alter them with other acceptable choices (such as: can you find whole grains that are not organic). I hope this helps, Be Blessed on your Fast!
For us we spend a little more but towards the end we are spending less so it works out. It is a fast so portion sizes should be cut back so you are not eating as much. A fresh apple for breakfast is pretty cheap and realizing water is cheap as well you can save by reducing the amounts you eat. We spend more up front because we dont normally buy fresh fruit and veggies or spices
My best advice for the Daniel Fast is to make sure you’re eating as close to the source as you can. Prepared foods ARE going to cost more, and a lot of times will have sneaky ingredients. If you live near a Whole Foods, hit up the bulk section for grains and whole wheat flour, it is cheaper than trying to buy these things at a regular grocery market because there is less packaging. I’ve done the Daniel Fast once before, and I am going to be observing it once again for Lent this year (starting tomorrow). This time, my husband is on board and going to do it as well. With all of the SCARY news about what is hidden in our foods, I’m more excited now than ever to be doing a natural plan such as the Daniel Fast. One of our biggest staples during the Fast is chapatis. Simply mix two cups of WHOLE WHEAT (only) flour, 1 cup of water, 2 tbsp of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and a pinch of salt…..and knead for 10 minutes. Let rest for 30 minutes… roll out small balls of dough as flat as you can and cook them for 2 minutes each side on a dry skillet or griddle. This is a great substitute for leavened bread and is also VERY tasty.
One other great benefit to the Daniel fast is 21-30 days will lower your cholesterol which will save you money in the long run so it makes sense that it will save you money.
I’m seeing a lot of recipes that include edame, tofu and tree nuts for the Daniel fast. I’m allergic to those products. What suggestions do you have for me?
Hi Marge,
First, I would seek the Lord’s healing for this allergy and any other ailment that besets you. By the stripes of Jesus we were healed (1 Peter 2:24).
But until your faith is strong and you’ve received this gift of grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus . . . consider other foods that can serve your needs when these foods might be used. For example, edamame are often used as snacks. So you might use popcorn instead. Tofu is often used as a good source of protein, so you can use beans and rice or other plant-based foods that also are high in protein.
I hope this helps and be blessed on your fast!
Every year our church fasts using the Daniel fast and I have done it every year and gained so much from it spiritually. That being said, I am married with 2 boys (12 and 8) and they fast with us. Unfortunately the $100 that I would use to buy groceries to feed my family for 10 days only lasts half the amount of time on the Daniel fast due to the fact that where I live does not carry whole grains and food without additives at a comparable price. I have to shop at specialty stores like Whole Foods which cost a little more. The gallon of 2% milk that I would buy for $2.69 at Aldi’s is replaced by a half gallon of soy or almond milk for $3.00 to $3.69 (if I’m lucky) and I have to buy 2 of them to last the same amount of time…Although I buy produce regularly, I dont usually buy as much and I end up buying produce that I don’t regularly buy (because it can get boring eating the same veggies all the time)…and they doesn’t last as long in the fridge because of my family’s appetite. This sends me back to the store about 2 times a week. (keep in mind I have boys who do extra activities/sports so they are very hungry without meat and other fillers we are used to). I don’t think I should go all the way down the list of items that I purchase to do a price comparison – I am saying that depending on where a person lives and what stores they have access to (and how many are in their family, and whether or not there are any soy or nut allergies) it CAN get expensive for some people. I personally, just chalk it up to a necessary sacrifice when fasting this particular fast. If done for spiritual purposes, the focus of one’s fast should always be on one’s mind so that when, at the check-out, one can remind themselves why they are doing what they are doing.
Hi Meka,
Thank you for your thoughtful message. You are so right that the benefits of the fast are priceless . . . and so it’s hard to put it to any kind of cost comparison.
I do want to point out a couple things that my help in your upcoming Daniel Fast.
1. The only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water, so the amount of plant-based milk you use would be greatly reduced since you would only use it in recipes or on cereal.
2. Beans, rice, lentils, oatmeal and the like are readily available in most stores. They do take extra cooking time, but are so good for the body and very cheap. A bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon and raisins topped with unsweetened soy milk is very cheap for breakfast and super nourishing! Split pea soup made with potatoes, carrots and celery is really inexpensive — add a salad and you have a lovely meal for your family. So many creative ways to use beans, rice and legumes.
3. Check out the frozen vegetables and be creative as to how you use them to prepare meals. They are much less expensive and studies show they are more nutritious than most of the fruits and vegetables found in the produce section.
I hope this helps. It does take extra planning and preparation time to cook most of your meals from scratch. But I treasure this time because I listen to teachings from my favorite Bible teachers while I’m cooking or I pray and even sing.
It’s all good . . .
Be blessed on your fast!
I work out almost everyday…should refrain from working out? What foods could I eat to make sure I get lots of protein?
Hi Autum,
Yes, it is safe to stay highly physically active while on the fast. However, you will need to be intentional with your protein intake. You can get plenty of protein in nuts, peanut butter (any nut butter), whole grains, legumes and leafy green vegetables, you can also add in unsweetened soy (or any plant based) protein powder into blended fruit/vegetable ‘smoothies’ (make sure all other ingredients comply with the Daniel Fast and watch out for milk products (whey) and sweeteners along with chemical additives). Then there is also, sweetener and chemical free, plant based supplements that are an option to consider. And finally..…depending on how rigorous your exercise is and how well you are doing with your nutritional intake, you may need to consider modifying the fast to match your routine by adding in some occasional fish and chicken. Be Blessed on your Fast!
I have to say I was one who bought meat and dairy every time I bought groceries so buying food for th Daniel fast actually cut my budget in half!! Buying quite a bit of vegetables was actually cheaper than buying dairy and meat and also bought tofu, soy milk, still the cost was lower than my regular grocery bill…
I heard about this fast through my sister in law who wanted to do it but was struggling with how she could because of her three small children. I understand how it could be expensive, because for the average person, this is a completely different food list. I agree that my bill is going to be smaller during this, but I was already on this path. We don’t eat process foods, dairy, wheat, canned foods, sugars (only raw honey, bs molasses stevia) so taking away meat, sugar, eggs, and ezekial bread definitely drops my budget. But most people in fast paced lifestyles eat the “quick” fix foods, and the shock of the expense of gf polenta, or raw gf oats etc. is very overwhelming. I would suggest a 1 month preparation to “get rid” of or reduce some of the processed foods, meats, and start getting used to the price of the foods that are closer to the purpose of this fast. To change our life and be closer to what God intended when he wrote our names in the book of life. I understand it’s difficult with kids, I actually keep some things around for mine. Start watching cooking shows and learn how to cook “real food” – microwaving kills all nutrients in food, and it will be a smoother process. Over time, the budget balances out. I was extremely processed and microwave ready, it actually took me 4yrs to learn to cook (without microwaving!) and re-align my pantry and refrigerator. I hope the average person isn’t that bad!
I see in one of the post above taco seasoning mix is suggested for a meal idea? Salt is allowed during this fast?
Hi Ryan,
Yes, taco seasonings are allowed, meaning chili powder, cayenne pepper, minced garlic etc., if you’re looking for a pre-packaged type, you need to read the Ingredients list to make sure there are no additives. Yes, Natural salt is allowed, as well as all seasonings, herbs and spices, again read the labels to make sure they are additive free.
Be Blessed!
I was wondering if I am allowed to season my veggies with meat. My mom is cooking me a batch of collard greens and ruta bagas, and I’m cooking cabbages. I’m used to the seasoning,
Hi Courtney,
The Daniel Fast is totally plant based, so seasonings need to be limited to plant based seasonings only. I hope this helps!
I slightly agree with the Daniel fast being more expensive. It really depends on what you are comparing it to. If you’re a person who would usually buy frozen vegetables and processed foods, your grocery bill is less expensive than a person who buys fresh foods. The Daniel fast causes you to buy more fresh foods. Maybe the Daniel fast will provide a healthier diet overall-even when the fast is over!
About Cost of the Daniel Fast. It was surprisingly what happened to our food budget. I was so much cheaper on the budget that I want to do it more often. No, for sure it is not more expensive than eating normally. We live in Swaziland and food over all is expensive here. For us it is cheaper on the fast.
Hey guys,
How can I eat cereal with no milk???
Hi Patrick,
All unsweetened plant based milks are allowed on the fast such as Rice, Soy, Almond, Coconut, etc. for use in recipes and on cereals. I hope this helps!
Isn’t there sugar in most of these kinds of milks? Or do they come unsweetened as well?
Yes, they come unsweetened.
I’m just beginning to look into the Daniel Fast–for health as well as spiritual reasons. I have already been eating very similarly to what I am discovering here but I do have some carb cravings and snacks that will be my challenge to eliminate. Looking forward to the prayer journey there. I did wonder why green tea isn’t allowed as a drink.
Hi Jan,
The two foundational scriptures for the fast are: Daniel 1:12 “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and Water to drink. (pulse is food grown from seed, corn, potatoes, whole grains such as wheat and brown rice, fruit and the like are all considered grown from seed).
Dan. 10:3 – I ate no pleasant or desirable food, nor did any meat or wine come into my mouth……. Because of this, we eat no sweeteners of any kind, no deep fried foods and no fancy desserts. We also don’t use any stimulants such as caffeine or alcohol, and drink water only.
Finally, we look to the typical Jewish fasting principles. This primarily impacts leavening – no yeast breads or foods with leavening are allowed. I hope this helps!
What kind of cereal can I eat granola??
Hi Cheryl,
It’s all about the ingredients and what’s in it. Make sure to read the ingredients list that there are no additives or sweeteners in it. A favorite of ours is Muesli, also for boxed cereals are the Ezekiel brands and some varieties of Shredded Wheat, ex: http://www.arrowheadmills.com/product/shredded-wheat-cereal There are also others found in the Natural Foods section of grocery stores or at Health Food stores (but again, you must read the Ingredients list to be sure all are Daniel Fast friendly), and then there is always good Old Fashioned Oatmeal. Be Blessed!
I am wondering how much you guys are spending for one person on the daniel fast?
Hi Maryrose,
But I didn’t want to rely on just my experience, so I posed the question about the cost of the Daniel Fast to others. You can read their reactions here:
http://danielfast.wordpress.com/2011/01/09/the-daniel-fast-is-it-really-hard-on-the-budget/
This may sound odd, and perhaps there is already a discussion on this topic, but could anyone recommended any fast food fast options? I’m currently separated, and my job has become more demanding of my time. I often pick up fast food out of somewhat of a necessity.
Hi J. Shaw,
So much of fast food restaurant menu items are packed with chemicals and sweeteners that the options are few. I do suggest preparing lunches at home whenever possible. Salads are always an option at resaturants, many now offer baked potatoes, just pass on the butter and use olive oil, salt and pepper or even topped with steamed or stir-fried vegetables would make a nice meal. Think outside the box, look at the side dishes and ask what “stuff” comes on it and if not desirable ask if it can come plain. I don’t know of a fast food restaurant that serves whole wheat noodles or brown rice. The best way to honor the fast and eat lunch away from home is to plan ahead and pack meals that can be heated or eaten at room temperature (when possible) sometimes lunch may even look like a bunch of bananas, an apple and a bag of nuts, oh and let’s not forget the water! I hope this helps!
What about protein..protein shakes?
Hi Priscilla,
There is plenty of protein in a balance Daniel Fast (leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains and legumes). If you need extra protein, you can use unsweetened plant-based protein shakes (as a meal replacement) but you need to make sure the mix you use is all plant-based and free of whey, additives and/or sweeteners. You can find unsweetened soy-based protein powders in the natural foods sections of most supermarkets and make your own with a blender, fruits and vegetables. I hope this helps!
The Daniel fast has been terrific. I have lost appx. 18 lbs in 3 weeks. There was some detox in the firs week but I feel great. My belt went up two holes.
My blood pressure dropped 30 points also, not that I had high blood pressure. This is a terrific fast to trust God to work. My grocery bill actually went down25-50 dollars a week since I ‘m not eating out and everything is fresh. I only ate fruit, veg., nuts and occasional BOCCA burgers. It is a time to really trust God to get you through and create balance in the nutrition of your body.
THANKS SO MUCH!!!!! I WAS WONDERING IF WE COULD EAT BOCCA BURGER, I WAS A VEGETARIAN AT ONE TIME SO I KNOW ALL ABOUT THE BOCCA FOOD, SO I WILL JUST GO BACK TO EATING THEM, AGAIN THANK
Hi Apryl,
It’s all about the Ingredients and what’s in them, even though these are vegan they can still have ingredients that are not allowed (such as yeast extract and sweeteners). Many of those on the Daniel Fast make their own veggie burgers. You can find recipes in the Daniel Fast Cookbook – Version II. Visit http://www.Daniel-Fast.com So, check out the Bocca Ingredients list and if they don’t comply you may want to consider making your own! Be Blessed on your Fast!
I have to wonder if it really is more expensive. Certainly for some people if you subsist on substandard nutrition. But think of all the money you spend on fast food. People don’t seem to blink at dropping $20 on fast food or pizza but balk at spending $20 on veggies that will last through more than 1 meal. I think it depends on the importance you place on any food group. It’s easy to buy organic beans and lentils. Veggies aren’t too bad, but focus on what is in season. They are cheaper. Certainly I can pay less at a regular store. But I also tend to feel a lot less healthy when I’m putting junk in my body. I used to think that cooking from scratch would be hard, but it’s really easy and yields a lot of leftovers. You don’t have to make complicated recipes. A few spices and 3-5 ingredients makes some gorgeous meals that can last through the week or you can freeze and use later. I made a chili recipe with barley last week that used just a few ingredients and some chili powder, and my fiance is still eating it today. It was super easy, super cheap, and super delicious.
Is seltzer water allowed? I am starting the fast on April 2nd. I’m the only one in my family doing this. So I’m going to make their meals as usual, I’m just going to eat vegetables. I’m looking forward to the fast. My husband reminds me that no one else will be on it. I’m just gonna stock up on nuts like a squirrel. I love coffee though and am worried about “withdrawal”. How do I deal with that?
Hi Fran,
Seltzer water? It’s all about the ingredients. Perrier is a brand of bottled mineral water I can recommend that is naturally carbonated. Food options – There is so much more food varieties available to you on the fast other than just vegetables and nuts, and with a little planning meals can be compatible for everyone by having the meat on the side. If you don’t have one already you can order a copy of the Daniel Fast Guidelines by going to http://www.daniel-fast.com and enter your email address, they will be emailed back to you, this is a great resource to have on hand while on your fast.
Coffee withdrawals? The best way to deal with the caffeine withdrawals is to prepare in advance by weaning yourself gradually the prior week or two. Since you are starting your fast tomorrow, I suggest slamming water into your system to help flush it and to minimize the detox symptoms. I hope this helps, Be Blessed on your fast!
What do you suggest for those who don’t know how to cook and work at their job for 10 to 13 hours? I can’t eat the food at my job and don’t know what would be convenient to bring with me to constantly snack on, aside from bags of mixed nuts or nutrigrain bars (not sure how good those are on the Daniel Fast honestly). It’s reaching the point where I’m pretty much starving myself through a whole day of work.
Hi Brendon,
I know you said you don’t cook. However, if you are able to do some basics here’s a simple idea that travels well to work and is even good cold. Take 2 1/2 cups water in a pan, bring to a boil and add one cup brown rice. I know, I know, it sounds alot like cooking……… but stay with me, I promise it’s better than starving yourself. Turn it down to a slow boil (simmer) put a lid on it, let it simmer for about 30 min, when you stir it and see the water at the bottom gone take it off the burner, add in (any or all of these) a can of black beans, chili beans, canned corn, chopped onion (if you like) and some taco seasoning mix (or chili powder, ceyenne pepper, and salt) mix it all together. Warm up some Whole grain tortillas, place about 1/2 a cup of mixture in center, fold in the sides and roll it up secure. Wrap them in saran wrap or foil, these travel and reheat well and like I said tey’re even good cold. Ok, now if that is out of the question, take whole grain tortillas and spread some unsweetened peanut butter on them and roll them up, they too travel well and are good for you! Nutrigrain bars, I am not too sure that the Ingredients are Daniel Fast friendly, you’ll have to read the Ingredients for sweeteners and additives. As an alternative, “Lara bars” are made of fruit, nuts and whole grains. I hope this helps!
Thank you so much, I’m ending my fast the day I have an exercise out in the field with my command (military) and was really worried about what I could take with me so as not to jump right into an MRE dinner. I’m on my second week and have learned 1. I CAN cook and 2. The foods fill me up longer and I actually had to eat less to really focus on my spirtual connection with God. Meaning, I spend about 50 dollars for 2 weeks of food when PLANNED correctly.
Hi Kaleena,
I do want to caution you about ending your fast correctly. You will need to be careful during the first couple days of “ordinary eating.” To keep your body from rebelling loudly, reintroduce foods slowly. This is especially important when resuming coffee and caffeine, meat, dairy products and sweets. Small portions… are better and easing back into consumption of these foods is advised. Be Blessed!
I have been on the Daniel Fast for almost 3 weeks. I am enjoying my added time of meditation and prayer with my spouse. However, this Fast is very expensive. We are also concerned about our bodies’ reaction to meat and other products once we conclude the Fast on Easter. Will we be okay to reintroduce other foods back into our diets???
Hi Shay,
Yes, just add these other foods back into your diet gradually, so as to not shock your system or upset your stomachs. I hope this helps, Be Blessed!
Are natural, homemade smoothies (ice, fruit, 100% fruit juice) okay to have during the fast?
Hi Leila,
Yes, blended fruit/vegetable smoothies are allowed on the fast when used as a meal replacement (also, add in unsweetened juice or even a splash of unsweetened plant based milk). Be Blessed on your fast!
Ok. Thanks so much!
I am very excited to start my first fast with my husband in less than two weeks, and I have already thought of so may possibilities. I am normally very frugal with the grocery bill so I am not daunted by the possible cost. I was wondering if natural coconut milk is allowed. I thought it would be a wonderful way to flavor oatmeal and other such things.
Hi Jessica,
Yes, unsweetened plant based milks (almond, soy, rice, coconut, etc.) are allowed for use in recipes and with cereal, just not as a drinking beverage since water is the only drinking beverage on the fast. I hope this helps!
I heard Almond milk Is OK. Can you let me know I am about to start on April 1st.
Hi Andres,
The only drinking beverage on the Daniel Fast is water. Unsweetened juice and plant-based milks (Soy, Almond, Rice, coconut, etc.) can be used in recipes and milk for cereal just not as a drinking beverage. Unless, you are making a blended fruit and vegetable ‘Smoothie’ as a meal replacement. I hope this helps!
There are crackers, wraps, soups, and such out there which are allowable on the fast. Our local health food co-op carries them. These items, though, are more pricey than comparable grocery store items.
This weekend I dropped $70 extra dollars at the co-op on top of my usual grocery shopping for my family who are not on the fast. I find it sad that one has to spend so much more for organic and healthy foods. We get organic produce whenever possible, but it is not always feasible for our budget. I suppose one should look at the long-range end result–hopefully healthy eating will lead to fewer health problems and lower doctor bills later on.
I have been on the fast full-out for three days, having gradually eased into it. The closeness to God is the best part of the process. I am praying that He will keep me migraine-free during the 21 days, as coffee is usually what keeps my headaches at bay. Perhaps this will be the start of freedom from caffeine!
Thanks to the Daniel Fast team for keeping this website available.
The Daniel Fast for my husband and me is definitely more expensive. The reason though is that, as a teacher and a church planter, we subsist primarily on $2.50 Aldi pizzas and Ramen Noodles. This is our second experience on the Daniel Fast and I find it as refreshing to reorganize our finances to be able to afford the fast as it is to eat better and take care of ourselves physically and spiritually. It means we have to give up some of our regular extra activities, but that gives us more time to spend in prayer and also more time for deliberately spending time with each other. The Daniel Fast really serves as a total life makeover for us.
FYI: for those of you consuming soy milk. please do a little research about the dangers of too much soy especially for women because soy mimics estrogen and can lead to cancer….this isnt to say you should never eat soy, but too many soy products in one day or in one’s weekly diet may do more harm than good.
Thanks, Dee.
Yes, this is one of those debated subjects. Anyone with concern should do their own research and also take it up with your health provider. Some research shows that too much soy can cause problems where other studies show that it should be used as a preventative measure. So study and learn from the source you trust.
Be blessed!
I have an hour’s commute (one way) to work each day so it’s a challenge for me to prepare meals for my family when I get home. I try to prepare things on the weekends in bulk so that I can put food in the freezer. What has come in handy for the fast has been prepared and frozen beans, rice and chopped vegetables. These foods are very inexpensive and are satisfying when prepared using the recipes in Susan’s Daniel Fast book. To prepare the beans in bulk, I usually set up my crockpots when I’m home on the weekends and let them do all of the work. After they cool, I put the beans in quart-sized freezer bags and freeze. Even when I’m not fasting, the frozen foods come in handy for other recipes. Since rice takes about 30 minutes to prepare, I try to make a large amount of it one time and then freeze it as well.
Hi, Teresa, you are so telling the truth about time. I can agree with you the best thing to have on hand is frozen veggies, beans, and rice. Your meal can cook in a minimum of 30 minutes. If morning are rough for you, always have frozen fruits handy to make a smoothies, which are my favorite. I use unsweetened soy or almond milk. Susan’s book is so helpful when I have questions!!! So thanks Susan!!!
I am going on day 6 of the fast and i have found that my cravings for sweets has diminished greatly. Since yesterday, I have fone down to 2 light meals and 1 small snack.
I also like to drink my soy milk (Silk organic,no sugars or preservatives added) hot when it is really cold and as a bedtime drink. I can sleep so much better.
What is the shelf life of tofu once you open it? How long can it be stored in the fridge?
hot? It
Hi Martha,
Good job! Sounds like you are off to a great start to completing a successful fast, and if drinking warm soy milk at bedtime is your only modification to the fast then you are doing excellent. Shelf life of Tofu, Depends on what kind you have. If you have the refrigerated kind (this is sold in the refrigerated area in the store), you usually have 70 days from the date of manufacture, which is the sell by date on the package. Once it is opened, you need to eat it within 3-5 days. You store opened tofu in an airtight container with water covering the tofu. The water must be changed every day.
You can tell if tofu went bad because there will be a sour smell and taste. Tofu really doesn’t smell like anything.
You can freeze tofu for up to 3 months. Drain the water from the opened tofu package. Put into an airtight container and freeze. The taste will be the same, but the texture will be a little firmer.
If you have the non-refrigerated tofu that is in an aseptic container (you will find this in the non-refrigerated section of the store) then the shlef life is about a year. Again, there should be a date on the container. Once opened you can store in the refrigerater same as above for 3-5 days. I hope this helps!
Thanks for the info and confirmation. I only had the hot soy drink that one night though because I felt convicted about just sticking to water. Since then the only thing I drank is water. Also, I placed, cooked brown rice, or barley, 2-3 pitted dates, rice milk(unsweetened and organic–Rice Dream) and organic soy milk together in the blender for my quick breakfast before work. Sometimes, I alternate this with bananas, cantalope, and or Gala apples and I usually have this on the way to work. It gives me great energy.
I also found a vegetable medley of fresh zuccini strings,broc florets, whole snap peas,and sliced carrots in Wal-mart, which I used to make a fresh veggie-stir fry. It is quite delicious esp when you leave the veggies a little on the crunchy side.
By the way, what foods are recommended when you complete your 21 days for starters?
Hi Martha,
Sounds like you are doing great! We recommend that you begin to re-introduce foods back into your diet slowly. This can look like any variety of things to you, the key thing to remember is you just don’t want to shock your system by binging on sugar or a big steak. I hope this helps!
I am on my second day and went shopping last night. I did find it to be more expensive. I think it is because I was trying to find items that I could sub. I was willing to pay $6 for a tiny, tiny jar of natural jelly because my body was in such shock. A few things I was so use to eating had to be replaced with hard to find items. I work extremely long hours, so I do not have alot of time to spend preparing my meals. I think it’s just a matter of taking the time to prepare and shop around.
Yes, Lora, I do think that’s correct. Prepared foods for the Daniel Fast are more expensive. I usually have a “cooking day” once a week and prepare meals for the whole week to save time. I actually really enjoy this day as I also use it to do others activities and listen to teaching CDs while I’m in the kitchen. I freeze a lot of the food and it’s a great way to save money.
Also, using a slow cooker is a great way to have nutritious inexpensive meals using dried beans and canned tomatoes and vegetables.
Be blessed on your fast!
I was tempted to do just that, but I was reminded by my teenage daughter (who was fasting with me) that it is a fast after all and that its not about the food or whether or not its enjoyable. So we began to just eat in order to sustain nutrition to our bodies and not for pleasure – which is usually the case in my home- and sometimes lunch was just nuts and dried fruit. So by keeping it simple we kept costs down.