Daniel Fast Food List

“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

 

One of the great things about the Daniel Fast is that you are not limited to any specific amount of food, but rather to the kinds of food you can eat. The Daniel Fast is limited to vegetables (includes fruits) and water.

 

If you want a print out of this list in brochure form to use yourself or share with others, please visit www.Daniel-Fast.com

The Daniel Fast - available at all local and online bookstores.

Special Note: if you have health issues, please be sure to contact your health professional for advice before committing to any fast including the Daniel Fast. If you would like a list of the foods included and excluded in the Daniel Fast to show your doctor, just copy the contents of this page. Also, if you are interested in a collection of recipes that will take you through an entire 21-day Daniel fast, click here.

After answering hundreds of questions about the Daniel Fast, I am updating the food guidelines. My hope is that it will serve as a more complete list. The original list used by many people was issued in a book about fasting. I know the author tried to do the best he could, but that isn’t the same as getting hundreds of questions seeking clarification. So here is the new list that I hope helps.

Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods.

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast

All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon

All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.

All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.

All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.

All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.

All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.

Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.

Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast

All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.

All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.

All sweetenersincluding but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.

All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.

All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.

All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.

All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.

Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.

Remember, READ THE LABELS!

If you want recipes for 21 days with three meals and snack for each day, plus meal plans and great ideas for the Daniel Fast, consider The Daniel Fast Cookbook! Just $8.95, plus your purchase helps support this lay ministry and makes it possible for this blog to continue!

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5,228 Comments

  1. Cris Lanie said,

    May 30, 2012 at 9:12 pm

    hello..can I ate sweet potato? here in the Philippines we call that “kamote”. It is a fruitcrop too like potato. Lastly, do I have to avoid using make up, or facial creams.etc? please answer me as soon as possible since tomorrow is the day 1 of my daniel fast and I can’t also use the internet for the whole fast.

    • Daniel Fast Team said,

      May 31, 2012 at 6:14 am

      Sweet Potatoes are fine (all vegetables are allowed) just watch what goes on top. Continue to use your make up and facial creams as normal. Be Blessed!

  2. Cris Lanie said,

    May 30, 2012 at 1:15 am

    Please encourage me with your own testimony while doing Daniel fast. I am only 22 and craves for food always.

  3. hanfv said,

    May 30, 2012 at 1:02 am

    Hello Ms. Gregory,

    I have trouble understanding the rationale behind some of the dietary guidelines. For example, why is all sweetener eliminated (Daniel only says “no choice food”)? I’m especially wondering about honey, since it’s quite “all-natural.”

    Also, why eliminate all dairy? The exclusion of meat doesn’t seem to imply exclusion of milk products.

    Why no fried foods at all? etc, etc.

    I completely understand how the Daniel Fast can be helpful, both physically and spiritually. The only thing is that it seems that these dietary restrictions do not mirror the Daniel chapters 1 and 10 passages, though they do seem to show a healthy way to cut back on preservatives, sweeteners, etc.!

    (p.s. I have posted before with the same question, but my post was not approved. If you prefer, could you kindly reply me by email if you do not wish for this comment to be displayed? Thanks!)

    • Daniel Fast Team said,

      May 30, 2012 at 10:20 am

      Hi hanfv,
      Thank you for your post. I have been teaching about the Daniel Fast since 2007 – and I have experienced that great pleasure of interacting with thousands of men, women and teens who use this method of partial fasting. Many people who are not able to go on a water- or liquid-only fast are able to enter into the powerful experience of prayer and fasting using the Daniel Fast. I truly believe God has ordained this fast for this time.
      As you know, the two foundational scriptures for the fast are Daniel 1:12 says, “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, rice 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; and I did not anoint myself at all for the full three weeks (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). 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 water is the only drinking beverage. One thing to keep in mind is that while all foods on the Daniel Fast are natural . . . not all natural foods are acceptable. Honey is one of those, although natural it is still a sweetener.
      So then, the Daniel Fast is a type of fast based on the combined fasting experiences of the prophet Along with typical Jewish fasting principles. To be clear, we are not trying to “reenact” the prophet’s fast, but rather use the experiences to serve as guidelines for a partial fast that can be experienced by people today. Giving up foods, submitting our fleshly cravings, and experiencing all those emotions and challenges is part of the fast. If we are merely substituting “yummy foods” for other “yummy foods” then we can miss the powerful lessons and the growth. On the other hand, the purpose of the Daniel Fast is much more than “to not enjoy food.” Otherwise we would all be eating some tasteless mush! Unlike traditional fasting where disciplines must focus on denying all food intake, the Daniel Fast disciplines must be exercised on denying specific foods only, as well as eating the right foods (which for most of us is a whole “new” world of discipline). As a reminder, the definition of fasting is to restrict food for a spiritual purpose, and is an experience for the whole person – body, soul and spirit.
      I encourage you to study the information on this blog and at http://www.Daniel-Fast.com as there is a wealth of information about the Daniel Fast. You may then even consider going into a deeper study about the Daniel Fast. If you are interested you might want to get a copy of The Daniel Fast where I go into great depth about fasting and the Daniel Fast in particular. I hope this helps!

  4. Jill said,

    May 29, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    Today is the first day of the fast for my family! My parents uncle and a few other close friends are all giving the fast a try. Our ages go from 18 (me) to my uncle (52). We are all at a great point in our lives with God but know that no matter our age we can all still become closer with God. Best wished to everyone on their fasting journey!

  5. Beth said,

    May 24, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    Please pray for me as I begin the Daniel Fast in the coming days. I must admit that I’ve been an emotional eater over the past three years and feel like this is the time and a process for me to fully allow God to work on my emotional stability. The past three years have been very stressful for me (alcoholic husband, abuse and divorce) and I’ve gained about 30 pounds during this time. I pray that I will grow in my faith, cleanse my body and allow God to heal me in my brokeness. My prayers are for all of you on the fast as well.

    • Debra said,

      May 29, 2012 at 7:16 pm

      I read your comment Beth and immediately identified with what you have been through. I too was married to an alcoholic husband, went through abuse and am now divorced. God saved me from my abuser and I am living a blessed life. I pray that you will grow in your faith and that the Daniel diet will be the answer to your prayers.

  6. paula quinn said,

    May 23, 2012 at 1:01 pm

    Hi I am going on another daniel fast,i have done this before and have your book which is a great help.i was looking to know is it possible to have daily devotions sent to my email again,will be starting fast on monday 28th may.many thanks.paula.Gb

  7. Queen said,

    May 22, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    I am starting the fast today. Please keep me in your prayers that I will be successful.

  8. nancy said,

    May 22, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    I found that if you put sunflower seeds on the brown rice it makes it delicious! And it wasn’t dry. Hope this helps

  9. Asia Croft said,

    May 22, 2012 at 7:40 am

    Fantastic! Thanks for the info

  10. May 22, 2012 at 7:11 am

    I am planning on starting this fast for some spiritual and physical needs. I noticed you can have rice.What would you suggest to put on instead of butter? Thanks.

    • Daniel Fast Team said,

      May 22, 2012 at 2:21 pm

      Hi Ginger,
      It all depends on what you are serving with your brown/wild rice. Think outside the box, from spices, seasonings, soy sauce or as simple as a drizzle of garlic flavored olive oil. I hope this helps, Be Blessed on your Fast!

      • Linda Anders said,

        May 26, 2012 at 1:46 pm

        You can put black beans on the brown rice. It is wonderful

  11. Shaz said,

    May 21, 2012 at 9:08 am

    I am going to try to be faithful to the Daniel Diet and I am expecting to learn from the Lord in this time, to have great break-through in many areas that need urgent break-through and rid myself of gluttony and bad eating habits that have piled on excess weight that keeps me from looking and feeling my best. If God made to be the best in every plan He has for me surely I must get back into that shape! Thank you all for encouragement. Please pray for me!!

  12. Aki said,

    May 19, 2012 at 7:25 am

    I just started with fruit and veg fast and i was wondering if rice is considered in this fasting . thanks

    • Daniel Fast Team said,

      May 21, 2012 at 6:34 am

      Hi Aki,
      All whole grains are allowed, so Brown or wild rice is fine because it’s a whole grain (white rice has been stripped and is no longer a whole grain, so it’s not allowed). Here is a general list of allowed foods: All fruits, All vegetables, All whole grains, All Nuts and seeds, All legumes, All quality oils. Beverages: Water only – spring water, distilled water or other pure waters, and yes, tap water is good, if that is all you have available. MISC Items: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.
      For a complete list 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. Be Blessed on your Journey!

  13. Nita said,

    May 17, 2012 at 7:31 am

    I am starting the Daniel fast and I was wondering if I could use Splenda or TRUto sweeten my oatmeal – if not what do you suggest?

    • Daniel Fast Team said,

      May 18, 2012 at 7:43 pm

      Hi Nita,
      There is no sweetener of any kind (Natural or Artificial) allowed on the fast. Pile fruit on your oatmeal, such as raspberries, blueberries, peaches, bananas whatever fruit you like. I think you’ll be surprised what you’ve been missing (I know I was). I hope this helps, Be Blessed!

  14. Nancy said,

    May 16, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    I am on my 3rd day of the fast and have a headache from coffee withdrawal. I also have no energy even though I am eating enough. I walked the first two days for 25 mins but was so tired today that I just couldn’t. I also am up 4 times at night because of all the water I’m drinking.
    Any suggestions? I am 64.
    Thanks in advance

    • Daniel Fast Team said,

      May 16, 2012 at 3:49 pm

      Hi Nancy,
      These symptoms (Fatigue, headaches, cramps, and even joint pain to name a few) will pass in a few days (3-7) or more. The more extreme the build up of the toxins in your body, the more extreme your symptoms and length of time to complete your detox. Meanwhile, flushing your system with water will ease your discomfort and speed up the detox process. Wait to resume exercising until your energy level returns, and it will. Try to have your water intake completed before 6:00 or so, that way by bedtime it shouldn’t be an issue. I hope this helps, Be Blessed on your Fast!

  15. sonyalove2 said,

    May 14, 2012 at 3:42 pm

    Can we eat Garden of Eatin’ Blue Chips the ingredients are: Organic Blue Corn, expeller pressed canola oil and/or safflower oil and/or sunflower oil, sea salt

    • Daniel Fast Team said,

      May 15, 2012 at 10:50 am

      “IF” they are baked and not deep fried (the ingredients sound fine). Be Blessed!

  16. Deonna said,

    May 14, 2012 at 9:55 am

    First off, I’d like to say how thankful I am for this blog. It’s a go to source, whenever I am on the Daniel Fast.

    I am starting another Daniel Fast today (end date: 6/3/2012). There are some issues I want to bring before the Lord, that can only be worked out with His help. I’m sure my circumstance aren’t as unique as they feel to my husband and I on a daily basis, but God’s answer ususally is specifically tailored for the individual. This is why, I’m consecrating once again.

    So please pray for me during these next few weeks, as I pray for you all. Let’s keep eachother before the Lord in prayer that His will be done in each situation.

    God Bless you all!

    P.S. I believe I am pregnant (will be confirming with a test later this week)and just want any advice on how to maneuver through the fast while pregnant.

    Thank you!

    • Daniel Fast Team said,

      May 15, 2012 at 11:06 am

      Hi Deonna,
      Praise God for His Great Love to you and your family! He is Faithful… and LOVES when His people press into seeking Him and are aggressive about it! So get aggressive, be like King David and be delirious in your pursuit, worship and adoration of the Living God! He Is Faithful, He will lead you and guide you on the very best path for you, Because… of His great love for you. Prov. 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He Will direct your paths”..Encourage yourself in the Faithfulness of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life, start by declaring the word God over you….It Is Written Revelation 12:11 “And I have defeated him (the enemy) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of my testimony……” “If God be for me, Who can be against me? …..No weapon formed against me can prosper, and every tongue that rises in judgment against me, God will condemn, This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and my righteousness is from the LORD! I think you get the idea, speak the word over you, and your family.
      Here is a word that a trusted pastor recently shared, and I think will be a strength and encouragement to you too!
      “Look Ahead – Get Ready – Expect Movement – Recently, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “This is a time for expansion. I am about to move My people into a new experience with My presence. I need them to be mobile and ready to move with Me. The tent of My presence is expanding. Pull up the tent pegs that lie before you, but leave the tent pegs of your history intact. My expansion plan includes both your past and your future. Look ahead. Get ready. Expect movement. Expansion in all things is upon you!”
      Congratulations on the possibility of this precious new life in your family! If pregnant…We suggest that nursing or pregnant mothers review the Daniel Fast eating plan and then use their wisdom and the instructions from their health providers to modify the fast to meet their physical needs. The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat, however your body has extra demands on it, so you might want to add a little chicken, fish and/or dairy products prepared in Daniel Fast friendly ways. If you go to http://www.daniel-fast.com and enter your email address you can order your copy of the Daniel Fast Guidelines and they will be emailed back to you. Be Blessed on your Journey!

    • Jennifer said,

      May 17, 2012 at 1:14 pm

      Hi Deonna, I too am starting the Daniel Fast for the second time, my end date (06-03-) for the nex 21 days. I will keep you and your family before the Lord since I started the Daniel Fast on monday, God has answer one of my prayers. I lost my job in April 2011, was on the job for (14 years) its has been
      very hard for me. Lost my 40lk, but thru it all God has been there for me. My husband pass away in April of 04, please keep me in your prayers. Jennifer.

  17. May 14, 2012 at 6:18 am

    Canned fruits have sugar in them- I am trying to find them not prepared in syrup but the ingredients read sugar- Is this still OK?

    • Daniel Fast Team said,

      May 14, 2012 at 5:09 pm

      Hi Rachael,
      Look for the “LITE” canned fruits as those are generally only the fruit canned in it’s own juice. I also like using frozen fruits as they are usually 100% fruit with no additives, they have retained more of their nutrition and can be less expensive. I hope this helps.

  18. Celia said,

    May 13, 2012 at 5:53 am

    Can I continue to take multi-vitamins and digestive enzymes while on the fast?

    • Daniel Fast Team said,

      May 14, 2012 at 5:05 pm

      Hi Celia,
      Yes you can take daily supplements, although we encourage you to find supplements that are free of sweeteners or man-made chemicals. I hope this helps, Be Blessed!

  19. Anonymous ;P said,

    May 13, 2012 at 3:16 am

    I am the High Schools Assistant of a Youth ministry on the Gold Coast Australia and recently we have started 7 weeks on Evangelism. I have felt personally to do this fast to seek God for His heart beat for building His kingdom and for Him to grow my Youth ministry and give the young people a passion and boldness in proclaiming the gospel throughout their lives. Through this fast I hope to lessen myself and have more of God in my life so He can use me in obedience with reaching lost souls. All for His Glory.

  20. shaun said,

    May 12, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    hello im doing the daniel’s fast, and I was wondering if it was okay to eat soy cheese?

    • Daniel Fast Team said,

      May 15, 2012 at 11:20 am

      Hi Shaun,
      I haven’t used soy cheese, so I suggest that you READ THE LABEL to make sure it is sugar-free and chemical-free. Or… talk to someone at a health food store, if they have a product that fits the guidelines they will be able to quickly direct you to it. I hope this helps!

  21. Felicia said,

    May 10, 2012 at 8:12 am

    Is agave nectar allowed with oatmeal

    • Daniel Fast Team said,

      May 10, 2012 at 8:46 am

      Hi Felicia,
      There is no sweeteners of any kind allowed on the fast (natural or artificial). So although Agave Nectar is natural and plant based, it’s still a sweetener and not allowed on the fast. I hope this helps, Be Blessed!

  22. Genesis said,

    May 9, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    I have decided to fast until God decides to pull me through something important in my life. I have been doing this for awhile, but I want to know if it is ever a time that it is ok to break the fast. For example, when celebrating birthdays or weddings. Is it ok to take part in such things or not? I am praying that God will give me a clear answer, meaning that in my heart I will feel no guilt for having stepped out on my fast. Even for an evening.

    Thanks to whoever replies to me, I’d really appreciate it.

    • Daniel Fast Team said,

      May 10, 2012 at 9:09 am

      Hi Genesis,
      When you fast, you may occasionally find yourself facing delicate social or family/friends dilemmas. The key here is to check your heart and make sure the reason you push the “pause button” is coming from your spirit and you are not just giving in to a craving for a self-motivated reason. I have found that in most cases I can avoid these situations. And over all my years of fasting, it’s the rare occasion when I have paused my fast. With that said, don’t beat yourself up if you defer due to love, respect, or some other act of kindness or when unexpected situations arise. There are also many times when friends ask me to a meal at their home and I tell them I am on the Daniel Fast. I explain that there is no need for special arrangements or to change what will be eaten. I go on to clarify that I am totally satisfied with a vegetable salad and drinking water, and if that works, I will be happy to attend. So do your best to plan your fast around what events that you can, and when the unexpected comes up be quick to ask the Holy Spirit for His direction. He is faithful and He Will lead you! Be Blessed on your Fast!

  23. Felecia said,

    May 8, 2012 at 11:27 am

    I initially started this fast during consecration month for my church. As I began go see and experience the results of the Daniel Fast, i was moved to make it a way of life. I have been overweight, having a tough time with allergies and since doing the Daniel Fast my allergies are minimized and I have lost 24 lbs in 2 months. I did the Fast for the month of February and continued through Lent. I’ve added chicken and fish to the list and I continue to lose. I am gradually working my way back to the weight i was 22 years ago. What a great way of life.

  24. Virginia Conners said,

    May 7, 2012 at 4:59 pm

    Hi!
    This was my day 1 of the fast. I have to admit I was amazed preparing for it. I was stunned by the additives in foods even the “organic” food had “natural additives” that put the food in the NO list.
    I have enjoyed the extra time spent with the Lord though.


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