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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!

You can also see all the books by Susan Gregory at this link: Daniel Fast books

The Daniel Fast at www.Daniel-Fast.com

The work in Zimbabwe has been fulfilled. Thank you to all who participated!

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10809 Comments Post a comment
  1. Herb #

    Is the fast good for diabetics. Plus is splenda or stevia allowed

    May 9, 2011
  2. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Mitch,
    Yes, you absolutely can do this. 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. Spending as much time as possible getting familiar with the fast will serve you well in being prepared to experience a successful fast. This site as well as the Daniel fast site as an abundance of information available to you. I hope this helps, Be Blessed in your Journey!

    May 9, 2011
  3. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Nannette,
    Yes, Oatmeal (steel cut oats, old fashioned oats, quick-cooking oats) are all great whole grains for on the fast, and every day too! Be Blessed on your Fast!

    May 9, 2011
  4. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Mpho,
    You can order any of Susan Gregorys’ books through Amazon.com or http://www.daniel-fast.com/store.html
    Fasting is a powerful spiritual experience when done alone or when joined together with another believer. I encourage you to seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit, He will lead you in the best way for you to do your fast. He is Faithful and will answer when you ask Him. Be Blessed in your Fast!

    May 9, 2011
  5. Mpho Mogadime #

    Hi, my name is Mpho, I’m 15 years old. I wish to have the Daniel Fast cook book you have, but i live in Africa, South Africa. I also wanted to ask if the Fast is much powerful alone or by joining with a Christian brother in hand?

    May 8, 2011
  6. Nannette #

    Can you please tell me if it is okay to eat Steel cut oatmeal from the health food store. Or Irish Oatmeal which is 100% Whole Grain Irish Oats.

    May 7, 2011
  7. Mitch Russell #

    help me out here. Sounds like I can do this.

    May 7, 2011
  8. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Melanie,
    The Daniel Fast is totally plant-based, so no egg whites on the Daniel Fast. It’s all about the ingredients, and cheerios have sweeteners and additives which are not allowed on the fast. Some cereal suggestions for you are Muesli, also for boxed cereals are the Ezekiel brands and some varieties of Shredded Wheat, ex: http://www.arrowheadmills.com/product/shredded-wheat-cereal Also, there are several others found in the Natural Foods section of grocery stores or at Health Food stores, and then there is always good Old Fashioned Oatmeal.
    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. I hope this helps!

    May 6, 2011
  9. Melanie #

    I was just wondering on the daniel fast can you have egg whites or multi grain or regular whole grain cheerieos? thank you

    May 6, 2011
  10. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Herman,
    Naturally occurring sugar in food is allowed. ADDED sweeteners of any kind are not allowed (cane juice, honey, stevia, etc.). For example, raisins are very high in natural sugar, and they are allowed on the Daniel Fast. However, dried cranberries are very tart, so the food producers add sweetener to them making them NOT allowed on the Daniel Fast. Here’s a guide to help differentiate between the two: On the product labels is the “Ingredients List” (this list tells what has been added in) and the “Nutritional List” (this list tells a combination of what is Natural and what’s been added in). You will want to focus on the “Ingredients” list, if there is no sugars listed here then you’re good to go. For baked french fries, you can get ketchup at Health food stores that have no sugar added, or make your own. Stevia is a plant based sweetener, and there are no sweeteners allowed on the fast. I hope this helps!

    May 6, 2011
  11. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Mike,
    Not to worry, everything in that marinade was Daniel Fast friendly. And even if there was something amiss that you ate God is merciful and kind, He knows your heart and intents. There are those times in life that you just cannot know everything in every ingredient, so you simply commit it to the Lord and recieve your meal with thanksgiving and continue on. God loves you and desires to pour out on you all the riches of heaven. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope”. Be Blessed in your Journey!

    May 6, 2011
  12. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Adeola,
    Yes, cassava flakes (also known as Tapioca) is allowed on the fast, it just depends on what it is cooked with and how it is cooked. Just make sure it is cooked with Daniel Fast friendly ingredients and not deep fried. Fasting is always coupled with a spiritual goal. So during this time of fasting, you will want to focus on prayer, study and meditation, and you are correct that this does look different for each of us. However, I do recommend that whatever amount of time is your normal routine prior to your fast, that you would want to increase it (when possible) during the fast. Specific prayer points, again this is your time alone with the Lord, to seek His face and to enter into His presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide and counselor, to lead you in the prayerful utterance that He has for you, He is Faithful and ‘Loves’ responding to His children with this type of open request. As a start point for your fasting & prayer inspirational reading you can go to http://www.daniel-fast.com/spiritual_life.html Be Blessed in your Journey!

    May 5, 2011
  13. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Joel,
    It all depends on what is in the cornbread. Cornbread traditionally has a list of ingredients that are not allowed on the fast, so read the Ingredients list first to make sure, and if in doubt just pass on it. I hope this helps!

    May 5, 2011
  14. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Dawn,
    You are correct! These ingredients are not conducive to the Daniel Fast because of the sweeteners, yeast and additives. You can find unsweetened soy-based protein powders in the natural foods sections of most supermarkets (but you need to make sure the mix you use is all plant-based and free of whey, additives and/or sweeteners) and make your own in a blender with some fruits and vegetables (to be used as a meal replacement). However, if you are looking for a prepared unsweetened plant-based protein shake, just keep reading those Ingredients labels until you find one that is suited for the Daniel Fast.
    You do not need to start your fast over. God knows your heart and is please with your decision to seek Him through fasting and prayer, so simply make the needed adjustments and continue on in your fast! I hope this helps, Be Blessed in your Journey!

    May 5, 2011
  15. Adeola Adediran #

    Hello,

    I was wondering if Cassava flakes (Known as Garri in West Africa) is acceptable for the Daniel fast? I was also wondering if there are any specific prayer points to include with the Daniel fast, as well as how much time should be devoted to prayer during this fast? I know that prayer is individualistic and releative to each person, but I want to know what your recommendation is !!!

    Thanks,
    Adeola Adediran

    May 5, 2011
  16. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Samitra,
    Avoid using cooking oils that are high in saturated fats and/or trans fats such as Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Palm Kernal Oil or Vegetable shortening. Instead, use oils that are low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as Flax Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Walnut Oil, Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Corn Oil, Safflower Oil, Sunflower Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Canola Oil, Soy Oil and Sesame Oil. I hope this helps!

    May 4, 2011
  17. Samitra #

    Would you please give examples of some “not quality” oils? Like vegetable oil?? Thanks again!!

    May 3, 2011
  18. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Mpho,
    Yes, 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 in your Fast!

    May 2, 2011
  19. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Corey,
    Yes, cinnamon is allowed to be used on the fast. Be sure to read the Ingredients label just make sure there are no additives. Be Blessed!

    May 2, 2011
  20. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Nikki,
    Yes, all whole grains pastas are good for the fast, as long as the rest of the ingredients comply. I hope this helps!

    May 2, 2011
  21. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Samitra,
    Ezekiel brand whole grain tortillas are a daniel fast friendly choice.

    May 2, 2011
  22. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Timothy,
    Wheat Thins have Ingredients in them that are not allowed on the fast. However, Triscuits are a good choice – the original variety. High energy foods that are great for the fast are: any and all vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, all natural peanut butter, beans and lentils. 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. Be Blessed on your Journey!

    May 2, 2011
  23. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Rose,
    Yes, canned foods are allowed on the fast. And, this is where your “New Daniel Fast Exercise” comes into play, Label Reading. Ha,ha, I know not my favorite thing to do either but a must. And, Now I can’t eat anything without reading what’s in it first. So, it’s a good new habit to get into. To answer your question, no, all canned foods do not have sweeteners and preservatives in them. However, you will sometimes need to read alot Ingredients labels before you find a clean product, but they are available. I hope this helps!

    May 2, 2011
  24. Rita #

    OMG!! I’m so grateful that I’m doing this FAST… 21days it is going to be a big BLESSING to my life and

    May 2, 2011
  25. you said canned foods are allowed (beans etc)but don’t they have sweetners and preservatives?

    May 2, 2011
  26. Timothy #

    Hey guys,
    Just wondering if wheat thins are a good food to eat during my fast. Also do you know of energy high energy foods that are acceptable during the daniel fast because so far its been three days and i can start to feel my body becoming sluggish.

    May 2, 2011
  27. Samitra #

    I have looked all over for whole grain tortillas and they either have sugar or leavening in them. Do you have any recommendations?

    May 1, 2011
  28. Nikki #

    Can you eat whole wheat pasta while on this fast?

    May 1, 2011
  29. Corey #

    Is cinnamon allowed to be used?

    May 1, 2011
  30. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Maria,
    There is alot of erroneous information as well as partial variations of the Daniel Fast out there. I would encourage you to review a copy of the Daniel Fast Guidelines, and to continue to read through this website as well as the Daniel Fast site, everything you need for a successful Daniel Fast is available to you through these resources. 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. I hope this helps, Be Blessed!

    April 29, 2011
  31. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Nitara,
    You are right, water is the only drinking beverage on the fast, 100% unsweetened juices (better yet, freshed squeezed) can be used in recipes. Cottonseed oil is best passed over in liu of a higher quality oil. I hope this helps!

    April 29, 2011
  32. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Anita,
    The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat. I encourage you to get a copy of the Daniel Fast Guidelines to review, also available to assist you is a meal planning guide. You can order a copy of the Meal Planning guide and the Daniel Fast Guidelines by going to http://www.daniel-fast.com and enter your email address, they will be emailed back to you. Staying motivated is key to this type of lifestyle change, the more you know the more empowered you become to be and stay motivated. I encourage you to spend time on this website and the Daniel Fast site, both will provide you with an amazing amount of information, as well as getting a copy of the Daniel Fast book which goes into greater depth into the fast. I hope this helps!

    April 29, 2011
  33. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Danny,
    Natural salt or some Kosher salts that have no additives in the Ingredients.

    April 29, 2011
  34. Daniel Fast Team #

    Hi Kimberly,
    Water is the only drinking beverage on the fast. I00% unsweetened juices can be used in recipes, just not as a drinking beverage. Be Blessed!

    April 29, 2011
  35. Kimberly #

    Are NAKED drinks okay to drink? They are 100% vegetable or fruits depending on what you get.

    April 29, 2011
  36. Danny Muse #

    Is there a limit to which types of salt i can have on the daniel fast

    April 29, 2011
  37. Anita #

    Hi there,
    I found out about this diet from a friend of mine. I’m really trying to find a good natural way to lose weight. I’ve always struggled being overweight, but my height keeps everyone from knowing my actual number. I want to give this a try, but my problem is the staying motivated part. I’m 5-6″ & about 220lbs. I want to be 160-170lbs. Please help ! 🙂

    April 28, 2011
  38. Nitara #

    I have just started the daniel fast with my mother (my first fast). I know that fruits are allowed but the only beverage is water. Just for clarification is fresh squeezed orange juice allowed?

    Also, is cottonseed oil allowed?

    Thank you for your assistance on my journey! Stay blessed!

    April 28, 2011
  39. Hi, I’m Mpho and I’m 15years old, I’ve only recently heard about the fast and I thought it was interesting. I don’t have a clue base on it….but as i read on, i saw you giving your website for purchasing a book you said to have info. on the Daniel Fast…so I just wanted to know if I could get the book because I live in South Africa…Thanx

    April 28, 2011
  40. Maria Davis #

    I’m very confused…my church also choices the Daniel fast as a way for self denial but the list of food choices differ from what’s on this sight. For example my pastor says that we can’t have veggie burgers because they are considered a substitution food, we also can’t have tortillas because it’s a form of bread, and no broth of any kind; just to name a few. I don’t want to be following the wrong plan, please help!!

    April 28, 2011

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