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!
The Daniel Fast 
Is it okay to prepare dried beans in the following manner: boil a smoked turkey wing (the hook only) in water with seasonings for flavor….then remove the hook from the water. Throw away the hook and then place the beans in the water.
Hi Betty,
Yes, Original Triscuits are good on the fast. As is all fruits: fresh, frozen, canned/jarred, dried, etc.. However, you must do as you have just done here, read the ingredients label to make sure no sweeteners or additives have been added in. So it sounds like you have found a good one. Be Blessed!
Hi Nate,
On this list, here is what is good: Potatoes, Vegetable oil, citric acid (when it’s naturally derived), and sea salt. So, you are correct, with this product you need to put your hands up in the air…….and run away screaming! Good job, Be Blessed on your Fast!
Hi Rose,
The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat, the length of the fast varies from 7 – 50 days. Afterward, if one chooses to keep this eating plan as a lifestyle and many do, there are suggested slight modifications to the eating plan such as adding in occasional fish and chicken.The Daniel Fast is an experience for the whole person – body, soul and spirit. Many people experience vastly improved health during their Daniel Fast since this is such a healthy way to eat.
The definition of fasting is to restrict food for a spiritual purpose. Using the Daniel Fast eating plan for strictly health purposes would be a Daniel Diet rather than a fast. And many people do use the Daniel Fast eating plan to improve their health and for weight loss. With that said, yes the Daniel Fast can help you if being over weight is an issue in your life. One thing to remember is that attaining and maintaining healthy body weight is a combination of Caloric intake and Excercise. When we find ourselves overwieght, we have simply gotten our ‘Math’ out of balance, just make the correction. I know this sounds a bit simplistic, but it really is that basic – However….. Walking it out and changing those bad habits is the hard part, but you can do it and be healthier for it! This is where the Daniel Fast can help, by getting your focus off of weight loss and onto your higher calling in Christ, Who you are in Him and in the process learning how to treat your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit with temple worthy Foods and temple worthy Exercise.
I encourage you to go to http://www.daniel-fast.com and request a copy of the Meal Planning Sheet and a copy the Daniel Fast Guidelines, they will be emailed back to you. Look them over and formulate a plan of action that will break off those old habits and put into play some new good ones. And, stay plugged in with us at both of these sites, the Daniel Fast site and this site has all the resources you’ll need for a successful fast and life changing encouragement to keep you going forward. Also, check out this site: http://www.DanielFastResearch.com which is amazing with the clinical research that has been done on the Daniel Fast. Richard Bloomer is wonderful man of God who is also a researcher from the University of Memphis. The results of his clinical studies are impressive.
We also have a ministry to help people develop a lifestyle of health http://www.Choose-Life-Now.com Many of the members are obese . . . the program is all about submitting our bodies to Christ as part of our spiritual worship (Romans 12:1-2). Many members start with the Daniel fast and then join Choose Life Now. The results are powerful. I hope this helps, Be Blessed in your Journey!
I know that on the Daniel Fast you can have triscuits, peanut butter and fruits, but what about jarred fruits that contain nothing but fruit (no sugar or preservatives). Seems like this combination would be really good.
Any of these on the NO NO list?
Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (contains one or more of the following oils: canola, soybean, cottonseed, sunflower, corn), Dextrose, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (to maintain natural color). Cooked in Vegetable Oil (soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, natural flavor [vegetable], citric acid [preservative], dimethylpolysiloxane [anti-foaming agent]). Cooked in the same oil as menu items that contain Wheat, Egg, Milk, and Fish (where available). Seasoned with Sea Salt.
I am going to start the Daniel Diet onMonday..I am morbidly obese and need a sort of jump start in my weight loss and I am also being led by God to fast for my healing..my question is can I eat like this for the rest of my life? Or should I only do it for the 21 days ..is it at all harmful to just change and adapt it as a lifestyle?
Hi Montina,
Pure spices, herbs and spice blends are all acceptable on the Daniel Fast if they are free of chemicals and sugar. Vegetarian bouillon is okay, but again you will need to READ THE LABEL to see if the ingredient list has any sugar or other no-no substances. Be Blessed!
Is it ok for us to use bouillon cubes as a seasoning while fasting?
Hi Jenica,
Only if it is brown rice or wild rice flour, and no if it is a white rice flour. Be Blessed on your Fast!
is rice flour ok to eat? its an ingredient in potato gnocchi…..
Hi Trish,
Thank you, I love hearing confirmation of how the Holy Spirit is working in and through us! He is amazing how He works, He knows how to get you where He wants you to be. And that place is Whole, Healthy, and Restored (to the place you were ordained to be, before the foundations of the earth were laid). God has a calling on your life Trish, one that Only you can fill, God custom designed and ordained this assignment on earth for only you! And no amount of attacks, wounds, schemes or snares from the enemy can stop you from fulfilling that call, “WHEN” you put all your hope, trust and confidence in God to get you there. That is when God takes all that the enemy has thrown at you and uses it to advance you in your calling! Romans 8:28 and also, Joel 2:25 “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten”….
This word from the Lord greatly impacted my life when I needed it most….and Trish, this Is for you too!
God’s Message to Me: “I hear your cry. I know you have wounds that need healing, and I will not turn away from you. Be patient my child, For one day very soon, you will look back and see that all your wounds have healed, And now, they are just mere scars, scars that are so precious that you will be a witness to All the world of the Miracle I can work In and Through My Children when they call on the Name that is above Every name, Jesus! All power of Heaven is standing at the ready, to come to the aid of those who call on the name of Jesus!
After reading the Daniel Team’s response, I truly know there is a God. After dealing with pasts hurts on my own, it has done nothing but break me down. You said those who diligently seek God will lack nothing. Boy, that means so much to me. That one strong hold the devil had on me lead to so many other bad things (spirits) that kept my mind held captive, but I say no more. No more strong holds, no more bad days, no more crying nights, no more sheets. I am precious and truly favored by his grace and mercies. Our God is awesome, and he truly heard my crys. He had to have spoke to the person who responded to me because you said the devil was holding me back and that Gods intented for me to be His hands and feet on earth. Lord I thank you for this moment, my heart has been pricked again and I must and will trust and obey your word. Thank for listening and your support, I needed this.
Thank you Amy for the encouraging testimony!
The Daniel Fast is a biblically based “partial fast”. It is a method of fasting that men, women and young people all over the world are using as they enter into the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting.
I look forward to hearing about the powerful move of God that sweeps through you and those you are serving! As you separate yourselves to seek His face as never before, He Is Faithful, He will answer when you cry out to Him! So, be expectant!
If you don’t already have one 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. Be Blessed on your Journey!
Hi Theresa,
The Daniel Fast is a biblically based partial fast. It is a method of fasting that men, women and young people all over the world are using as they enter into the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting.
There are two anchoring scriptures for the Daniel Fast: Daniel 1 and Daniel 10. In Daniel 1 the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank only water. So from these scriptures we get two of the guidelines for the fast:
1. Eating only Fruits, Vegetables, Pulse: Pulse is food grown from seed . . . corn, potatoes, wheat, rice, fruit and the like are all considered grown from seed.
2. Water only for a drinking beverage
Then in Daniel 10 we read that the Prophet ate no meat nor any precious breads or foods and he drank no wine for 21 days. So from this scripture, we get a third guideline:
3. No sweeteners and no breads
Another important guideline is drawn from Jewish fasting principles, where no leaven is used during the fast. So that’s why yeast, baking powder and the like are not allowed on the Daniel Fast. Finally, with all the above puzzle pieces, we conclude that no artificial or processed foods nor any chemicals are allowed on the Daniel Fast.
When asked about the eating plan on the Daniel Fast, I often say it is a “vegan diet with even more restrictions.” Be sure to read the ingredients on labels of prepared foods to make sure they only include Daniel Fast friendly ingredients.
I do encourage you to go into deeper study about the Daniel Fast. If you are interested in learning more about the fast, 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 (some recipes are included as well). You also will find a wealth of information about the Daniel Fast on this blog and on my website at http://www.Daniel-Fast.com. All the resources you need for a successful and biblical Daniel Fast are here. If you go to http://www.daniel-fast.com and enter your email address you can order your copy of the Daniel Fast Guidelines as well as the Meal Planning Guide, and they will be emailed back to you. Well, this is a good starting point, stay connected and feel free to keep asking questions. I hope this helps, Be Blessed!
I am in El Salvador with a team of missionaries. We are taking a gap year to do ministry before entering into college. We arrived here 2 months ago and have seen little growth and all just want a radical change in our own lives. WE want to experience God in a new way and take care of our bodies as they are His temple. We have just realized that we are not really treating this as a fast as we have been buying tons of nuts and have been snacking anytime our flesh kicks.
I have never heard of fasting in this way we thought it had to be completely from all food but it has been cool to read all the testimonies and see God work in this way. Pray God teaches us and that we are able to have self control even with the good foods. Thank you so much for your wisdom and keep the commments coming please.
Hi, My name is Theresa. I would like to have a divine eating plan. I have been asking Jesus for this for me. I am severly overweight. I had a heart attack three yrs ago. Believing and quoting his word over my life. {By his stripes I am made whole} Finding the right foods to eat. This has been my Goliath. And I am ready to slay him.
Please help me. what is this Daniel’s fast you talk of?
Hi Pamela,
There really is no specific timeframe during the fast of when the Lord begins to speak. In review: The definition of fasting is to restrict food for a spiritual purpose. Restricting foods goes both ways, restricting foods that should not be eaten, as well as restricting yourself to foods that should be eaten. So, restricting food to enter a time of Fasting is about Disciplining your flesh to do what “it does not want to do, and what it does not like to do”, So that your spirit (inner man) is in control over the flesh and not the other way around (which is the natural bend of the flesh, to fight for control). However, I do believe that the first days of a fast when the flesh fights you the loudest is also when your momentum is sound, and gets you over that hump, then the flesh quiets down. The 10 day mark you referred to, may well be just because it is the half way point. That seems to be when you begin to let your guard down, simply because you’re now on a roll, over the worse part and now on to a bit of a routine, but you’re still a ways to go to the end. I want to encourage you that what you have been confronting, is what in Galatians Paul was speaking about when he said that our flesh is at war against our spirit, and our spirit against our flesh. Basically, they both want to be the boss, and only one has been ordained by God to be the boss, our “born again spirit” (who is one with the Holy Spirit), is to rule over and be in dominion over these flesh vessels. So what should be your focus for your fast? I would encourage you to study all scripture that refers to who you are in Christ! “In Him” “Through Him”: Read the book of John and get to know Jesus in a new way: Look up scriptures about the spirit of man (the born again inner man that is made in God’s image and in His likeness and is made to live eternally with Him, soul (mind, will and emotions, flesh) and body (physical body, also flesh).
Additional Scriptures to study: 1 Corinthians 9:27, Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:17, Galatians 5:24, Romans 8:1, Romans 8:4, Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:25, 1 Corinthians 6:15, James 4:1
God has ordained for All of mankind to be “Imitators” of God Eph, 5:1. To Walk like Him, Talk like Him, and “to walk in Dominion on the earth and Subdue Everything that is a hindrance to us, and that includes our flesh with its’ desires and appetites! We are the Body of Christ! We are His hands and feet in the earth, and He needs us healthy and strong to fulfill the Great Commission He has entrusted into our stewardship! And we should no longer be fussing with our tantrum throwing, brat behaving flesh! Ok, I know I went long here and I just preached myself happy and put my own flesh into its rightful place… Again! I sure hope this helps you, I know it has me! Be Blessed in your Journey dear sister!
Hi Trish,
God is Faithful and…. He Loves You! Seeking God through fasting and prayer is a powerful, spiritual (kingdom) principle that will break any and all bondages in our lives (which is why the enemy & the flesh resist it so). Through fasting you are posturing yourself for breakthrough! Jesus said that there are some strongholds, that the Only way to break them is through fasting and prayer. So you are absolutely going in the right direction, I believe you are here at this crossroads, for such a time as this! He has not called you to be broken or sick in any area of your life, He has called you to be His hands and feet in the earth and for that He needs you free from every hindrance, bondage and past wounding. Trish, God has great plans for your life, Jer. 29:11… Praise God! Those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing. – Psalm 34:10, Deut. 28:1-14.
*Since “past hurts” always involve people, the one thing the enemy hates is for you to get free of that wounding. His intent was that the hook stay firmly lodged in you, to hold you back. The way to get free, and walk in true freedom and love is to pray for that person/s. If you are like me, I didn’t know where to start other than “Lord, bless them, save them, etc.”. A good start point is to read scriptures and insert their name, speak deliverance over them, declare them overcomers by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony Rev. 12:11. The scriptures listed above are also good ones to use. As you declare God’s purposes, deliverance and freedom over them, that “hook” of hurt that held you bound to that person/s – situation is severed! Declare your freedom over every hindrance in your life by the power of the blood of the Lamb, in Jesus Strong Name!
I encourage you to go to http://www.daniel-fast.com/ click on Spiritual Life, there is a wealth of spiritual aids to help strengthen, build up and encourage you in your journey. God is for you, and we are standing with you for God’s very best in your life! Be Blessed on your Journey!
Hi Brie,
The Daniel Fast is traditionally done for 21 days, some have gone for a longer length of time, and some for shorter. I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit for His direction and leading for your time of fasting and prayer. He has the very best plan for your life, especially with this time of fasting, while you separate yourself from the world to pursue a closer relationship with Him. Be Blessed on your Fast!
Hi Ryn,
You can get plenty of protein and the iron that you need on the Daniel Fast without modifying the fast with yogurt and tea. However, you will need to be intentional with your Protein Rich Foods: All Nuts and Peanut butter (any nut butters), Whole grains, Legumes and Leafy Dark Green Vegetables. Also, many people do add to their diet unsweetened soy (plant based) protein powder into a blended fruit/vegetable ‘smoothie’ as a meal replacement (make sure the ingredients comply with the Daniel Fast and watch out for milk products (whey) and sweeteners along with chemical additives). If you still question that you’re getting enough protein and iron in your foods consider adding a sweetener/additive free plant based supplement to your regime. And THEN, if you still feel that you’re not getting enough through your foods and supplements, consider “modifying” the fast by adding some fish and chicken. I hope this helps, Be Blessed in your Journey!
Hi Tonya,
The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat, so you will likely benefit from the Fast. And yes, you can fast even if you have a chronic illness . . . but don’t abandon the advice of your health professional. If your physician has instructed you to eat only one meal a day (and I don’t know if that includes any snacks or not) then you will need to be very intentional on the foods you do eat. Carefully go over and compare the Daniel Fast Guidelines with the instructions from your physician, make the appropriate modifications, and the key here for you will be to plan out your meals. You can get a copy of the Meal Planning Guide and a copy of the Daniel Fast Guidelines by going to http://www.daniel-fast.com enter your email address and they will be emailed back to you. I hope this helps, Be Blessed on your Fast!
I actually started the Daniel fast back in September (it only lasted 9 days), but because I lost the a few pounds that was needed, I stopped and could not figure out for the life of me, why I keep thinking about the fast until I read these testimonies and the responses to them. I know it may be Oct. 3rd, but today I go start to finish, knowing now that I have food options to help me manitain the weight I have. This was truly encouraging to read, I need all your prayers while I embark on this task. My fast is for a specific hurt that has been hindering me for some time now, and now I must release it in order to mve forward. God knows what it is. Be truly blessed in your walk with Christ, he does love all of us.
How long does is the fast supposed to last? or is it just a lifestyle choice?
i am anemic ..do you think its ok for me to eat some of the food like yogurt and tea …to keep me from not being weak ?
Blessings,
I want to thank you for the abundance of information regarding the Daniel Fast. The questions and answer section was also very encouraging.
My “fasting” journey begins very eager and with a strong desire to do the Lords will. I pray, read my bible and focus on what I need clarification from the Lord about. My question is, I always struggle with my flesh around the 10th day of my fast and will usually revert back to eating the “non-fast friendly foods”. I have heard that it is during this period of time when the Lord speaks to us and our flesh rises up. Is there any truth to this and also can you give me some positive feedback regarding how I should approach my fast because I have struggled long enough with my flesh and I desire to have the Lords direction in ALL areas of my life and not just those areas that are convenient for me. Is there a passage of scripture I need to focus on or a new direction I need to take? I appreciate your willingness to serve the people of God. I look forward to hearing from you and your response will be applied and whole-heartedly appreciated.
Hi, I just started the Daniel Fast today and wanted to know can the fast be modified if I take blood pressure meds? Im supposed to only eat 1 meal per day, but unsure how this will effect the fast and the meds?
Hi Angie,
The Daniel Fast is totally plant based, so there is no yogurt allowed on the fast. I hope this helps!
Hi Tina,
Continue on in your fast! Prayerfully address how to modify the fast, and let the Holy Spirit guide you as to the best direction for you to go. This is all a part of your journey, letting Him lead when the path isn’t so clear to you. Be encouraged He is directing you, He didn’t nudge you to start a fast only to have you stop after a few days. He makes a way where there seems to be no way! Isaiah 43:18-19 Be Blessed on your Journey!
Hi Jenna,
You do not have to lose weight on the fast if you do not want to. As you know, maintaining healthy body weight is a combination of Caloric intake (eating three moderate meals with two snacks per day) and Exercise. You will want to pay specific attention to your protein intake, and you can get plenty of protein in Nuts and Peanut butter, Whole grains, legumes (beans) and Leafy Green Vegetables. And, remember to Drink Lots of Water! As a general guideline, your body needs half its body weight in ounces of water per day, i.e.: 160lbs = 80 oz. of water daily. I hope this helps, Be Blessed in your Fast!
Is greek yogurt okay on the daniel fast?
I have started my fast into day 4 but I don’t have the financial means to continue, so I guess my question is should i wait until I can afford to do so or should I sustain and modify my fast? Am I able to modify it even though I started it already?
HI I am about to start a Daniel’s fast for the first time, but my only problem is my parents will make me stop it if I start to loose weight. What is the best way to keep weight on while doing the fast.
Hi Bianca,
For example considering fruits, the phrase means that you can have “all” the fruits (which is including bananas, apples, oranges) but if there is another fruit not listed, you can have it also (but not limited to). I can’t list all the fruits since there literally are hundreds of types and varieties throughout the world. I hope this helps.
Hi David,
Water is the only drinking beverage on the fast. 100% natural, sweetener and chemical free fruit/vegetable juices are allowed for use in recipes. However, (This is a Grey area) Smoothies Are Allowed on the fast when made as a meal replacement (since they are considered a “liquid meal” rather than a beverage). A Daniel Fast “smoothie” is simply, blended fruits, vegetables, if needed a splash of unsweetened plant-based milk (Soy, Almond, Rice, Coconut, etc.) or some Natural, unsweetened juices. Also, if additional protein is needed, you can add in a plant based, chemical and sweetener free protein powder. I hope this helps!
Hi Ty,
Many fasts begin at sunrise and end at sunset. However, the Daniel Fast does not require this modification to our eating patterns. If you choose to add this step to your fast, then that would still be okay, but it is not a required step for the Daniel Fast. Be Blessed!
Thank you Donna, for the encouraging and motivating testimony! Be Blessed on your Journey!
I’m confused.. its say but not limited meaning we can eat this things that says not limited..
I am really confused about fruit juice. Can we drink like apple juice or can we only add juice to a food item… Also since you techinically drink a smoothie are we allowed to have all natural smoothies?
Is there a Time Frame in which U eat???