“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
When determining what you should purchase while on the Daniel Fast, remember two things, all ingredients should be sugar free and chemical free. Read the labels! Look at the ingredients and not the nutrition facts. Nutrition facts can be misleading where the ingredients are right there, plain as can be. If you looked at the nutrition facts on an apple, you would see that it contains around 15 grams of sugar. Here’s the breakdown on that. Apples are filled with natural sugars but they don’t contain added sugar, so the ingredients would not say “sugar”. Now for the chemicals, stay away from words that you cannot pronounce. If you can’t say it, don’t eat it. Many times, companies use big technical jargon so that you don’t realize what you are really ingesting. Feel free to search the chemicals on some of the foods in your pantry, odds are you will toss them as soon as you realize what you have been eating. Just remember to keep it simple.
Remember that Daniel ate no pleasant food, sweeteners are considered “pleasant”. To achieve the full benefits of fasting, try refrain from using any kind of sweetener, pure or otherwise. it is the concept of “manipulating the list” that will stand between you and the ability of the Holy Spirit to work in your life. However, that being said, if you have any health issues please consult your physician before beginning the fast or make the necessary modifications to allow you to participate. Remember that God sees your heart and will see your sacrifice.
Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast
All fruits: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned.
All vegetables: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned.
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 nut butters like 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. Juicing if you have a juicer is highly recommended.
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 sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice. This includes all sweeteners, sweeteners are considered a “pleasant food”.
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!
