The Daniel fast is based on the Book of Daniel in the Bible. Daniel is a prisoner who is ordered to eat from the king's table, but he has concerns that the food and drink may defile him as it was likely offered to idols. He then asks a guard to allow him and his three friends to eat only vegetables and water for 10 days. At the end of that time, if Daniel and his friends appeared as healthy and strong as the men who ate from the king's table, they would be allowed to continue on their special diet. Churches and Christians today use this as the basis of a fast to cleanse the body and strengthen faith.
Pray Daily
Because the Daniel fast is meant to strengthen your relationship with God, praying and reading the Bible daily are vital parts of the Daniel fast. You are also to pray before starting the Daniel fast and again before breaking the fast.
Eat Pure Foods
Fresh, frozen, canned, juiced and dried fruits and vegetables are allowed on the Daniel fast as long as they don't have additives, such as sugar or salt. Legumes, nuts and seeds are also permitted as long as they are without additives. Some churches allow whole grain breads and spices without additives to be used during the fast, but this isn't acceptable by all churches, so speak to your pastor.
Drink Only Water
In the most strict Daniel fast, only water is permissible. However, according to Elevation Church, some other beverages including herbal tea, unsweetened soy milk and no sugar added 100 percent fruit juice are also permissible. Talk to your pastor to determine where your church stands on this issue.
Avoid Unclean and Choice Foods
Animal based foods aren't permissible. These include meats and dairy products, including butter. Sugar based foods, caffeinated foods, salt, refined foods, processed foods, fried foods, food additives, many spices, alcohol and leavened bread are also forbidden.
Time Frame for Fast
The Daniel fast is done as either a 10-day fast or a 21-day fast. The basis for the 10 day fast is found in Daniel 1:8-14. The basis for the 21 day fast is found in Daniel 10:2-3.
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