The Daniel Fast is not a weight loss plan, though adherents will likely shed a few ponds, nor is it a total fast. The Daniel Fast is a 21-day spiritual journey Christians take to develop a closer relationship with the Lord. It imitates the fast that the prophet Daniel endured. Christians on this fast eat only fruits and vegetables, shunning meats, wine and other foods that could be found on the royal banquet tables in the Book of Daniel.
Scriptural Base
The Daniel Fast is based on two separate fasts the prophet Daniel underwent. The first fast, a 10-day fast, in which the prophet and fellow Israelites ate nothing but vegetables and drank nothing but water during the time they entered the court of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The second fast was a 21-day fast Daniel embarked upon after receiving a vision. For three weeks, he "ate no choice food, no meat or wine touched (his) lips."
Vegetables
During Daniel's original 10-day fast, he simply asked for vegetables. No other information is given. A general rule, given by Reverend Elmer Towns, is that any food planted for harvest is fine to eat during the fast. This includes broccoli, corn, leeks, potatoes, carrots and cabbage.
Fruits
Daniel did not speak of fruits when he requested the king's servants to provide him with only vegetables. However, following Reverend Elmer's interpretation, fruits like apples, figs, apricots, plums and bananas are allowed, as they are planted and harvested. According to Rev. Elmer, adherents to the Daniel Fast, should determine their goals ahead of time, and stick with that plan for the full 21 days. As Daniel did not specifically request fruits, it is fine, though not required, for the faster to abstain from fruits as well.
Water
It is clearly written in Daniel 1 that Daniel requested only water to drink during his initial 10-day fast. During his 21-day fast, he states that he abstained from wine and no other beverages are mentioned. In general, most followers of the Daniel Fast allow only for water. No processed drinks or sodas are consumed.
Flat Breads, Grains and Nuts
Flat breads, grains and nuts are a gray area when it comes to the Daniel Fast. Some versions allow only for fruits and vegetables. Others allow for any plant that can be harvested, including grains, legumes, beans and tree nuts. It is up to the person following the fast to determine the path they want to take. If grains are included in the fast, they should be unprocessed and breads should be unleavened.
What to Avoid
Meats, including dairy and eggs, should not be consumed during the Daniel Fast. No artificial sweeteners or chemically processed foods should be eaten during this time.
References
- The Daniel Fast: What is the Daniel Fast?
- The Daniel Fast: Recipes
- "Holy Bible: New International Version": Daniel 1, Daniel 10
