The Daniel Fast is a Bible-based fasting program. It consists entirely of natural and healthy foods that proponents say cleanse the body of toxins. Because of the presumed healthfulness of the Daniel Fast, most people who participate in it lose weight. Several cookbooks offer help with planning meals for the Daniel Fast; however, the original plan, found in the Bible, doesn't offer any serving suggestions. Adherents who use a cookbook make sure the foods are included in the guidelines set forth by their own church.
History
The Daniel Fast is a fasting plan that can be found in the book of Daniel. Taken by slaves of King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, Messhach, Shadrach and Abednego were told they would have to eat food from the King's table. Daniel objected to the Babylonian diet on religious grounds and said he and his friends would eat only a specific list of foods. Daniel proposed a test period during which the four men would follow the plan God had given him. At the end of that time, the overseer could compare them with the other slaves. At the end of the test, Daniel and his friends appeared as strong as the others. The Daniel Fast is mentioned again in chapter 10 of the book of Daniel.
Purpose
The purpose of a Daniel Fast isn't to lose weight. That is merely a by-product of the presumed healthfulness of the fast. The main purpose of the Daniel Fast is to strengthen one's relationship with God and repent for one's sins. Emphasis is also placed on trusting in God to fulfill one's nutritional needs.
Plan
The Daniel Fast as explained in the Bible involves eating only fruits and vegetables and drinking only water. Some adherents include grains and bread that doesn't contain yeast. While the Bible doesn't mention breads, many churches allow breads because they are not among the forbidden foods. The forbidden foods include animal protein, fermented products, alcohol, dairy products, caffeinated foods, foods that contain artificial ingredients and processed foods. However, other churches believe all breads should be forbidden on the Daniel Fast.
Time Frame
In the Bible, the initial Daniel Fast lasted 10 days. This was the trial period granted to Daniel. The trial was successful because the four men appeared as strong and healthy as the men who ate from the King's table. Because the trial was successful, Daniel and his friends were allowed to continue on the diet. According to Chapter 10 of Daniel, Daniel again followed the same guidelines for three weeks during a period of mourning. Because of these two time periods, adherents most often follow the Daniel Fast for either 10 or 21 days.
Warnings
Because of the severe limitation of foods on the Daniel Fast, you should consult a doctor prior to starting the fast. For those with a preexisting medical condition, it may be possible, with a doctor's help, to modify the diet so it doesn't affect a medical condition. Some examples of people who may need a modified plan are those with diabetes, heart conditions, irritable bowel syndrome or an irritable bowel disease like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
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