The Daniel Fast is a partial fast based on the diet of the prophet Daniel in the Bible. It’s a powerful way to reset your body and focus on God for 21 days through fasting, prayer, and a clean eating plan.
If you want to grow spiritually, overcome obstacles, develop a closer relationship with God, or experience healing, the Daniel Fast may be just what you need.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to succeed with the 21-day Daniel Fast, including:
- What foods are allowed and prohibited.
- Tips for fasting successfully.
- The amazing spiritual benefits.
- Answers to frequently asked questions.
By the end, you’ll be equipped and inspired to complete your own Daniel Fast and experience breakthroughs!
What is the Daniel Fast Diet?
The Daniel Fast eating plan is plant-based and free of processed foods, additives, preservatives, sweeteners, flavorings, solid fats, and alcohol. It focuses on whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils.
During the Daniel Fast, you’ll only drink water.
Foods to Eat on The Daniel Fast
- All fruits – fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned in their own juices.
- All vegetables – fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned.
- Whole grains – amaranth, barley, brown rice, oats, quinoa, millet, and whole wheat.
- Legumes – dried beans, lentils, split peas, and peanuts.
- Nuts and seeds – almonds, cashews, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds.
- Nut butter with no added sugars.
- Herbs, spices, salt, pepper.
- Plant-based oils – olive oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, avocado oil.
Foods to Avoid on The Daniel Fast
- Meat and animal products – beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish.
- Dairy products – milk, cheese, cream, butter, yogurt.
- Eggs.
- Sweeteners – sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, cane juice.
- Leavened bread and baked goods.
- Refined foods – white flour, white rice.
- Processed foods – TV dinners, hot dogs, snack foods.
- Solid fats – shortening, margarine, lard.
- Beverages – coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks.
As you can see, the Daniel Fast is similar to a vegan or plant-based diet. However, on the Daniel Fast, processed plant-based foods like vegan cheese, ice cream, and meat alternatives are not allowed. The focus is on simple, whole foods.
Why Do a 21-Day Daniel Fast?
In the Bible, the prophet Daniel fasted for 10 days, eating only vegetables and drinking only water (Daniel 1:12). Later in Daniel 10, he fasted again for 21 days, abstaining from tasty foods, meat, and wine.
Today, many Christians commit to a 21-day Daniel Fast based on Daniel’s experiences.
Reasons include:
- Seeking God in prayer and worship.
- Overcoming sin or bad habits.
- Healing of sickness and disease.
- Breakthrough in finances or other areas.
- Receiving guidance and direction.
- Growing closer to God.
The spiritual discipline of fasting is mentioned over 70 times in the Bible. Through fasting and focused prayer, you can unlock miracles, get answers to prayer, and experience profound intimacy with our Heavenly Father.
10 Tips for Successful Fasting
Completing a 21-day fast is not easy, but so rewarding spiritually. Here are some tips to make your Daniel Fast experience positive:
- Prepare mentally – Decide ahead of time to see it through to the end. Tell yourself and God, “I can do this for 21 days!”
- Make a plan – Decide your start date, fast duration, allowed foods, and meal times. Shop and meal prep ahead of time.
- Drink up – Stay hydrated with purified water. Do not drink caffeinated drinks which are dehydrating.
- Opt for warm – Drink warm water or herbal tea when breaking your daily fast. This is gentler on your stomach.
- Take time to pray – Don’t just dive into food at the end of your fast. Pause to pray and reflect first.
- Focus your fast – Pray 3 times a day. This concentrated prayer time produces breakthroughs.
- Be flexible – It’s okay to modify as needed. Do what works for your body and seek God for guidance.
- Choose faith over feelings – Feelings will fluctuate. Stand on God’s Word and persevere through challenges.
- Find community – Partnering with others provides encouragement and accountability.
- Give thanks – Keep your eyes on the spiritual growth and blessings, not just the food.
7 Spiritual Benefits of Fasting
In addition to instigating needed changes in our lives, fasting brings supernatural spiritual benefits including:
- Deeper intimacy with God – Fasting allows you to focus on God alone, igniting a greater spiritual hunger for His presence.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) - Sensitivity to the Spirit – Without the distraction of food and eating, you gain a heightened awareness of the Holy Spirit’s voice and activity.
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’” (Acts 13:2) - Victory over the enemy – Fasting is a powerful weapon against the attacks of Satan.
“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21) - More power in prayer – Fervent prayer combined with fasting releases breakthroughs.
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6) - Release of divine provision – As you put God first through fasting, He promises to add all you need.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) - Healing and restoration – Fasting initiates healing for body, soul, and spirit.
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear;” (Isaiah 58:8a) - Supernatural breakthrough – Fasting causes the spiritual gates to open for the miraculous!
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” (Isaiah 58:9a)
Finish Strong!
To maintain energy and mental clarity during the Daniel Fast:
- Drink plenty of purified water.
- Eat nuts, seeds, and nut butter.
- Include plant-based protein like legumes, quinoa, and hemp hearts.
- Get enough healthy fats from avocados, coconut, and olive oil.
- Add sea salt and natural spices to food for flavor.
- Enjoy herbal teas if you get tired of water.
- Take naps or rest as needed.
And remember, you are fasting unto the Lord! He promises to sustain and uphold you, so stay positive and keep your eyes on Him.
“…serve the Lord with all your heart. Consider what great things he has done for you!” (1 Samuel 12:24)
Key Takeaways
- The Daniel Fast is a 21-day partial fast based on whole plant foods.
- Fasting helps deepen your relationship with God.
- Determine your allowed foods and stick to the plan.
- Take time to pray before breaking your daily fast.
- Focus your mind, energy, and prayers during the 21 days.
- Expect amazing spiritual and physical outcomes!
Experience for yourself the incredible benefits of dedicating 21 days to pursuing God through the Daniel Fast.
As you deny your flesh and draw near to Him, breakthroughs will come! May you grow closer to Him than ever before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why 21 days for the Daniel Fast?
A: Twenty-one days is a period long enough to experience meaningful spiritual growth, renewal, and breakthroughs. Three weeks also allows your body to detox and reset physically. The number 21 also symbolizes completeness or fulfillment in the Bible.
Q: What if I mess up or break the fast?
A: Don’t get discouraged! Just ask God to forgive you, make any needed adjustments, and keep going. God is gracious and will honor your desire to fast even if you stumble along the way.
Q: Can I exercise on the Daniel Fast?
A: Yes, maintaining your exercise routine is encouraged. You may need to reduce the intensity as your body adjusts. Be sure to drink lots of water before, during, and after.
Q: What about brushing teeth and oral care products?
A: Most toothpaste, mouthwash, and breath mints contain artificial sweeteners or flavors. Look for natural, glycerin-based alternatives. Baking soda and peroxide can also be used.
Q: Is decaffeinated coffee allowed?
A: Most people drink water only for a purer fast. But decaf coffee in moderation may be allowed since the caffeine has been removed.
Q: Can I take vitamins and supplements?
A: Yes, you can continue taking vitamins, herbal supplements, protein powders, and over-the-counter medications. However, avoid supplements containing sweeteners.
