The Daniel Fast

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

I want to introduce you to a powerful biblical secret that will elevate your spiritual, physical and emotional health to an entirely new level — it’s called the Daniel Fast.

What is the Daniel Fast?
At the beginning of Daniel chapter 10, we see that Daniel had set aside a period of three weeks as a special time of prayer and fasting. Many Christians call the type of fast he went on a “Daniel fast.” He did not give up eating entirely, but he ate a diet that consisted only of simple fruits and vegetables. He ate no meat and drank no wine. (Daniel 10:2-3)

In his fast, Daniel was mourning before God on behalf of his people Israel, who were captives of the Babylonian empire.

Duration of Daniel Fast?
The Daniel fast begins from 28th August 2022 to 3rd September 2022 (7 days)

What Can I Eat During the Daniel Fast?
There is no need to skip any meals during the Daniel fast. The following foods are such that even those with diabetes can participate in the fast safely. 

Beverages
Water only — Drink lots of it regularly during the fast.
Coconut water and vegetable juice are also allowed.
No Tea or Coffee (of any kind)
No aerated drinks like sodas, Pepsi etc.
No energy drinks, gum or candy.

Many are addicted to tea and coffee and actually feel they cannot live without it. God’s word says, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

All dairy products should be avoided, including milk, cheese, yoghurt, and ice cream. However, a glass of milk is allowed for those on medication.

Vegetables (form the basis of the diet)
Fresh or cooked
It may be frozen and cooked but not canned
Meat, fish and eggs are not allowed.

Fruits
You cannot eat the following:
Mango, Pineapple, Watermelon, Banana, Grapes, Raisins, Lychees, Dates


Whole grains
Brown rice, oats, quinoa, millet, amaranth, buckwheat, and barley cooked in water.
No white rice or bread. However, you can have chapatti.
Poha (flattened rice) is not allowed.

Nuts and Seeds
Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, and pistachios
You can also eat Chia seeds and Hemp seeds
You cannot eat peanuts

Salads
Salads are great on the Daniel Fast. You can use olive oil combined with lemon or lime juice as salad dressing options.

My recommendation is to use very little salt when flavouring dishes. Also, use very less oil. Avoid sugar altogether. 

This will be one of the greatest, healthiest things you will ever do. Your entire system will be healthier. You will also reap amazing health benefits.

After the fast, Daniel said this:
Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you...Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.” (Daniel 10:10–11, 14)

Just as God had a vision for Daniel, God has a vision for your life, a dream for you. He has ordered your life from beginning to end—whom you should marry, what you should do, and where you are supposed to go. He knows your every step—all of it. God has the vision. But notice that Daniel's fast is what caused him to understand the vision. 

Focus or clarity are two alternative words that might be used in place of understanding. It resulted in the development of the knowledge necessary to make the vision a reality.

Potential Benefits of a Daniel Fast
Some of the potential benefits of a Daniel fast can be broken down into three categories:

1. Spiritual
2. Mental and Emotional
3. Physical

1. Fasting brings you closer to God
2. Fasting makes you more sensitive to God’s voice
3. Fasting helps break bad habits or even addictions
4. Fasting shows us our weaknesses and allows us to rely on God’s strength.

B]. Mental and Emotional Benefits
Fasting benefits are different from person to person, but the following have been known to occur:

1. Fasting relieves anxiety and nervousness
2. Fasting can increase peace and shalom
3. Fasting clears your mind of negative thoughts and feelings
4. Fasting can help heal relationships in your life that have been stressful
5. Fasting decreases brain fog
6. Fasting helps increase your ability to trust God
7. Fasting clears out toxins that can make you feel sluggish or depressed

C]. Physical Benefits
Some benefits to the physical body have been known to include:

1. Fasting helps break addictions to sugar
2. Fasting supports the body’s detoxification
3. Fasting promotes weight loss
4. Fasting promotes healthy energy levels
5. Fasting improves skin health
6. Fasting promotes healthy digestion and elimination
7. Fasting supports healthy inflammation response and promotes joint comfort
8. Fasting promotes healthy hormonal balance

Father, in the name of Jesus, give me the grace to join and complete the Daniel fast. While on the fast, I ask You for heightened awareness of Your presence and fresh, new spiritual insights. Amen.