The Daniel Fast-Jump Start Sample

Introduction

Congratulations! You’ve made the first step towards a deeper relationship with Christ through prayer and fasting.

The Daniel Fast is a shift in eating and prayer habits to help give a clearer way to hear from God. The modern-day version of the fast is inspired by Daniel 10: 2-3. Translations vary slightly about what Daniel did or didn’t eat, but most present-day Daniel Fasters avoid meat, dairy, animal by-products, and heavily processed foods. If you need an easy way to remember what you’re avoiding, think about my saying: “No meats, no sweets, no added sugars.”

Maybe you’re wondering, “Well, what else is there left to eat?!”

Fortunately, God was very creative when He made food here on Earth. Take a look at the list of what you can have while on the Daniel Fast:

Daniel Fast Foods List

• Any fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, melons, pineapples, bananas, apples, lemons, limes, mangoes, oranges, peaches, pears, cherries, coconuts, watermelon, kiwis, figs, grapes, rambutan, mangosteen, jackfruit, pitaya/dragon fruit, goji berries, olives, lychee fruit, guavas, acai, avocadoes, dates, gooseberries, figs, plantains, tamarind fruit, plums, etc.)
• Any vegetable (zucchini, squash (ex. acorn, yellow, butternut, spaghetti, etc.), potatoes (ex. sweet, purple, white, yellow, red, etc.), tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, kale, corn, spinach, chiles, peppers (ex. habanero, bell, ghost, chipotle, etc.), cabbage, beets, artichokes, asparagus, cauliflower, eggplant, green beans, yams, celery, greens (ex. turnip, mustard, collard, etc.), lettuce, cucumbers, yucca, onions (ex. red, yellow, green, etc.), fresh or dried herbs (ex. basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, etc.), rutabagas, chayote, mushrooms, okra, amaranth, etc.)
• Any whole grain (unbleached rice (ex. black, brown, purple, etc.), quinoa, millet, barley, oatmeal, amaranth, farro, durum, bulgur, wheat berries, whole wheat flour, etc.)
• Any bean & legume (black beans, chickpeas, lentils, split peas, pinto beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, lima beans, Anasazi beans, charro beans, black-eyed peas, pigeon peas, peas, edamame, mung beans, navy beans, Great Northern beans, fava beans, etc.)
• Any nut or seeds (almonds, pecans, peanuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, pine nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, chestnuts, palm nuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, etc.)
• Plant-based oils (olive oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, etc.)
• Water, 100% fruit juices, and 100% vegetable juices

Remember, the above list doesn’t include every single thing you can eat. However, it does show how much variety you can have while doing the Daniel Fast. Lastly, there are some foods/drinks you’ll want to decide for yourself based on how the Holy Spirit leads you. These include but are not limited to herbal teas and certain seasonings.

Chef Tips

• Take time today to see what you already have at home available to eat, and decide what other items you’d like to buy for your Daniel Fast.
• Flip through the days of the plan ahead of time to check out the recipes and food tips I’ve included to help you prepare.

Above all, there is one thing I want you to remember: The Daniel Fast isn’t about the food. It’s about your faith!

I’m sure that sounds a little silly since you’re avoiding foods you usually enjoy. However, focusing on food isn’t the point.

Thankfully, this is a fast where you can still eat something *Hallelujah*.

However, instead of finding your happiness in food, you’ll begin to experience finding fulfillment from God.

Still with me? Well, then, let’s jump-start!