The Daniel Fast is a 21-day fast from all foods and drinks except fruits, vegetables and water. It comes from the Bible's book of Daniel, when the prophet was captured and taken to Babylon. In the first chapter, to avoid becoming defiled by eating meat offered to idols, Daniel refused to eat the food served by his captors, but rather ate only fruits and vegetables. In the 10th chapter he is mourning for his exiled brothers and fasts from all but fruit, vegetables and water for 21 days. Then, the angel Gabriel brings him a message of hope.
What You Can Eat
Unlike the traditional concept of fasting, which allows nothing but water, the Daniel Fast allows you to eat as much food as you want as long as you stay within the boundaries. Fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds are acceptable food for the fast. You may choose to eat your foods fresh, but you may also cook them, as long as you do so in a healthy manner.
Remember to drink plenty of water. Body purity is one of the aspects of this fast, and drinking water rather than sugary drinks, teas or coffee will help accomplish purity. This may be the most difficult part for some people because of caffeine or sugar addictions. Headaches are a typical symptom of both caffeine withdrawal and dehydration, and drinking more water should help with both.
What You Can't Eat
The main prohibitions are on meat and dairy products because they come from animals. There is also a prohibition on wine or any fermented alcoholic drinks. The idea is to eat only things that grow from the earth and are not changed from their original state by man. However, they are not the only restrictions.
You should also avoid bread that is made with yeast. The reason for this is both spiritual and metaphorical. As part of the original fast sacrifice, Daniel said he would not eat any "pleasant food," because he was in mourning. In the Bible, yeast is also used as a metaphor for sin, and so when you reject yeast, you symbolically reject sin. Also prohibited for health and pleasantness reasons are fried foods. Even if they are fried in vegetable oils like sunflower or olive oils they should be avoided as a sacrifice.
Finally, you should avoid any processed food. Some canned foods might be OK, but you should check the label for any synthetic additives or preservatives. At the heart of the Daniel Fast is the notion of eating only things that grow naturally, and so any food created in a lab rather than the field would be off limits.
Consider Why You Are Fasting
Because you are allowed to eat, the Daniel Fast is appealing to many who are uncomfortable with a total break from food. However, there is a trade-off: time. The Daniel Fast lasts for 21 days, which can be like an eternity to someone who is used to drinking coffee. When the fasting gets difficult, remember that you are making this sacrifice for a reason, and keep that reason close to your heart.
If, like Daniel, you are fasting because you are mourning, you should pray about your situation. If you are seeking answers to a difficult dilemma, you should read your Bible in search of those answers. If you are seeking healing for your body, take solace in the fact that you are cleansing it through fasting. The point of a fast is to replace the thing you are fasting from with something spiritual that will bring you closer to God.
Warning
As with any fast, if you have health problems or concerns you should consult you doctor before you start.
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