Daniel Fast | Daniel Fast Results & Recipes
The Daniel fast is a biblical fast inspired by the fasting of Daniel. Daniel ate only what grew from the ground and avoided meats as well as other “rich” foods. In the simplest of terms, Daniel ate a vegetarian diet without desserts/sweets of any kind.
The church I attend starts every New Year out with a 21-day fast. As a church family, we seek God through prayer and a fasting style of our individual choice. One may choose a water/liquid only fast (cleared my a health professional), fasting/abstaining from certain foods/drinks, or the Daniel fast.
I chose to try the Daniel fast for the first time this year and the result were so rewarding.
Daniel Fast Results:
Weight Loss: Over the course of 21 days I lost 12 pounds and 3″.
Hunger: The first week I felt some hunger pains. However, as I prayed more, my focus fell more to God and His gifts rather than food/drink. By the middle of the second week I was content with my nourishment.
Discipline: As a prior competitive Irish dancer and varsity swimmer, I used to my highly disciplined with my diet/exercise routine. I have since fallen away from that. This fast led me back to that place of self control. With that self control came a feeling of power resulting in more self love and gratitude.
Spirituality: Following a daily prayer guide helped me to focus my thoughts and efforts into a guided direction. This led me to higher thinking, focused grace/gratitude practice and the ability to be present and patient in every aspect of my life.
Daniel Fast Diet:
Foods to Enjoy:
Fruits:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Avocado
- Banana
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cherries
- Coconut
- Cranberries
- dates
- Figs
- Grapefruit
- Guava
- Honeydew
- Kiwi
- Lemon
- Lime
- Mango
- Melons
- Nectarines
- Oranges
- Papayas
- Peaches
- Pears
- Pineapple
- Prunes
- Raisins
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Tangerines
- Watermelon
Vegetables:
- Artichoke
- Asparagus
- Beets
- Brussel Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Celery
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Collard Greens
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Green Beans
- Kale
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Mustard Greens
- Okra
- Onion
- Parsley
- Peppers
- Potato
- Radish
- Rutabaga
- Scallions
- Spinach
- Sprouts
- Squash
- Sweet Potato
- Tomato
- Turnips
- Yams
- Zucchini
Legumes:
- Black Beans
- Black-eyed Peas
- Kidney Beans
- Lentils
- Mung Beans
- Pinto Beans
- Split Beans
Nuts & Seeds:
- All Nuts (raw and unsalted)
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Almonds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Walnuts
- Flaxseed
- Chia Seeds
Whole Grains (if including):
- Amaranth
- Barley
- Brown Rice
- Quinoa
- Millet
- Oats
Liquids:
- Water
- Vegetable Juice (fresh squeezed)
- Coconut Milk
- Coconut Kefir
- Almond Milk
Foods to Avoid:
- Sweeteners
- Breads
- Pastas
- Flour
- Crackers
- Cookies
- Juices
- Energy drinks
- Dairy products
- Alcohol
- Gum
- Coffee
- Mints
- Candy
- Meat
- Soda
Daniel Fast Recipes:
Listed below are a few of the recipes that I used throughout this years’ fast. I chose to include these recipes because they were the most impactful for me to stay on track with the fast and the weight loss. Also, as I am the Queen of Ease, I had to find recipes/meal plans that were EASY for me to make and eat! As a mom of two toddlers I don’t have hours a day to cook/prep/meal plan!
Keep in mind, however, that I did not include any grains (such as rice or pasta) during my fast so there may be modifications that you could make if you choose to fast in this style.
Daniel Fast Drinks:
I stuck to water and tea throughout the duration of the 21 day fast. This is how I did it:
- Water: Every morning I would fill my favorite water bottle in the world, my Buzio, with cucumber-lemon ice water. I love this water bottle because it keeps hot drinks hot for 24 hours and cold things cold for 48! It’s also 40oz so it’s not too big to carry around everywhere and I can track my water (80oz/day) easier! And I’m ALL about easy! So each morning I would fill it with ice, 3 slices of cucumber and a squeeze of one lemon and I was set! The ice would last all day and I could just add water on top!
- Tea: I chose peppermint tea because you aren’t supposed to have mint/gum and the peppermint flavor made my mouth feel fresher!
- Sparkling water: I would by store brand cans (cheap and easy!) of Mango Sparkling water. I’m usually not a fan of soda water, but the mango is pretty good! It would give me that soda-like punch but keep me on track with the water fast.
Daniel Fast Breakfast:
I am not a huge breakfast person, and because of toddlers I am up around 5am everyday… Ugh! So I would start off everyday with an apple and some hot tea.
When I found some time to sit for a moment and have a second breakfast I would have one of two things:
- Steamed broccoli with lemon juice and pepper: surprisingly good! My 1 year old would cry if I didn’t share with her!
- Prepackaged coleslaw mix with red wine vinegar, a dash of olive oil and black pepper.
**If you are including whole grains, however, steel cut oatmeal with Crazins/raisins and nuts would be a great breakfast option!
Daniel Fast Snacking:
My go-to snacks for this vegetarian fast include:
- Nut and Crazin mixtures: I would pack a snack-sized Ziploc bag of either raw, unsalted almonds or walnuts mixed with Crazins to add a punch of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper Pistachios: One of my all-time favorite snacks that packs a bunch of protein and flavor.
- Stovetop Popcorn: Made with either olive oil of avocado oil.
I have shared this recipe before and I’m doing it again because it is truly THAT good! My Epic Stovetop Popcorn recipe was a LIFE SAVER throughout this fast when I needed a quick and easy snack between meals! I would simply make a pot of it at the beginning of the week, pack Ziploc baggies of it for myself while I was on the go and leave the rest of the bowl on the counter to grab a handful or two whenever I felt like it!
Epic Stovetop Popcorn
Equipment
- 6QT thin, sturdy pot with lid
Ingredients
- 1 c popcorn kernels white or yellow
- 1/4 c Avacado Oil or other high-temp cooking oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Put 2 kernels of popcorn into the pan, cover, and wait to hear them both pop. Remove the pan from the heat and add in the remaining kernels, cover, and let sit for 45 seconds.
- Return the pot to the stove's medium-high heat. The popcorn should start popping within a minute or two. Shake the pot every now and again to ensure even heating.
- Remove lid once kernels stop hitting the lid (this means there is enough popcorn in the pot so the kernels on bottom won't pop out). This will allow air to come into the pot and reduce the moisture level resulting in crisper popcorn.
- Remove the pan from the heat once the popping slows to a near stop. Let it sit for another minute to make sure you don't have popcorn explosion in your kitchen when remaining kernels at the bottom pop.
- Pour into a large serving bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt if desired. Enjoy!
- Try to stop eating it (Ha!)
Fantastic Daniel Fast Recipe:
Healthy Daniel Fast Chili Recipe: This Spicy 3 Bean Chili was basically my dinner for the entire 21 day fast! It is super filling and so flavorful!
Spicy 3 Bean Chili
Equipment
- 5qt Saucepot
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 med White Onions diced
- 1 lg Green Pepper diced
- 2 Jalapenos diced
- 2 tbsp Garlic minced
- 2 28oz Cans Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 15.25oz Cans Dark Red Kidney Beans undrained
- 2 15.25oz Cans Black Beans undrained
- 1 15.25oz Can Chick-Peas (Garbanzo) undrained
- 2 tbsp Ground Cumin
- 2 tbsp Chili Powder
- 2 tbsp Hot Sauce
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt
- White/Brown Rice **optional
Instructions
- Heat oil in pot over medium heat,
- Add onions, green pepper, jalapeno.
- Sauté until onions become translucent.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in remaining ingredients (except rice if using).
- Bring to a boil.
- Serve immediately over rice if desired.
Notes
Daniel Fast Prayer Guide:
Although this fast is an amazing weight loss plan, it’s original intent was to become closer with God. If you are also doing the fast for a spiritual reset and seeking God’s guidance, I want to provide you with a daily prayer guide. Below are a few of my favorite, 21 day prayer guides:
Looking for more weight loss plan options?? Check out these other articles from Struggle Shuttle:
How to Lose 5 Pounds in a Month Without Exercise
Ultimate No Excuses Fitness Plan
Customizable 30 Minute Total Body Workout
Top 10 Tips and Tricks to Speed Up Your Metabolism
If you choose to try the Daniel Fast for weight loss or spirituality, I hope that this article helps you along your journey!
Happy Fasting!
5 Comments
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Danielle
I have never heard about this type of fast before. I’m glad you had success with it.
vidya
this sounds like a fast that I can actually try (I am pretty bad at fasting :-)) .. so thanks so much for the detailed information on this.. I am bookmarking this so I can work on it
Marysa
How interesting! I’ve never heard of this before, but it makes sense and I think it would be a good way to eat healthier.
julie
I love the lists of fruits and veggies! I am so programmed to just buy and eat the same things! The chili recipe sounds yummy. Even though I do have the time to cook now it is not something I enjoy. I like easy too!