Question 1

What is the Daniel Fast?

Accepted Answer

The Daniel Fast is a 21-day plant-based fast that eliminates sugars, refined carbs, caffeine, and alcohol, focusing instead on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and water. We find in the book of Daniel that this was created out of a desire in Daniel to be fully devoted to the Lord:
“Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.” — Daniel 1:12
“I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth…” — Daniel 10:2–3
We know that through his obedience, Daniel received wisdom, knowledge, spiritual understanding, and favor from the Lord (Daniel 1:15–20).
This fast invites you to do the same—to draw closer to God, align your heart with His will, and experience renewal in spirit, soul, and body.

Question 2

What foods can I eat on the Daniel Fast?

Accepted Answer

Whole grains
Amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, millet, oats, purple rice, quinoa, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, whole grain pasta, whole wheat, and wild rice.
Beans and legumes
Black beans, black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans, kidney beans, lentils, peanuts, pinto beans, and split peas.
Nuts and seeds
Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, nut butters, peanuts (actually legumes but people think of them as nuts), pecans, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), pine nuts, pistachios, poppy seeds, walnuts, sesame seeds, soy nuts, sunflower seeds.
Vegetables
All vegetables are allowed: fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, and canned (in fruit juice only).
Fruit
All fruit is allowed (fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, and canned). Dried fruit shouldn’t contain added sugar (check ingredients to be sure).
Oils
Oils (coconut, olive, and sesame) are allowed but should be used minimally. You can sauté foods in olive oil but avoid deep-frying them.
Other
Unleavened bread (whole grain bread made without yeast, sugars, or preservatives. All herbs, spices, and seasonings, including salt and pepper.
Beverages
Water should be the main beverage on your Daniel Fast. Distilled, filtered, sparkling, spring, and mineral water are allowed as well. You may have 100% fruit juice on occasion (just don’t overdo it).

Question 3

What foods should I avoid on the Daniel Fast?

Accepted Answer

Animal products
Meat (bacon, beef, bison, chicken, lamb, pork, and turkey), dairy, (butter, cheese, cream, milk, and yogurt), fish/seafood, eggs.
Added sugar
Artificial sweeteners, brown rice syrup, brown sugar, cane juice, corn syrup, malt syrup, and raw sugar.
Refined grains
White flour and white rice. Only whole grains are allowed on the Daniel Fast. A whole grain product contains the entire grain kernel—the bran, germ, and endosperm.
Processed food
Foods that contain artificial flavorings, chemicals, food additives, and preservatives.
Deep-fried food
Examples are corn chips, French fries, and potato chips. (Baked chips are acceptable if they don’t contain restricted ingredients. Check the label for “baked” to be sure.)
Solid fats
Butter, lard, margarine, and shortening.
Chocolate
Milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate syrup, and cacao.
Caffeinated beverages
Alcohol, coffee, caffeinated tea, and energy drinks.

Question 4

What about eating out on the Daniel Fast?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can still eat out on the Daniel Fast! Be sure to look up menus before you go and plan ahead. Many restaurants will have a dish that works for you as is, or simply make adjustments to make it work.
Here are some of popular options:
MEXICAN (e.g., Chipotle, Qdoba, Taco Bell)
Veggie bowl/salad with a romaine lettuce base, black beans, pinto beans, fajita vegetables, fresh tomato salsa, corn salsa, and guacamole. (Skip the rice, cheese, and tortillas/shells made with leavening)
AMERICAN (e.g., Applebee’s, Wendy’s)
Steamed vegetable plates or a baked potato (plain, no butter or cheese). You can top the potato with vegetarian chili if available and compliant.
ASIAN (e.g., P.F. Chang’s)
Vegetable stir-fry with brown rice (ask for it to be prepared with a Daniel Fast-compliant oil like olive oil and avoid non-compliant sauces like soy sauce containing preservatives or sugar). Vietnamese spring rolls with tofu and vegetables (no meat) are also a great choice.
ITALIAN (e.g., Olive Garden)
Spaghetti squash with marinara sauce and sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers (no cheese or meat).
SANDWICH SHOPS (e.g., Subway, Penn Station, Jersey Mikes)
Veggie Delite salad bowl (skipping the bread) loaded with spinach, peppers, tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of red-wine vinegar.
CAFES/LOCAL FAVES
Large garden salads with a variety of raw or roasted vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds, dressed with a simple oil and lemon/vinegar dressing. Plain oatmeal with nuts and fruit (no added sugar packet) is an option for breakfast.

Question 5

Where can I find recipes for the Daniel Fast?

Accepted Answer

Research the internet Simply Google “Daniel Fast Recipes.” You will find there is no shortage of recipe ideas on the internet.
Check out books at the library There are entire sections devoted to fasting and specifically the Daniel Fast at your local library.
Reach out to friends and family who have participated in the Daniel Fast before Chances are they have some great “go-to” ideas for you!
Most importantly, keep it simple. Especially if this is your first time. We recommend finding several simple recipes and snack ideas that fit your schedule, taste buds and wallet. Just rotate them through for the 21 days. Remember, we are creatures of habit, less is more when it comes to fasting!
Be encouraged, God goes with you. If He called you to this fast, He will be there to ensure you are successful!

Question 6

Other Ways to Fast

Accepted Answer

While the traditional Daniel Fast calls for 21 days of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables, feel free to adapt your fast in a way that works best for you; remembering that the focus is on spiritual growth and obedience.
Here are some options:
Full Fast: Liquids only (you establish number of days as directed by the Spirit)
Partial Fast: Certain meals or hours throughout the day
3 Day Fast: 3 day full fast, followed by Daniel Fast for duration of 21 days
Soul Fast: Anything that affects your mind, will, and emotions. (social media, negative self-talk, gossip, overworking, etc.)
The main goal is to join together as a church body, recognizing the importance of unity and crucifying our flesh in order to experience the power of God in our lives more fully.

Question 7

Why should we fast at the beginning of the year?

Accepted Answer

​​Fasting at the start of the year is more than a discipline—it’s a powerful declaration that God comes first in our lives (Matthew 6:33). It’s a time to reset our spirit, soul, and body, letting go of distractions and making space for His voice to be heard clearly. As we fast, we align our hearts with God’s vision for the year, opening ourselves to His purpose and direction in every area of life. Most importantly, fasting invites the supernatural into our everyday lives—a season of breakthroughs, healing, and divine encounters that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. This is your time to step into God’s promises and walk in His power!

Question 8

Why fasting matters for your spiritual journey?

Accepted Answer

Fasting might just be one of the most powerful displays of physical obedience we can exhibit to demonstrate to God how serious we are about aligning with His purpose! Many powerful blessings and great favor await us, as we cultivate a life of giving, praying, and fasting. For many, fasting is the missing link to releasing these blessings. We have been taught from an early age to pray–and giving, in some form or fashion, is a natural aspect of the Christian walk. 2026 is a year where we will communally embrace the power of fasting.

Question 9

The Power of fasting in your life!

Accepted Answer

In the Bible, fasting unlocks FREEDOM and DELIVERANCE, CLARITY and PURPOSE, and reveals the GLORY of God. In 2026, we invite YOU to partner with Him—prepare your life, home, church, community, and the world to embrace His perfect Will and overflowing blessings!

Question 10

What does the Bible say about fasting?

Accepted Answer

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He taught about three very important principles: prayer, giving, and fasting.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 declares a threefold cord is not quickly broken. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Developing a life of prayer, giving, and fasting can be a threefold cord. 
In Matthew 17:21, Jesus told the disciples, “However, this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting.” 
As Jesus admonished the disciples, He is also telling us; there are some things in life that require fasting in order to bring about change.
God even granted supernatural wisdom and revelation to people who fasted.
Moses fasted before receiving the commandments (Deuteronomy 9:9-18)
Esther fasted for the safety of the Jews (Esther 4:15-17)
Daniel fasted for an answer to prayer (Daniel 10:1-3)
Fasting, along with prayer and giving, forms a powerful threefold cord of spiritual strength through which God will release miracles, signs, and wonders!

21 Day Fast

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21 READING PLAN

God’s word tells us this form of obedience will:

Step Into the Fast with Faith!

THE MAIN GOAL IS TO JOIN TOGETHER AS A CHURCH BODY, RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF UNITY AND CRUCIFYING OUR FLESH IN ORDER TO EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF GOD IN OUR LIVES MORE FULLY.

Daniel Fast Cookbook