Daniel Fast Guidelines

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This piece will explain you the Daniel fast guidelines, which includes a list of foods that was consumed by Daniel when he was a captive. Read on to know more.

"In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled." ― Daniel 10:2, 3

Fasting is a process in which one abstains from consuming certain kinds of foods for a specific period to connect spiritually with God. Religious beliefs say that associating completely with God is almost impossible until we control our desires.

The Holy Bible cites, "I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." (Job 23:12). If you read the Book of Daniel in Bible, you'll know what a Daniel fast is. He believed that by refraining from royal food, he was able to associate with God and worship him with a clear conscience. This entire episode came to be known as Daniel fast.

Guidelines

Whether it's a 21, 30, or 40 day fast, the basic motive and the rules for it are the same. In this fasting, you are not supposed to consume animal and meat-based foods. The diet also restricts you from eating fast, junk, canned, and packaged foods.

Any eatables that have been seasoned with artificial preservatives or sweeteners should also not be consumed. Alcoholic beverages and caffeine rich products are excluded from this diet. Even yeast and baking powder is not allowed.

In Daniel Chapter 1 of the Bible, Daniel's training in Babylon is described. The Israelites were brought as captives to serve the King of Babylon, who were given royal treatment with wine and rich foods. Daniel, being one of them, refuted from consuming the royal foods. Instead, he ate only vegetables and drank nothing but water.

He said, "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see."

After completion of 10 days, Daniel and his companions who took up this diet schedule looked better nourished and healthier than those who consumed the royal dishes. The main motive behind citing this extract is that if you follow the similar food habits, you can also get a better built.

The foods that are NOT to be consumed under the Daniel fast are: Eggs Meat White Rice Caffeinated Beverages Carbonated Drinks Refined Sugar Margarine Shortening White Flour Cheese Butter Alcohol

This diet is similar to the vegan diet, which gives you the freedom to consume vegetables and fruits in large quantities. The foods that are allowed under this fast also include whole grains, brown rice, dried beans, black eyed peas, pinto beans, oats, split beans, and barley legumes.

Consumption of all varieties of fruits, vegetables is important.

Recipes can be prepared by boiling the vegetables or eating them with soups. You can add flavor to the food with garlic, ginger, onions, chili peppers, etc., instead of adding other kinds of spices, sauces, gravies to make it rich.

These are certain facts that should be kept in mind while the Daniel fast. Drink plenty of water and add fresh fruit juices to your diet. Spring water or distilled water is allowed in your diet. You can also consume herbal teas that are absolutely free of caffeine.