This way of eating is a dietary modification plan focused on simplicity and plant-based nutrition. It consists of non-energy-restricted choices of food from plants that are minimally processed (1). In this article, we discuss the Daniel Fast in detail and tell you how to successfully incorporate it into your routine with a bit of discipline. Scroll down to get all the information.
More On The Daniel Fast
The Daniel Fast is based on Daniel, the Prophet, whose dietary and spiritual experiences are recorded in the Bible. This diet includes vegetables and other whole foods and avoids all animal-based foods. In other words, it is a vegan diet that prohibits the consumption of all animal products, refined foods, alcohol, and caffeine. It helps cleanse your body, restricts calories, and studies show that such a diet can improve metabolic and cardiovascular health (3). The Daniel fast was also found to improve the quality of a person’s life by decreasing their body weight, improving their levels of blood pressure and blood cholesterol, and enhancing insulin functioni Function of the hormone that controls the breakdown and absorption of fats and proteins and the absorption of energy by tissues and cells. (1). So, if you want to know more about this fast metabolism diet, we have all you need to know!
Is The Daniel Fast Diet Healthy?
A study showed that subjects following the Daniel diet for 21 days observed a decrease in their body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation in the body) as well as improved insulin function. The diet also has no calorie restrictions (3). Thus, you may also observe similar results. But it does come with certain modifications.
What Can You Eat On The Daniel Diet Fast?
Below is the list of foods you can consume while following the Daniel fast.
Fruits: Apples, apricots, limes, avocado, lemons, bananas, melons, blackberries, nectarines, blueberries, oranges, cantaloupe, papaya, cherries, peaches, coconuts, pears, pineapple, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, dates, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, kiwi, watermelon, and tangerines. Vegetables: Artichokes, beets, broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, celery, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, egg plans, green beans, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radish, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, yams, and zucchini. Whole Grains And Legumes: Amaranth, barley, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, black beans, black-eyed beans, kidney beans, lentils, mung beans, and split beans. Nuts And Seeds: All nuts (raw, unsalted), pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds. Liquids: Vegetable juice, coconut milk, kefir, and almond milk.
What Should You Avoid On The Daniel Fast?
Foods To Avoid: Avoid consuming any of the following foods while on the diet.
Iodized salt Sweeteners Meat Dairy products Breads, pasta, flour, crackers (unless made from sprouted ancient grains) Cookies and other baked goods Oils Gum Mints Candy
Beverages To Avoid: Avoid consuming any of the following beverages while on the diet.
Animal-based milk Juices Coffee Energy drinks Alcoholic drinks
The following sample diet plan will give you a better idea.
Sample One-Day Daniel Diet Plan
Breakfast: Oatmeal with fruit and nuts/seeds OR a vegetable smoothie Lunch: Salad (raw vegetables topped with avocado/nuts) OR soup (Vegetable, lentils, beans) OR lettuce wrap with hummus, bean or a veggie filling Snacks: Nut and trail mix OR celery with peanut butter Dinner: Vegetable stir-fry over brown rice or quinoa
Meal prep is the most important part of any dietary plan and the Daniel fast is no different. Scroll down for some simple meal prep tips you can follow.
Meal Preparation Tips
Here are some meal preparation tips for the Daniel fast:
Plan your meals in advance to avoid last-minute meal struggles. Chop and store vegetables beforehand to quickly cook meals and make salads. Prepare larger quantities of soups, stews, or grain-based dishes and store them in the refrigerator to enjoy throughout the week. You can also freeze extra portions of food for easy meals later. Stock up on healthy snacks like fresh fruits and nuts to avoid processed foods.
While there is no limit on how much food you can eat in the Daniel fast, you may want to practice healthy eating and not overdo things. Keep reading to know how much food should be consumed in the Daniel fast.
How Much Can You Eat In The Daniel Fast?
While following the Daniel fast, you can eat throughout the day. It is a personal decision. Some people choose to eat three meals a day, while some add a snack or two in between. Others prefer to skip a meal. There isn’t a specific formula you are required to follow. Note: This factor may vary from person to person, and hence, if one tends to overeat in this diet without adequate proteins, they may tend to gain fat mass and lose muscle mass, which is not a good idea. The Daniel fasting diet has certain potential benefits.
What Are The Benefits Of Daniel Fasting?
The benefits of Daniel fasting start with one’s spiritual beliefs and motivation.
1. May Promote Mental And Emotional Health
This fast may boost your inner peace. It may clear your mind of all the negative thoughts and emotions you may be going through. This may eventually help you bond better and forge great relationships. It may also help relieve anxiety.
2. May Promote Physical Health
The Daniel fast may help detoxify your body by encouraging you to eat more nutrient-dense foods. Since it is a plant-based diet, it may also reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses (4). The fruits and vegetables included in the diet provide a wide range of nutrients, including phytochemicalsi Nutrients in plant-based products that protect our DNA and cells from cancer and other chronic illnesses. and flavonoidsi Phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants. . Other essential nutrients include fiber, potassium, calcium, vitamin C, and folate.
3. May Promote Spirituality
Daniel fasting may help you break bad habits and addictions. In the religious aspect, it offers spiritual support and brings you closer to God. It may help you rely on God’s strength.
Who Should Try The Daniel Fast?
The Daniel fast diet encourages eating, unlike most other diet plans. It is a healthy modification of your current diet. Hence, anyone intending to detoxify their body with healthy natural foods can try this diet. Zohary Ross, a lifestyle blogger, recounted her experience of doing the 21-day Daniel fast. She thought the fast was hard, especially since she loves junk food. However, she felt like she needed it. She states in her blog, “I tried foods that I didn’t normally eat and I honestly was amazed and how good and healthy I felt considering I was actually consuming very few calories (i).” Plus, the fast made her lose 6-7 pounds. Last but not least, here is a recipe from where you can draw some food inspiration.
Easy Daniel Fast Recipe
Crispy Tofu
What You Need
16 oz of extra-firm tofu ⅓ cup of fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons of olive oil 3 cloves of grated garlic ¼ cup of tamari
How To Prepare Can you eat fish while on the Daniel fast? The Daniel fast forbids meat-based food items, so you can not eat fish on this diet. Can you eat eggs on Daniel fast? No, you can’t have eggs while on the Daniel fast, as it allows only plant-based food products. Can I have wine on the Daniel Fast? No, wine or any alcoholic beverage is not allowed on the Daniel fast. Can I eat French fries on Daniel Fast? Deep-fried food like french fries or chips is not allowed on the Daniel fast. Can you eat salsa on Daniel Fast? Yes, since it includes all-plant ingredients, you can have salsa on Daniel fast.
Illustration: The Daniel Fast: How To Do Food List And Benefits
Are you considering a Daniel Fast but don’t know where to start? Watch this helpful video that outlines the ins and outs of the fast, including what foods to include and avoid. Watch now! i. My Daniel fast experience- A life simplified post https://zoharyross.com/daniel-fast-experience-life-simplified-post/
