The Daniel Fast is based upon the prophet Daniel’s fasting experiences as recorded in the Bible. Scripture gives us some insight (such as in Daniel 10:3) into what he ate and didn’t eat; however, we don’t know his complete menu.

What we do know is this: In Daniel 1, Daniel chose not to eat the royal food that he was being served and ate only vegetables and drank water. Another time (in Daniel 10:2-3) he deprived himself of choice food, meat, and wine as he sought the Lord in prayer. Most commentaries believe “choice food” would have been bread and sweets. This is why, we believe, you will find some variation in the specific guidelines for the modern-day Daniel Fast, as far as what foods are included and which ones are restricted. The food guidelines attached are the ones most commonly described in a Daniel Fast. The intention of our Daniel Fast is not to duplicate exactly what Daniel did, but the spirit in which he did it. Daniel’s passion for the Lord caused him to hunger and thirst more for spiritual food than for physical food, which should be the desire of anyone choosing to participate in this type of fast.

Try not to get too hung up on what you should and shouldn't eat. Remember, the most important part of the fast is that you deny yourself physically so that you may seek the Lord in prayer and grow closer to him. Your particular fast may look a little different than someone else's, but that's okay! Some people may need to be stricter than others in their food choices so that their fast is a sacrifice for them. These food guidelines are meant to be just that — a guide. They are given to help you create boundaries for your fast.