The Daniel Fast is not only biblical, it is beneficial! Although you won’t find the words ‘The Daniel Fast’ in Scripture, the reference is very clear. Daniel knew from a young age how to truly seek the Lord. This fast, which is very popular because of its health benefits, brings to us a spiritual element unmatched in other types of fasting.
The Daniel Fast is based on Daniel 10:2-3. “In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks. I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed.”
Daniel sacrificed in order to mourn and seek the Lord. These are the principles behind engaging in the Daniel Fast (although mourning is definitely not a necessity.)
The Daniel Fast was how my husband and I jump started our family’s health to great improvement. It was the simplest and most economical for us to do so. This fast was a tremendous blessing to us. And I know it will be for you as well!
Once you’re ready to start preparing (which I hope you already are!), check out the delicious and nutritious recipes below. And if you want incredible encouragement, recipes, devotions, plus so much more check out the Daniel Fast Course.Daniel Fast Recipes For Dinner
Black Bean Burger - a new favorite!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad - delicious and economical
Sweet Potato Salad - new twist to a favorite
Quinoa Salad w/Parsley & Herbs - better than imagined
Brussels Sprout and Cranberry Salad - totally yum
Unleavened Bread - yes, it’s included!
Brown Rice Recipe - great staple
Healthy Fried Rice - add flavor to any meal
DF Pizza - a delicious must
Grilled Asparagus w/garlic - perfect veggie
Tuscan White Bean Salad - new twist on flavor
High Protein Peruvian Quinoa Soup - satisfying
Vegan Cabbage Rolls - most popular!
Oven Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower- your kids will love
But how can I fix dinner without meat? Isn’t protein important?
Yes! Protein is an essential nutrient. Daniel lived on this diet in Daniel chapter 1 for 3 years and proved stronger and smarter than the others. God has gifted us with tremendous protein in plant foods. Your body will love the change of menu.
It also allows for us to focus less on our taste buds and more on physical and spiritual improvements.
One of the main goals of a fast is to deprive the body in order to be in a greater position to seek and receive spiritual insight. Not eating “normally” allows for greater awareness of all God desires to teach us.
The protein in whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes will be very satisfying on the Daniel Fast. Your body will be deprived of overeating and eating foods for pleasure and instead be gaining higher quality nutrition.
Easy Daniel Fast Recipes
Refried Bean Dip Recipe - My family loves this at every holiday event
Healthy Fried Rice - yes, It’s included!
Oven Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower
5 Recipes for Nutritious Infused Water - Never boring water again
Like with all categories of recipes - some are more complex than others and some are very simple. If you’re looking for quick and easy recipes to add to the menu for the Daniel Fast, this is the right place!
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Now, we can enjoy new recipes and take on challenges that are time-consuming. And the rewards for these efforts are very satisfying.
However, quick and easy recipes can be just as delicious. Since the Daniel Fast focuses on fresh, wholesome food, a great deal of altering isn’t required to enjoy them. As a matter of fact, raw fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds can make a full meal or a snack.
Although taking some of those same ingredients and steaming them, stir frying them, and/or adding some herbs and spices are also great options.
Then, of course, grains and legumes need to be cooked to be enjoyed most of the time.
Quinoa Salad w/Parsley & Herbs
Pumpkin Hummus - Perfect Fall Recipe
Rice Milk - Healthy Drink for Kids
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive, especially on the Daniel Fast.
First of all, money is saved by not spending it on meat products.
Second, fruits and vegetables can be purchased at a grocery store like Aldi or Lidl, who don’t add to the price due to added grocery store amenities. They can also be purchased frozen, which is sometimes less expensive than buying raw - especially out of season.
One of the main ingredients found on the Daniel Fast food list is whole grains. Rice, oats, quinoa, and other whole grains are satisfying and stretch the budget while delivering a powerful nutritional punch.
When combined with a handful of nuts or seeds, these wholesome foods round out the menu of the Daniel Fast while saving money.
The recipes below are just a menu of ideas that will bless you and your wallet.
Invent Your Own Recipes?
In this fast, Daniel focused on the most pure, basic foods, which are natural and gifts from the Lord. These foods include:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Nuts, Seeds, and Legumes
- Healthy oils
- Herbs & Spices
- Whole grains
No eating of:
- Sweets
- Meat
- Processed food
- Dairy
When doing the full 3 weeks, it’s not a good idea to purchase all of the fresh fruits and vegetables at the beginning, as they may not last, but the other foods can be stocked up ahead of time. And you can plan at least one additional trip to the store mid-way through to fill the fridge with fresh items.
Also - check out local farmer’s markets. They may have new vegetables to try and add to your menu. Most farmers will give you ideas and recipes to try their bounty.
Recommendations For Success
Plan ~ Prepare ~ Expect
While it’s not difficult to complete the Daniel Fast, it’s very different from how most of us typically eat, and therefore many will benefit from the encouragement found in posts like How to Prepare for the Daniel Fast and my Daniel Fast book.
PLAN for the Daniel Fast
Plan the:
- Menu
- Recipes
- Shopping
- Timing for cooking
The better the plan the better the experience.
PREPARE for the Daniel Fast
Prepare
- The food by cooking the rice, quinoa, and lentils ahead of time
- Your family by reading the accounts of Daniel
- Your heart by getting ready to schedule time with the Lord
EXPECT from the Daniel Fast
God loves when we set time from a typical life to be ready to see and hear from Him.
Help your family be ready to expect to hear from God.
Expect success spiritually and physically.
Set yourself up for spiritual and physical success! You’ll be grateful you did.
