Daniel's Fast (Food Guide) - Life in Our Corner (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat popcorn on Daniel Fast in the Bible? ›

Is popcorn okay? Yes! Popcorn is excellent as long as it doesn't have cheese or butter. You want the popcorn to be air or oil-popped.

Oils Oils (such as coconut, olive, and sesame, for example) are allowed but should be used minimally. For example, you can sauté foods in olive oil but avoid deep-frying them. Other Unleavened bread (whole grain bread made without yeast, sugars, or preservatives.

The Daniel Fast is a partial fast based on a story from the biblical Book of Daniel. It's a strict vegan diet that prohibits animal products, leavened breads, processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol for 10–21 days. Some folks follow the diet as an act of spiritual devotion. It is not intended as a weight loss diet.

Nuts and seeds are all permitted on the Daniel Fast, including peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds and nut butter. Soy products with no preservatives or additives (like edamame) are also allowed.

Since oats are a whole grain, you can eat oatmeal on the Daniel Fast. However, if you want to follow the stricter guidelines, then you should prepare oatmeal at home instead of buying the packaged version. Packaged oatmeal uses quick cooking oats, which are processed and should be avoided on the diet.

Three key components to the Daniel Fast:

Only water or natural fruit juice for a beverage. 3. No sweeteners, breads, meat, eggs or dairy products.

Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters. Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices. Note: Unsweetened plant-based milks and juices can be used in recipes or on cereal, but the only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water.

Foods You Can Eat on the Daniel Fast

Whole grains: Barley, brown rice, buckwheat, farro, grits, millet, oats, popcorn, quinoa, rice cakes, rye, sorghum, spelt, whole wheat, whole-wheat pasta, and wild rice.

All whole grains – amaranth, barley, brown rice, oats, quinoa, millet, and whole wheat. All nuts & seeds – almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds; unsweetened almond milk. Nut butters are also included.

However, I do encourage people to keep in mind that this is a fast (restricting food for a spiritual purpose). With that in mind, eating no more than three moderate meals and two small snacks would be appropriate.

How many pounds can you lose on the Daniel Fast? ›

He says most followers lose five to six pounds over the three weeks and report other benefits like clearer skin, more energy and better focus.

FOODS TO EAT ON THE DANIEL FAST

Amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, freekeh, millet, oats, purple rice, quinoa, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, whole grain pasta, whole wheat, and wild rice.

Since corn is a vegetable, it is a great option. Just make sure to use an air popper or pop it in a pot on the stove. Stay away from microwave popcorn as it is loaded with chemicals and additives.

Spread a little almond butter on these crunchy, whole grain crackers for a perfect mid-afternoon snack. They're also gluten free, making them a healthy choice for anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Type of Fasting

For strict water fasting or extended fasting periods, any caloric intake should be avoided, including popcorn. On the other hand, some less restrictive fasting methods may permit limited intake of low-calorie, nutrient-dense snacks like popcorn.

Spread a little almond butter on these crunchy, whole grain crackers for a perfect mid-afternoon snack. They're also gluten free, making them a healthy choice for anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

In order to have a healthy diet, you cannot replace fresh fruits and vegetables with popcorn, Dr. Vinson stressed. Popcorn does not contain several other key nutrients present in fruit and veggies.

Exclude all leavened bread such as Ezekiel Bread (most of which contains yeast and honey), pretzels, pita bread, and other baked goods made with leavening agents.