Frequently Asked Questions

How can I afford the Daniel Fast? Preparing simple meals for your Daniel Fast can be very affordable. Beans, whole grains, in-season fresh vegetables, frozen and canned vegetables, salad greens, and frozen fruit can be purchased at reasonable prices. Prepared foods can be more expensive, so I encourage you to make batches of chili and soup to keep on hand for your meals.

Keep in mind that while you will be spending more money on Daniel Fast foods, you will also be spending less in other categories. You’ll be eliminating meat and dairy, which are typically some of the more expensive parts of a grocery budget. If you’re not purchasing a package of chicken breasts or ground beef for a meal, you’ll have that money available for other ingredients.

You will also likely find yourself spending less money eating out during your fast, as much restaurant fare is not Daniel Fast–friendly. In our busy culture, take-out food or meals out can be a significant portion of the food budget.

If you don’t typically cook from scratch, you may find yourself spending more money buying spices and other ingredients you don’t usually buy. The good news is that those spices will last long after you finish the fast. You may be surprised to find that you want to continue to use them and cook more of your meals at home!

If you’re concerned about the cost, I encourage you to look at grocery ads and check on prices. You might plan your menus around whatever vegetables are on sale that week. In addition, some of the staples for the Daniel Fast are quite inexpensive, such as brown rice, beans and other legumes (especially bags of dried beans or lentils), and potatoes. Plan meals around these options for lower costs.

Do I have to buy only organic and natural food for the Daniel Fast? No, although if they are available and suitable for your food budget, I believe they are healthier and safer for your body. Also, organic foods are becoming more widely available at good prices as consumers demand better-quality food.

Is the Daniel Fast always twenty-one days? Can I do fewer or more days? Most people use the Daniel Fast for twenty-one consecutive days; however, it’s not a requirement. A partial fast is best used for a minimum of seven consecutive days. Many people choose to extend the fast up to forty days. Seek God’s guidance and choose the number of days that is best for you.

What happens if God doesn’t answer my prayer during the fast? We’re instructed to ask and then believe we’ll receive before we can touch or experience the outcome. Our part is to ask and believe. God fulfills His promises, and He’s in charge of the “how and when.” Continue to build your trust in God. Continue to thank Him for the work He is doing on your behalf. And be patient. If you’re concerned that you’ve asked amiss, seek the Lord, alter your request, and then present it again to the Lord.

What do I do if I keep doubting? The Bible teaches us that we are transformed with the renewing of our minds (see Romans 12:2). Doubting is a sign that we’re not trusting God, but instead falling back into worldly or carnal thinking (see 1 Corinthians 3:1-3). If you’re doubting, spend time with your Father. Meditate on His truths. And allow your mind to be changed as you feed it with the bread of heaven. Your faith is like a muscle. You can strengthen your faith muscle by using it and nourishing your mind with the truth.

What should I do if I give in to temptation during the fast? Immediately resume the fast, unless you have totally walked away for several days. (If that’s the case, then start again.) Also, examine your behavior and your heart to discover why you decided to give in to the temptations. You can learn valuable lessons about yourself. Think through what you will do differently next time so you don’t repeat the mistake you made. Use the experience to learn and grow.

Honey is a natural food, so can I use it as a sweetener on the Daniel Fast? No, we avoid all sweeteners on the Daniel Fast. In Daniel 10:3, the prophet notes that he “ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth.” Honey falls in the category of “pleasant.” Also, going without sweetened foods is part of the fasting experience of withholding food for spiritual purposes.

Can I drink tea on the Daniel Fast? No, tea and coffee (including any kind of substitutes) are not allowed on the Daniel Fast. For the purists, water is the only acceptable beverage, while some people also drink 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice. It’s most likely that Daniel drank only water.

What about people with special dietary needs? How do they do the Daniel Fast? Teens, women who are pregnant, diabetics, athletes, and others who may need special diets should check with their health providers before starting any fast, including the Daniel Fast. However, most health providers will find the Daniel Fast an excellent way to eat since it includes all vegetables, all fruits, all whole grains, no sugar, no alcohol, no caffeine, and no animal products. You might be instructed to add chicken or fish into the mix, which would be fine for a special-needs diet. Remember, there is no power in the foods themselves; rather, fasting is about consecrating yourself to the Lord so that you can focus on Him in a more specific and concentrated way. So if your health provider wants you to add animal protein into the diet, you can still have a successful fast.

How about corn chips and tortillas? When you read through the blog on my website, you will find that I am constantly encouraging people to READ THE LABEL so they can see the ingredients in prepared foods. I was amazed the first time I read the list of chemicals in prepared tortillas! Corn chips are usually deep-fried, and no deep-fried and processed foods are allowed during the Daniel Fast. However, there is a recipe on the blog for natural tortillas, and it’s easy to use this same recipe to make your own chips. The tortillas are made from whole wheat flour, olive oil, salt, and water. You can easily substitute finely ground cornmeal. The tortillas are then warmed in a dry pan with little or no oil.

What about cramping in my legs and in my stomach? If cramping persists and you sense a concern, be sure to contact your health professional. The cramping is most likely a symptom of your body detoxing. The typical diet is packed with sugar, caffeine, and chemicals. So when these are eliminated, the body is a little confused and responds with cramps. The best remedy is to drink lots of water (the best detox there is), increase your vitamin C, and eat extra bananas and cantaloupe until the cramping subsides. This usually ends in a few days. Headaches are also very common—usually a symptom of caffeine withdrawal.

If you have other questions, visit Daniel-Fast.com/blog. Most of your questions will be answered, plus you will gain great encouragement as you read comments from thousands of other men and women around the world who are seeking God with prayer and fasting! If you still have a question, leave a comment on the blog and most often you will receive an answer within twenty-four hours.