Daniel Diet | What Can You Eat on The Daniel Fast

The Daniel Diet will renew your faith in leading a healthy lifestyle. Unlike your typical dieting method, it's practical and based on common sense.

If you still have doubts, this article will make you a believer.

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Daniel Diet Fast 101

What is a Daniel Fast?

Daniel Fast is a diet that is rooted in Judeo-Christian culture. Its namesake comes from the Book of Daniel.

Verses 12 to 16 of the book’s first chapter describe the diet in detail. It includes water, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.

As opposed to indulgent delicacies like wine and meat, these are the foods that Daniel favors. The prophet and his friends believe that it is God’s will to observe this diet in 10 days.

Even if you’re not spiritual, you could benefit from this particular type of diet.

What Can You Eat on the Daniel Fast?

A huge part of the Daniel Fast is the consumption of a plant-based diet. The key to the diet’s success is its strict observance.

It will take 10 to 21 days for the benefits of this diet to take their full effect. This means no meat, dairy, poultry, wine, and other gastronomic indulgences.

Daniel Diet Food List

1. Beans and Lentils

All types of beans and lentils are allowed. These include:

• Black-eyed peas
• Black beans
• Chickpeas
• Cannellini beans
• Great northern beans
• Kidney beans
• Legumes
• Peanuts
• Pinto beans
• Split peas

2. Nuts and Seeds

An assortment of nuts and seeds is permitted on the Daniel Diet. These are:

• Almonds Brazil nuts
• Cashews
• Hazelnuts
• Macadamia nuts
• Pecan Pumpkin seeds
• Pine nuts
• Poppy seeds
• Walnuts Sesame seeds
• Soy nuts
• Sunflower seeds

3. Fruits and Vegetables

You could consume all kinds of fruits and vegetables on a Daniel Diet. Even canned ones are permitted as long as it doesn’t have excessive sugar content.

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4. Oils and Fats

You could consume oils and fat as long as it's minimal. It is also advised that you sauté foods in oil instead of deep-frying them.

Some of the approved oils are:

• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Peanut oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Canola oil
• Walnut oil
• Sesame oil

5. Whole Grains

The type of whole grains allowed on a Daniel Diet are:

• Amaranth
• Barley
• Brown rice
• Buckwheat
• Bulgur
• Freekeh
• Millet
• Oats
• Quinoa
• Rye
• Sorghum
• Spelt
• Teff
• Wild Rice

Other Foods Allowed on a Daniel Diet Plan

Apart from the list above, there are other food options that you can consume if you’re on a Daniel Fast. Unleavened bread or bread without yeast is one.

The consumption of herbs and spices is also encouraged. But it is important to use salt sparingly. In terms of beverages, drinking water is number one.

Fruit juices as long as 100% natural are also allowed provided they’re consumed in small amounts. Vitamin and food supplements are also permitted.

Foods You Need to Avoid on the Daniel Diet

1. Animal products

These include all types of meat like beef, bacon, pork, lamb, turkey, and chicken. Dairy products like cheese, butter, milk, yogurt, and cream are disallowed.

Poultry products like eggs are also taboo. Aside from these, eating all kinds of fish is a no-no.

2. Added Sugar

All types of artificial sweeteners are not permitted. Brown sugar, corn syrup, molasses, agave nectar, and honey are also out of the question.

3. Processed Food

Any food containing fake flavorings, additives, preservatives, and chemicals is not permitted. Even if you’re not on a diet, you shouldn’t eat these foods due to their hazardous contents.

4. Caffeinated Beverages and Alcoholic Drinks

All types of drinks with caffeine and alcohol content are out of the list. Aside from these, energy drinks are also not allowed.

3 Main Benefits of the Daniel Diet

1. It Reduces Health Risks

Studies show that this dieting method could help resolve many ailments. These include heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and some neurological conditions.

2. It Promotes Weight Loss

Since this type of diet is a high fiber one, it promotes better digestion. Better digestion combats bad cholesterol build-up ergo better chances of reducing weight.

3. It is Inexpensive

The problem with most diet plans is they could cost a lot. Daniel Diet is organic and doesn’t need over-priced food supplements.

Though proven as an effective means to promote better health, the Daniel Diet is not for everyone. It takes patience and dedication to realize its full potential. But once you get it, this super diet method could change your life.

Why do you think it is important to follow a good diet plan? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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