Q&A for How to Do a Daniel Fast

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  • Question
    What should I read in the Bible when I'm fasting?
    Alice B
    Community Answer
    Starting in Daniel was good for me. Adding Psalms or Proverbs for meditation is also good.
  • Question
    Can I have hot chocolate on the Daniel fast?
    Community Answer
    Assess your motive for each choice. The purpose of a fast is to deny your flesh and feed your spirit. Chocolate tends to be an indulgence to make us feel good (comfort, caffeine, warmth, etc.) and can feed an addiction in some cases (sugar, caffeine, endorphins). Thus, no is probably the best answer, bearing in mind the purpose of the fast.
  • Question
    What is leaven bread?
    Community Answer
    Leaven bread is bread whose ingredients include a rising agent such as yeast. Most bread you buy is leavened bread. Unleavened bread is usually flat and non-puffy. Pita bread, matzo and tortillas are all examples of unleavened bread.
  • Question
    Can I eat fish or shrimp during Daniel fasting?
    Community Answer
    No meat; seafood is regarded as meat, so it is not allowed.
  • Question
    Must I fast for a whole day before eating?
    Community Answer
    No, the Daniel fast avoids you not having to eat at all. You are eating in a healthier way that is better for you mentally, spiritually and physically.
  • Question
    Do I maintain eating three times a day during the Daniel fast?
    Community Answer
    In the scripture, it says that Daniel ate vegetable on his fast and drank water, so that's the guidance. The times of day are up to you.
  • Question
    What do I season my cooked vegetables with?
    Community Answer
    Any spice or seasoning that is derived from plants is fine. Ground pepper is good.
  • Question
    Am I allowed to use a computer while on this fast?
    Community Answer
    Computer usage has nothing to do with the fast.
  • Question
    Is there a specific time to start and end daily?
    Community Answer
    The fast lasts for the entire ten days, so there isn't a daily start and stop.
  • Question
    Can I eat fish, salmon, or turkey?
    Community Answer
    No, those are not allowed. You cannot have any meat items at all.
  • Question
    Is the Daniel fast only for children of God/Christians or can anyone engage in this fast?
    Community Answer
    The Daniel fast is not for Christians alone. Anyone can do it.
  • Question
    Can I drink almond and coconut milk?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Those are all acceptable during the fast since none of them contain dairy.
  • Question
    Are eggs regarded as meat as well?
    Community Answer
    They are not regarded as meat, but they are animal bi-products.
  • Question
    Can I drink protein powder mixed in water to aid in my work outs?
    Community Answer
    No, this is not allowed during a Daniel fast.
  • Question
    Is there specific date or day of the year to start Daniel fasting?
    Community Answer
    No. Most people do it to start the new year, but it is entirely up to you.
  • Question
    Is it okay to sin while fasting?
    Community Answer
    To sin is to fall short of the glory of God. Whether you're fasting or not has nothing to do with it; sin is inherently evil. It is never acceptable. A fast does not do anything to cleanse you of sin. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life." No action we can take - fasting, exercising restraint, etc. - can fix the sin problem, only the blood of the perfect Lamb of God can. Fasting demonstrates your devotion to God.
  • Question
    When do you eat meals on the Daniel fast?
    Community Answer
    Anytime you wish.
  • Question
    Can I smoke during fasting?
    Community Answer
    No.
  • Question
    What happens if you have a cup of coffee in the morning while you are on the fast?
    Community Answer
    Ask God to forgive you and continue the fast, making sure not to do it again the next morning.
  • Question
    What kind of dressing can I use on salad during a Daniel Fast?
    Community Answer
    Any kind as long as it doesn't break the fasting rules. I just sprinkle sea salt, black pepper, dehydrated onions, dried rosemary, dried parsley, and olive oil on mine.
  • Question
    Is there a limit to the amount of fruits or seafood I can eat?
    Barry Rummel
    Community Answer
    Watch the fruits for the amount of sugar is high in many, but they are better than sweeteners themselves. Just be moderate. Much seafood is not Kosher, such as shrimp,lobster and crabs. Packaged seafoods should have a label section with a large K for Kosher or Parve. Also Kosher for Passover would imply no yeasts.
  • Question
    Can I take my vitamins during fasting?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if it's a plant-based multivitamin or mineral, which can only add value.
  • Question
    How many times a day should I eat?
    Earthlord
    Community Answer
    It does not matter how many times a day -- the only rules are on what to eat and how long.
  • Question
    Is drinking alcohol a sin for Christians?
    Community Answer
    Though alcohol and wine can lead to poverty and serious health problems, it is not a sin. While Jesus Christ was here on earth he drank wine, and he also turned water into wine. To drink is not a sin, but in the Bible it does say that heavy drinking and drunkenness displeases God.
  • Question
    Can I use artificially flavor for water?
    Community Answer
    Unfortunately, the water needs to be pure. It would also be best not to use anything that is artificial during this fast.
  • Question
    How do I fast if I have diabetes?
    Community Answer
    It's best to consult with your doctor before undertaking a fast. Perhaps you'll need to fast something besides food: if so, that's okay!
  • Question
    Can I engage in intercourse with my husband during the fast?
    Community Answer
    1st Corinthians 7:2-5 talks about this. Basically, you may choose to abstain from sex within the marriage for a short time if you want to consecrate yourself to God with prayer and fasting. Personally, I don't think that means you HAVE to abstain, but it would definitely hold a greater spiritual benefit
  • Question
    Can I eat mixed fruit from out of a cup? Or sugar free fruit?
    Community Answer
    Packaged or canned fruit is often sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners, both of which you need to avoid on the Daniel fast. It's best to stick with fresh fruit.
  • Question
    Can I use oil and salt during the fast?
    Community Answer
    There is some room for debate. Plant-based oils would probably be acceptable, so long as they are not processed. Margarine and all non-liquid oils are highly processed and should be excluded. Olive oil is your best bet if you have to use some, but you should still keep quantities to a minimum. For salt, table salt is probably not good either, as it is highly processed and can have chemical additives. Sea salt or unprocessed salt from a rock source (Himalayan rock salt, for example) will still have natural minerals. Again, controlling quantity is also a good idea. Most healthy whole foods you will be eating on a Daniel Fast will taste great without adding a bunch of oil or salt, anyway.
  • Question
    Are eggs allowed during the fast?
    Community Answer
    No, eggs are an animal product, and therefore are not permitted during the fast.
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