Daniel Fast

First of all a fast (though this one is corporate) should be something spiritual between you and God. If you don't feel you are ready spiritually for such a task then I'd advise not to do it. If you are apprehensive maybe talk to a leader in the group and get further guidance. And remember when doing a time of spiritual fasting and prayer the most important part of it is PRAYER

I would venture to guess that MOST people have never done anything like this before... but I could be wrong. I would imagine you're going to not be feeling your best, but again... I could be wrong.

One thing to remember is to try to get organic vegetables, since most vegetables nowadays have been treated with pesticides, unlike in Daniel's time.

I believe the Lord will give you strength to do whatever He calls you to do! I've been contemplating a Daniel fast myself, and if I do, I will be backing off heavy exercise b/c of the lack of protein. and spend the time in with God and in prayer, which is what a prayer is for. Blessings!

You can make this very easy on yourself. Many people worldwide are vegan and basically live on this type of diet. You are still able to eat many grains and legumes so getting protien should not be an issue. Here are the foods I found as acceptable online when I googled The Daniel Fast. There are also cookbooks geared towards the fast. I hope this helps. It really isn't much different than any other cleanse and your body should feel very CLEAN after you are done just introduce "forbidden foods" back slowly. You may find your body felt better without them:

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast

All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon

All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.

All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.

All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.

All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.

All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.

Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.

Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

And the Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast:

All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.

All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.

All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.

All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.

All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.

All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.

All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.

Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.

The original poster said she could only eat raw veggies. Dani in BC had a much larger list of allowable foods. If this is correct, then it's really just a vegan diet and sounds much safer than I originally thought. The addition of fruits, legumes and some grains makes a big nutritional difference. You should be alright, although I think it will be difficult if you're not used to eating this way. Lots of will power required! Good luck.

If you believe the Lord is calling to fast, by all means, do so! If you're doing it just because everyone else at church is doing it, that's the wrong motivation.

Fasting is a spiritual experience, that is intended to help you focus on prayer and communion with God. If you're obsessing about food while you're fasting, you are missing the point. I've found when I fast that when I start to think about eating, I spend that time in prayer (which doesn't mean I'm doing all the talking). I also spend more time reading the Word when I'm fasting (not taking time to cook and eat = more time to read).

It won't kill you, and it won't make you sick. Stay active while you're fasting - this isn't a retreat into the bed/couch - it's denying your physical body to spend time on your spiritual health.

I've done the Daniel fast years ago, and found it was really simple. Too simple, in my opinion, to be called a fast. I didn't feel as though I was denying my body when I could pig out on vegetables.

I fast only when I believe the Lord is leading me to do so. Sometimes it's for a day or two, but earlier this year, I felt led to fast while praying for a miracle for someone else. There was no question in my spirit - it was to be a 7 day fast, water only. This was definitely one of the most awesome weeks I've ever spent with the Lord.

At the end of day 7, I wasn't really hungry. I had to force myself to start eating again (slowly). Yes, I did lose some weight that week, but I didn't care - that wasn't the point. I had spent so much time in prayer and in the Word, that my entire focus was changed.

-praying for God's direction for you!