DANIEL FAST JOURNEY
Daniel Fast
Recipes &
Meal Ideas
Looking for Daniel Fast recipes and meal ideas?
Some may enjoy cooking, while others have less experience and want quick and easy Daniel Fast meals that don't require much time in the kitchen.
Whatever your preference, you'll surely find something to suit you here. With ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can find full recipes and simple meal ideas.
You can also check out this 7-Day Meal Plan and Shopping List to help you put everything together.
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A Brief Background
The Daniel Fast is a form of Christian fasting known as a partial fast. It’s a Bible-based fast derived from specific passages in the book of Daniel.
Although some view this as a healthy eating “Daniel diet” plan, most people are drawn to participate in partial fasting as a spiritual discipline. It’s all about seeking God and growing spiritually, not primarily about the food.
Read: Quickstart Guide to the Daniel Fast.
Undoubtedly, there have been some modifications and interpretations of what it means to fast over time. What people ate 2000+ years ago vastly differs from the standard Western diet of our modern world.
Our typical diet contains processed foods, fast, salt, and preservatives. An abrupt change to water-only fasting can seem impossible to many modern Christians. Others may have medical conditions or be in stages of life that don’t permit water, only fasting.
Following Daniel Fast guidelines can be a more manageable challenge, yet still a major adjustment and sacrifice for most people.
Read: Common Types of Christian Fasts found in the Bible.
What do you eat?
In this form of fasting, you eat whole, plant-based foods and water and abstain from all animal products, alcohol, processed foods, leavened bread, fried foods, sweets, caffeine, and all drinks other than water (some also include herbal teas).
For lengthier food lists and specifics, check out: What to Eat on the Daniel Fast
Breakfast Recipes
You can consume oatmeal (steel-cut oats are best), whole-grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Most people find themselves eating a lot of oatmeal because it’s familiar, easy, and convenient. Whatever you eat, try to include some fiber and protein so your energy remains stable.
One of my favorite ways to mix up the routine is the sweet potato breakfast hash. You could add some white beans for more protein, and the recipe also works for other types of potatoes.
Coconut Date Bars from AllRecipes
Green Smoothie Bowl from AllRecipes
Oatmeal (3 Make Ahead Oatmeal Options)
Smoothies and Fresh Juices
Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Smoothie from Jar of Lemons
Soup Recipes
Soups are exceptional because they are hearty and filling. Another bonus is that you can make a large batch and freeze some for later or portion out in individual containers for lunches.
Keep vegetable broth, Daniel Fast vegetables and canned beans on hand so you can create a soup whenever you’re in a pinch.
If you’re having a simple veggie meal for dinner, it’s nice to have a cup of soup and/or salad to go along with it. A pureed creamy soup is delicious and comforting!
Whole Grain Bowls
When you hear the term “whole grain,” you might think first of the healthier bread option. But whole grains come in many forms. When we talk about whole grains for the Daniel Fast, we’re referring to minimally processed grains that come directly from the ground.
Brown rice and quinoa are well-known options. But consider experimenting with some new grains like bulgur, barley, buckwheat, or farro to add variety to your meal plan.
You can top these grains with
You can also get the basis in this article 5 Essential Whole Grains for your Daniel Fast.
Vegetable Entrees
When looking for meal ideas, vegan recipes will give you other types of options. However, you do need to watch out for ingredients that aren’t Daniel-Fast approved. A vegan recipe might still include some processed foods you are avoiding.
Creamy White Beans with Kale and Wild Rice from Rainbow Plant Life
Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Chickpeas from Fat Free Vegan Kitchen
Vegan Stuffed Poblano Peppers from Balancing Bucks
You may be interested in reading: 7 Easy Daniel Fast Dinner Substitutions
Salads and Sides
Greek Kale Salad with Avocado from therealfooddietitians.com
Red Beans and Rice from AllRecipes
Vegan Chopped Salad with Spiced Chickpeas from Simply Quinoa
Snack Ideas
Remember, there’s not necessarily a delineation between meals and snacks—meaning you could easily eat a bit of leftovers from your other meals as a “snack.”
But the list below has great options when you’re looking for something small and portable.
On that note… do try to pack snacks when you’ll be out of the house for longer periods of time. You may need to bring your own food options to events or other social activities.
Apples or Bananas with natural nut butter
Raw vegetables: celery, carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, etc.
Celery with nut butter and raisins (“Ants on a Log”)
Edamame
Fresh fruit
Dried fruit
Hummus with veggies
Nuts
Smoothies
Trail mix
