Embarking on the Daniel Fast? Worried it might be too hard or that you could fail? Your fast can be a little easier when you implement these five helpful Daniel Fast tips.
Maybe you’ve tried doing a Daniel Fast before and it didn’t go well, or maybe this is your first time and you’re nervous about it. That’s understandable!
The Daniel Fast is based upon the Old Testament prophet Daniel’s dietary choices as outlined in the Book of Daniel in the Bible (see Daniel 1:12 and 10:2-3). It’s a partial fast that focuses on vegetables and healthy whole foods but leaves out animal protein, refined sugars, and processed foods.
Choosing to modify your meals and eating habits can be challenging, not to mention the spiritual aspect of fasting in general. We want to hear from God in a new way, and that includes focusing less of food and more on Him during these three weeks.
Here are five tips to help you during the Daniel Fast.
5 Daniel Fast Tips That’ll Help Make Fasting a Little Easier
1. Prepare your kitchen before the fast begins.
If your Daniel Fast starts on January 15th, try to do some research before then rather than waiting until the day it begins. Gather some easy Daniel Fast recipes and keep a simple Daniel Fast meal plan on hand. If you have sugary treats or junk food in your fridge or cupboard, consider gifting them to a friend or family member who isn’t doing the fast with you — or maybe just ask them to hold on to them for you until the fast is over.
Just because you’re on the Daniel Fast doesn’t mean you have to say no to all desserts and snacking. If you plan ahead, you can have Daniel Fast Desserts ready in your fridge as well as Daniel Fast Friendly Snacks on hand to help you in between meals.
2. Prepare your mind to hear from the Lord.
It’s a good idea to know what devotional or bible reading plan you’ll use during your fast. What resource will you use to help you grow spiritually? Keeping your mind focused on the things of God will exponentially help you on this 21 day journey.
One popular choice is our Daniel Fast prayer guide, 21 Prayers For The Daniel Fast. It’s filled with 21 days of Daniel Fast prayers so you can read and meditate on one each day. I encourage you to also add your own words as you pray — make them your own! Take your time and reflect on the goodness of God as you pray each morning. It helps set the tone for your day.
Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you and strengthen you over the duration of the fast. Fill your heart and mind with prayer, the Word, and worship music. I can share all of my best Daniel Fast tips, but without inviting the Holy Spirit in to help us, our best efforts can easily fail us.
3. Have a plan for the nights you’re too tired to cook.
It happens to all of us. Some days are busy and before you know it, it’s dinner time and you’re just too tired to cook. If you’re not prepared beforehand, it’s easy for this to trip you up. Increase your chances for success by doing these three things:
- Have ingredients on hand for a super easy meal you can just throw together in a couple minutes. For example, microwave a potato and have a simple topping ready for it, like black beans and pico de gallo (or another topping that you enjoy).
- Prepare a large salad at the beginning of the week, and keep it in an airtight container in your fridge throughout the week, eating it as necessary. Feel free to add lot of yummy healthy toppings to it, like corn, beans, nuts, and seeds. Consider adding raisins or dates (just be sure they don’t have added sugars in them). If you don’t like salad, keep a big pot of soup in your fridge instead.
- As a last resort, you can still stop at a drive-through or other restaurant. Know beforehand what you can eat by check out our helpful list of Daniel Fast Restaurants.
4. Keep the first few days of your fast quiet and low-key, if possible.
I know it’s hard when we live such busy lives, but try not to schedule extra activities or get-togethers during the first few days. It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re tired and a little achy. You may suffer from a headache. If you can spend time at home reading and resting, that would be ideal. Don’t plan on going out and being extra social. You may find our article “Daniel Fast Side Effects: Can They Make You Feel Sick?” to be helpful.
5. Drink lots of water.
Make sure you are drinking lots of water, especially the first week or so. You’re body is flushing out toxins (especially if you don’t normally eat so many healthy foods) and water will help the process along. Consider filling a water jug (or one of these cool motivational water bottles) in the morning and tracking your progress throughout the day. If water is too bland, add some slices of lemon, lime, and/or orange. It really adds a flavor boost!
One BONUS Daniel Fast Tip
Yes, the Daniel Fast can put your self-control to the test — but ultimately, God is in control! Ask for him to help you as you go about your day.
If you find yourself in a situation where you feel like you’ve “cheated” or failed, it will be okay! Remember, fasting is more about the posture of your heart than the result of your performance. This is not to be a legalistic endeavor. Give yourself grace. If you make a mistake or struggle through a day, start anew the next day. His mercies are new every morning!
Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!
Lamentations 3:22-23 CSB
These Daniel Fast tips are meant to help you complete the fast a little easier, by struggling a little less. Depend on God, lean in to the Holy Spirit, and ask for His strength to help you as you embark on your 21 day Daniel Fast!
Would you enjoy downloadable prayers for the Daniel Fast, bundled with daily scriptures for easy reading? We’re making them available to you in PDF form. Click here for our Daniel Fast Prayer Guide.
Disclaimer: If you may have health issues, please be sure to contact your health professional for advice before committing to any fast, including the Daniel Fast.
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