danielfast_faqs
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Frequently Asked Questions
What about prepared foods?
The first and most important rule of the fast is to READ THE LABELS! This is especially true of all prepared foods. The Daniel Fast is sugar-free and chemical-free. If you use any canned fruits, vegetables, packaged foods or prepared sauces you must read the label to be aware of what is in there.
What about pasta?
Make sure the label says whole grain pasta with no additives or sugars. Whole grain pasta offers seven (7) grams of protein per serving (3/4 cup of dried pasta.)
I see the list says raw, unsalted nuts, but what about roasted nuts?
The goal would be to stick to raw, unsalted nuts. But these are harder to find, so make sure you get plain roasted, unsalted nuts with no preservatives.
How do I get enough protein in my diet while on the fast?
Most Americans get more than enough protein and you may feel you need more than you really do. Here is a way to calculate how much you actually need:
1. Take your weight in pounds divided by 2.2 = weight in kg
2. Multiply this weight in kg by 0.8-1.8 gm/kg = protein gm.
Use a lower number if you are in good health and are sedentary. Use a higher number (between 1 and 1.8) if you are under stress, are pregnant, are recovering from an illness, or if you are involved in consistent and intense weight or endurance training.
Example: 154 lb male who is a regular exerciser and lifts weights
154 lbs/2.2 = 70kg
70kg x 1.5 = 105 gm protein/day
The following are protein-rich foods that are allowed on the Daniel Fast... almonds, sunflower seeds, lentils, quinoa, brown rice, split peas, whole grains and tofu. As an example 2 cups garbanzos (22.8 g), 2 cups soybeans (44.46 g) and 2oz (40) almonds (12 g) comes to 80 grams of protein.
What kind of peanut butter is allowed?
A natural peanut butter with no additives is allowed. Watch out for sugars, including molasses.
What about popcorn?
Corn is listed in the vegetables to eat list. You can use a pot on the stove to make the following quick and easy recipe.
1. Put two tbsp. of olive oil in the bottom of a large pot.
2. Add enough popcorn kernels to cover the bottom of the pot.
3. Turn heat to medium high. Wait for the first kernel to pop.
4. Put the lid on the pot. Use potholders to shake the pot over the burner.
5. Continue shaking until you don't hear any kernels popping. Remove from heat.
What about salad dressing?
Be careful about additives and preservatives. We have included a great recipe for an easy lemon and olive oil dressing in the downloadable food list and meal plan.
How can I identify whole grain foods?
Typically if the ingredient lists "whole wheat", "rolled oats", or "whole corn" as the first ingredient, the product is a whole grain food item. Another way to identify whole grains in the foods you eat is to look in the nutritional facts information and check if the food item contains dietary fiber. If it contains a significant amount, it most likely contains whole grains. "Wheat flour" is not a whole grain and therefore does not qualify.
Do I need to eat organic foods on the fast?
No, but organic foods are produced without the use of fertilizer or feed of plant or animal origin and without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics and pesticides.
Where can I go out to eat?
You should be able to go almost anywhere as long as you order cautiously. Plan ahead and check out this Web site that contains an archive of thousands of favorite restaurant recipes before you go.
What about bread?
Check out the Ezekiel bread found in the freezer section of your grocery/health food store.
Can (and should) my young children participate on this fast?
Given some potential effects on child development, parents with children under the age of 13 should not engage them in the full Daniel Fast. However, it would be okay to introduce your children to the idea of fasting by leading them into a fast from candy or sugary desserts. Use this as a time to talk with them about what you are doing and share how fasting helps us talk with and obey God.
Should my teenager participate with me in the Daniel Fast?
While the Daniel Fast should be okay for teenage children, given their continued growth and physical activity, we recommend consulting your primary physician before they begin the Daniel Fast. With regards to getting them to participate, we recommend parents familiarize themselves with the fast and why it is such a powerful discipline. Then, call a family meeting to introduce the Daniel Fast to the other family members. Explain that you (the parents) have chosen to enter into the spiritual experience and that your hope is that the whole family will engage in the fast together. Explain what the fast is, perhaps reading Daniel 1 and Daniel 10 together and showing them a print-out of the Daniel Fast Food List. Be quick to explain that you understand that as teens, their food needs and suggest that they continue to eat chicken and less bread or other foods that would assure their success on the fast. Finally, ask him or her to consider it for a day or two before giving a final answer. If they don’t want to participate, then accept their decision and let it go. Tell them they can change their minds, or decide to fast from soda or candy or some other single food. But since this is a decision they need to make for themselves, let them decide.
What if I just don’t think I can commit to the full Daniel Fast?
It is important to remember that the intent of any fast is to deny yourself something that you would normally do in order to focus more specifically on the Lord and prayer. First, consider shortening the fast to 10 days. Next, prayerfully decide if there is something else you would be willing to do without for either 10 or 21 days. Daniel refrained from the King's rich food, and ate vegetables and drank water because internally this is what he felt led to do. Determine for yourself what you will sacrifice and use that to pursue more of life in Jesus.
Can I take medications during the Daniel Fast?
Fasting should never bring harm to the body and we absolutely would recommend you continue with any required medications. It is best to always talk with your health professional before starting the Daniel Fast or making any other major change in your diet.
Should I try the Daniel Fast if I have known health issues?
It is best to always talk with your health professional before starting the Daniel Fast or making any other major change in your diet. The Daniel Fast is a healthy way to eat, so health professionals should support this eating plan. Your doctor, however, might suggest a few modifications if you have health issues that need special attention. For example, pregnant and nursing mothers might get instructions to add fish, chicken and cheese into the Daniel Fast, but otherwise stay the course. Diabetics may need to add more carbohydrates or include chicken and fish. Also, those who are especially active either through sports, bodybuilding or vocation may need to slightly alter the eating plan.
If I am pregnant, can I still engage in the Daniel Fast?
Generally, pregnant and nursing mothers can safely follow the Daniel Fast guidelines by adding enough chicken or fish to meet the additional protein demands. We always recommend you consult your primary physician and follow his or her recommendations. Be sure to explain to your doctor that the Daniel Fast is a vegan diet with additional restrictions (leavened breads, caffeine, alcohol, sweeteners and chemicals). Also see the question on not being able to commit to the full Daniel Fast.
Are supplements okay to take during the Daniel Fast?
Yes, but read the label to make sure they are of good quality and not packed with sweeteners or chemicals. The same goes for all over the counter one-a-day vitamins and other natural supplements.
If Daniel only drank water, why are other beverages allowed on the Daniel Fast?
While the desire is to have people follow the fast as close as possible, the greater desire is to limit unnatural ingredients and processed foods and beverages.
Can I have honey on the Daniel Fast?
Yes, but be sure it is all natural and does not contain any artificial sweeteners.
Are there ever situations when I should "pause" from the fast?
Yes, there are times when it would be appropriate to briefly pause from the fast, but do so after consulting with the Holy Spirit.
What do I do about the hunger pangs?
Hunger pangs can mean that your body is either processing stored fat in your body or you are experiencing a sign of dehydration. The best first response is to go for a couple of tall glasses of filtered water. Use this as a reminder that this is a fast, which is restricting food for spiritual purposes. If the hunger pangs do not go away after fifteen to twenty minutes and you are close to a mid-morning or mid-day snack, go ahead and grab a snack.
How much water should I be drinking while on the Daniel Fast?
The average-sized adult should attempt to drink between 1/2 gallon and one gallon of filtered water each day.
How many meals should I eat a day?
Based on the downloadable meal plan we have put together, you should have three modest meals and two small snacks each day. See the ready-made weekly meal planner for more details.
Why am I experiencing headaches and back pain? What should I do?
The headaches and back pain are likely due to detoxification from caffeine, chemicals, and/or sugar. Drink lots of filtered water (you can use a water filter rather than purchasing bottled water). The back pain may be from your kidneys processing all the chemicals leaving your body. Above all, stay well hydrated. See how much water should I drink each day.
