7 Days of Praying and Fasting January 12, 2026 - January 19, 2026

Foods to Include in Your Eating Plan During the Daniel Fast 

Fruits

All fruits are permitted and may be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned (labels must comply with Daniel Fast guidelines).

Includes, 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, and watermelon.

Vegetables

All vegetables are permitted and may be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned (check labels carefully).

Includes, 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, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, and zucchini.

Veggie burgers are permitted if they comply with Daniel Fast guidelines and if you are not allergic to soy.

Whole Grains

All whole grains are permitted, including:
Whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes, and popcorn.

Legumes

All legumes are permitted and may be canned or dried (no added sugars or preservatives).
Includes: dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, and white beans.

Nuts & Seeds

All nuts and seeds are permitted, including:
Sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, and sesame seeds.
Nut butters (such as peanut butter) are permitted if they contain no added sugars, oils, or preservatives.

Healthy Oils

All quality, plant-based oils are permitted, including:
Olive oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil.

Beverages

• Spring water
• Distilled water
• Other pure waters

Note: Unsweetened plant-based milks and unsweetened juices may be used in recipes or on cereal; however, the only beverage consumed during the Daniel Fast is water.

Other Approved Items

Tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs, and spices (must be free of additives, preservatives, and sweeteners).

Foods to Avoid on the Daniel Fast

Animal Products

All meat, animal, fish, and seafood products, including:
Beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish, and shellfish.

Dairy & Eggs

All dairy products, including:
Milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.

Sweeteners

All sweeteners, including:
Sugar, raw sugar, date sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, cane juice, date honey, and stevia.

Leavened Foods

All leavened breads and baked goods, including Ezekiel bread (contains yeast and honey).

Leavening Agents

Yeast, baking soda, and baking powder.

Refined & Processed Foods

All refined and processed foods, including:
Artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods containing artificial preservatives.

Fried & High-Fat Foods

All deep-fried foods, including:
Potato chips, French fries, and corn chips.
All solid fats, including shortening, margarine, lard, and foods high in fat.

Beverages to Avoid

Coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.

                                                                            Tips for a Successful Fast

One of the first things we think about when preparing for the Daniel Fast is what we will eat and that’s understandable. However, it’s important to remember that the Daniel Fast, like all spiritual fasting, is not about the food.

Yes, you will change what you eat during this fast. This is a time to prepare simple meals and to reduce the importance food has in your daily life. A biblical fast is about denying food for a spiritual purpose to draw closer to God and experience a deeper encounter with Him.

Keep the main thing the main thing: seeking God first and pursuing His kingdom. Below are tips to help you stay spiritually focused throughout your fast.

Have a Meeting With Yourself 

Take time to honestly reflect on your relationship with food. During this fast, are you willing to deny the flesh? Are you willing to learn how to crucify the flesh so you can draw nearer to God? Choosing to eat simply supports this spiritual discipline and helps shift your focus from physical cravings to spiritual growth.

Plan Simple, Easy-to-Prepare Meals

Simplicity is key. Download the approved food list. Planning meals in advance frees your time, energy, and thoughts so you can focus more fully on prayer, worship, and time with God.

Keep Your Recipes SimpleThink ahead for the duration of your fast. Consider:

• 3      breakfast options
• 5–6 dinner meals
• 3      simple snacks you can prepare and keep on hand
• Use leftovers for lunches, or plan 3–4 simple lunch options

Having a plan helps remove stress and temptation.

Be an Example to Others

If you prepare meals for people who are not fasting, consider incorporating your Daniel Fast foods into what you serve. For example, if you prepare soup and salad, serve that to everyone and add an additional entrée or side for others. Lead by example remain joyful, loving, and gracious.

Pay Attention to the Changes Within

As you change how you eat, notice what God is doing in you. Observe how cravings begin to fade, how your energy increases, and how your body may begin to heal. Be mindful of both the physical and spiritual transformation taking place during this sacred time.