What is Fasting?
Fasting is a voluntary and deliberate abstinence from food for the purpose of concentrated prayer.  So many of us abstain from food, but forget our purpose is for concentrated prayer.  Fasting and prayer causes one to become much more spiritually sensitive to the Lord, causing more power in one’s life to combat the forces of Satan.  So keep in mind that a fast is a means by which our willingness to humble ourselves.  The voluntary humbling and afflicting of the soul in an individual, community and nation; releases God’s mercy and grace.

When we fast we have to fast with the right heart. God will not accept our fast if it is not done with the right heart. You have to have a sincere heart of obedience. They that seek God daily, and delight to know his ways (Isaiah 58:2) will find joy in the Lord. On the surface, it seemed that God’s people loved him and were devoted to Him. Real fasting-fasting that is partnered with real repentance, has great power before God. If you want to fast to please God, begin with getting things right with your brothers and sisters. Stop oppressing others, and start reaching out to help others. Stop pointing the finger at others and stop wickedness.
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Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of Lord shall be your real guard. The Lord shall guide you continually.

• The purpose of fasting and consecrating is to take your eyes off the things of the world and to focus on the things of God and be set apart for Gods use. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to yourself, that you are serious about your relationship with Him. Fasting helps you to gain a new perspective and renewed reliance upon God.
• Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we want, but it is a means through which God changes us. Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others; it is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude.
• Use this time of fasting wisely by attending all the scheduled services, spend more time praying, reading and studying the Bible on a daily basis, read productive and edifying materials, and lastly, meditate and listen for God to speak to you.
• Although fasting in Scripture is almost always fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything you can temporarily give up in order to better focus on God can be considered a fast.
• Fasting is very helpful for you to get a spiritual breakthrough and for you physically. Some practical advantages of fasting include: to honor God, promote personal discipline and worship, purify your body and soul, repent of sin, learn self-control, grow closer to God, family and friends, re-evaluate your life, and break bad habits (get deliverance in your area of struggle).
• Fasting can create problems for people with medical conditions, pregnant, nursing and/or taking medicine. Consult your physician and or pharmacist before starting this fast, ask them if this would cause problems with your health problems and or/medication.

What is the Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is based upon the prophet Daniel’s fasting experiences as recorded in the Bible. Scripture gives us some insight (Dan. 10:3) into what he ate and didn’t eat; however, we don’t know his complete menu. What we do know is in Daniel 1, Daniel chose not to eat the royal food that he was being served and ate only vegetables and drank water. Another time
(Daniel 10:2-3) he deprived himself of choice food, meat, and wine as he sought the Lord in prayer.

The intention of today’s Daniel Fast is not to duplicate exactly what Daniel did but the spirit in which he did it. Daniel’s passion for the Lord caused him to hunger and thirst more for spiritual food than for physical food, which should be the desire of anyone choosing to participate in this type of fast.

The Daniel Fast Guidelines
Try not to get too hung up on what you should and shouldn’t eat. Remember, the most important part of the fast is that you deny yourself physically so that you may seek the Lord in prayer and grow closer to Him. These food guidelines are meant to be just that a guide. 

The Daniel Fast Food List

• All fruit  - fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned.
• All vegetables  - fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned.
• All whole grains - brown rice, oats, quinoa, and whole wheat.
• All nuts & seeds - almonds, cashews, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds; unsweetened almond milk. Nut butters are also included.
• All legumes - canned or dried; black beans, chickpeas,kidney beans, lentils, pinto beans, and split peas.
• All quality oils - coconut, olive, peanut, sesame, and walnut.
• Beverages - distilled water and juiced fruit/vegetables.
• Other - unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, or soy milk; herbs, spices, salt, pepper, unsweetened coconut flakes, seasonings, soy products, and tofu.

Foods to Avoid on the Daniel Fast

• All meat & animal products - bacon, beef, eggs, fish, lamb, poultry, and pork.
• All dairy products - butter, cheese, cream, milk, and yogurt.
• All sweeteners - agave nectar, artificial sweeteners, honey, molasses, syrups, stevia, and sugar.
• All leavened bread & yeast - baked goods (if it contains yeast and honey).
• All refined & processed food products - artificial flavorings, chemicals, food additives, preservatives, white flour, and white rice.
• All deep-fried foods - corn chips, French fries, and potato chips.
• All solid fats - lard, margarine, and shortening.
• Beverages - carbonated drinks, coffee, energy drinks and caffeinated tea.​

Source: The Ultimate Daniel Fast