Why Can't I Have Dairy Products on the Daniel Fast?
The first chapter of the Book of Daniel specifies what foods are allowed on what we now call the Daniel Fast. The 10th chapter states what Daniel did not eat during the three weeks of fasting that some people follow in searching for direction and answers from God.
Other People Are Reading
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What is Allowed
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The diet in Chapter 1 that Daniel requested he and his mates be fed consisted of pulse (seeds that bear fruit and vegetables) and water. On this fast, you can eat anything that comes from the ground. That means beans, peas, lentils, millet, rice, and anything sown in the ground, such as root vegetables, fruit and herbs.
What is Not Allowed
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Daniel wrote that he did not eat any pleasant bread, he put no flesh in his mouth and he did not drink wine. An easy way to ensure that no pleasant breads are consumed is to avoid all breads and anything baked. No flesh means nothing that has a face. No wine means nothing fermented, pasteurized or processed, and no sugars or foods that are refined. Fermented items include alcoholic beverages of all kinds, along with soy sauce and vinegar.
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No Dairy
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Daniel's Fast doesn't specify that no dairy is allowed, but because the foods consumed in Chapter 1 are natural, it is clear that nothing processed is to be consumed. Dairy is not produced from the ground or grown from seeds, and it is an animal product. Stay away from eggs, as well as cheese, milk, butter and other dairy products.
Preparation Suggestions
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You can eat quite well on this fast without dairy, meat or vinegar. Cook the vegetables with extra virgin olive oil and use pure bee honey. Flavor with fresh herbs and lemon juice instead of vinegar. Check labels to ensure that no additives such as MSG or dairy are included. Make sure organic brown and wild rice is eaten, not white. Eat potatoes, and for the best nutrition, bake them instead of boiling.
Dairy Substitutes
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Many soy products can help you through dairy cravings. Organic coffee can be consumed with honey and a soy milk creamer with no additives. Be creative, read labels, and enjoy getting close to God and nature.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of thebittenword.com
