Known as the Daniel Fast or Daniel Diet, this diet is based on a biblical story in the Book of Daniel. In the story, Daniel is an Old Testament prophet who is placed under King Nebuchadnezzar’s rule at a young age.
In the book (Daniel 1:12–16), there are five verses that describe the diet:
- Verse 12: “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.”
- Verse 13: “Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.”
- Verse 14: “So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.”
- Verse 15: “And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.”
- Verse 16: “Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.”
Dedicated to his belief in God, Daniel rejects the rich, indulgent foods offered by the king, such as meats, dairy, wine, and other delicacies. Instead, Daniel and his friends choose to consume foods they believe God intends for consumption for 10 days.
The diet includes fruits, vegetables, pulses (beans), whole grains, and water. In particular, the diet is heavily based on pulses, which are used as a primary source of protein.
At the end of the 10 days, Daniel and his friends are stronger and healthier — both mentally and physically — than everyone around them. Thus, the diet is encouraged for the others.
Daniel uses this short-term diet to demonstrate his faith and fortitude. Many people now use it as a temporary, short-term fast or “detox” from modern food and lifestyle.
Some use it to get closer to a higher power as a form of sacrifice, similar to other religious practices, such as Lent or Ramadan.