What if I cheat?

You’re doomed! No seriously, we understand this will be a challenge for many people. Therefore you should not feel ashamed if you fall into temptation. We want you to succeed with this fast, but we want you to succeed in your spiritual walk even more. If you “cheat”, just pick up at the next meal with your fast—then get accountability and pray against temptation.

What can I do about my temptations?

Accountability is the key. If you know that you will be tempted by something specific, share it with someone and ask them to hold you accountable. If, and when you are tempted, you can pray, empty your cupboards of tempting items for the duration of the fast (the Matthews Help Center will gladly accept the food), change your route to work so you do not pass the tempting fast food joint, and/or adjust your eating schedule to avoid being around foods not permitted during the fast. You can also trade meal times for devotion, worship or another spiritual activity that will connect you with God.

What do I tell other people?

Undoubtedly a situation will arise where you will be asked to explain what you are doing. The Bible is very clear that we are not to boast about anything spiritual so as not to draw attention to ourselves (Matthew 6:16-18). You may choose to share in confidence with your family, friends, boss or close coworkers information about your fast, and let them know that you may have to decline outings that interfere with your fast or adjust your eating if you cannot miss the event.

What about prepared foods?

Read the labels of all prepared foods. Remember the Daniel Fast is sugar-free and chemical-free. So, if you use any canned fruits, vegetables, packaged foods, or prepared sauces you must read the label to be aware about just what is in there.

What about pasta?

Make sure the label says whole grain pasta with no additives (watch for sugar). Whole grain pasta offers 7 grams of protein per serving (3/4 cup of dried pasta).

I know it 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 in a pinch just make sure you get plain roasted, unsalted nuts with no preservatives.

How do I get enough protein in my diet while on the fast?

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.

What kind of peanut butter is allowed?

A natural peanut butter with no additives…watch for sugars including molasses. Smucker’s creamy natural peanut butter has nothing but peanuts in it.

What about popcorn?

Corn is listed in the vegetables to eat list. You can use a pot on the stove…here is a recipe.
1) Put two tbsp. of olive oil in the bottom of a large pot.
2) Add enough popcorn to cover the bottom of the pan.
3) Turn heat to medium high. Look for the first popcorn kernel to pop.
4) Put the lid on the pot. Using potholders shake the pot over the burner.
5) Continue shaking until you no longer hear kernels popping. Remove from heat.

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 indicate a whole grain product.

What about salad dressing?

Olive oil and lemon or lime are an option.

Do I need to eat organic foods while on the fast?

No, but it is suggested because organic foods are produced without the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin and without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides.

Where can I go out to eat?

Well, we think you can go anywhere and order cautiously, asking lots of questions to the wait staff, knowing ahead of time that you may be ordering a salad with olive oil and a baked potato with no extras.

What about bread?

We are recommending the Ezekiel bread found in the freezer section of your grocery/health food store.

How much can I eat?

As long as they are the appropriate foods, we are recommending eating until satisfied with no limits.