Fresh fruits and vegetables are the cornerstone of Bible-based Daniel's Diet.
Daniel's Diet (also known as the Daniel Fast) is a popular religion-inspired diet and detoxification program that promotes the idea that health can be achieved by eating the foods that were available during Biblical times. According to proponents of Daniel's Diet, those who follow the plan can expect to lose weight, increase overall health and potentially cure an array of ailments.
Daniel's Diet
Daniel's Diet is a 10-day detox program inspired by one of the Biblical stories of Daniel, a slave who was chosen to study at the palace of King Nebuchadnezzar alongside Babylon's best and brightest, who lived on the palace grounds and were allowed to indulge in the finest food and wine. Daniel, however, tried to maintain physical and spiritual purity by eating only vegetables and water. This offended the king, and Daniel responded with a challenge to see who would be healthier after 10 days -- Daniel and his friends or the students who ate whatever they wished. At the end of the 10 days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier and better nourished than those who shared the king's diet. Based on this story, the 10-day Daniel's Diet fast attempts to replicate this physical cleansing via a diet of fruits, vegetables and other wholesome food.
Fruits, Vegetables and Legumes
Daniel's Diet bans meat, but allows participants to eat a variety of fruit, including oranges, apples, grapes, strawberries and others. Fresh fruit is encouraged, but frozen, dried or canned fruit is permitted. Vegetables are also an important part of this diet, and can also be frozen or canned. Recommended vegetables are eggplant, zucchini, cabbage, carrots and spinach, although other vegetables are also permitted. Canned or dried legumes are also a recommended component of Daniel's Diet, with acceptable options including pinto beans, white beans, kidney beans and peas.
Nuts, Seeds and Grains
Nuts and seeds can also be consumed as part of Daniel's Diet, and are recommended for between-meal snacks. Recommended choices include cashews, sunflower seeds and peanut butter, all of which can help the dieter by adding variety. Whole grains are also seen as a beneficial part of the diet, which permits such whole grains as brown rice, rice cakes, whole wheat pasta and oats.
Oils, Beverages and Other Foods
Healthful oils are also seen as an essential part of Daniel's Diet for their ability to add flavor to grains and vegetables. Among the recommended oils are olive oil, grape seed oil and peanut oil. Water is one of the key components of the diet and should be consumed liberally. Beverages such as soft drinks, alcohol, coffee and tea are not permitted. All water should be either pure, distilled water or spring water, not tap water. In addition, Daniel's Diet allows for the consumption of tofu and other soy products, while condiments such as vinegar, salt, herbs, spices and other seasonings can be added sparingly.
Tags: Daniel Diet, also seen, Daniel Diet Daniel, Daniel friends, days Daniel