Fasting is the way most houses of worship begin the year. A restricted meal plan can allow time and space for more than the usual prayer and meditation. The Daniel Fast is the one most often chosen.
Modeled after what the Biblical prophet Daniel ate while in the custody of King Nebuchadnezzar of Egypt, the Fast eliminates sugar, meat, and processed food and centers the diet on whole, nutritious, plant-based foods, including fruit, vegetables, legumes, and seeds. Participants also lean into spiritual practices, giving up social media and other unhealthy habits to prioritize meditation, Scripture reading, and rest.
Those who follow the Daniel Fast for even a few weeks report unmistakable benefits, including weight loss, lower blood pressure, increased focus, a stronger commitment to faith, and an overall sense of well-being. But if this way of eating is so advantageous to the body, mind and spirit, why not adopt it for a lifetime?
The possibility is discussed from time to time when the Daniel Fast is ongoing, but not so much when the fast is over; the Daniel Fast requires a fair amount of self-discipline, after all. But health advocates Sersie Blue and Gigi Carter jointly operate a website suited to help folks who make such a courageous choice.
Carter is a certified lifestyle medicine professional and nutritionist, and Blue is a wellness coach. They’ve been preparing whole-food, plant-based vegan meals for over 25 years. They spoke to Word In Black about adopting the Daniel Fast, offering tips and online resources.
The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Word in Black: Is eating healthier more expensive than we suppose?
Sersie Blue: It’s a myth that plant-based or Daniel Fast-style eating automatically costs more. When the focus is on whole plant foods like beans, lentils, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, the grocery bill often goes down. That’s because the most expensive parts of a typical Western diet tend to be meat, dairy, and processed foods, not staples like legumes and seasonal produce.
(Supporting this, a broad study from Oxford University found that vegan diets were up to one-third cheaper than diets high in animal products across high-income countries. In the U.S., a JAMA Network Open study comparing a low-fat vegan diet to a Mediterranean diet found that the vegan diet reduced total food costs by roughly 19 percent (about $1.80 per day), saving hundreds of dollars annually.)
What we consistently see is that those who view their health as a spiritual practice, not just a physical goal, are far more likely to stay the course … They aren’t just chasing results; they’re honoring God with their choices.
Sersie blue, wellness coach
What people often miss is that staples, lentils, rice, potatoes, and oats are some of the most economical foods you can buy, especially in bulk or at farmers’ markets and grocery stores like Aldi. Processed vegan products can be pricey, but they’re not necessary for a wholesome Daniel-style lifestyle. For readers interested in practical examples, we’ve put together budget-friendly Daniel Fast–style meals.
WIB: Do you know people who’ve made the Daniel Fast a lifestyle?
Blue: Yes. Gigi and I have lived this way for over 14 years. She reversed high cholesterol, and I lost over 50 pounds and reversed high blood pressure after embracing the Daniel Fast as a lifestyle.
(Tips and recipes on how to make the Daniel Fast a lifestyle.)
In our Healthy for My Purpose community, women repeatedly report weight loss, improved blood sugar regulation, reversal of type 2 diabetes and hypertension, and renewed energy.
What we consistently see is that those who view their health as a spiritual practice, not just a physical goal, are far more likely to stay the course. When women understand that caring for their bodies is an act of obedience and worship, the motivation goes deeper than willpower. They aren’t just chasing results; they’re honoring God with their choices.
WIB: What makes people who commit to the fast full-time successful?
Gigi Carter: Those who thrive see the Daniel Fast as a heart posture, not a temporary diet. They commit to it as a lifestyle, lean into community support, and plan ahead with simple meals. They also recognize that transformation is both physical and spiritual. When prayer, Scripture, and surrender are woven into the process, the discipline feels purposeful rather than restrictive.
Community support is a major factor. When women are surrounded by others on the same path, it normalizes the choices and provides accountability. Planning also matters. Those who prepare meals, learn simple recipes, and understand what to eat when dining out are far more likely to stick with it.
(How to shop for Daniel Fast foods at the grocery store.)
WIB: What trips people up?
Blue: The biggest challenges are lack of planning and trying to live in the middle.
Eating “Daniel-style” for a few days and then reverting back under the idea of moderation often leads to frustration. Emotional eating is another major obstacle. If the deeper heart issues around food aren’t addressed, the transition feels harder than it needs to be.
We explore this more deeply in our book, Daniel Fast: Why You Should Only Do It Once.
(How to prepare Daniel Fast meal plans.)
WIB: What are some of the clear health benefits of the Daniel Fast?
Carter: People commonly experience increased energy, better digestion, reduced inflammation, weight loss, and improved metabolic health. Many also report mental clarity and a heightened sense of spiritual focus as they simplify their eating and become more intentional.
(Daniel Fast foods can help reduce high blood pressure.)
WIB: What makes the transition easier?
Blue: Support and simplicity. Being part of a community provides encouragement and accountability. Having a few go-to meals removes decision fatigue. Education is key, but so is awareness.
Paying attention to how good you feel becomes powerful motivation. Addressing emotional eating early and keeping healthy snacks prepared helps make the transition sustainable rather than overwhelming.
(How to stock up onhealthy Daniel Fast snacks.)
