TYPES OF FASTS
SPECIFIC FOOD OR ACTIVITY FAST
In this type of fast you omit a specific item(s) from your meal plans.
For example, you may choose to eliminate all red meat, alcohol, processed or fast food, or
sweets. Most people can incorporate this type of fast relatively easily. It can also prove to be a
great solution for people with specific dietary needs or medical conditions that may cause
certain limitations.
While Biblical fasting refers to refraining from specific food items, you may also find it
extremely beneficial to fast from a regular activity or habit. This might include things such as
television, social media, and the like.
Prayer and fasting are not just about connecting to God but also about disconnecting from the
world. Try to tune out some of the regular distractions from your day as much as possible.
Replace that time with things that will nourish you spiritually.
For example, you may choose to eliminate all red meat, alcohol, processed or fast food, or
sweets. Most people can incorporate this type of fast relatively easily. It can also prove to be a
great solution for people with specific dietary needs or medical conditions that may cause
certain limitations.
While Biblical fasting refers to refraining from specific food items, you may also find it
extremely beneficial to fast from a regular activity or habit. This might include things such as
television, social media, and the like.
Prayer and fasting are not just about connecting to God but also about disconnecting from the
world. Try to tune out some of the regular distractions from your day as much as possible.
Replace that time with things that will nourish you spiritually.
THE DANIEL FAST
The Daniel fast is a great model to follow and one that is extremely effective for spiritual focus,
bodily discipline, and purification of the body and soul. It is probably one of the most commonly
referred-to fasts.
In the book of Daniel, we find two different times where the prophet Daniel fasted. Daniel 1
states that he only ate vegetables and water, and in Daniel 10, while the passage does not give
a specific list of foods that Daniel ate, it does state that he ate no rich (or choice) foods, as well
as no meat or wine.
The foundation of the Daniel fast is fruits and vegetables. Some starchy vegetables and dairy
could be included, but that depends on the individual. Your goal should be to seek God in
prayer about this and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
could be included, but that depends on the individual. Your goal should be to seek God in
prayer about this and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
THE JUICE FAST
A juice fast is simply consuming vegetable and fruit juices and water instead of solid food. Many
people include whey protein in their liquid plan as well. This is one of the most popular and
effective fasts. Even if you choose not to make your entire fast liquids-only, substituting one or
two meals for liquids is a great alternative.
THE WATER FAST
A water-only fast is the normal fast referred to in the Bible. This is how Jesus and the New
Testament church fasted. A water fast is just that—no eating of any food or drinking of any
liquids except water. Periodic water fasts can be very beneficial, but extreme precautions
should be taken. For some people, it is hard to perform effectively at their jobs and have energy
for their families while drinking only water. We recommend consulting your physician first, and
water fasting only for a day or two unless you can get away or your job allows you to really
disconnect so you can give your best energy to the fast. Remember, when Jesus went on His
forty-day fast, He went by Himself out into the wilderness. Having said all that, there are some
people who can water fast and work, and they function fine without much fatigue and are able
to work well. You are blessed if you are one of these people.