Protein Powder on the Daniel Fast

The Daniel Fast is an extremely healthy way of eating and provides a wide variety of nutrients that nourish the body. Sometimes, though, people get nervous about a three-week abstinence from meat, dairy, and eggs. They’re worried that the Daniel Fast foods won’t supply them with adequate protein. I understand their concern.

But animal products aren’t the only foods that contain high amounts of protein. Beans, lentils, quinoa, nuts, seeds, asparagus, broccoli, kale, spinach, and sprouts are good sources of this important nutrient as well.

If you have a medical condition that requires you to keep your protein levels higher than 20% or you do serious weight lifting, you may consider using a protein powder to supplement your intake. You can’t just use any protein powder, though. Remember, since animal products aren’t allowed, anything with whey is not acceptable.

Protein powder that’s Daniel Fast friendly is one that’s vegan, plant-based, and free of any form of added sugar or caffeine (that includes chocolate!). Check the ingredients label to be sure the powder adheres to the Daniel Fast food guidelines. One product I’ve used is Garden of Life Organic Plant Protein – Smooth Unflavored. It contains organic pea seed, organic flaxseed, organic cranberry seed, organic chia seed and organic pumpkin seed. Plus, it’s gluten free, vegan, dairy free, soy free, and non-GMO whole food protein. The Smooth Vanilla flavor is tasty, but it does contain stevia (whether or not to use stevia is a personal decision; it’s plant based but could be considered an added sweetener). My favorite Garden of Life protein powder is Smooth Chocolate, but I only have it when I’m not on the Daniel Fast since chocolate isn’t allowed. Another product I’ve used is Carrington Farms Coconut Protein Blend. The only ingredients are coconut powder, pumpkin powder, and pea powder (all organic). However, I use much less than the recommended serving size. The label calls for 2 scoops, and I typically only use 1/2 to 1 scoop for an 8-ounce smoothie.

I used protein powder for the first time during my August 2015 Daniel Fast, and I was able to make a variety of delicious smoothies with it (see my Smoothies page for recipe ideas). Sometimes I had a smoothie for breakfast. Other days I enjoyed a refreshing smoothie as a snack after my morning workout.

If you’re concerning about consuming an adequate amount of protein on your fast, a plant-based powder is certainly an option you may want to consider.