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The Daniel Plan

The Daniel Plan Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!

Lose weight through biblical principles

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What is it?

The Daniel Plan is a 40 day diet that claims to be an overall wellness plan for weight loss and mental and physical health. It was created by medical, fitness and spiritual gurus that include Dr. Oz and a Christian pastor.

It focuses on helping optimize 5 key things: fitness, faith, food, focus, and friends. It was created to help people connect closer to god, and make all around changes to one’s life. The creator is a pastor and he claims his diet has helped 15,000 church members lose a total of more than 250,000 pounds. In reviewing several diet plans our experts have found that the most effective weight loss solution is the 18Shake Diet. It combines an appetite suppressing meal replacement a stimulant free all natural diet pill. Many users have also rated it highly for its combined fat loss effects. More information about the 18Shake Diet can be found in the link provided here.

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The Daniel PlanDiet Ingredients and Side Effects

Information on what kinds of foods are recommended for The Daniel Diet is limited. There are certain suggestions and claims made however.

For the first 10 days it’s advised to stop eating the following:

         • Sugar including artificial sweeteners

         • Dairy

         • Gluten

         • Processed foods

This is intended to help detox the body and mind, which in turn makes it easier for one to start making healthier decisions. These types of foods are considered addicting, and they make weight loss harder as once you start eating these types of foods the body will crave it over natural foods. It’s claimed that these rich foods are what make it impossible for the body to make healthier decisions.

The Daniel Plan isn’t described as a weight loss diet, but instead is meant to improve overall health which naturally will lead to weight loss. Therefore, losing weight is a consequence of making better decisions for your body and mind.

The beginning detox is made to help train the brain to work better so it becomes less addicted to eating unhealthy foods. It claims that the brain is operated by an autopilot mode that takes willpower to break free from. It’s mentioned that using willpower is difficult as there are moments of weakness where we reach for unhealthy foods, so by making these changes to diet you make it easier to make healthier choices. For a comprehensive list of the top 10 ranked diet plans click the link here.

The breakdown of the types of foods allowed is:

• 50% non-starchy vegetables.

• 25% lean protein.

• 25% whole grains or starchy vegetables.

• Low glycemic fruit, water or herbal tea.

         • Omega-3 rich eggs up to eight times a week.

         • Legumes that include chickpeas and lentils.

• Organic, grass-fed meats with no more than four to six ounces once or twice per week.

         • Organic poultry.

• Low-glycemic vegetablesthat include spinach kale, and broccoli.

         • Pears, apples, cherries, peaches, plums, and berries.

The type of exercise suggested is known as burst training. This means one should have a high intensity 60 second exercise session followed by a few minutes of low intensityexercise. This can include sprinting then doing fast walking. This is known to be a healthy form of exercise, as it burns more calories than low intensity exercise.

It also offers online support from other people who are also on the diet. This is to keep each other motivated to eat the right foods and exercise. There is also a Christian religious approach to this plan, as it’s advised to seek the help of god to also stay motivated. For those that aren’t religious it’s unknown if there are any special considerations. For a list of the top 10 ranked diet plans follow the link cited here.

The support from others is intended to come from people who are in the same church group. They don’t mention exactly how one will find these people, but it makes it seem as if one is to recruit other Christians to The Daniel Diet.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.

The Daniel Plan Diet Quality of Ingredients

The diet emphasizes eating natural whole foods instead of processed goods. This is a healthy approach for a diet, but it’s unclear why the specific ratios of food were recommended. There’s no scientific explanation as to why there’s a split between 50% non-starchy vegetables, 25% lean protein, and 25% starchy vegetables and whole grains.

Without knowing the science behind this it’s impossible to determine what kinds of results are possible.

A separate cookbook is also offered based on the same principles, though this comes at an extra cost. One also does not have to count calories, it’s just advised to follow a diet based off of the ratio of foods recommended. Much more information is needed before one can determine whether the kinds of foods recommended are truly better for weight loss than others. The details surrounding the quality of foods aren’t well explained. The link cited here has a top 10 list of diet plans out now.

The Price and Quality of The Daniel Plan Diet

The kinds of foods allowed are healthy, but spending money on organic meats can become incredibly pricy. There’s also very little explanation as to the kinds of foods which are advised. One has to purchase the book in order to determine what it can truly do. This makes it impossible to determine the overall quality before buying it.

A lot of the information that is presented in the book isn’t summarized for people to determine whether or not this is a good diet. Without first knowing the science of seeing any clinical studies, it’s difficult to judgewhat his diet truly has to offer.

It also greatly relies on seeking the support of other people on the diet, specifically other Christians. For people who don’t follow this type of religion it makes it impossible to seek the support offered, as giving oneself to god is a required step.

Business of The Daniel Plan Diet

This diet was created by a group of people. The main contributor was Rick Warren, an evangelical Christian pastor. He admits that he is still obese even though he helped create this diet. Other contributors include Dr. Oz, Mark Hyman a physician, and a psychiatrist Daniel Amen.

What is confusing is that Dr. Oz and Mark Hyman have both authored many different diet plans using different principles. It’s unknown why they back many different solutions for weight loss. The link cited here has a list of the top 10 ranked diet plans.

EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.

Customer Opinions of The Daniel Plan Diet

Here are some quotes taken from customer reviews:

“If you are offended by a Christian perspective or just don’t embrace it, then this may not be the book for you”

“you will feel like you’re starving”

“meals in here are pretty involved to cook, and many contain pretty expensive ingredients”

“Very Basic. Mainly just general feel good type writing with very little useful information”

The Amazon.com page for the book has 162 critical reviews currently. People have criticized it for not offering comprehensive enough advice, and for suggesting obvious diet recommendations. This included complaints that the advice asked for people to cut out processed foods, but without suggesting any unique or unknown substitutes.

There was also concern from non-Christians that the book was too tied to religion. Some found it impossible to follow this diet since the support is intended to come from religious church groups. Since this plays a major role, it might not be suitable for all.

Click the link here to see a comprehensive list of the top 10 ranked diet plans.

Conclusion - Does The Daniel PlanDiet Work?

The Daniel Plan takes a comprehensive approach to not just weight loss support, but also overall wellness and health. Information about the diet is limited, though it does intent to target the mental reasons why one would be addicted to certain foods. While this is helpful, the specific ratio of foods one has to eat isn’t backed by science. Many people were also disappointed that being Christian plays a big role, and that the suggestions for eating are obvious. For people who aren’t Christian or already know about the dangers of processed foods, there isn’t much to be gained from this diet plan.

Our experts have concluded after much research that the best option for weight loss is the 18Shake Diet. It offers a combination of a high quality meal replacement shake that suppresses appetite for hours, and a diet pill free of stimulants or artificial ingredients. Both offer potent ingredients without any filler, binders, colors, or any unwanted processed additives. Many customers have left glowing testimonials on their official website due to its potent weight loss effects.

The 18Shake Diet is also backed by an entire 30 day money back return policy. This is allowed with no questions asked, at no risk to users. To learn even more information about the 18Shake Diet click the link here.

How Does The Daniel Plan Compare?
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> Leave Feedback

User Feedback

(Page 1 of 1, 8 total comments)

Donna R.

I have lost 19 pounds and have dramatically lowered liver enzymes. I believe my blood sugar readings are also coming down.... with an average of 105!! I feel clearer in my head and thinking. AND - I have learned that I was suffering from gluten intolerance.
WOW! All of this since August 9th of this year.
I will stay on this forever.... eating whole foods is the way to go.
AND - last but certainly not least, I could not do this without the Lord. Your readings on faith have been very helpful. This journey toward health is a spiritual journey

posted Aug 29th, 2017 6:52 pm

Garry Nutter

This is good, healthy eating! Yes, the ingredients are more expensive, but so is poor health and obesity! I feel better eating healthy food and it really tastes good.

posted Jul 8th, 2017 8:35 am

sue

Your feedback about the Daniel Plan does not seem credible because you have so many typos in your review.

posted Feb 6th, 2017 11:01 am

SB

I think if anyone wants to be healthy from the inside out, incorporating the "spiritual," as well as the "physical" is crucial. We are overweight because something is "eating us" from the inside (the heart).

The Daniel Plan isn't for everyone, but it is helping me get focused on my health, connect more with my Creator, and become the person I was created to be. I like that it's simple and not full of all kinds of medical stats and jargan. Too much information for me! The plan works, if you work it.

posted Dec 19th, 2016 6:17 pm

Jacqueline Phillips

+

My husband lost 30 pounds in 3 months (240 down to 210). i lost a little, but the best was the lack of cravings. When we really cut out the white stuff and lowered our sugar, we didn't crave it. We even went to parties and didn't want chips or cake.

posted Jul 13th, 2015 5:05 pm

Roxanne Hallman

?

why a single person cannot get points for cooking a healthy meal at home In the FOOD point legend. 1point for cooking at home with family and or friends QUESTION: I live alone since my husband died. My family lives an hour away. I do not have any c lose neighbors and so I'm told that because I'm alone I can't get any points for eating at home. I realize the purpose is for families to eat together, but I think persons who live alone should get a point for cooking a healthy meal to eat at home rather than g I out to eat.

1 Answers
posted Apr 20th, 2015 12:03 am

Emily

+

I thought it was great. I think including the spiritual aspect is why it worked for me. Since we are more than just a body, we need to give proper nutrition to our spirits as well!

posted Jan 24th, 2015 5:18 pm

Sherrie

+

This diet helps me stay focused, lose weight and enjoy better overall health and confidence in myself.

posted May 14th, 2014 5:44 pm


   
 

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QUICK FACTSQUICK FACTS Start the Diet Now Advertisement

  • Started by Pastor Rick Warren in 2011

  • Incorporates medical expertise from Doctors Mehmet Oz, Daniel Amen, and Mark Hyman

  • Participants in Warren's megachurch, Saddleback, began the program, and thousands of members found success with it

  • Based on the biblical story of Daniel

Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2024?

BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND

Pastor Rick Warren, head of the California megachurch Saddleback, resolved in 2011 to lose 90 pounds. Using simple principles and incorporating biblical truths, Warren lost 60 pounds in one year, and encouraged his flock to follow his lead. The lifestyle plan is based on the Old Testament account of Daniel. He and his three friends were conscripted into a pagan king's service. It is based off of this passage in the Bible: "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way... "Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food" (Daniel 1: 8,11-15). The Daniel Plan has six components: 1. Connect for Success - join a small group or do the plan with a buddy, or join an online group 2. Rely on God's power - pray and journal 3. Eat delicious whole foods - cut out highly processed foods, white flour, sugary drinks, caffeine, and instead opt for vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds 4. Move your way to health - incorporate daily exercise 5. Think sharper and smarter - get plenty of sleep, engage in brain-building exercises 6. Heal for life - consider a detox plan, identify food and sugar addictions, allergies, and plan for health long term

PROPRO

  • Addresses the whole person, not just food or exercise

  • The program and materials are all free and available online at danielplan.com

  • Suitable for men and women

  • Crafted by leading, trusted physicians in America today

CONCON

  • Geared towards Warren's church in California

  • The curriculum is a Bible study focused on healthier living, which may not appeal to some

  • Warren's rule of "No snacks, no sweets, no seconds" (Interview with USA Today, 2/5/12) is rather strict, and not much is given on the site about slip-ups, although participants can adapt the plan somewhat to fit their needs

  • It's up to participants to formulate their own specific plan, the program is more of a guideline with lots of tips

DIET and NUTRITIONDIET and NUTRITION

The Daniel Plan focuses on eating mainly a plant-based diet. It encourages a 70/30 plan, or 70 percent of foods should be live and whole, while the other 30 percent can be lean protein, whole grains, and starchy vegetables. The doctors guiding the plan show participants how to clean out their pantries, understand food labels, and eat out less while cooking healthful foods at home more. A popular line with Daniel plan members is "If it grows on a plant, it's healthy. If it's made in a plant, it's not." A typical day could include a homemade breakfast burrito, mahi mahi burger with pineapple salsa for lunch, and for dinner, chile lime chicken with veggie kabobs.

EXERCISEEXERCISE

Exercise with The Daniel Plan is not specific; a variety of sports and workouts may be used. The goal is for participants to get moving in whatever way possible. Burst or interval training is highlighted as an effective way to quickly burn calories, but the website also has positive articles on weight training, aerobic conditioning, and how to "play" while really exercising.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

The Daniel Plan uses simple, tried-and-true methods for losing weight, eating better, and making a commitment to exercise. It may not appeal to non-Christians with its emphasis on Biblical guidance and prayer, but its methods are sound. Its reliance on a team of medical professionals, acknowledgement that mental and spiritual aspects are a big factor in dieting, and support groups increases its effectiveness.

Common MisspellingsCommon Misspellings

daneil plan, the daneil plan, rik warren diet, teh daniel plan, daniel plna

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