The answer is: Pulses and water

Daniel 1:12

In the Book of Daniel, when the young Hebrews were taken into Babylonian captivity, they faced a delicate challenge: maintaining their bio-cultural and spiritual identities in a foreign land. Rather than indulging in the luxurious royal food, Daniel and his friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—opted for pulses and water. Pulses are dietary staples like lentils, beans, and peas, which are packed with protein, fiber, and nutrition.

This choice was not just a dietary preference but a reflection of deeper values. Choosing plant-based foods over the king's delicacies symbolized their commitment to purity and faithfulness in a time of exile. This eclectic food selection has sparked curiosity through the ages, especially considering how old economies leaned heavily on meat and rich food. Even today, many plant-based diets draw inspiration from this story, emphasizing health and ethical choices.

Interestingly, the story also invites us to consider the concept of resilience. Daniel's influence goes conceptually beyond mere sustenance; it represents the strength one can observe when they stand firm in their beliefs, engaging firmly with a world that could force varying values upon them.

Moreover, Daniel's resolve and its outcomes—as the passage shows how he and his friends thrived compared to their counterparts—underscores the idea that personal discipline and adherence to one’s convictions can yield beneficial, sometimes unexpected outcomes. In this historical and spiritual narrative, the food they chose became a form of resistance that preserved their identities amid cultural displacement.