This post is one of the strictest.
On March 7, Christians of the Eastern rite begin Lent, which will last until April 23. The meaning of fasting is spiritual purification, repentance and preparation for Easter . During Lent, it is necessary to abstain from food of animal origin, avoid conflicts and go to church more often.
Preparing for Lent: what you need to know
Before the beginning of Lent, one should ask for a blessing from the priest, confess and receive communion. It should be remembered that fasting is not only a restriction in food, but also spiritual purification. Therefore, at this time you can not wish harm to others, you need to avoid conflicts, clarifying relationships. More attention should be paid to humility and prayer during Lent.
An important aspect is also consultation with a doctor, as some people may have medical contraindications to relatively strict fasting. It should be noted that young children and pregnant women should not observe fasting because it can be dangerous to their health.
Lent should be prepared in advance, as abrupt abandonment of the usual food can damage the body. Therefore, some foods should be gradually excluded from the diet.
For example, you can first minimize the consumption of meat and sweets, and then give up fried foods.
It is necessary to think carefully about the lean menu so that the body receives a sufficient amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and other nutrients. The daily norm of protein for the average person is 1 g per 1 kg of body weight. Most protein is found in plant foods such as mushrooms, spirulina, nuts, spinach, legumes, and some types of cabbage.
Read also: Meeting of the Lord: traditions of celebration
Lent: what foods you can eat
Fasting allows the use of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, cereals, seeds, nuts, seaweed.
You can also eat flour products that do not contain butter, milk and eggs. Do not eat canned or pickled vegetables, ketchup, adjika, soy sauce, lean mayonnaise.
During Lent you can eat some low-fat sweets (marmalade, dried fruits, cookies) and honey.
You can add vegetable oil on strict days of fasting, and on Palm Sunday and the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is allowed to eat fish and seafood.
What not to eat during Lent
- Meat and meat products
- Eggs
- Any dairy products
- Fatty sweets and pastries
- Chocolate
- Fast food
- Alcohol
It is recommended to eat small portions during Lent. Priests advise not to overeat plant foods. It is better to eat a small piece of meat if you really want than to eat a lot of mushrooms or nuts.
What not to do in Lent
On Holy Monday, March 7, it is forbidden to eat all day. Our ancestors believed that everything that did not have time to reach Maslenitsa should be given to animals.
From 8 to 11 March (Tuesday to Friday) do not eat processed foods – only raw food is allowed.
During Lent, Christians should refrain from visiting entertainment venues, watching funny movies and TV shows. Weddings and big holidays cannot be arranged at this time.
During Lent, one cannot quarrel, slander, conflict.
