What foods are prohibited during Lent?
According to the monastic charter, throughout the entire period of fasting, believers must refrain from eating products of animal origin, namely meat, animal fat, dairy products and eggs. Fish and seafood are allowed only twice during Lent: on the feast of the Annunciation on April 7 and on Palm Sunday on April 17. On Lazarus Saturday (which comes on the eve of Palm Sunday), you can treat yourself to caviar, if you have it, of course.
What foods are allowed during Lent?
On weekdays, believers should eat once a day, in the evening, and on weekends, twice a day.
- The basis of the Lenten diet is made up of various cereals: pearl barley, oatmeal, buckwheat - the choice is endless.
- Other staple foods: vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, mushrooms, bread and honey.
- Often, believers prepare meatless soups, vegetarian meatballs and pies.
- As for drinks, the choice is offered: water, any teas, coffee, chicory coffee, herbal infusions and fruit drinks.
- Food consumed during Lent should not have a strong taste, so spices are best avoided. Preference should be given not to fried, but to boiled, stewed or baked food.
In addition, meals should not be heavy, and believers are advised not to eat too many of their favorite foods. If you can eat a whole bowl of dumplings with cabbage or a dozen pies with potatoes in one sitting, it is better to refuse these dishes altogether, although they are suitable for a lean diet.
However, the main goal of Lent is to control your emotions, anger and irritation, especially in relation to your family and friends. I think that this applies to absolutely all people, even completely non-believers.