Hello Steem people 😀!!!
How is my audiance felling today? Are you all good? That's nice, since today I have a plan to make you feel even better! Give you some tips about a healthier way of eating through....fasting!
Today it's Clean Monday -and speaking for myself- after a long weekend, beginning from my birthday on Thursday, the truth is that I need a little detox lol!
Ιt's that time of the year that Lent officially begins so, here we go! I thought to give Lent or "Sarakosti" as we call it here in Greece, a closer look for the sake of all of you, my audiance ❤ ! Where it is originated from, why we do it, that is, if we do it,and the benefits that has for us!
Here I have to make a little reference saying, that not only in Christianity includes Fasting.We meet Fasting in other religions as well, some examples are the following:
- Judaism: Jews don't seem to have much fasting in their religion. Rosh Hashanah, which is the
Jewish New Yearthat ends with Yom Kippur, meaning theDay of Atonement. - Hinduism: Ekadasi days which in Sanskrit word refers to the 11th day of the lunar fortnight, which makes it twice a month!
- Islam: Ramadan, a whole month of Fasting in a worshiping manor!
So what is Lent really?
Lent is traditionally described as the period of 40 days in memory of the 40 days Jesus fastened in the desert and during which, he endured multiple temptations by Devil!
Lent is the oldest and most important fasting period of Christianity!!!
It derives from an old English word len(c)ten which means Spring season, since it is always during Spring time, even though Easter is a moving religious holiday!
That means that is never on the same callendar date! For example, Christmas is always on the 25th of December, where as Easter may be anytime in Spring!!!
As I wrote just above the Lent signifies a period of 40 days. It starts on Shrove Monday or Clean Monday as it is also called (two days prior to Ash Wednesday)!
So if you count the days, they are exactly 49 not 40!!!
Well there is a difference of 9 calendar days, but I am only responsible here to state the facts and not judge them, and so I will do 😊!
Coming back to the Lenting period, "Sarakosti" is followed by Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday. These two days are the only days that fish,oil and wine are allowed! Nothing more though!!!!
Then we move directly to the Holly Week fasting here I have to mention that on Holly Saturday even oil and wine are not allowed as well! Finally we finish the next day with the Paschal (Easter) Divine Liturgia!
The fasting of Lent...so what do we eat?
That is the most important question here, if someone wants to participate and fast .....and has no tradition with fasting prior to it!! You have to know, it's the most severe of all the Fasting periods, since it's for such a long period of time!
Also, let's not lose sight of the fact that extreme age groups such as:infants, elderly and pregnant women, as they are experiencing serious dietary risks,should refrain from severe and prolonged fasting!!
So to make a start WHAT WE DO NOT EAT: Meat, fish, eggs, dairy and all its derivatives!
Therefore there is an increase in: Cereals,legumes,seafood,nuts,fruits and vegetables!
It is known that fasting is a period that contributes well to health as long as it is done with care. If you do it properly, it has some anazing results and health benefits!!!
On the other hand, let's note from the outset that it is an act of self-restraint aimed at abstaining from certain foods and not necessarily increasing the consumption of some others (such as bread or nuts).
Abstain from food of animal origin and its benefits!!!
Staying away from meat, dairy and eggs immediately reduces saturated fat, dietary cholesterol but also other aggravating factors such as stress hormones due to killing the animal!
It also creates a feeling of "cleansing" that, although it is purely psychologically beneficial to self-restraining defenses!
Cereals, Wheat, barley, rice, oats, corn and all their flour are the basis of our diet, whether we prepare or not!!!
- Cereals are rich in complex carbohydrates, with protein and low fat content. (B1), niacin (B3), phosphorus, sodium, potassium, preservatives and various phytochemicals (plant ingredients with a variety of beneficial effects). Morning cereals and generally packaged cereal products are usually supplemented with calcium, iron, folic acid and other ingredients.
Emphasis on legumes Beans, beans, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans and peanuts are the "meat of the poor". Irrespective of their type, legumes are rich in protein, potassium, folate, iron and magnesium. When accompanied by cereals (bread, rice etc.) they provide protein equivalent to meat while being low in fat. - Also, legumes are rich in dietary fiber but also in plant-based substances, which may help prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer!
Seafood Squid, shrimp, shrimp, crayfish, octopus and mussels, the "fruit" of the sea!
- Are great appetizers and replenish the necessary amount of protein of high biological value.
- Seafood is rich in phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, iron, copper, proteins, omega-3 fatty acids.
- They are also a very good source of B and selenium complex vitamins. It is "lean" meat while those eaten with the shell provide enough calcium.
Of course, seafood poses risks in the event of allergies so they want attention.
Fruit and vegetables
- Quite often, fruit and vegetables are the ideal combination of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins and other antioxidant ingredients. They are excellent sources, especially vitamin C, K and flavonoids. In addition to fresh fruit, do not forget the dried ones, such as figs, plums and raisins, which will complement salads or cereals.
Nuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts, and many others!
Nuts are a healthy, nutritious and delicious dietary option. They are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, plant sterols, selenium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, but also in many vitamins such as E! They are nutritious "bombs" on both ingredients and energy, so watch out for the quantities!
For example: a handful (about 70g) a day is enough to give enough ingredients and about 360 calories!
Halva
So here in Greece we have three types of chalva!
- The Sesame one, made from tahini which is made of pulp sesame seeds. So that means is packed of
Iron, calcium, magnesium, thiamine, vitamin B6, polyunsaturated fat, vitamin E, lignans (natural antioxidants) and sesamin!
- Halva of Farsalon
The 2 links I attached above include recipes 😉!!!!
- And last but not least, the Semolina which is made of simigdali!
In conclusion, the period of fasting, apart from a precious religious act, is a good opportunity to discover new nutritional choices that appeal to the diet which if they combine properly,they will give us very nutritious but also economical meals! I will make a special closure to this post since I will put some photos of the Halva I made for today, it's the one with the Semolina 😀!!
Recipe......in one of my next posts 😉!
Until then, stay tuned, be lovable and always keep shining with that big smile on your face 😀 ❤ ❤!!!
Sources:
A very interesting post, especially for someone like me who did not grow up in this tradition. I like learning new things.
It also makes me wonder about the advantages and disadvantages of this long (40 day) type of limited fasting and the shorter more intense types such as the master cleanser. And then I guess there is the in between types such as the Muslim Ramadan and various Buddhist monastic practices where food is only taken before a very early morning hour.
I have myself only practiced the master cleanser. I have found it very beneficial and must do it again soon after an absence of several years.
I have practised the Lent of the 49 days only a few times in my life, 4 times to be precise. The reason is, as I said in the post, that is really hard as it doesn't only have to do with the shape and state you're in!
You have to be fit and healthy of course but mostly it has to do with discipline of mind and body!!!
Is quite difficult to achieve both in our world!!! But if you do succeed the whole process of fasting all those 49 days, the energy you get is unbelievable!!!
The control over your mind and body, gives you immense power on all levels, that's why I am doing it again this year ;)!!
@onceuponatime, tell me what is the master cleanser exactly?
https://themastercleanse.org/
I have done a similar one for many years. Once a week, every Tuesday, me and my grandma we used to drink just water with lemon, ALL DAY!!!
Very beneficial!!!!
Who needs lent when you live and eat everyday crueltyfee, as much as u like, whenever u like...
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if anyone wants to know more about healthy eating and plant based recipes, theres some new steemians you should all meet, please check out this post to find out more and get inspired
Well @celestialcow thank you for your recommendation, I will check it.
You should know Lent though, is way more than just healthy eating!!!
Is about the cleansing of the soul, I would suggest you to check my post comig about the spiritual side of the Lent :)!!!
I understand the spiritual side of fasting that bring you closer to god but many ppl treat lent as a diet and then when it is over they gorge on chocolate eggs. TBH i don't think that is spiritual or healthy or ethical to buy milk chocolate eggs.
Master cleanser sounds like a detergent brand XD
Yes and it also acts like it, when lemon takes over :)!!
Which lemon by the way, is one of the best things, along with garlic and yogurt to have in your every day eating schedule!
Hello @onceuponatime I also want to know your master cleanser secret because I know it will be a great help for me as well. I hoping you can also share it with me. Thank you in advance ;)
Excellent presentation! The Lent is an oportunity to cleanse both body and soul!
Καλή Σαρακοστή να έχουμε! :)
Our body is the most sacred temple in this world :)
Thank you @ruth-girl!
Lent should be really our constant way of living and as a matter of fact for many, people more than I could imagine, is!
It's important because as you said, it purifies the body which is as @watermelonprince says, the temple of our soul :)!!
Καλή Σαρακοστή σε όλους μας 😀!!
I have to say that I do the Lenten fasting every year, but I also have to admit that I am not the best person during these 49 days, as the fasting (hunger) makes me into not a very nice person. "Hangry" is the term for it, but think "hangry" for 49 days straight. LOL
Hahahaha I know exactly what you mean Nova :), sometimes the feeling of hunger does that lol!
Thank God I have found ways to express it otherwise as well 😀lol
Monday & Tuesday, I fast with fruits. Wednesday and Thursday, I do 48 hours dry fast. Weekend, I feast on plant-based whole food. https://steemit.com/vegan/@watermelonprince/watermelonprince-s-max-health-eating-plan
@watermelonprince well done!! That is a great healthy eating schedule you have!
Wednesday and Friday are the days that my grandmother also used to fast all her life!!!
I have done it for many years as well, especially in my childhood and teen years. One of her typical lines to me was: "Tomorrow is Wednesday so we're having lentil soup and you love lentil, right?" lol
As I grow up, I realise that it is a lot of wisdom in fasting, that somehow my grandma and other older people like her knew about without reading any books really!
It is this kind of wisdom that some people have naturally that derives from life itself!!
Plato said was the first to realise how important fasting is, he said:
"I fast for greater physical and mental efficiency"
I can't describe it any better :)!
Thank you again @watermelonprince and stay tuned because another post will be coming, dedicated to the cleansing of the spirit in fasting period :)!!
You are so lucky to have a grandma with so much wisdom. Most people don't even know what's going on and keep overfeeding themself. I can't wait for your next post :)
Yes I believe I was!!
She has passed away now, but she lives through me I guess, since a lot of the things I do are things she taught me ☺🙂!
Yes, our ancestor's spirit live through us. We will pass our spirits to our children and grand children too. Their life will be 1000 times better than ours.
αγαπώ χαλβά Φαρσάλων :D ! καλή Σαρακοστή με υγεία!
Ναι και εμένα μου αρέσει, ο αγαπημένος μου όμως είναι ο κλασσικός με το ταχίνι!!!!
Μπορώ να φάω ένα κιλό στην καθισιά χωρίς καμία υπερβολή! χαχαχαχα !!!
Καλή Σαρακοστή και σε σένα @mariossap 😀
I was just chatting with me granny about Lent and ash wednesday a few days ago, where I learned about what ash Wednesday is. Now I know about Lent cleansing, from your fantastic post!!! Thanks @alinak15
Thank you my dearest @Aumsong!!
Yes our grandmas seem to know everything and I have a feeling that you would love fasting 😀!
You have to give it a try at least; start with a week and see how it goes! You might feel weak the very first days but then if you can make it to the week, it will be easier and then you will get stronger, trust me!!!
Sending many kisses to you 😚 😚 😚!!!
Great post Alina! Are you going to fast for the whole 40 days? You should share your experience with us, I‘d live to read it☺️
Is your next recipe going to be vegan? 🌱
Thank you @simple.pure.katy :)!!!
My grandmother was the first who taught me into doing it when I was a child and since then I have done it only a few times but I will be doing it again this year!
Yeah I will come up with a vegan recipe soon at some point, I think you will love ;)!!!
the most complete article about fasting i read.
great job. thanx
Oh thanks a million @ricardovieira for your beautiful comment 😀!!!
You wrote very well about cleansing the body. Make a fasting about cleansing the spirit. There are a number of other restrictions: bad language, bad thoughts, having sex, celebrating holidays. I'm sure that many will be interested to know about this. Thank you.
Thank you @nsbachurin for your comment and recommendation!
You are absolutely right!!
Fasting is exactly as you described it, absence from everything that makes you anything less than what God has created you for!
Jesus gave the perfect example to all of us !
Is just that we lack in faith and moral strength to continue in his steps!
Will try to make a post as good as it should be for the cleansing of the spirit!
This post was dedicated purely to the Fasting of the body, hence the Title: "Holy Lent and Healthy Eating" ☺!!
We still have a lot of time before Easter. I will wait for the continuation!
@nsbachurin thought you were in a rush for part II, It's been 4 days now that is up!
Excuse me! I'm not very attentive. Refusal to eat meat and sweets gives certain consequences. I will definitely be fixed!
I understand, I have sometimes, similar side effects lol
We will become stronger physically, stronger in spirit and purer
This is inspiring! I want to try fasting and one time I definitely will. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks @spellmaker, if you do try it any time soon let me know. I think everybody should try at least once in their life. It gives you a different kind of strength afterwards ☺!!!
taks for sharing that much knowledge
Thank you!
very nice post friends, thank you for sharing
Thank you :)
I grew up in a Catholic Household and of course we do reflect and prepares for the celebration of Easter. We just don't eat meat on Good Friday and the Black Saturday of the Holy Week, But this is a good read, I'm learning from this, Thank you!
Thank you @greencomet for reading it and I am glad you find it helpful 😀!!!
If you do fast a longer period of time let me know how it will go ☺!!!
Upvoted ☝ Have a great day!
religious Jews have more than one day of fasting (6 days and even more)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting#Judaism
Thank you for your info @yoram, my source was saying exactly what I wrote :)!
From what I read though, in the link you sent it says about 4 to 6 days of fasting in total, which is not much different to what I wrote, am I right :)?
So are you fasting?
Hi Alina,
thank you for your replay.
you were right that yom kippor is the most important fasting that even none religious Jews are fasting in that day.
but religious Jews have more fasting days.
they use fasting as a mean for atonement and mourning (so if someone drop is a holy book to the floor, he might use fasting for atonement.
I am not religious so I am not fasting from religous resons.
but, i fast only from food, very often from health reasons.
i fast every other day to reduce my energy intake :-)
I didn't know about it yoram but it makes sense. I have friends of mine that use fasting as a sign of atonement!!
Fasting now, is always good for the health, there is whole science behind fasting.
Actually I might make a post about fasting and the healing benefits in the body, from a medical point of view!
Thank you again for your reply and your visit on my blog @yoram :)!
Oh my, all those food pics...
I guess I shouldn't have bought some beef a week ago. Should buy more fish now. Thanks for the reminder!