How to observe Lent without harming your health? We asked clergy and doctors.

The Orthodox Church observes four main fasts: Great Lent, Apostles' Fast, Dormition Fast, and Nativity Fast, which began on November 28 and will last 40 days. Our correspondent learned how to prepare for the approaching Nativity, what rules apply to fasting, and who can indulge in food.

Not a diet , but a lifestyle

Lent is a norm of Orthodox life, a physical and spiritual period of abstinence. However, it is necessary to differentiate between the requirements for different people: strict ones are defined for monks, while more lenient ones are for laypeople. Lent consists of simple rules: not to eat foods of animal origin (that is, not only meat andfish , but also dairy products, eggs ), pray, attend church, participate in the sacraments and free up time for religious literature and good deeds.

"This is a time of preparation for a particular church holiday, a special period when we change our usual way of life, striving to become better," explains Priest Alexander Palchevsky, rector of the Parish of St. Spyridon of Trimythous in Minsk. "The time of fasting reveals not only what needs to be removed from our lives, but also what needs to be introduced. Dietary restrictions should be consistent with our health and our strength. We shouldn't immediately try to emulate the experience of a monk or a Christian who has fasted for decades. In the early stages of this practice, you can begin by setting aside special days (for example, Wednesday and Friday) to physically and spiritually acclimate to certain restrictions, and once you've prepared, you can observe a multi-day fast."

There are various rules regarding fish consumption. According to the so-called "soft rule," it can be eaten on all days except Wednesday and Friday. On those days, wine is prohibited , and food must be prepared without oil (in Orthodox calendars, such days are designated as dry days). Mayonnaise must also be avoided, as it is made primarily from vegetable oil and egg yolk.

One of the most widely celebrated holidays, New Year's , falls during Lent. Priests advise adhering to the restrictions on the night between December 31st and January 1st. So what should you do about the traditional feast? First, never judge family and friends who don't fast, lest this turn them away from the faith. Second, you can prepare dishes permitted during Lent. For example, avoid adding sausage and eggs to Olivier salad, which is an integral part of this winter holiday , to make it a Lenten meal. Add variety to your table with fish, traditional potatoes, pickles, mushrooms, baked goods, and vegetables—and it won't be either poor or even dietary.

The main point is to educate the soul

There are a number of exceptions to fasting. For example, pregnant women, nursing mothers, the sick, those engaged in heavy physical labor, active study, and military personnel are exempt from it. The Church recommends fasting from the age of seven. From this age, children become adolescents and are admitted to the sacrament of confession. How to observe the fast for your child should be decided individually, in consultation with their spiritual father. There is no need to fast strictly, as the main purpose is to nurture the soul.

Ksenia Seregina, a parishioner of the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimythous, has been observing the fast for 50 years. One of five children of an archpriest, she knew from childhood that this special period of time is an integral part of life.

"I remember how, after the evening service on the eve of the holiday, we went caroling through the village," says Ksenia Ivanovna. "We collected all sorts of treats: sausages , sweets, dried fruit, and bread. The temptation to eat it all was great, but we were told not to touch anything. We left everything we'd collected on the porches of poor houses. We'd knock on the doors and run away. From our hiding places, we'd watch people come out into the street and discover these gifts. The people were happy, but we were even happier."

The woman admits that it was difficult to fast as a child, since there was always milk and cream in the house,cottage cheese , yogurt (the family kept a cow), sometimes they ate "forbidden food" in secret from their parents.

"There are no problems with food now; it used to be different," the parishioner continues. "On the shelves there are fresh fruits , a variety of vegetables, almond milk, mushrooms, and seafood (they can be eaten even during the strictest Lent). Over the years, I've developed my own Lenten menu; I make various soups at home: vegetable and mushroom. I freeze vegetables in season and use them during Lent. I make kissels and compotes from dried fruits or berries."

A parishioner has three grown sons. Their parents introduced them to fasting from childhood.

- In adolescence, when boys were actively growing and playing sports, we made concessions, cooked sausages, often baked fish, cooked fish dishesCutlets . I spoiled them with baked goods made from yeast dough.

On the last day of the Nativity Fast, Christmas Eve, it is customary to abstain from food throughout the day, and in the evening one should eat sochivo:

"I cook unhulled oats and add all the dried fruits I have in the house. When the family gathers around the table and says the prayer before eating, it's a truly magical moment that brings us together."

Post on doctor's prescription

Doctors have their own views on fasting. Spiritual leaders recommend listening to their advice and choosing the appropriate option. Vladislav Morozik, head of the day care and diabetes education department, nutritionist, and endocrinologist at the Minsk City Clinical Endocrinology Center, is confident that there are no contraindications to fasting for healthy people.

"I'll still point out that a balanced diet and fasting are different, as animal fats aren't excluded from a healthy diet. Fasting can help you lose weight due to a calorie deficit and also lower your cholesterol, but this isn't always the case. In my practice, I often see cases where a vegan who hasn't eaten animal products for years has high cholesterol in their blood test. It's all very individual," the doctor notes.

According to Vladislav Morozik, excluding animal proteins from children is absolutely unacceptable, as it can impair normal development. It's better to focus on spirituality, limiting gadget use, and perhaps sweets and unnecessary snacks.

"During adolescence, a period of active development that requires a lot of energy and cell building blocks, protein sources shouldn't be completely eliminated. You can avoid beef and pork, but you should definitely include fish and dairy products. If you decide to skip animal protein one or two days a week, you should replace it with plant-based sources. These include soy, legumes, and nuts," the specialist advises.

Protein intake is also extremely important for older adults, as they lose muscle mass more quickly.

"I recommend consulting a doctor, getting additional tests, and an electrocardiogram. Then, develop a personalized nutrition program for the fast and stick to it," the doctor concluded .

The Nativity Fast is less strict than the Great Fast and the Dormition Fast. It begins on November 28 and lasts 40 days, ending on January 6.

| Olga PROLYUK, 7 Dney newspaper. Photos from BELTA and open internet sources.

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