According to our observations, every year more and more people are trying, if not to observe Lent, then at least to exclude animal products from their diet. Surely among your friends there are those who are planning to “lose weight during Lent”.
We have prepared two variants of nutrition programs for the period of Lent. Light version or “Meatless” menu, which does not exclude fish, dairy products, eggs. And the “Lenten” menu is an individual program that takes into account all the rules of Lent.
How to fast properly without harming your health and figure – we learned from nutritionist Natalia Fedorenko
Giving up certain foods can lead to an imbalance in the diet and negatively affect your health and figure.
Try to ensure a balanced diet during Lent:
– vegetable proteins (beans, beans, nuts, sprouted grains, mushrooms);
– fish and seafood, on permitted days;
– complex carbohydrates (cereals, breadseasonal vegetables and root crops);
– fruits, dried fruits and frozen berries;
– vegetable fats (unrefined sunflower oil, olive oil, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed oil, etc.
– fiber (all types of cabbage, carrots, beets, fruits, bran in the form of “corn sticks”);
– vitamins and minerals in the form of superfoods (spirulina, poppy seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, amaranth, quinoa, chia).
Protein deficiency negatively affects the body’s condition, depletes muscle tissue, and reduces immunity. For the same reason, I do not recommend fasting to adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, people with weakened immune systems, and during the postoperative period.
Fats – their deficiency can seriously affect metabolism, hormones, the genitourinary system, skin condition and brain activity. Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids in your menu: avocados, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and nuts.
Replacing protein products with the most affordable ones, people observing Lent tend to eat potatoes, cereals and pasta, and increase their consumption of sweets. Do not lie to yourself – sugar has not become healthier during Lent! You also need to be careful when eating dried fruits and starchy fruits (bananas).
Eat small meals 5 times a day. Drink more water to properly cleanse your body. Include practices that relieve emotional tension in your daily routine: meditation, outdoor walks, and breathing exercises.
I wish you a light Lent and thoughts 🙂
