Fasting

[хорист]

I'd appreciate some suggestions on how I could handle the following situation:

My work has cook-outs, always on Fridays, once a month during the summer.

Should I: not participate, bring veggie hot dogs (which I hate) or just nibble on the side dishes (chips *& salsa, salad) I know are fasting?

Thanks,
Theodora Elizabeth

From sayings of the desert fathers:

There was a man who was leading an ascetic life and not eating bread. He went to visit an old man. It happened that pilgrims also dropped by, and the old man fixed a modest meal for them. When they sat together to eat, the brother who was fasting picked up a single soaked pea and chewed it. When they arose from the table, the old man took the brother aside and said: "Brother, when you go to visit somewhere, do not display your way of life, but if you want to keep to it, stay in your cell and never come out." He accepted what the old man said, and after that behaved like the others whenever he met with them. We are reminded here that fasting must be done in secret, not before others, as the Lord has said: "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." --St. Matthew 6:17-18

[Theodora Elizabeth]

How do y'all cope with low energy levels during fasting periods? I simply don't have the energy to work out (Curves for Women, 30 minute workout). I went once, on Monday, but Tuesday nor today have I felt like going, so I don't. I was going four-five times a week, but I think I'm just going to let it go down to the minimum three times a week during fasts.

I'd appreciate your experiences.

Thanks,
Theodora Elizabeth

[costaswright]

How do y'all cope with low energy levels during fasting periods? I simply don't have the energy to work out (Curves for Women, 30 minute workout). I went once, on Monday, but Tuesday nor today have I felt like going, so I don't. I was going four-five times a week, but I think I'm just going to let it go down to the minimum three times a week during fasts.

I'd appreciate your experiences.

Thanks,
Theodora Elizabeth

Just FYI... Slim-Fast does have soy-protein (completely lactose-free) liquid meals that provide a goodly amount of energy and nutrition. You could always supplement lenten meals with one.

In the Joy of the Risen Lord,
Rd. Constantine

======================================================

• Reader Constantine Wright
  IC|XC http://constans_wright.tripod.com
  +--+--+ Traditional Orthodox Christian
  NI|KA http://www.new-ostrog.org/paper1.html
• Member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of
  the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the Americas
  ======================================================

[Theodora Elizabeth]

Just FYI... Slim-Fast does have soy-protein (completely lactose-free) liquid meals that provide a goodly amount of energy and nutrition. You could always supplement lenten meals with one.

In the Joy of the Risen Lord,
Rd. Constantine

I think you've hit on part of my problem...I do NOT do soy. I don't like it and feel better hormonally (don't ask!) without it.

Neither do I really like seafood (shrimps look like grubs to me - blech!), except for tuna fish (I do have some vegan mayo, so I could make some up). And my body can only take so many beans. I am making hummus right now. Yummmm!

Theodora Elizabeth

[TomS]

Talk to your Priest about this. He should be able to give you direction.

[Schultz]

Being one that hates most vegetables and isn't too fond of most fruits, fasting periods are always a bit of a trying period for my body. I was very wary of soy products myself, but it is possible to find those that aren't THAT bad for those of us who are steak and potatoes kind of folks in order to get a little protein in the diet.

I know that too much soy can wreack havoc on the female hormonal balance, so don't go overboard. SILK Chocolate SoyMilk is a decent way to get some protein that tastes close enough to the real thing; I find regular SoyMilk has a cinnamon aftertaste I don't like a whole lot, but the chocolate is just fine. Again, chock full of protein.

I've taken to making chili using the Morningstar Farms Veggie Crumblers; make it hot enough and you really can't tell the difference (well, you can, but its close enough).

If you're working out and expect some results, particularly in the muscle toning area, you're going to need to supplement the carbs with protein. Find two or three things you like that have protein in them and eat them on a revolving basis so you don't get sick of them. Peanut butter is a good source (and my favorite). I don't know if those bodybuilder protein drinks one can get at GNC are vegan, but if they are, they might be a good idea for a protein source.

Tom gave the best advice of all...ask your priest.

[_cizinec_]

Wow! You guys have different problems than I have.

I love fruits, vegies and tofu. My problem is that I never feel like I'm fasting. I stop drinking coffee, try to stick to bland foods and cut back my meals.

If you're a picky eater, I'd go for nuts. All kinds of nuts. You can get almond butter, cashew butter and you can make a nice stir-fry of snow peas, pasta and cashews. That's, of course, on days when oil is allowed.

Don't forget the delicious soups you can make with beans. My wife makes this great Slovak soup with butter beans. It is delicious and good for you. I also have some not-so-tasty freeze dried black bean soup at work in case of emergency. Just add hat water.

I'd also try some dried fruits. I buy big bags of dried mangos from Sam's Club. They're cheaper than buying fresh mangos, you don't have to skin them and you can take them anywhere. Mix some mangos, dried apricots and nuts . . . that's a great light lenten lunch. It has no fish, no oil, etc. and it's very nutricious. Just make sure you drink a lot of water if you increase the amount of fiber by that much.