Lent is the ideal time to indulge in asceticism, to give up merriment and idleness, and devote your time to simple work for the body and soul. Now many people do not observe fasting at all, and some do it only formally - for example, refusing meat dishes. It is important to understand what is forbidden during fasting, not only in terms of food, but also in terms of actions.
What can not be done in Lent?
The basis of fasting is not a restriction in nutrition, but spiritual limitations. It is during the fasting period that the ascetic way of life, repentance, observance of the commandments is considered most favorable. Consider the prohibitions in the post in more detail:
- It is forbidden to lead an active social life, entertain, indulge in idleness and laziness;
- Do not go to any entertainment, be it a movie, theater or a club of interests;
- it is important to carefully observe all the commandments and repent in case you have slipped such emotions as anger, envy, aggression, greed and others;
- it is strongly recommended that marital abstinence, and even more so, abstinence of couples who are not married;
- it is forbidden to use alcohol, narcotic substances, to smoke;
- it is important to monitor emotions and allow only the brightest of them - otherwise, if you are subject to passions, all your efforts will be in vain;
- It is strictly forbidden to indulge in gluttony, overeat.
A true Orthodox fast restricts the body so that a person can better reveal and experience his divine essence. That is why for such a period it is not recommended to plan a trip, vacation, celebration of various events. The more secluded, calmer, more spiritual and moral you will spend this time, the more you will help your soul.
What can not be eaten in a great fast?
Speaking specifically about what is forbidden in the post from products, it is primarily products of animal origin, sweets and delicacies:
- any kind of meat and poultry (the fish is allowed on certain days);
- milk and all kinds of dairy products;
- any eggs and products containing them (for example, mayonnaise);
- chocolate, sweets, marmalade and other sweets;
- baking of all kinds.
Thus, sweets (except fruit) and all sources of animal protein are excluded from the diet. In order to avoid problems with the organism in such a regime, it is important to include in the diet the maximum amount of protein food of plant origin: peas, lentils, beans, beans .
Recommendations for the observance of Lent
Lifestyle for the period of fasting should be as simple as possible - do not use accessories, do not buy or flaunt in expensive clothes, do not have fun and do not attend social events. Approximately the same smooth, calm state is important to maintain in your soul - do not give in to provocations of the world around: do not get irritated, do not be offended, do not get angry. Accept everything as a test given to you from above, after which you will purify the soul. It is your even internal state that is an indicator that you are successfully coping with fasting.
Do not try to diversify dishes too much - the table should be simple and even lean, without a choice of dishes, no frills. Of course, patients, old people and pregnant women should not strictly observe all the rules - but to compensate, they should devote more time to prayer, repentance.
Reading prayers is considered an obligatory component of fasting. As a rule, it is done twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. In addition to this, it is recommended to visit the Saturday and Sunday services in the church, which also help to deeply experience the very essence of Lent.