“Fasting Is A Medicine” – St. John Chrysostom 4th Century

I just realized that the Lenten Season is nearly upon us . . . again! There always seems to be that slight feeling of dread about what we can’t have in order to be sacrificial during Lent. Yes, we should ‘give up’ things in order to strengthen our spiritual resolve, but we can add things to our life, during Lent, to bring about change in our outlook, too.

Our family always does meatless on Wednesdays as well as the mandatory Fridays of Lent. We also try to stick to the ‘old-fashioned’ notion of fasting. We have our three meals a  day and avoid snacking. It is always interesting to note, during the first few days of Lent, how many times we actually find ourselves absentmindedly putting food in our mouths.

That is our ‘give ups’ of Lent. This year, however, I’m thinking I’d like to put some more positive spins on the six weeks. I’m going to be a better steward of our grocery budget taking more time and creativity in meal preparation. I usually fix a decent meal for my family but am thinking about watching the health aspect more and incorporate more healthy foods in a way that will add to their nutrition as well as their happiness. I guess I want to cut down on the unnecessary edible extras (like fats and sweets) yet present an acceptable meal that is enjoyed. It is sort of like the ‘good’ way of fasting where you wash your face and put on a smile so people don’t know you are being penitential thus making your sacrifice more meaningful as you aren’t looking for admiration.

Anyway, I’m going to spend time researching meatless recipes and healthy recipes recipes this week in preparation for the next six weeks. I’m hoping that some of the habits we put into play will last us beyond Lent, too. Seems like the incorporation of extra prayers and healthy habits that remain kind of give you a good report card for Lent!

I’ll share any meatless recipes I discover and enjoy. Anyone with like-minded ways, is welcome to also give us the benefit of their experience.

“It is better not to fast and be thereby humbled, than to fast and to be self-satisfied therewith.” Pascal Pensees 17th century