Fasting advice?

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AKDee

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I am a new Catholic baptized at Easter 2015 and while I’ve participated in Lent to some extent in previous years by giving something up/adding in a devotion this is the first year for me that will include fasting. In fact, it’s really the first time I’ll ever have fasted. And I honestly have no idea how to do it. I’ve had blood sugar issues for many years that, while not dangerous, make it hard for me to concentrate and so while it’s never been a problem for me to do the one hour fast before receiving Holy Communion, I’ve never done a day-long fast or anything longer.

And yet I recognize that our Lord started His ministry by fasting for 40 days and set an example for us, and also that it’s a Church teaching that I should fast at least on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday but I think this Lent I’d like to do more fasting and try to grow spiritually through this form of self-denial.

I’m very interested in how people apply fasting to their own lives. I know some people are uncomfortable with questions of this nature because fasting is a private thing but hope that perhaps some general information might be shared with me so that I would have some idea how to start?

If anyone would be willing to help I offer my gratitude in advance.
 
AKDee said:
I am a new Catholic baptized at Easter 2015 and while I’ve participated in Lent to some extent in previous years by giving something up/adding in a devotion this is the first year for me that will include fasting. In fact, it’s really the first time I’ll ever have fasted. And I honestly have no idea how to do it. I’ve had blood sugar issues for many years that, while not dangerous, make it hard for me to concentrate and so while it’s never been a problem for me to do the one hour fast before receiving Holy Communion, I’ve never done a day-long fast or anything longer.

And yet I recognize that our Lord started His ministry by fasting for 40 days and set an example for us, and also that it’s a Church teaching that I should fast at least on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday but I think this Lent I’d like to do more fasting and try to grow spiritually through this form of self-denial.

I’m very interested in how people apply fasting to their own lives. I know some people are uncomfortable with questions of this nature because fasting is a private thing but hope that perhaps some general information might be shared with me so that I would have some idea how to start?

If anyone would be willing to help I offer my gratitude in advance.
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Hey! Welcome to the Catholic Church! :extrahappy:

You are not required to fast if it will negatively affect your health so that you can’t function properly. You still need to abstain from meat, but eat as necessary to maintain functional health. Don’t just eat for pleasure of course, but if your blood sugar requires it eat full meals and snack as needed. Hope that helps! 🙂
 
Convert_in_99 said:
Hey! Welcome to the Catholic Church! :extrahappy:

You are not required to fast if it will negatively affect your health so that you can’t function properly. You still need to abstain from meat, but eat as necessary to maintain functional health. Don’t just eat for pleasure of course, but if your blood sugar requires it eat full meals and snack as needed. Hope that helps! 🙂
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I don’t think it will be dangerous for me to fast. I would certainly be willing to keep an “emergency” snack on hand just in case but I am not diabetic or anything so I believe that it’s safe, I just get low blood sugar to the point that I find concentrating more difficult. I would very much like to learn how to apply this type of self-denial to my life.
 
AKDee said:
I don’t think it will be dangerous for me to fast. I would certainly be willing to keep an “emergency” snack on hand just in case but I am not diabetic or anything so I believe that it’s safe, I just get low blood sugar to the point that I find concentrating more difficult. I would very much like to learn how to apply this type of self-denial to my life.
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Well, if it’s medically safe for you to try, then I would suggest making sure you eat the two small meals and one full meal as allowed. Also liquids including plain milk and fruit juice are allowed through the the day in unlimited quantities. Those might help you be able to maintain blood sugar levels. These things I’ve mentioned are allowed for all Catholics, so you would certainly still be fasting according to church teachings. 🙂
 
Also, if you don’t like milk or juice, beer doesn’t count as food either 👍
 
I have never fasted before either, but I am as well this year for Lent. Fasting is a private matter, but I do not see a reason why I shouldn’t tell you how I am going about it, if it can help you grow spiritually along side me. My plan is to Fast every Wednesday this Lent. I do not know why I chose Wednesday, it is just the day that was on my heart. I plan to follow the church teachings and each two small meals and one normal meal. (Remember, that when the two small meal are combined they should still not equal the full meal!) Any suffering I feel I am going to give to God. Each time I feel hungry or if I get cranky, I am going to take the time to pray and make sure that I remember why I am doing this. Fasting one day a week is nothing compared to what Jesus did for us! I would suggest you already know everything that you are going to eat each day so that you do not find yourself wanting to snack. (Unless you start having blood sugar issues, obviously. My blood sugar drops as well so I understand how you feel.) That is the best advice I have. I hope this helps! 😃
 
It all depends on what you normally eat in day. I’ve read fasting meal plans that, to me, aren’t fasting at all, but for the person that has made the plan, it is.

Some people eat little normally. It’s hard for them to subtract from the little they already eat. In their case, maybe they can fast from criticism and uncharitable thoughts?

The important thing is that whatever you do, do it with love and from the heart, not because you feel you HAVE to.
 
Stephen_says said:
Also, if you don’t like milk or juice, beer doesn’t count as food either 👍
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Haha. When I first joined the Church I went to a party being thrown in the honor of one of the ladies who joined the Church with me, and her sponsor told me, “One of the best things about being Catholic? We can drink!” He was joking, of course, but it was amusing.
 
Kjnw4831 said:
I have never fasted before either, but I am as well this year for Lent. Fasting is a private matter, but I do not see a reason why I shouldn’t tell you how I am going about it, if it can help you grow spiritually along side me. My plan is to Fast every Wednesday this Lent. I do not know why I chose Wednesday, it is just the day that was on my heart. I plan to follow the church teachings and each two small meals and one normal meal. (Remember, that when the two small meal are combined they should still not equal the full meal!) Any suffering I feel I am going to give to God. Each time I feel hungry or if I get cranky, I am going to take the time to pray and make sure that I remember why I am doing this. Fasting one day a week is nothing compared to what Jesus did for us! I would suggest you already know everything that you are going to eat each day so that you do not find yourself wanting to snack. (Unless you start having blood sugar issues, obviously. My blood sugar drops as well so I understand how you feel.) That is the best advice I have. I hope this helps! 😃
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Thank you, that does help!
 
Lormar said:
The important thing is that whatever you do, do it with love and from the heart, not because you feel you HAVE to.
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Agreed, I don’t want it be legalistic. I am hoping to grow spiritually. There have been some challenges for me this past year that I am hoping that with additional prayer and fasting that I might find answers.

Thank you!
 
AKDee said:
Agreed, I don’t want it be legalistic. I am hoping to grow spiritually. There have been some challenges for me this past year that I am hoping that with additional prayer and fasting that I might find answers.

Thank you!
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I hope you find the answers you are looking for. 🙂
 
You probably already know this… but I recommend that all your full meals and snacks be “stick to your ribs” food. Not so much to fill you up (although it helps), but to have some slowburning foods and proteins with a low glycemic index. Things like eggs and nuts are good.

But obviously, follow whatever your doctor has told you.
 
Mintaka said:
You probably already know this… but I recommend that all your full meals and snacks be “stick to your ribs” food. Not so much to fill you up (although it helps), but to have some slowburning foods and proteins as well as a few carbs. Things like eggs and nuts are good.
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Thanks. I do have a tendency to do better with protein over simple carbs, for sure.
 
AKDee said:
I am a new Catholic baptized at Easter 2015 and while I’ve participated in Lent to some extent in previous years by giving something up/adding in a devotion this is the first year for me that will include fasting. In fact, it’s really the first time I’ll ever have fasted. And I honestly have no idea how to do it. I’ve had blood sugar issues for many years that, while not dangerous, make it hard for me to concentrate and so while it’s never been a problem for me to do the one hour fast before receiving Holy Communion, I’ve never done a day-long fast or anything longer.

And yet I recognize that our Lord started His ministry by fasting for 40 days and set an example for us, and also that it’s a Church teaching that I should fast at least on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday but I think this Lent I’d like to do more fasting and try to grow spiritually through this form of self-denial.

I’m very interested in how people apply fasting to their own lives. I know some people are uncomfortable with questions of this nature because fasting is a private thing but hope that perhaps some general information might be shared with me so that I would have some idea how to start?

If anyone would be willing to help I offer my gratitude in advance.
Click to expand...
Fasting is only required two days a year (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday) and only if you have reached the age of majority (adult) until the start of your 60th year.

All other fasting is voluntary but should only be undertaken after discussions with your priest/spiritual director and your doctor.
 
thistle said:
Fasting is only required two days a year (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday) and only if you have reached the age of majority (adult) until the start of your 60th year.

All other fasting is voluntary but should only be undertaken after discussions with your priest/spiritual director and your doctor.
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Hm. The doctor thing I can understand but I thought fasting was pretty much accepted as a recommended Christian practice. Why would I need to discuss it with my priest/spiritual director beforehand? I’m truly ignorant on fasting practices, so I appreciate any help in clearing up my ignorance.
 
AKDee said:
Hm. The doctor thing I can understand but I thought fasting was pretty much accepted as a recommended Christian practice.** Why would I need to discuss it with my priest/spiritual director beforehand?** I’m truly ignorant on fasting practices, so I appreciate any help in clearing up my ignorance.
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Because you are ignorant on fasting practices! Your priest/spiritual director can advise and guide you.
 
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