Lenten Fasting Questions

[JIB]

What is permitted during a day of fasting (like Ash Wednesday)?

I’ve seen the same general guidelines everywhere - one full meal and two smaller meals that don’t equal a full meal, no snacking, drinks allowed as long as they’re not food-like (whatever that means).

I had a plain biscuit for breakfast, then for lunch I had a small cup of mac and cheese and a small bit of candy (probably questionable, I know). For dinner I had some cheese pizza. Overall I’m still pretty hungry.

Here are my questions:

1. Is it acceptable to drink soda with meals?
2. What about soda between meals? What about if it’s a diet soda?
3. What is appropriate for the meals outside of the full meal? I had someone today say that bread and water was the appropriate food for breakfast on a fasting day. Where would they get that idea?

 

[1ke]

What is permitted during a day of fasting (like Ash Wednesday)?

I’ve seen the same general guidelines everywhere - one full meal and two smaller meals that don’t equal a full meal, no snacking, drinks allowed as long as they’re not food-like (whatever that means).

Yep, you’ve got it.

I had a plain biscuit for breakfast, then for lunch I had a small cup of mac and cheese and a small bit of candy (probably questionable, I know). For dinner I had some cheese pizza. Overall I’m still pretty hungry.

Sounds fine to me.

1. Is it acceptable to drink soda with meals?
2. What about soda between meals? What about if it’s a diet soda?

Yes ad yes. Please don’t be scrupulous.

1. What is appropriate for the meals outside of the full meal?

A smaller meal.

I had someone today say that bread and water was the appropriate food for breakfast on a fasting day. Where would they get that idea?

Well, certainly that can be appropriate. Some people do fast on bread and water, it is a popular penance. The Church doesn’t require it.

Again, please do not be scrupulous. The Church does not dictate what you eat for your smaller meals/snacks or your full meal.

 

[ChibiViolet]

If what you ate for your two smaller meals together do not add up to the kind of meal that you eat on an average day than I’d say it’s fine.

A food-like drink would be a milk shake, protein shake or a smoothie. A soda is not a food-like drink.

 

[Seeking_Him_1]

I’ve had the same questions.

I’m actually disappointed in myself today…I abstained from meat, that was no problem, but I found myself snacking more than I should have. If I could reach my own rear end, I’d give myself a swift kick there.

 

[Jennifoo]

Hi there and Happy Lent! Your understanding of the fast and abstinence guidelines are correct. I do have some advice for you that will help. First, have a little protein at both snacks- makes a world of difference. I had a Zone bar at my first snack and a Muscle Milk shake and 2 small slices dry whole wheat bread at my second snack. I don’t see a problem with this as the labels don’t say “meal replacement”. I normally eat quite more than this. As for your one meal, it needs to include about 2 servings veggies. For my meal I made a small tuna melt and Campbell’s Tomato Garden soup, plus some blue corn organic chips. I would strongly advise you to quit soda altogether. It is terrible for you and is probably why you’re hungry. That, and the lack of veggies and whole grains. For my beverages I had a little orange juice and unsweetened almond milk. Hope this helps.

 

[Jennifoo]

Oh I also wanted to mention how I structure my fast- this made a huge difference! I have my first snack at my usual breakfast time. I have juice and/or almond milk about 2-3 hours later. I have my second snack about 45 minutes later than my usual lunch time, then juice and almond milk about 3-4 hours later. I have my meal at my usual supper time. Structuring it this way makes the fast not only bearable, but refreshing. I am mildly hungry all day, but without drastic blood sugar drops and headaches and fatigue. Having my meal in the evening allows me to sleep well as I can’t sleep when overly hungry. I have a very physical job as a day care teacher aide in the baby room and I find that structuring my fast this way andaking smart nutritional choices doesn’t compromise my work.

 

[HolyRosaryChild]

The guidance I have received for my Fasting from Our Lady Mary Mother of Jesus is bread, fish, vegies,salad, fruit and no rubbish ie commercially processed foods, junk food etc.

Another day during The Holy Rosary ‘no cheese My Child’ received, however this was in all probability due to my lactose intolerance.

Praise be to Thee Dear Jesus Christ our Saviour and to Thee Dear Mother Mary, now and for Eternity, from all of Thy Children, Amen.