Preparing for Lent - Need advice

[mommelisa]

I plan to discuss this with my Priest as well, but I thought I would pass my question by you all, too, perhaps for some recipes??

I am in training right now for a triathlon in May. My life is consisting of working out, eating and sleeping. Well, that's not entirely true, but it sure seems like it some days. ;) I have never been a big meat eater, and during the Christmas Fast in 2003, I was able to give it up completely. I try to be faithful to the Wednesday and Friday fasts, but I am worried about Lent this year. The number of calories and the amount that I seem to be eating makes me concerned about being able to maintain the whole fast during the entire period. As an example, if I take communion on Sunday, by the time I do, my stomach is growling loud enough for the entire congregation to hear...

So, anyway, does anyone have any recommendations on what would be the right thing to do? Perhaps some really good high protein/carb meals they prepare during Lent?

Thanks in advance.

[Eusebios]

Spaghetti (w/out meat of course ;) ) as well as all other Pasta, minus meat and dairy, are acceptable fast food, and are surely high in carbs!
Obviously your priest and those in your parish should be excellent resources.
His unworthy servant,
Eusebios.
:bow:

[Wiffey]

Bean & rice dishes give both carbs and protein.
Try white or brown rice with:

Black beans:

(you can soak dried beand overnight or get canned beans) 4 or 5 cans of beans (depending on how much you want)

1 medium to large onion, chopped fine
4-6 cloves of garlic (up to you) chopped fine
1 green bell pepper (or cubanelle pepper if you like a little kick), chopped fine
2 TBS oil (can substitute grapeseed oil for olive oil)
1 small can of tomato sauce

Spices (to taste):

salt
black pepper
cumin (about a tsp)
oregano (about a tsp)
2-3 bay leaves (whole)

Heat your pot (medium heat), add oil and sautee garlic, peppers and onion until onions are translucent. Add tomato sauce and oregano, cumin, salt, pepper & bay leaves. Simmer sauce for a couple of minutes, add beans (if you use canned beans, do not drain the liquid, add it in!) If it is too thick, add some hot water until you have the consistency of a thick soup.

Bring to a boil. Cover, turn heat down to medium low or low and let simmer, stirring occasionally. Let them cook for about 2 hours or so (the longer, the better). Add in extra salt as needed. Serve over rice, garnish with raw chopped onion (if you want to eat it like a Cuban!).

[Matrona]

Talk to your priest, but also talk to a doctor about fasting. Many athletes are vegetarian/vegan and with careful diet planning which the doctor can help you with, they apparently do fine.

[Oblio]

I have just the thing for you.

We have get out of Lent coupons (individual items or entire meals) for sale with all proceeds going to our building fund :)

We are currently running a special on whole hog coupons, don't delay, order now :yum:

[mommelisa]

lol! Thanks, Oblio! Sounds like a great fundraiser! ;)

[mommelisa]

Matrona - thank you, good idea! My doctor attends my church, so she'll have great insight on where I'm coming from.

Question... for those of you with children... how strict are you with them during Lent? I am the one cooking the meals, so I try to have them follow as realistically as I can as well (without them really knowing it), however, my husband is not Orthodox and according to him, "needs his meat" so I usually end up making two main dishes. They understand about fasting Sundays before communion, but I haven't really introduced anything else to them.

Maybe having them be more consistent with reading the bible during Lent would be more appropriate? We all need some help in that area right now...

[Wiffey]

Matrona - thank you, good idea! My doctor attends my church, so she'll have great insight on where I'm coming from.

Question... for those of you with children... how strict are you with them during Lent? I am the one cooking the meals, so I try to have them follow as realistically as I can as well (without them really knowing it), however, my husband is not Orthodox and according to him, "needs his meat" so I usually end up making two main dishes. They understand about fasting Sundays before communion, but I haven't really introduced anything else to them.

Maybe having them be more consistent with reading the bible during Lent would be more appropriate? We all need some help in that area right now...

My daughter is 10. During Lent we do not eat meat, but I DO give her dairy. By including dairy, I can be sure she is getting plenty of calcium and protein. My husband (cradle Orthodox) also chooses to keep dairy in his diet, while I (when health permits) try to omit it. But I'd be wiped out if I had to cook 2 different dinners! Our compromise? I cook vegan food, but keep the fridge stocked with dairy products for those who wish to fix themselves a snack. When I pack my child's lunches, then I'll use dairy products. But dinner is no meat, no dairy, no olive oil.

[Matrona]

I have just the thing for you.

We have get out of Lent coupons (individual items or entire meals) for sale with all proceeds going to our building fund :)

We are currently running a special on whole hog coupons, don't delay, order now :yum:

Isn't that kind of like selling indulgences? :eek:

[ExOrienteLux]

Oblio, wait. You're selling whole hog coupons for Lenten food?

You silly goose! Pork is definitely not Lenten! ^_^

[Oblio]

You silly goose! Pork is definitely not Lenten!


Is Lenten with Holy Economia BBQ Coupon.

Shall we start the bidding ?

[mommelisa]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their responses. My priest came over on
Saturday to bless our home and we were able to talk about what has been on my mind.

On another note, my husband was very agreeable to the house blessing but was relieved, I think, that Father didn't "bless" his new tv and stereo with the Holy Water as he went through the family room.

[Peter]

I have a family of 8 (my wife, myself and 6 children). We are not all Orthodox. However, my two older children 17 and 16, respect our lead and we have a meatless lent. I follow the general rule of "eat what's offered and give God praise." However, when I'm alone try to avoid the "forbidden" foods.

Since becoming Orthodox, my wife has become quite the vegan cook, and we're all healthier for it!

With small children, we do not hold them to strict fasting. We had some humerous moments with out 14 year old son and fasting for Sundays. After passing out two different times during liturgies, we were urged to make sure he ate something on Sunday morning, "enough for sustaining himself." We joke with him that someday he will be known as St. William (not his real name) the Fainter.

Peace.

Rdr. Peter