5 Stages Of A Lenten Fast

The common view of Lent is one of arduous sacrifice and an intense longing for chocolate. After all, this is the period of time where many Christians give up their beloved indulgences for 40 days, only to be reunited with them at Easter, right? Wrong! Personal sacrifice is at the heart of Lent, but it’s all in the approach and your perspective on it. Instead of suffering through, think of this time as an opportunity for a mental spring cleaning, where you can temporarily eliminate foods, habits, practices, even people, that limit your growth. Allowing yourself to gain perspective on your inner life, and assess your choices and goals, affords you the ability to chart your course with fewer distracting elements. That aside, there’s no denying that the traditional Lent fast, which usually involves abstaining from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays, is tough for most “meat mouths”. More advanced fasters opt for a pescatarian diet or even cut meat out completely for the entire period. Completely eliminating meat poses some risk for the unprepared, so it’s important to research carefully and plan meals wisely if you’re taking this route.

For the brave at heart embarking on a seafood-only Lenten fast this year, you’re in for an eye opening experience! Read ahead and learn what you’re in for! You know what they say: forewarned is forearmed!