When will Lent begin in 2024 and how to conduct it to cleanse the soul and body

The End of Lent 2024 The year, as always, marks a time of spiritual purification and preparation for one of the main Christian holidays, Easter. This period involves not only prayer and meditation, but also strict fasting. Eating in Lent is of particular importance, because through physical moderation believers strive for spiritual renewal. In 2024, as in previous years, Lent begins at different times according to the Eastern and Western rite, which is important to consider when planning a lean menu.



Fasting for Eastern rite believers will begin on March 18 and last until May 4, while for Western rite followers from February 14 to March 30. These dates provide a framework for a fasting period during which believers forgo animal products, alcohol, and sometimes fish, oil, and other foods, depending on the day of the week and the specifics of the fast.

Foods allowed to use at this time, obviously, should not be fatty and high-calorie. Even well-known nutritionists say that this “diet” is very useful from time to time and helps our body get rid of excessive fat stores. Including visceral, that is, one that accumulates on the surface of internal organs.



What you can eat:

1. Vegetables and fruits that are the basis of a lean diet can be used in fresh, boiled, stewed form or in salads.
2. Grapes and legumes (buckwheat, rice, lentils, beans) are an excellent source of protein and energy.
3. Mushrooms add a rich taste to dishes and can serve as an alternative to meat.
4. Nuts and seeds rich in healthy fats and microelements.
5. Bread and pasta from hard wheat or whole grains.
6. Vegetable milk (soy, almond, oatmeal) as an alternative to cow milk.

Features of nutrition in different periods of fasting:



In the first and last week of fasting, food should be as strict as possible.
On the days when fish are allowed (usually the Annunciation and the Entrance of the Lord to Jerusalem), you can diversify the menu.

On Wednesday and Friday, it is recommended to completely abstain from food until the evening, and then - a light dinner without vegetable oil.

Examples of dishes for lean menu

Breakfast:
Oatmeal on water with the addition of fruits or berries and nuts.
Whole-grain toast with avocado and seeds.

Lunch:
Lentils soup or borscht on the water.
Stewed vegetables with quinoa or buckwheat.

Dinner:
Baked vegetables with herbs.
Fresh vegetable salad with lemon juice or olive oil (if possible).
Snacks:
Fruits, nuts, dried fruits.



Peels Tips for Observing the Post

1. Planning is the key to a varied and nutritious diet. Make a menu for the week to provide everything you need.
2. Cook at home so you know exactly what you eat.
3. Use spices and herbs for a variety of flavors.
4. Drink plenty of water, especially on fasting days.

Recipe for lean patties Ingredients

• 1 tbsp oatmeal without sugar
• 200ml boiling water
• 200g potatoes
• bulb
• 2 teeth. Garlic
• greenery
• salt, spices to taste
• vegetable-oil

Preparation

1. Pour the oatmeal with boiling water and wait 10 minutes until it swells, if there is an instruction on the package, act according to it. Peel potatoes with onions and cut into comfortable cubes. Then load into a blender and grind until minced or grueled. Add the oatmeal to the vegetables and mix well.

Add salt and spices to the resulting mass, mix again. With clean wet hands, form small balls. In a heated pan with oil, prepare cutlets from the resulting flattened balls on a medium heat. A few minutes on each side until the color is red. All set.

Observing Lent is not only a refusal of certain foods, but also an opportunity to cleanse the body and spirit, prepare for the meeting of Easter. Eating can be not only useful, but also tasty, diverse, bringing joy and satisfaction.