Lent can be a period of detoxification but also of creative, balanced nutrition. Even if someone doesn’t view it religiously, fasting is a “reset” for the entire body.
See what your body gains by fasting:
1. Your liver gets a break.
For 40 days, we cut out animal fats, fried foods, and excessively processed food. The liver, which has been working overtime all winter, has the chance to regenerate and shed excess fat.
2. Your intestines rejoice!
Fasting is rich in fiber: legumes, oil-based vegetable dishes (ladera), greens, and fruits. Fiber is food for the “good” bacteria in your gut.
Result: Better digestion, less bloating, and good immunity (because 70% of our defense is in the gut).
3. We consume “good” fats.
Tahini, olives, olive oil, avocado, walnuts. Fasting, if done correctly, is rich in monounsaturated fats and Omega-3s, which are good for the heart and brain.
4. We cut hidden sugar (without realizing it).
When we fast, we automatically cut out most industrial sweets, dairy desserts, and croissants. Even if you eat Lent-friendly halva or kourabiedes, your total sugar consumption drops dramatically.
5. We redefine hunger.
Fasting (and abstaining from meat) often makes us feel lighter. We learn to listen to our bodies: “Am I really hungry, or am I just bored?”
However:
Fasting does not mean “fried potatoes and bread.” If your fast is based on white pasta and bread, the benefits are lost. But if you take advantage of it with legumes, vegetables, and good oil, Easter will find you lighter and more energetic.
For Each Personality Type:
Fasting doesn’t suit everyone the same way. Depending on your temperament, you can take better advantage of it:
Choleric (Hot/Dry): Be careful not to become dehydrated. Make sure to eat hearty salads and drink plenty of water. Avoid too many fried foods (even if they are Lenten) because they “dry you out” and raise your body temperature.
Melancholic (Cold/Dry): You’re the type who “fears” fasting because you feel like you’re losing strength. You need warm, nutritious meals. Focus on soups with legumes, tahini (in small amounts daily), and boiled vegetables with oil. Avoid raw vegetables in the evening.
Phlegmatic (Cold/Wet): Fasting is an opportunity to “dry out.” You are the king of legumes and spicy foods! Fearlessly add pepper, cumin, ginger to your meals to boost your metabolism. Avoid too many sweets (halva, spoon sweets) which weigh you down.
Sanguine (Hot/Wet): Fasting suits you very well! You feel light and full of energy. Just be careful not to overdo it with fruits (they raise blood sugar) and prefer green leafy vegetables to cleanse your blood even more.
— Dr. Angeliki Makri, Clinical Dietitian, MSc, PhD, Medical School NKUA
Book an appointment at NMD Praxis to find out which Hippocratic type you are, to understand what you need for your nutrition, and to learn what your specific body requires!
