Author Topic: Lent fasting and weight loss (Read 5244 times)

PG · « **on:** March 05, 2014, 04:19:43 PM »

I am already slim, and this is my first legitimate lent(where I know trad teaching). Is it a given that catholics lose weight during lent? I have about 50 allergies, a gluten allergy, and many other things that remind me of how fragile my health is. Lessening my food intake is not on the top of my list. This reminds me, I need to go to the store to buy fat milk!

Pray for me.

Frances · « **Reply #1 on:** March 05, 2014, 04:35:05 PM »

:dancing-banana:
Talk with your priest and your doctor. Doing penance doesn't mean rashly harming your health. There are penances that don't involve calorie reduction, if you're truly in need of a dispensation. I have a friend who is a brittle diabetic. He must follow a very strict dietary regimen or he will die. He makes very small dietary modifications during Lent and arranges other forms of penance.

PG · « **Reply #2 on:** March 05, 2014, 05:12:21 PM »

Francis - Thanks. I already have to call a priest for something else, and I will mention this. I have been thinking about this for the last two days(was reminded during sun. sermon that this wed. is the beginning of lent - it snuck up on me), but I wanted to see what it would be like eating a larger single meal(being that my normal meals are lesser than most), but I don't feel confident. I will likely try fatty milk and institute a penance. I may ask a priest what a suitable penance is. I will find an acceptable route.

Nadir · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2014, 08:32:29 PM »

The Lenten practice for you could include ensuring that you fullfill your duties of state more faithfully than usual, doing extra little acts of charity and saying extra prayers. I think meditating on the Stations of the Cross is ideal for Lent.

Frances · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2014, 09:13:24 PM »

:dancing-banana:
Can you substitute a food you like for one of the same nutritional/caloric value that you don't like?

PG · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2014, 09:34:25 PM »

Perhaps I am misinterpreting what my missal says. It says that fasting and partial ab. are obligatory on all "other" weekdays of lent. That sounds to me like that means every day. Or, does it mean every "other" day?

PerEvangelicaDicta · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2014, 09:48:28 PM »

+PG+, with so many allergies, I hope your milk is raw? If pastuerized, make sure it's organic and not homogenized.

Quote

Doing penance doesn't mean rashly harming your health. There are penances that don't involve calorie reduction, if you're truly in need of a dispensation.

This is important, esp for trads. Many are prone to scrupulosity. Me, for one, so physician heal thyself!

Quote

The Lenten practice for you could include ensuring that you fullfill your duties of state more faithfully than usual, doing extra little acts of charity and saying extra prayers.

Our priest emphasizes duties of state a lot. Great advice for all of us.

PG · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2014, 10:08:29 PM »

Perevangela - I got the vitamin D organic no gmo fed to the cows milk. It is good! As for scruples, that is why I expressed my frustration by starting this topic. Being so concerned with "amounts and portions" sets about a mood that I don't really like and know is not the goal. Unless partaking in hunger pangs is the purpose(I suppose it can be salvific, there are many hungry children - in pain). But, that is not what I hear preached. What I have always heard preached is what you guys are saying. However, I do take church laws seriously.

Mabel · « **Reply #8 on:** March 05, 2014, 10:37:49 PM »

Combine your fat with carbohydrates and you will not lose weight.

Nadir · « **Reply #9 on:** March 06, 2014, 04:42:17 AM »

Quote from: + PG +

Perhaps I am misinterpreting what my missal says. It says that fasting and partial ab. are obligatory on all "other" weekdays of lent. That sounds to me like that means every day. Or, does it mean every "other" day?

I think you will find the "other" means days other than Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.

In short:
Abstain from flesh meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday.
One full meal and two smaller meals on every "other" day, except for Sundays, which are not counted in the 40 days of Lent.

However in your case, where you have health problems, you should consult both your doctor and your traditional priest.

Ursus · « **Reply #10 on:** March 06, 2014, 11:04:03 AM »

Since childhood I've had fish allergies that could be fatal so after talking with the priest and sisters they did help me understand I can eat meat in my instance as a source of protein. I do feel left out or imposing on my family by not being able to share the meal together.

PG · « **Reply #11 on:** March 06, 2014, 01:16:42 PM »

Ursus - thanks for sharing.

Nadir - I should have given an example. Does that means that I fast one day and the next day I get the opportunity to make up what I lost? :cheers:

PG · « **Reply #12 on:** March 06, 2014, 01:48:23 PM »

Forgive me for this subversive/liberal humor. I just have bad memories of fasts from years ago when I converted to the NO(it's more likely just bad memories due to the NO). I am just very cautious these days, I take baby steps.

Nadir · « **Reply #13 on:** March 06, 2014, 02:59:04 PM »

Quote from: + PG +

Nadir - I should have given an example. Does that means that I fast one day and the next day I get the opportunity to make up what I lost? :cheers:

No, this use of the word "other" does not mean "every second day".

It means every day of the week except Fridays (when abstinence from flesh meat is mandated) and Sundays* (which are not counted in the 40 days of Lent).

So, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday count as fast only days. Friday and Ash Wednesday count as days of fast and abstinence.

* Of course we don't "pig out" on Sundays, as "pigging out" is the sin of gluttony any time of the year.

Do you have access to a traditional priest? If so, you should check with him.
If you don't, then I'm sure somebody here could give you the details of how to make contact with one.

PG · « **Reply #14 on:** March 06, 2014, 03:33:03 PM »

Nadir - I have interpreted it the way you say(and I am two days in and going strong). But, thanks for the confirmation. I just took a second guess when you and perhaps others said my penance could be instead something other than what is the common observance of lent. And, I will say, I like making jokes, but not excuses.

The nearest traditional priest is 3 hours away. He is sspx, and I am fond of him, but I don't go there anymore. I am a male, and I don't like bothering/asking borderline dumb questions to other men(however, anonymous forum is a different story

). I think it is a pride thing.

I do have a humorous disposition. Unfortunately, I think that some people mistake it for ignorance.