Everyone’s dietary fast will look different depending on your age, health, and personal circumstances. According to Canon Law, those age 14 and up are required to abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent and Ash Wednesday. Healthy adults from the ages of 18-59 must also fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, allowing one full meal and up to two smaller meals that are together less than a full meal.

Our dietary fast in Crux is similar to the common Lenten practice of “giving something up,” whether it be desserts, snacks between meals, alcoholic beverages, or some other fast. While you should still adhere to the traditional one full meal and two smaller meals on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as required by the Church, Crux encourages you to pick a general food item to fast from, just as you’d normally “give something up” for Lent! Several groups, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as the elderly, are exempt from fasting by Canon Law due to health considerations. They are nonetheless encouraged to capture the essence of fasting in accordance with their condition. We encourage you to prayerfully consider your own circumstances when considering your dietary fast. This is not medical advice, and anyone with medical conditions, pregnancy, or other concerns should consult professional guidance.

To assist with your discernment, we’ve put together a selection of ideas to help you find the right fast for you.

If you need…

Something simple, yet challenging…

Fast from desserts, or a specific dessert
A snack fast – eliminate snacking between meals
Alcoholic beverages
Don’t drink alcohol? Try giving up soda or similar “special” drinks
“Junk food,” which could mean fast food, or maybe your favorite chips or snacks like pretzels
Simply pick a favorite food or snack, and commit to giving that one thing up this Lent!

An out-of-the-box fast…

Try fasting from extra condiments: sauces, dressings, or other additional flavorings
Skip cream & sugar in your coffee or tea
Late-night eating fast: if you love your midnight snack, commit to finishing the day with dinner
Consider foregoing takeout foods or eating in the car

Questions to help you pick a fast…

What foods might have the strongest emotional pull?
What would allow me to grow in discipline without destabilizing my health
What could I realistically sustain throughout Lent?
Remember to invite God into your discernment and ask him what would be most beneficial for you!

As you discern your physical disciplines for Lent, remember: holiness is not measured by intensity. Choose something that is feasible, yet a stretch, that allows you to embrace God’s help and surrender to him.

Ideas for Choosing a Dietary Fast