With fasting fast approaching, many of us are asking legitimate questions. For example, like this: “Can I eat seafood in fasting?” Here opinions are rather contradictory.
But before moving on to discussing this issue, let's try to figure out: what is a post.
What is fasting?
How wrong are those who believe that fasting is starvation, equating it with a diet. In fact, this period in the life of a believer has completely different, spiritual goals. The meaning of fasting lies in repentance, in maintaining bodily and spiritual purity. But here everything is ambiguous. Everyone should be determined with food these days individually. For some, giving up meat is already a feat, while someone can easily eat only cereals for a long time. Therefore, you need to plan your own menu in accordance with your own strength. After all, the purpose of fasting is not to determine what you can eat and what you can’t. Its purpose is abstinence and repentance. If you can refuse seafood, then don't eat it.
Seafood: what is it?
Can I eat seafood in fasting? Complex issue. Let's define this term first. The generalized name includes several varieties. These are crabs, and squids, and mussels, and shrimps. Science claims that they belong to the chordless, that is, to bloodless living beings. It turns out that they can be eaten during fasting. But the church is of a different opinion. She recalls that the main criterion for lean food is vegetable products, while seafood belongs to the animal kingdom. As, in fact, fish, which is considered semi-lean food.
Do they eat seafood in Lent?
No one can give a definite answer to this question. But let's try to understand it in more detail. Crabs, squids, shrimps from time immemorial in our country belonged rather to delicacies than to ordinary food. That is why seafood in fasting is undesirable. After all, the purpose of such periods is purification. Fasting teaches us the ability to manage our desires, humility and moderation. As the priests themselves advise, on such days you should eat the food that you are used to in everyday life. Of course, with some restrictions. If you consider seafood a delicacy, then it is better to refuse them.
However, not everything is so simple. Even during Lent, there are days when fish can be fasted. Many refer to it as seafood. So, for example, on the day of the Annunciation and Palm Sunday, no one will forbid you to taste your favorite fish delicacy. And on Lazarus Saturday it is allowed to eat caviar. But there are limitations here too. Caviar should be only red. Since ancient times in Russia, it was considered ordinary food, and nota delicacy, which is why its use is not prohibited by monastic charters. But you can’t eat black caviar.
It is highly undesirable to refuse fish or seafood at all. After all, they contain high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids. It is thanks to these elements that the level of bad cholesterol decreases and the work of the heart normalizes.
What can I eat in fasting?
Lenten menu can be very tasty and varied: lasagna, pizza, dumplings, spaghetti. Is it possible to eat seafood in fasting? Depends on what. For example, no one can forbid you seaweed or seaweed salad. Such seafood in the post is possible. However, with the salad you need to be careful. When buying it in a store, pay close attention to the label. It is recommended to purchase only the product that contains the minimum amount of preservatives. It is desirable that there be no more than one. Currently, the Ministry of He alth has allowed the food supplement E-211. Seeing that it is included in the salad you have chosen, you can safely pay for the purchase. When purchasing kelp, you should give preference to the product in a transparent package. This makes it easier to evaluate the appearance and quality of the product. If the cabbage looks like porridge, it is best to refuse to buy. The product must have been damaged.
Summing up
However, one should not forget that strict fasting primarily exists for monastic life. It is prescribed by the charter of the monastery. For ordinary people, there are concessions. The measure of severity of fasting is determinedeither a confessor or the fasting themselves.
Therefore, in order not to feel guilty, it is better to approach the priest and ask: “Can I eat seafood in fasting?” If he gives a blessing, then feel free to eat seafood.
Besides, when deciding to fast, you should remember some rules. Pregnant women need to be very careful, because they have to think not only about themselves, but also about the unborn child. It is better for sick people to consult with their doctor. Indulgence is given to small children, as well as to those who are on the road. There is one more clarification. It is not recommended to refuse to eat fish, and therefore seafood, for students and those people who are engaged in mental work.
