5 Ways to Eat Well While Observing Lent (our article for today's Hazleton Standard Speaker)

Today Terry and I had our first joint newspaper article published! It was in Hazleton PA's Standard Speaker, and since I can't find it on their website, here ya go :)

5 Ways to Eat Well While Observing Lent

by Terry and Charis Malloy

Food and the rituals of eating it are inherently spiritual. We see evidence of this in pre-meal blessings, the virtue in the act of feeding the hungry, and even the structure of the Catholic mass. As a time of fasting and spiritual introspection since the Europe's Middle Ages, Lent commemorates Jesus Christ's 40 day sojourn in the desert prior to his public ministry. It is also famous for being a time of dietary restrictions. Centuries ago, this was done for both the religious observance and to survive the shortage of food stores in late winter. Nowadays, while the spiritual aspect of Lent remains front and center, those who choose to restrict their diets often do so on their own terms.

Traditions of fasting exists in one form or another in cultures that span both the globe and the centuries. Modern studies and practices have also shown its cleansing and rejuvenating effects on the body, while those who practice attest to similar results on their spirits. Not only are certain types of restrictions good for your health, but Lent is perfectly timed to both be a period of withdrawal to benefit one's faith and one's body, with Spring, and then Summer, just around the corner.

As the weather warms, our minds turn from trying to simply stay warm and comfortable to Summer's pursuits and lighter clothing. Already a time for the spirit, why not make Lent beneficial for the body as well? The fasting we already do can hold great opportunities to try new, healthy ways of eating that are perfectly matched to Lent's purpose.

Here are 5 great ways to Eat Well While Observing Lent:

1. Add quinoa to your diet. This ancient “miracle grain” from the southern hemisphere has now made itself known to the United States. Available in the pasta or rice section of the grocery store, quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is a complete protein, which gives it a rare value for any food. Rather than being a grain, it is related to turnips and spinach, although it has a rice or pastine-like taste. Following the simple cooking directions on the box (much like rice,) substitute quinoa for rice, oatmeal, or in soups, stir-fries, and cold salads. Your waistline, as well as your digestion, will thank you.
2. Have a salad every other day. Try to have a big salad for lunch once every other day. Season a bed of fresh, dark green lettuce or spinach (the darker the color, the more nutrients) with your favorite herbs. Our favorite salad combination is a bed of spring mix greens, topped with chopped onions, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a dressing made with equal parts red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Take a note of how you feel an hour after eating this meal. Rather than being sluggish or sleepy with the 2:00 pm slump, you will be full of energy. The body loves fresh greens, and Lent is a perfect time to incorporate more of them for a good cause.
3. Have seasonal fruit every day. Rather than summer fruit that lack their flavor while out of season, such as strawberries and melons, try a daily snack of a thinly sliced apple with cinnamon sprinkled on top. Cinnamon is good for your heart, and apples have lots of antioxidants and healthy nutrients. You'll also be surprised at how good this simple snack tastes.
4. Breathe. Many fasting traditions use breath as an important part. Breathing deeply enhances mental clarity and physical strength by increasing the amount of oxygen in your body. It also aids digestion. Make it a practice during Lent to take 5 deep breaths before each meal you eat. This is a great way to end any pre-meal prayer, and prepare your body to enjoy and digest the food you are about to eat.
5. Try stovetop popcorn as a healthy, and Lent-friendly, evening snack. Rather than grabbing refined wheat or sugary snacks before bedtime when the after-dinner munchies hit, pop some popcorn on your stovetop and get a delicious snack as well as a fun project from the good old days before microwave popcorn. Cover the bottom of a large soup pot with a thin layer of oil, and place 3 kernels of loose, unpopped popcorn (available at the grocery store) in the oil. Turn your burner on to medium/medium-high, cover the pot with a lid, and wait until at least one kernel pops. When one or two have popped, throw in two handfuls of popcorn and shimmy the pot on the burner as you hear the kernels pop inside, keeping the lid on. Do this until there is one or two seconds between pops, and remove from heat. Season your popcorn by drizzling oil or melted butter on top, and sprinkling on salt, pepper, and any spices you like. Make this treat extra delicious and build your immune system at the same time by sprinkling on fresh, finely diced garlic – which prevents throat and sinus infections and strengthens the immune system.

Although Lent is a solemn time of reflection, it does not have to feel like punishment while you are fasting. We were meant to enjoy life, and what better way than to eat delicious, healthy foods that agree with the season and make our bodies healthier? A balanced diet not only helps you lose weight, but it improves your mood, increases your energy, and helps you fight off illness as well as heal from injuries faster.

Terry and Charis Malloy are holistic health practitioners and strongly believe in the power of a good diet and exercise routine to heal many “dis-eases” and prevent many more. They keep a blog at www.rawkout.com.