With the advent of fasting, many of us ask well-founded questions. For example, such: “Is it possible to eat seafood in the post?” Here the opinions are rather contradictory.
But before moving on to discussing this issue, let’s try to figure out what the post is.
What is a post?
How wrong those who believe that fasting is starvation equates it to a diet. In fact, this period in the life of a believer has completely different, spiritual goals. The meaning of fasting is repentance, in maintaining physical and spiritual purity. But here everything is ambiguous. Everyone should be determined individually on these days. For some, giving up meat is already a feat, but someone can easily eat for a long time with cereals alone. Therefore, you need to plan your own menu in accordance with your own strengths. After all, the purpose of the post is not to determine what can be eaten and what cannot. His purpose is to abstain and repent. If you can refuse seafood, then do not eat them.
Seafood: what is it?
Can I eat seafood in the post? Complex issue. Let's define this term first. The generic name includes several varieties. These are crabs, and squid, and mussels, and shrimp. Science claims that they belong to chordless, that is, to bloodless living creatures. It turns out that they can be eaten during fasting. But the church has a different opinion. She recalls that the main criterion for lean food is herbal products , while seafood belongs to the animal kingdom. Like, in fact, fish, which is considered half-eaten food.
Do seafood eat fasting?
No one can give a definite answer to this question. But let's try to understand it in more detail. Crab, squid, shrimp from time immemorial in our country belonged rather to delicacies than to ordinary food. That is why seafood in the post is undesirable. After all, the purpose of such periods is purification. Fasting teaches us the ability to control our desires, humility and moderation. As priests themselves advise, on such days you should eat the food that you are used to in ordinary life. Of course, with some limitations. If you consider seafood a delicacy, then it is better to refuse them.
However, not all so simple. Even during Lent there are days when fish can be fasted. Many include seafood. So, for example, on the day of the Annunciation and Palm Sunday, no one will forbid to taste your favorite fish delicacy. And on Lazarev Saturday is allowed to eat caviar. But there are limitations. Caviar should only be red. From ancient times in Russia, it was considered ordinary food, and not a delicacy, which is why its use is not prohibited by monastic charters. But black caviar is not allowed.
It is extremely undesirable to completely abandon fish or seafood. After all, they contain high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids. It is thanks to these elements that the level of bad cholesterol is reduced and the work of the heart is normalized.
What can I eat in the post?
The lean menu can be very tasty and varied: lasagna, pizza, dumplings, spaghetti. Can I eat seafood in the post? Depends on what. For example, no one will be able to ban seaweed or seaweed salad. Such seafood in the post is possible. True, you need to be careful with the salad. When buying it in a store, pay close attention to the label. It is recommended that you purchase only the product that contains the minimum amount of preservatives. It is desirable that there should be no more than one. Currently, the Ministry of Health approved the food supplement E-211. Seeing that it is included in your chosen salad, you can safely pay for the purchase. When purchasing kelp, it is worth giving preference to the product in a transparent package. So it’s easier to evaluate the appearance and quality of the goods. If the cabbage looks like porridge, it is best to refuse to buy. Surely the product is spoiled.
To summarize
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 exemptions. The measure of severity of fasting is determined either by the confessor, or by the fasting himself.
Therefore, in order not to feel guilty, it is better to go to the priest and ask: “Is it possible to eat seafood in fasting?” If he gives a blessing, then safely take the seafood.
In addition, 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. Sick people are better off talking to your doctor. Relaxation is given to young children, as well as those 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.