You decided to fast, cut back on meat and dairy, and do a test to see if veganism would suit you. Whatever the reason for abstaining from animal products, this dietary choice can prove to be beneficial for your body. However, if fasting or abstaining from these products for a long time, it is important to consult a dietitian to avoid any nutritional deficiencies. With all of the above in mind, I turned to Theoni Kaperonis, dietician – nutritionist, MS, specializing in Nutritional Genetics-Nutritional Epigenetics to tell us more about the benefits of fasting and what we should be careful about.

What do we eat during fasting?

Universal abstinence from meat and animal products has historically been a dietary practice followed by thousands of believers at regular intervals throughout the year. That is, the basis of the diet of a fasting person is based on the following:

  • Grains/Cereals
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Legumes (and soy)
  • Nuts/Seeds/Olive Oil/Olives

Therefore, people who follow the above dietary pattern during fasting take in greater amounts of fiber, antioxidants, phytochemicals, ACE vitamins, potassium, magnesium and folate.

What are the benefits of fasting?

The physical benefits of fasting during Lent are numerous. Initially, with the correct guidance of the nutritionist, it can effectively contribute to weight loss and reduce edema (swelling and retention). Also, with the application of fasting, one can significantly improve biochemical indicators related to the metabolic syndrome such as fasting glucose, total cholesterol, “bad” cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides and uric acid.

When it comes to weight loss, eating low-fat, high-fiber foods and eating unprocessed foods are the main factors that effectively contribute to weight loss.

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