Nativity Fasting

The Nativity Fast or the Fast of the Prophets, is quickly approaching us. ( Nov. 15 through Dec. 24) This is an exciting time for believers and a great time to start acquiring the best recipes to use during the 2023 Nativity Fast. For those unfamiliar with this fast, The Nativity Fast/ Fast of the Prophets helps us to properly prepare and observe the Lord’s Nativity in the flesh to our fullest ability. 

It is a period of abstinence and penance practiced by the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Church, and Catholic Church in preparation for Jesus’ birth, (December 25th).

During this time, there are strict rules on what we can and cannot eat on certain days. If you are a beginner or are just curious about this religious dietary regimen I hope this post will be helpful. 

*Please be sure to contact your Primary Care Doctor before engaging in any type of prolonged food restriction exercises. 

How Should You Fast?

Jesus taught that religious fasting should be a personal and private matter between an individual and God. — Matthew 6: 16- 18. This fast is between you and God. Jesus also tells us to smile with a happy heart. 

We should be doing this privately and understanding the personal benefits as well as the Joy it brings to our Spirit. 

How Strict is The Nativity Fast?

The strictness of this fast is determined by the days.

For example, some Churches fast on Wednesdays and Fridays of the Year, Except fast-free weeks. 

Some fast daily with stricter fasting rules on certain days (i.e. no beef, dairy, or fish, with backbones, fowl, alcoholic beverages, and olive oil).

I suggest obtaining a Calendar so that you can prepare the proper meals. Having a prayer schedule is also a great tool to have during this time. 

May God send his angels to minister to you during your tempting times, and may you prevail.

Happy Eating! 

Cozy Cabbage Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/4 Cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 medium head of green cabbage (2 lbs.) Cored and sliced.

Cooking Instructions

1. Place water, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized pot.
2. Add Cabbage, making sure to separate slices. 
3. Cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender, (about 45-50 minutes.)
4. Serve.

Per Serving: 40 Calories, 2g Protein, 8g Carb, 0g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg Cholesterol, 3g dietary fiber, 340mg Sodium

Unforgettable Vegetable Medley

Ingredients 

• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths
• 1 packed cup of fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup yellow squash
• 1/3 finely chopped onions
• 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms
• 1 cup water
• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh Oregano
• 1 Tablespoon fresh Basil, chopped 
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Place nonstick foil on the bottom of your baking dish.
3. Layer broccoli, asparagus, spinach, squash, mushrooms, and onions in a prepped baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, mix the water, oregano, basil, Parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well. 
5. Pour over vegetables.
6. Cover with Foil.
7. Bake until the Broccoli is crisp (30-35 minutes)
8. Serve immediately.

Servings 6

Per Serving: 50 Calories, 3g protein, 8g carb, 1g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 2g dietary fiber, 300mg sodium