Lent & the Culture of Abstinence Around Food

Every year as Lent approaches, millions of people start asking themselves: "What should I give up?" For many, the answer revolves around food. Chocolate. Soda. Meat. Dessert. As Easter approaches and Lent draws to a close, we reflect that this season of spiritual reflection, rooted in Christian tradition, has increasingly become entangled with modern ideas of self-denial and even dieting. But what happens when well-meaning spiritual practices around food become a trigger for something deeper?

Let’s examine the religious roots of fasting, the compassionate exceptions often built into those practices, and a gentle reminder that caring for your body and mind is also a sacred act.

A Tradition of Fasting Across Faiths

Lent, observed during the 40 days before Easter, is a time for many Christians to reflect, repent, and renew their spiritual commitments. It traditionally involves prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. For Catholics, this means abstaining from meat on Fridays, fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and often giving up a favorite food or habit for the season.

But Christianity isn’t the only faith with fasting traditions:

Islam 

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for a full lunar month. However, there are compassionate exemptions for children, the elderly, the sick, travelers, and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.

Judaism

Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av are solemn fast days. Jewish law prioritizes life and health above fasting; anyone for whom fasting is dangerous is instructed not to. Jewish teachings emphasize that preserving human life overrides nearly every other religious obligation. 

In many communities, those who cannot fast are encouraged to find other ways to participate meaningfully in the spirit of the day, such as through prayer, study, or acts of charity.

Buddhism & Hinduism 

Fasting is often a tool for mindfulness or purification, but many sects emphasize balance, and health-conscious exemptions are common. In both traditions, fasting is seen as a means to detach from material cravings and cultivate spiritual clarity. 

Devotees are encouraged to approach fasting with intentionality and not to the detriment of their health. Spiritual progress is measured not by austerity alone but by inner peace and ethical living.

Across these traditions, we see a consistent message: fasting is not meant to harm. When fasting endangers your health or well-being, you are not obligated to fast.

When Abstinence Isn’t Holy: The Intersection with Disordered Eating

For people in recovery from disordered eating or those living with chronic illnesses, the culture of fasting can be triggering. While others might view it as a spiritual cleanse, some may hear echoes of old, harmful patterns: “I’m good if I don’t eat.” “Hunger is a virtue.” “Spiritual success comes through self-denial.”

Even subtle religious messaging can reinforce this, such as:

• "Fasting shows how strong your faith is."
• "God rewards sacrifice."
• "Skip a meal, feed your soul."

These ideas can be especially damaging for people already struggling with their relationship with food. In some cases, Lent becomes a socially acceptable way to mask disordered eating behaviors.

Compassionate Faith Practice

It’s important to remember: your spiritual worth is not measured by what you do or don’t eat. If traditional fasting is harmful to your body, mind, or soul, choosing not to fast is not a failure—it’s a faithful decision.

Many faith leaders encourage alternative practices for those who cannot or should not fast. These might include:

• Taking a break from social media
• Practicing daily gratitude or journaling
• Volunteering time or resources
• Setting aside time for daily prayer, meditation, or rest

What matters most is the intention behind your actions. Lent is about drawing closer to what is sacred—not suffering for the sake of suffering.

Alternatives to Food-Focused Fasting

Like we discussed above, if you're seeking a meaningful way to observe Lent but prefer not to engage in food restriction, there are many rich and spiritually nourishing options. Instead of giving something up, you might choose to add something that brings you closer to your values and faith. 

You could decide to fast from self-criticism by practicing affirmations and gentleness in your thoughts. You might choose to reduce your screen time, creating more space for silence, reflection, or connection with loved ones. Daily acts of kindness—small gestures like writing encouraging notes or helping a neighbor—can also become powerful spiritual practices.

Another approach is to choose one positive habit to build over the season. This could be a mindfulness routine, a nightly gratitude list, or a commitment to spend a few minutes each day in prayer or journaling. These practices can create the same sense of renewal and intentionality that Lent invites, without involving physical deprivation.

The spirit of fasting is ultimately about making space—for growth, connection, humility, and love. You can honor that spirit through compassion rather than control.

Grace Over Guilt

Whether or not you choose to fast from food this Lent, know this: you are not alone, and you are not less. The spirit of Lent invites introspection, transformation, and connection. 

If fasting from food threatens your mental or physical health, abstaining from fasting is a sacred, life-affirming choice.