Fasting & Feasting at Easter

By Modupe Peters - FFP Director and Diabetes Specialist Dietitian

It is currently the sacred season of Lent and many Christians are taking this time to fast or abstain from some things such as chocolates, alcohol, social media / phones, taking time to focus more on God for spiritual growth. If you are taking this time to abstain from food and drinks and you have health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems etc it is very important that you fast safely, discuss with your health care providers, doctors/consultants and practice nurses/specialist nurses because starting on the fast.

For everyone embarking on a fast or already fasting during this lent period do consider your personal situation in terms of your health and physical ability to fast. Enjoy the Easter period that comes after fast by keeping to general healthy eating principles – see tips below: 

Tips for fasting and feasting safely 

  • Speak to your doctors/specialist teams or health care providers if considering going on a fast or currently fasting so medication can be adjusted

  • Keep to a healthy balanced diet and include foods from all the food groups and avoid eating excessively

  • Include more slowly absorbed carbohydrates when ‘breaking fast’ examples include porridge oats, green banana (plantain), sweet potato, wholegrain / rye / granary bread – keep to ideal portion size

  • Limit intake of high fat / sugar foods and drinks during the festivities i.e., puff puff, fried dumpling, bun, cheese, chocolates / Easter eggs etc

  • Consider having some water / sugar free drinks during the fast to help reduce the risk of dehydration particularly for those with health challenges

See information sheets on healthy eating and fasting on our website for further information