Starting on Ash Wednesday, many people will prepare for the upcoming Easter Sunday through a time of reflection and penance known as Lent. It used to be that followers of Christ would fast during this period, giving up all meat products and only eating a small dinner each day. While today most Christian faiths encourage patrons to give up something of importance during this time instead of fasting, food still plays an integral part. Here are some common traditions many observe.

How to Change Your Diet for Lent

1. No Meat on Friday

To the Roman Catholic Church, anything that walks on land is considered meat, and most parishioners still give it up on Ash Wednesday and every Friday during the religious observance. Instead, many will replace poultry, beef, and sometimes dairy dishes, with seafood items. In Christian documents, meat was associated with feasts and celebrations, but fish and other seafood were not thought of in this light.

2. One Meatless Meal

Although fasting is not done throughout Lent anymore, those between the ages of 18 and 59 will typically fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday unless sick, pregnant, performing hard labor, or suffering from a chronic illness. They are only allowed one full, meatless meal — usually at dinner — on these days to signify Christ’s time in the desert. This time is to provide a spiritual focus and to perform penance for their sins. 

3. Eliminate an Entire Food Group

Today, instead of giving up all food, many Christians choose to give up a food they’d rather not live without. It’s common to give up chocolate and other sweets or particularly rich and fatty foods. Those who do not already eat meat or prefer seafood are encouraged to not order fish or lobster dinners or go without a favorite vegetarian or vegan recipe for the duration of the observance. On Easter Sunday, they can reintroduce these items into their diet. 

If you are observing Lent and have given up meat on Fridays, visit King Street Kitchen in La Crosse, WI. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and have several meat-free options on their menu — including their Cod Dinner, Fish Sandwich, The Big Veggie Salad, and Vegetable Omelette. You can view their full list of menu options on their website, and place a carry-out order by calling (608) 784-9660.