What happens in the body during fasting. What happens to the human body during fasting in Ramadan? About therapeutic fasting

The purpose of this article is to debunk several persistent myths about the negative effects of fasting on the human body. It is also worth clarifying that we will only consider the applied part of the post, that is, the effect of nutrition on health from the point of view of biology and medicine.

Does your body weaken during fasting?

So, myth number one says that due to the exclusion of animal products (meat, fats, milk, eggs), the human body sharply weakens due to the fact that plant products cannot provide all energy costs. This is wrong. Let's look to nature for an example.

Look how strong and resilient elephants, buffaloes, horses, camels are, and yet they never consume animal products. In addition to the incredible performance of the above animals, they have a very significant body weight - an elephant weighs about 5 tons, a buffalo about 1 ton, a horse about 700 kg. Will you find meat-eaters so strong and huge among animals? Another example we can give is a gorilla. Its main diet consists of 95% products of plant origin - leaves, roots, seeds, fruits. But even the weakest representative of this species can easily cope with five adult, strong men.

In truth, it is worth saying that to obtain the same amount of calories, the volume of plant food should be larger, but this is not necessary. Serious research work on a group of volunteers has shown that for a normal average load, half of the generally accepted calories are sufficient. These studies were conducted over a period of one year, and their main results were increased performance, improved health indicators (normalization of body weight, blood pressure, blood tests).

Is fasting only for healthy people?

The second, no less widespread myth is that only healthy people can fast, and sick people need increased nutrition. This is fundamentally wrong. You don’t even have to be a doctor to understand the simple truth - a sick body needs rest! Let us again turn to nature for an example. It has long been noted that a sick animal does not over-absorb food, but, on the contrary, refuses it. Traditional meat-eaters - dogs and cats - drink water during illness and eat only plant foods! Therefore, it is surprising to observe when a patient is fed all sorts of cutlets, sausages, sour cream, etc.

As a student, I came to practice with my highly experienced colleague, a general practitioner. One day, a young woman came to see him and told him that she took food, on the recommendation of friends, 6-7 times a day. The main product in this diet was meat, prepared in various ways. And, despite such increased nutrition, she became worse and worse. What to do? The doctor’s answer was brilliantly simple: “Rid the body from your care, and it will get rid of its problems on its own!”

When overeating, the pancreas is able to secrete up to 4 liters of juice, rich in enzymes, which are mainly involved in the processing of protein and the origin of animal fat.

Long-term consumption of meat food is detrimental not only to a sick body, but also to a healthy one. Meat products for their processing require increased work of all internal organs, and their excess often leads to acidification of the internal environment of the body, which generally reduces resistance to disease.

When digesting protein from meat products, a certain amount of toxins is formed, which in turn require increased liver function to neutralize them. An increase in animal products triggers rotting processes in the intestines, which in some cases leads to complex diseases. But the intestines contain about 85% of the cells responsible for human immunity. Excess and frequent consumption of animal fats leads to fatty liver degeneration, atherosclerosis, weight gain, diabetes, hypertension, and joint damage.

Eating during fasting helps your health!

During fasting, people experience an energy deficit at the initial stage and try to compensate for this with easily digestible carbohydrates: white bread, sweets, buns. But be careful - these are empty calories that can deplete insulin reserves in the pancreas, which in some cases can lead to diabetes and obesity.

Once, while listening to a lecture on the nutrition of a sick person, I involuntarily exclaimed: “These are recommendations for nutrition during fasting!” This is what modern medicine has come to - it has returned to its forgotten, native mother - monastic medicine, the main principles of which were: fasting, prayer and only then treatment. So fast for your health!

The benefits of lean foods

Sources of protein during fasting

And the most painful question: what to replace proteins with? A rich source of proteins are soybeans, beans, peas, mushrooms, as well as fish, in addition to protein containing vitamin D, omega fats, which have a good effect on the reproductive organs and life expectancy. Take, for example, the Japanese - they are champions in life expectancy, because their diet consists mainly of plant foods and fish.

The meaning of fasting is spiritual cleansing

Food is, of course, not the main component of fasting. Fasting is given to us to cleanse the soul; its meaning is abstinence. And through bodily abstinence, including in food, the spirit is cleansed, because the body is the temple of the soul. Fasting leads us to the main goal of Christian life - spiritual salvation.

Russian doctors told GZT .RU about the effects of fasting on the human body. Experts also explained which diseases can worsen during fasting, and which, on the contrary, disappear. In addition, some doctors believe that you can fast from school age, if this, of course, does not contradict the child’s beliefs and desires.

Lent, which began a week ago for Orthodox believers, as well as for those who fast for other reasons, partially or completely abstain from certain foods, can have different effects on health. Of course, the main goal of any fast is spiritual cleansing, but it also has an undoubted impact on the physical condition of the body. Is this good or bad? What are the risks of long-term fasting?

No exacerbations were observed

Studies show that during a long-term abstinence from animal foods, the total calorie content of food decreases by an average of 20–40%. This is believed to improve overall health. The impact of such restrictions on life expectancy is described differently by scientists. Refusal of animal food can prevent the development of atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, oncological pathology, mitigate the course of diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, reduce sclerosis (neurodegenerative diseases), and also prevent the development of pathology of the respiratory system.

“Since the beginning of Christianity, no negative effect on the gastrointestinal system or exacerbation of these diseases from fasting has been observed,” said GZT .RU the chief therapist of Moscow, director of the Moscow Research Institute of Gastroenterology, Professor Leonid Lazebnik.

Moscow's chief therapist Leonid Lazebnik does not expect gastritis from fans of lean diets Source GZT.RU/ Alexander Basalaev

There is evidence that reducing calorie intake may reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Typically, doctors record a decrease in fasting blood glucose and insulin levels and an increase in tissue sensitivity to insulin. The percentage of fat in body tissues and the likelihood of developing diabetes are reduced.

“About three years ago, a large international study was conducted to study the effect of fasting on health, which showed that cardiovascular risks can be reduced with long-term abstinence from animal foods,” Kirill Danishevsky, vice-president of the society of evidence-based medicine specialists, told GZT .RU. Apparently, this occurs due to changes in cholesterol metabolism in the body, a decrease in the total calorie content of food and a reduction in animal fats in the diet." And other things being equal, the result was apparently influenced by the factor of religiosity as psychological support, the expert believes. However, there is no strict reliable evidence on the benefits of vegetarianism or meat-eating in terms of health and longevity; it all depends on taste preferences.

The risks of cardiovascular diseases with long-term abstinence from animal foods can be reduced, says Kirill Danishevsky, vice-president of the Society of Evidence-Based Medicine Specialists Source (c) RIA Novosti

Diet and changes

Typically, during Orthodox Lent, the diet for 6 weeks is dominated by cereals (bread), cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seafood. In fact, such a diet is a type of vegetarianism. It is generally accepted that people who fast increase their carbohydrate intake and decrease their fat intake.

The amount of protein consumed by a fasting person in comparison with fats and carbohydrates may also decrease. This leads to a decrease in saturated and trans fatty acids in the body. But at the same time, the consumption of elements such as calcium and riboflavin also decreases. The intake of magnesium, vitamin A, thiamine, niacin, vitamin C, vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, and folic acid varies, Trepanowski and Bloomer, who studied changes in the body during fasting, reported in the journal Nutrition in 2010. Scientists measured the body weight of Greek Orthodox monks who strictly maintained all Orthodox fasts: their body weight significantly decreased during fasting. Biochemical parameters also changed: the level of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins. Other studies by scientists have documented changes in blood glucose concentrations, and an increase in dietary fiber intake has also been noted. However, in order to draw reliable conclusions about changes in blood composition and a decrease in blood pressure, additional research is needed, the experts concluded.

It is believed that fasting is beneficial for overweight people, as well as for those who are accustomed to smoking and gluttony. Such people will be able to learn to control their bad habits while abstaining from animal foods. However, replacing meat with carbohydrates in the form of cereals, bread, and pasta will not lead to weight loss, doctors warn.

What should sick and healthy people do?

It is common practice for all faiths to exempt patients from hospitals and clinics from fasting. But if someone still tries to fast without being healthy, it is worth consulting with their doctor about what medications can or cannot be taken during such a diet, and how to minimize the harm of dietary restrictions.

For example, it is usually recommended to reduce your intake of diuretics to avoid dehydration. People with serious heart and vascular diseases should not fast at all, nutritionists say. Keep in mind that headaches, dehydration, or low blood sugar may get worse during fasting. A strict diet may make migraines worse. Therefore, patients suffering from migraines are also advised not to fast.

“Fasting with abstinence from animal foods is useful for some manifestations of gastrointestinal diseases. It can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels,” endocrinologist Anna Tselikovskaya, candidate of medical sciences, told GZT .RU. “But it can be a very risky action for people suffering from anemia, since when we exclude meat from the diet, we deprive the body of iron. The main thing is to keep your diet varied. Legumes, nuts, mushrooms, cottage cheese, and milk are required in the diet. During a strict fast without dairy, eggs, cheese, or cottage cheese, a person may experience protein and calcium starvation, which will definitely have to be replenished with additional protein mixtures and soy products.”

Signs of such fasting include cramps, the doctor said. “If a person begins to experience symptoms such as constipation for several days, abdominal discomfort, gastritis, sometimes with erosions and signs of blood in the stool, weakness, dizziness, loss of consciousness, this means that it is urgently necessary to break the fast,” - Tselikovskaya is sure.

Change of post to hospital

“Leaving fasting requires special attention,” comments Tatyana Strokova, leading specialist at the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Dietetics at the Clinic of the Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. “On Easter, after a long period of abstinence from animal foods, there is a surge in ambulance calls for problems with the pancreas, exacerbation pancreatitis and cholelithiasis. And most often this happens precisely because of the inability to carefully break the fast. People suddenly overeat with a large amount of fatty foods, sweets, Easter cakes, fatty cottage cheese, meat, they eat not just one egg, but a lot, as a result they provoke and worsen diseases. "The exit from fasting should be very gradual, not in one day."

Fasting will not bring harm if it is psychologically comfortable, explains Dr. Strokova, but self-abuse usually does not produce success. As for attracting children to the Lenten menu, medical opinions differ on this part. One part of them does not see any particular harm in such a diet, especially if fasting does not contradict the wishes of the child or teenager. “Otherwise they will find a place where they can eat,” doctors say. “But we do not recommend involving preschoolers in fasting,” says Strokova. “Children have little “savings” of their own, and they need a lot of energy, which can cause metabolic imbalance." When asked whether it is necessary to take additional vitamins during fasting, the doctor answered , that “since the longest fast occurs in the spring, vitamins, especially an increase in the amount of fruits and vegetables, are needed by everyone, and not just by those who are fasting.”

Fasting will harm preschoolers, but vegetables are beneficial, doctors say

“We do not recommend fasting for pregnant women or children,” said Anna Tselikovskaya. Pregnancy is usually the reason that traditionally exempts women from fasting, since it is difficult to know whether fasting can harm the fetus during pregnancy and therefore should not be adhered to, doctors say. However, some women themselves refuse to eat meat during pregnancy, even without regard to fasting, experts say.

In 1975, Allan Cott, in his book Fasting as a Lifestyle, noted that “fasting promotes physiological rest of the digestive and central nervous systems, and also normalizes metabolism.”

There are about 900 million Muslims in the world. During the month of Ramadan, most of them adhere to a complete fast (that is, they eat and drink absolutely nothing from dawn until sunset). They do this not at all in order to lose weight or relieve their stomach. Muslims fast because their Holy Book says so:

"O you who believe!
Fasting is prescribed for you, like
As it was prescribed to those who lived before you, -
Perhaps you will become God-fearing" (Quran, 2:183)

According to Islamic law, children under 12 years of age, the sick, those on the move, and women during their period or breastfeeding are exempt from fasting. Those who fast must not only abstain from water and food throughout the day, but also avoid bad behavior, smoking and sexual relations. During Ramadan, they are recommended to do as many righteous deeds as possible, be diligent in prayer, charity and reading the Koran.

Fasting is necessary for the human body to extract energy by burning carbohydrates, particularly sugar. Excess carbohydrates unclaimed by the body leads to fat deposits in the muscles and the formation of glycogen in the liver. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, reduces blood sugar by storing it in another energy store - glycogen. To be effective, insulin must be involved in a clear metabolic process. For example, obese people suffer from metabolic disorders, and insulin in their body cannot perform its functions. This can lead to diabetes. During fasting, the body's consumption of carbohydrates increases enormously, which leads to a reduction in blood sugar and insulin. To use glucose for the energy the body needs, the liver uses glycogen. During fasting, fat in the fat folds is burned to meet the body's energy needs.

Based on the above aspects of human physiology, semi-fasting or ketogenic diets have been successfully used to regulate weight. This treatment gives the body a certain amount of protein with excess water, multivitamins and some other substances. Diets help you lose excess weight and reduce blood sugar, but due to side effects they should only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Full fasting reduces or eliminates hunger and leads to rapid weight loss. In 1975, Allan Cott, in his book Fasting as a Lifestyle, noted that “fasting promotes physiological rest of the digestive and central nervous systems, and also normalizes metabolism.” However, it is worth noting that there are many side effects to full fasting. For example, a low-calorie diet without medical supervision can lead to hypokalemia and cardiac arrhythmia.

Research on Islamic fasting
Dr. Soliman of Amman Medical University, Jordan, conducted an experiment in which volunteers were observed during the Ramadan fast in June-July 1984. The experiment involved 42 men aged 15 to 64 years and 26 women aged 16 to 28 years. They were weighed and had their blood tested for coristol, testosterone, sodium, calcium, urea, glucose, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and serum osmolality. All these data were recorded at the beginning and end of Ramadan. As a result, significant weight loss was observed in men (6.8-7.1 kg) and women (4.2-4.8 kg). Blood glucose levels in men increased from 23.6 mg/dL to 90.2 mg/dL, and in women - from 1.1 mg/dL to 7 mg/dL. All other indicators did not change significantly.

Dr. F. Azizi and his assistants from the University of Medical Sciences in Tehran (Iran) conducted a study measuring the levels of glucose, bilirubin, calcium, phosphorus, protein, albumin, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, prolactin, and several other substances in the serum of nine healthy men. Analyzes were taken on the 10th, 20th and 29th days of Ramadan. Measurements of average body weight on day 29 showed that it decreased from 65.4 kg to 61.6 kg. Serum glucose levels dropped from 82 mg/dL on day 10 and subsequently increased to 76 mg/dL on day 20 and 84 mg/dL on day 29 of fasting. The serum bilirubin level on the 10th day increased from 0.56 to 1.43 mg/dl, and then fell (on the 20th and 29th days its values ​​were 1.1 mg/dl.) All indicators returned to their normal place four weeks after Ramadan. No significant changes were observed in serum calcium, phosphorus, protein, albumin, or any of the measured hormones. Dr. Azizi concluded that intermittent abstinence from food and drink for 17 hours a day for 29 days did not affect male reproductive hormones or the minor metabolism of hypothalamic mucus thyroid hormones.

From the results of the two studies described above, it follows that Islamic fasting does not cause any side effects in a healthy body and has a beneficial effect on weight loss and lipid metabolism.

How is Islamic fasting different from other types of fasting?
Undoubtedly, Islamic fasting differs from the above-mentioned medical diets, since it has a beneficial effect in two aspects at once. Its unique medicinal properties are due to the following factors:

1. Compared to other diets, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake when fasting during Ramadan, as there are no restrictions on the food eaten for Iftar or Suhoor. This was confirmed by M.M. Hussaini in Ramadan 1074, when he conducted a study on the diet of Muslim students at the University of North Dakota in Fargo. He concluded that the caloric intake of Muslim students during the fasting period was two-thirds of the required medical norm.
2. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is voluntary. It is not prescribed by a doctor. In the hypothalamus part of the brain there is a center called "lipostat". It controls the weight of the human body. When a large weight loss occurs as a result of a complete and strict diet, the center reacts to this change as a disaster, reprogramming the body to quickly regain the lost pounds as soon as the person finishes the fasting diet. So, the only effective way to lose weight may be a gradual, controlled and step-by-step dietary restriction, provoked by appropriate changes in behavior. A person must consciously give up excess food. Ramadan is a month of self-control and self-education, which also implies dietary discipline, which successfully influences lipostat programming.
3. In Islamic fasting, we are not subject to the tendency of selective eating (that is, consuming only proteins, carbohydrates, fruits, etc.). Before dawn, a light breakfast is taken, and after sunset the fast is broken with something sweet, such as dates, fruits, juices, in order to avoid hypoglycemia caused by a heavy dinner, which is taken a little later.
4. After dinner, additional prayers are performed to help metabolize the food. Using calorie counting, I calculated how much energy is burned during the additional Tarawih prayer - it is about 200 calories. The Islamic prayer called Salat involves exercise of all muscles and ligaments and in terms of caloric expenditure can be classified as mild physical exercise.
5. Fasting Ramadan itself is an exercise in self-discipline. For heavy smokers, sweet tooths or coffee lovers, this will be a good workout to tame the habit in the hope that its effect will last beyond Ramadan.
6. Muslims also testify to the psychological effect of fasting. They say that Ramadan brings them a sense of peace and tranquility. The Prophet advised Muslims: “If you are bullied or compromised for a fight, say: I am fasting.” Consequently, hostility towards other people during Ramadan is minimal. During this month, the number of crimes committed sharply decreases in Muslim countries.

I can say for myself that from the first days of fasting in Ramadan, I began to feel better with every gram of weight I lost. I worked and prayed more, which improved my physical stamina and mental abilities. Since I have my own laboratory in the office, I often checked my tests, namely, the level of glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol in the blood before the start and end of Ramadan. At the end of the month, I noted noticeable improvements in my tests. Since, thanks to God, I don’t have problems with excess weight, my weight loss was minimal - I lost a kilogram, and soon made up for lost time. Fasting in Ramadan will be a true blessing for overweight people, as well as for those who are accustomed to smoking and gluttony. Such people will be able to learn to control their bad habits.

Post for patients of hospitals and clinics
As mentioned earlier, patients are exempt from fasting. But some of them may still decide to experiment. For them, I offer the following recommendations:

1. For patients suffering from diabetes. Diabetics who are prescribed only a diet can fast and with weight loss their disease may go away or at least their condition will improve. Diabetics who are prescribed hypoglycemic drugs like Orinase along with their diet should adhere to the following precautions while fasting: they should reduce the dose of the drug by one third, and take the tablet not in the morning, but during Iftar in the evening. If they feel or determine that their blood sugar levels have dropped, they should immediately break their fast. Diabetics taking insulin should never fast. If they decide to fast at their own risk, they should do so under close medical supervision and with significant changes in insulin dosage. Those diabetics who are fasting must maintain their diet during Iftar, Suhoor and dinner. Breaking the fast with sweets, which is widely practiced during Ramadan, will harm their health. They should measure their blood sugar levels before breakfast, and after breaking the fast.
2. Patients suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease. People with mild to moderate blood pressure and those who are overweight should fast as fasting will help reduce their blood pressure. Before doing this, they need to go to a doctor to confirm with him what medications can or cannot be taken while fasting. For example, it is recommended to reduce your intake of diuretics to avoid dehydration. Long-term medications such as Inderal or Tenormin should be taken once a day before Suhur. People with high blood pressure or serious heart disease should not fast at all.
3. Patients suffering from headaches and migraines. Headaches, dehydration, or low blood sugar become worse during fasting. With a strict drinking and eating regimen, the amount of free fatty acids in the blood increases, which directly affects the intensification of migraines due to the release of catecholamine. Patients suffering from migraines are advised not to fast.
4. Pregnant women(normal pregnancy, no complications). This situation is not easy. Pregnancy is not a medical condition, and exemption from fasting in such a situation is not mentioned either by medicine or by the Quran. However, the Prophet said that pregnant and lactating women do not need to fast because God does not want any creature, even a small fetus, to suffer. It is impossible to know whether fasting can harm the fetus during pregnancy, and finding out about it may be too late. In my opinion, During the first and third trimester of pregnancy, women should not fast. If Ramadan finds a woman in the second trimester (4-6 months of pregnancy), the woman can fast at her own discretion, provided that:
   1. she is in good health and
   2. she will fast after the permission of the gynecologist and under his clear and regular supervision.

Possible harm to the fetus can be caused not due to malnutrition, but due to dehydration due to prolonged (10-14 hours) abstinence from water.

Any strict fast is a serious burden on the body. And if you decide to follow it, be sure to do it correctly so as not to harm your health. As we know, during this period it is necessary to exclude animal products from the diet and observe restrictions on the amount of food consumed. Without receiving the usual amount of food, the body begins to process excess nutrients that it had previously accumulated “in reserve.”

At this time, cleansing of toxins and accumulated waste occurs. The body goes through a process of self-purification, as a result of which the functioning of all its organs and systems improves. We will look at how to eat properly for a person during Lent, and recipes for some Lenten dishes on the website www.site.

What happens in the human body during fasting?

As I already said, by observing fasting a person becomes cleansed. Waste and toxins accumulated over many years are released from the body through the intestines, skin pores, kidneys and lungs. But it also puts a serious strain on the heart and kidneys. Therefore, if you suffer from diseases of these organs, treat the issue of fasting with greater responsibility and consult with your doctor before starting to fast. Perhaps this diet is generally contraindicated for you, or it can be made a little softer. For example, in case of diseases of the stomach or heart, a doctor’s advice is required. In case of severe or acute illnesses, it is better to avoid this diet until complete recovery.

During Lent, any person should listen to himself and be more attentive to his health. To do this, do not neglect this advice. During dietary restriction, urine becomes more concentrated and rich, due to the content of a large number of toxins. Intestinal peristalsis is temporarily suspended. To avoid self-poisoning from toxins accumulated in the intestines, you should do an enema with warm, slightly salty water every day. In this way, you will help yourself and benefit greatly from the cleansing process. Also, shower daily and drink more water.

At the end of the fast, it is important not to pounce on food. You should come out of it gradually, over several days, and then try to stick to a normal diet and not overeat. After a long period of food restriction, it is very useful to switch to a normal diet, drinking milk. If for some reason you cannot drink milk, you can replace it with freshly squeezed fruit juice. To avoid feeling unwell, gradually switch to a high-calorie diet and accustom your body to it gradually.

Remember, one of the basic church rules is to thank God before you start eating. Thanks to the prayer said before eating, food will bring you only benefit and health. Try to eat right, follow the rules known to everyone:

Eat food calmly, with gratitude;

Don't get irritated or angry while eating;

Chew your food thoroughly;

Do not eat very hot or very cold food;

Let food bring you joy, eat everything without leaving a trace, don’t even leave crumbs.

Lenten recipes

Subject to strict restrictions, meat and fish should not be consumed. But don’t worry, Lenten foods can also be varied and delicious. Of course, cooking sausages and pasta is easy and quick, but preparing these dishes will take a little longer, because you won’t last long on buckwheat alone. Therefore, proper nutrition during fasting should include suitable and easy-to-prepare recipes. I suggest you use these recipes:

Rice soup

Soak 1 cup of rice in cold water for 3-4 hours. Boil water in a 3-liter saucepan. Fry a finely chopped small onion in vegetable oil until golden brown. Cut a couple of potatoes into cubes. Place rice in boiling water and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Now add the potatoes and cook for another 15 minutes. Now add fried onions to the soup, boil everything, add finely chopped herbs and a little chopped garlic and salt to taste.

Fried crispy potatoes with garlic

Peel the potatoes, rinse and dry with a towel. Cut into thin slices and pat dry with a clean towel. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan, add potatoes, fry until tender over medium heat. To ensure crispy potatoes, do not cover the lid while frying. Sprinkle the finished dish with crushed garlic, herbs, and salt to taste.

Homemade pancakes with apples

For this recipe you will need 25 g of yeast, 2 tbsp. l. granulated sugar, 1 tbsp. warm water, one and a half cups of flour, a little salt, vegetable oil for frying.

Dissolve the yeast in water, add sugar, a pinch of salt, wait until it dissolves. After this, pour flour into a bowl, pour in water with yeast, mix thoroughly so that there are no lumps. Cover with a napkin, put in a warm place, wait until it rises. Then mix again, add finely chopped apple to the dough. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan, spoon out the dough and fry on both sides over medium heat.

Honey drink (sbiten)

Stir in 2 l. clean cool water 0.5 kg of bee honey. Stir thoroughly until the honey dissolves. Now add a little cardamom, cinnamon on the tip of a knife, ginger. Boil everything, cool. Now dilute 50 g of yeast in a warm broth, pour into bottles, leave for 12 hours in a warm place. Then keep in the refrigerator for another 2-3 weeks. The drink can be stored for a long time. When consumed, mix it well with cranberry juice.

As you can see, you can eat delicious food during Lent, no worse than during normal times. Good luck to you in this noble cause. You will succeed, and you will pass this test with honor. Be healthy!