Category: FOOD

  • “The outward man perishes through fasting and self-control, but the more he does so, the more the inward man is renewed.”

    —St. Gregory Palamas

  • “Those who do not allow their appetites to carry them away will soar in their spirit as swiftly as the bird that lacks no feathers.”

    —St. John of the Cross

  • I have seen many people like this hear about death and the terrible judgment and shed tears, and with the tears still in their eyes they eagerly go to a meal. And I was amazed how this tyrant, this stinkpot of gluttony, by complete indifference, can grow so strong as to turn the tables even on mourning.

    —St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent

  • A certain brother once told me that fasting started to really mean something to him when he started giving up cream in his coffee. Such a small matter, but for him, consistently followed, had amazing results. It seemed that every cup of coffee throughout the day became a moment of offering, a prayer, a recommitment of his life to Christ. As St. Isaac says, it’s the small and persistent drop of water that hollows out the hard rock.

    —Fr. Michael Gillis, Patience: What Growth In Christ Looks Like

  • “Those who have reached such an angelic state often forget about bodily food. I think that often they do not even feel any desire for it. And no wonder, for frequently a contrary desire knocks out the thought of food.”

    —St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent

  • “If you desire self-restraint, control your belly, and do not take your fill even of bread and water.”

    —Evagrius The Solitary

  • Whether you’re consuming food, drink, media, live entertainment, or the sights and sounds of recreational shopping, stay present. Take a moment to consider whether you’re actually “full.” Notice if you’re consuming out of habit or boredom.

    Many of us are used to sailing past our satiety point. We numb out and eat the rest of what’s on the plate or watch a lackluster TV show. But cultivating presence can help, Gielan says. That means developing an understanding of what truly brings us pleasure, and knowing how to savor what we’re doing, eating, or watching in the moment.

    The Art of Enough

  • “Fasting is the greatest remedy—the physician within.”
    —Paracelsus

    Emotionally, you will feel calmer, clearer and happier. Fasters often report that depression lifts, goals begin to feel more obtainable as obstacles are put into proper focus. Doctors have reported patients experiencing improved concentration, less anxiety, sleeping better and waking more refreshed.

    …

    Artists and writers often talk of foregoing food during great creative inspiration; that it helps to keep the momentum going.

    The Benefits of Fasting

  • I want to feel light after I’ve eaten. If the idea of doing something active (like exercising or riding a bike) makes me want to hurl, then I didn’t stop early enough. I want to feel light all the time.

    —David Cain, Raptitude – Defensive Eating

  • “Almost full” is also too much.

    —David Cain, Raptitude – Defensive Eating