Do you want to go through Great Lent without suffering and maintain your energy? In 2026, Lent begins on February 23 and lasts until April 11. The secret is to know what you can eat on different days of the week while enjoying your meals. We have prepared a detailed guide to the diet for believers for the entire fasting period.
On the first day of Lent and on Great Friday before Easter, it is recommended to practice strict fasting — sometimes even dry eating. On special days, such as Annunciation and Palm Sunday, fish is allowed. On weekdays, the diet is simpler: on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday — water, compotes, bread, fruits, dried fruits, fresh and fermented vegetables. On Tuesday and Thursday, hot dishes without oil are allowed, such as cereals and legumes. And on weekends — a little oil in the dishes.
The diet is completely plant-based: eggs, meat, and dairy products are prohibited. However, there are plenty of options to make the meals tasty and varied: fresh vegetables, greens, preserves, cereals, sauces, mushrooms, honey, nuts, halva, pastila, and jam.
The Church notes that fasting can be eased for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and the sick. The main thing is to approach nutrition consciously and with culinary imagination to maintain health and strength throughout the Great Lent period.
