When I claim that traditions are а very wise, I can't help mentioning the Virgin Mary lents beginning today, 1 August, for 2 weeks. Here's what I mean.
Those lents come in the calendar just after the Burners (the hottest days of the year). At first I was wondering why, but after consulting my father, the truth came to light. At the times of hard farming work - June and July - the forces are focused to the ranches. The food gives strength and no restrictions are allowed. In August, however, there is a moderate slack, and this is a great opportunity to offer detox without animal food. Somewhere in the Bulgaria they fast with no food for the first three days of the lents to better purify the body and spirit. Its main purpose is to generally avoid eating food excessively to better cope with the heat.
I am a supporter of raw foodism in the summer, and these lents demonstrate the understanding that raw food is the best for hot summer. The canon recommends eating only raw fruits, vegetables and dry food (uncooked) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tuesdays and Thursdays are for cooked dishes without oil, and on Saturday and Sunday food with olive or sunflower oil are permitted, as well as wine. Fish is allowed on August 6 (Transfiguration of the Lord) and on 15 (Assumption).
Here are a few reasons to choose raw food
- No leukocytosis - Doctor Paul Kuchakoff in1930 was the first to demonstrate that if 51% of your meals were raw you would have no leukocytosis and you have no white blood cell reaction. So your system would not be activated with a false alarm. This is because if your diet contains more than 51% cooked food your body reacts to the food as if it is being invaded by foreign organisms.
- Live food - organic raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains are nutrient-dense. They are full of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and enzymes.. Unfortunately some vitamins like B and C are lost when cooked.
- Control cravings - when you miss certain vitamin or mineral you usually crave some foods. The primary foods are a big part of the solution, however, eating raw food ensures that your body is getting what it needs.
- Weight loss - best results are archived when you eat more raw food. Firstly, the raw food contains a lot of fibre, which makes us feel full faster. Secondly, the raw food is more nutrient-dense.
- Better health - vitamins and minerals are very important for our bodies. If they have everything they need, they’ll run smoothly and diseases can be reversed and cured.
- Beauty and anti-aging - raw food is rich in antioxidants, which smoothens our complexion and wrinkles to achieve and maintain a more fresh and vibrant look.
- More energy and vitality - the moods swings and the highs and lows will go in the past as the raw food is a constant energy source throughout your day.
- Better digestion and detox - eating raw is like a giving your system a good spring cleaning. The fibre cleans your gut, improves digestion and eases constipation. Raw food is free of refined sugar, MSG, preservatives, artificial coloring and additives which are all harmful to you in one way or another.
- Versatile - Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free are all welcome
This lent is an exquisite way to cope with warm weather in a completely natural way.
Why don’t you utilize the folklore tradition in your favor?