Is it really “fasting” if you’re trying to lose weight anyway?
Fasting
Prayer
Almsgiving
The three practices of Lent.
I’d say it is. Fasting as part of a weight loss program is still fasting. I don’t think the goal of the fasting matters much. In fact I’d say it could fit into “point 1”(from the PDF Father prepared) as a desire to loose weight (regardless if the weight comes from overeating) is indeed an “Amendment of life”.
What I’d like to know is, does FReeping fall into the category of “useless chattering like on Facebook, blogs, etc”. If so it would be something to give up entirely if point 1 is to be taken that way! After all, it says “blogs, etc” there. I know FR isn’t a blog but still, the point seems to be there. IMO.
Is anyone giving up FR for Lent? I’m not. But I’m wondering about that “useless chattering” thing there.
Since losing weight is a this-worldly motive for eating less, I’m afraid it detracts at least partially from “fasting” as a true penance.
The way out of the conundrum, it seems to me, is: Lose the weight you need to—then you can fast for purely spiritual motives!
I think that no one who is overweight can fast with purely spiritual motives. Or, at least, losing weight is always lurking in the back of your mind.
The thing to do is not overthink it. Just fast for a day, and pray, and offer it up sincerely as a penance. Put losing weight out of your mind as much as you can. Don’t keep track of your weight. When you have fasted, forget about it! Stay in the present.
Lent is not a time for “self-improvement” in the sense that it’s not a time for “New Year’s resolutions.” It’s a time to pay more attention to your sins, your relationships, the faithfulness and regularity of your prayer.