There are many different reasons to fast. One of them often is the desire to lose weight. But what is the Lent before Easter actually for? And what is it used for?

Backround

In 2019, Lent begins on March the 6th and ends after 40 days (except Sundays) on April the 20th, it starts on Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter. Although the forty-day Lent originated in the Roman Catholic Church and is considered as an Easterly period of repentance, it is not only used by believers today.

The classic fasting

The classic fasting is trying to completely or partially give up food for a certain time. This should lead to a cleansing of body and soul, weight reduction and relaxation. If the body receives no or less food, then it adjusts to the so-called starvation response. The metabolism burns on the back burner, energy reserves are attacked. Important: Only in consultation with your doctor and always drink a lot!

The modern fasting

Lent also offers the opportunity, besides from the classic and religious fast, to face new challenges regarding one’s own health. So, for six weeks, you’ll have to quit something that’s usually good and important for you but could also be unhealthy in large quantities and harmful to yourself or the environment.

Many want to return to a healthier lifestyle and forego eating meat, sweets or alcohol until Easter. Others try, at least temporarily, to reduce the use of mobile phones, laptops and cars.

Why fasting during Lent?

But why are so many taking only Lent as an opportunity to give up something? Why is the car not waived more often during the year and replaced by bicycle? Why don’t people look more often after their diet during the whole year? Maybe it’s because “official” fasting is also a “common” fasting. Maybe your colleagues in work fast as well. Then you can support each other. This could help to maintain motivation. But maybe it’s also because many people want to remember what’s important in life through fasting. Just by reducing the time using a mobile phone and laptop, the time that is available for friends and family is increased.

But not everyone endures 40 days of resignation. Many people stop beforehand. However, it is important during fasting that you set yourself the goal that is as concrete as possible and that you have a plan and a possibility to achieve this goal. Then it’s easier to persevere.

 Do you take advantage of Lent? What do you give up?

If you decide on a more conscious lifestyle by reducing certain foods, you may even be able to check that by using Heart Rate Variability (HRV)! Start now with a normal measurement and check after Lent, if something has changed.

My Autonom Health

The 5 health factors provide information about your general health, your biological age, your burnout resistance, your stress management and your performance potential. The 5 lifestyle factors are reflected in sleep, physical performance, mental performance, relaxation and nutritional behavior.

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