A Simple Meal Planner for the Orthodox Christian Nativity Fast
- Amanda Harrison
- Nov 15
- 3 min read
By Amanda Harrison, PGD RN HWC — Mediterranean Diet Specialist
Each year, the Nativity Fast invites us to prepare for Christmas (the birth of Christ) through intentional living, reflection and prayer. This year the fast starts on 15th November 2025.
One of the most tangible ways we participate in this preparation is through fasting. For many Orthodox Christians, the challenge isn’t simply knowing what not to eat—it’s figuring out how to plan meals that are both nourishing and aligned with the Church’s fasting guidelines.
This week’s fast includes abstaining from:
Today, Tomorrow, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: No meat, eggs, or dairy.
Wednesday: No meat, eggs, dairy, fish, olive oil, or wine.
Below is a practical guide to help you approach this fasting period with peace of mind and an organised kitchen.
Why Meal Planning Helps During the Nativity Fast
Fasting is much easier when we remove the guesswork.
Planning:
Helps us stay faithful to the fast
Reduces stress and last minute unhealthy choices
Keeps meals satisfying and nutritionally balanced
Allows us to be more present in prayer and spiritual life
Instead of asking “What can I eat?” each day, you’ll already have a thoughtful plan that supports both your body and your spiritual focus.
Weekly Meal Planner Based on This Week’s Fasting Rules
General Guidelines for the Week
Permitted most days: plant-based foods, fish (except Wednesday), seafood, olive oil (except Wednesday), wine (except Wednesday).
Wednesday: stricter fast—essentially vegan and without olive oil or wine.
Example Meal Planner Overview
Today
Breakfast: Porridge with almond milk, cinnamon, apple, nuts and seeds
Lunch: Fakes (Lentil and tomato soup) with rustic olive bread
Dinner: Salmon Steak, Ratatouille. Salad with dressing, rustic bread and olives on the table to share.
Snacks: Apple and peanut butter
Tomorrow
Breakfast:
Lunch: Revithosoupa (chickpea stew) with rustic bread
Dinner: Yemista (rice stuffed peppers and tomatoes). Salad with dressing, rustic bread and olives on the table to share.
Snack: Pasteli (sesame and honey bar)
Monday
Breakfast: Mezze bowl
Lunch: Baked potato topped with roasted vegetable and houmous and salad
Dinner: Makaronia Me Elies Kai Kapari (Greek pasta with olives and capers). Salad with dressing, rustic bread and olives on the table to share.
Snack: Frozen grapes
Tuesday
Breakfast: Leftovers
Lunch: Patates Me Elies (Potato and olive salad)
Dinner: White Fish baked with herbs and lemon with roasted vegetables and potatoes
Snack: Homemade pitta chips
Wednesday (Strict Fast: No Meat, Dairy, Eggs, Fish, Oil, or Wine)
Breakfast: Porridge cooked with water topped with honey, fruit, nuts and seeds
Lunch: Fasolakia (Greek tomato based potato and green bean stew) with rustic bread (can swap the potatoes for chickpeas for extra protein)
Dinner: Falafels, houmous, flatbread or wraps, salad (adding mango chutney in the wrap with the houmous pairs really well)
Snacks: Herbal tea and dates stuffed with peanut butter
Simple, clean meals help keep the spirit focused on prayer and humility.
Thursday
Breakfast: Vegan pancakes with honey and berries
Lunch: Tahini salad with wholemeal pita
Dinner: Herbed orzo with prawns and chickpeas
Snack: Nuts and dried fruit
Friday
Breakfast: Lebanese style breakfast bulgar cereal with fruit, nuts and cinnamon
Lunch: Greek-style bean stew (fasolada) with olive oil
Dinner: Aubergine stuffed with tomato, onion, garlic and herbs (Imam bayildi) with rice and salad
Snack: Hummus with carrots or pita
Tips for a Smooth Fasting Week
Stock your pantry: beans, lentils, grains, tahini, nuts, plant-based milk.
Cook in batches: lentil soup, rice, beans, roasted vegetables.
Keep meals simple: fasting doesn’t need gourmet recipes.
Stay hydrated: herbal teas are excellent companions.
Focus on prayer: meal planning saves time that can be used for spiritual reflection.
Closing Thoughts
The Nativity Fast is not merely a dietary practice—it is a journey of the heart. By planning ahead, we keep the fast with humility and purpose, freeing ourselves from stress and strengthening our ability to serve, and give thanks.
May this week bring you peace, clarity, and joyful anticipation as we prepare for Christmas.
Comments