Embracing Reflection and Nourishment During the Nativity Fast

By Amanda Harrison, PGD RN HWC — Mediterranean Diet Specialist

Christmas Fayre's are a great way of getting into the festive spirit with the family.

As we journey deeper into the Nativity Fast, I’ve found myself reflecting on the rhythms of last week—both the things that went well and the places where I’m hoping to grow. Fasting isn’t only about food; it’s about building discipline, cultivating gratitude, and creating space for prayer. Still, food very much shapes the experience, and meal planning can either support or strain the spiritual rhythm.

How Last Week Went

Last week felt like a gentle settling in period. I started with enthusiasm—and, admittedly, a few scattered moments.

What worked well:

• Feeling festive: Lots of Christmas fayres and light switch ons this week has helped me and my family to start feeling festive. Plus our children are practicing Christmas songs for church and school.

• Leaning in my faith. in difficult times I have leant in my faith to keep me going

• Fish days. After initially imagining that most days would be vegan. It was only Wednesday that was really strict (no meat, fish, dairy, eggs, olive oil and wine). So, having fish brought in protein and variety. We had salmon, tuna and cod. At the weekend we even had breaded cod and hand cut oven chips and peas, which was enjoyed by all.

• New recipe ideas. I love new recipe ideas, and a new one for me last week was the Greek pasta with olives and capers. It was so simple and really delicious. I always think of Italians when it comes to pasta, but the Greeks absolutely make great pasta dishes too.

• Eating out. With the fairly recent vegan trend, eating out worked well. I went Wagamammas and had the most delicious vegan curry called Tofu Raisukaree, plus a peach iced tea. This was on their lunch menu and was a mild and warming coconut curry sauce, with tofu, vegetables and served with a dome of rice. There were plenty of other options there also.

• Going out for coffee. I have been getting used to herbal teas this week and coffee shops have many selections. However, coffee shops also have plenty of plant based milks such as soya, oat and coconut.

• Simple meals were the most grounding. Lentil soups and oat based breakfasts with seeds and berries helped keep me focused without overthinking.

• Eating intentionally brought clarity. Slowing down and planning mealtimes reminded me that fasting is about awareness, not deprivation.

• Using leftovers became a blessing. Leftovers were so handy when short on time.

• New fast friendly snacks. apple and peanut butter, sesame snaps and nut butter filled dates were tasty alternatives to every day snacks.

• No phone. My phone broke which quietened the noise of social media etc. This gave me more head space to focus on the fast.

  
  

What didn’t go perfectly:

• Eating on the go made things tough. Without something prepared, it was easy to feel unfocused or unmotivated. There isn't much choice for lunch items, if any. Falafel and houmous wraps are a good go to though.

• Lack of dairy and eggs. when so used to having dairy and eggs this can be difficult. I missed cheese and butter the most.

• Fancying chocolate and unhealthy snacks. I didn't realise how strong a grip these had on me.

  
  

Overall, though, last week set a foundation. The fast is a marathon, not a sprint, and grace carries us through the parts we don’t do perfectly.

New Ideas for This Week’s Meal Plan

This week, I’m aiming for more variety, better structure, and meals that feel nourishing without being complicated. Here are some ideas to add colour and creativity to the fast.

🌿 Monday (No meat, dairy & eggs)

• Breakfast: Porridge with cinnamon, sultanas, and a drizzle of honey

• Lunch: Lentil soup and rustic bread

• Dinner: Baked cod seasoned with lemon, garlic, sweet paprika, cumin and ground coriander. New potatoes and broccoli.

  
  

🌿 Tuesday (No meat, dairy & eggs)

• Breakfast: Toasted rustic bread with peanut butter and apple slices

• Lunch: Greek-style fasolada (bean soup)

• Dinner: Vegan houmous and roasted veg pizza with salad

  
  

🌿 Wednesday (No meat, dairy, eggs, fish, olive oil & wine)

• Breakfast: Porridge with honey, cinnamon, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and blueberries.

• Lunch: Lentil soup and rustic bread

• Dinner: Lentil bolognese

  
  

🌿 Thursday (No meat, dairy & eggs)

• Breakfast: Toasted rustic bread with peanut butter and apple slices

• Lunch: Baked potato topped with tuna and houmous

• Dinner: Baked Salmon seasoned with lemon, dill and parsley.

  
  

🌿 Friday (No meat, dairy, eggs, fish, olive oil & wine)

• Breakfast: Granola with dried fruit and almond milk

• Lunch (out): Vegan Buddha Bowl from Volero Lounge

• Dinner: King prawn gyros with houmous and homemade sweet potato paprika wedges

  
  

🌿 Saturday (No meat, dairy & eggs)

• Breakfast: Vegan pancakes with honey and blueberries

• Lunch: Beans on toast

• Dinner: Oven cooked breaded fish, chips and peas

  
  

🌿 Sunday (No meat, dairy & eggs)

• Breakfast: Warm almond milk rice pudding with raisins

• Lunch: Baked potato topped with red pepper houmous and salad

• Dinner: Lentil moussaka

  
  

Spiritual Focus for the Week

Beyond the meals, I’m hoping this week to keep my attention on:

• Praying before meals to reconnect with the purpose of the fast.

• Reading a little Scripture each morning—even just a few verses.

• Listening and singing to worship music throughout the day - to lift the spirit

• Practicing gratitude, especially when meals are simple or repetitive.

  
  

Fasting is a beautiful teacher. It shows us what we depend on, what we crave, and what we truly hunger for—Christ’s peace, presence, and love.

Here’s to another week of nourishment, discipline, and quiet joy as we prepare for Christmas.