Week 3 of the Orthodox Nativity Fast: Finding Stillness in the Middle of the Journey

By Amanda Harrison, PGD RN HWC — Mediterranean Diet Specialist

Christmas scene

As we step forwards from week 2 to 3 of the Orthodox Nativity Fast, we find ourselves at a unique point in the journey—far enough from the beginning to feel the challenge, yet still with enough distance from the Feast to long for the joy of Christ’s birth. This is the week where the initial excitement settles, routines are tested, and the heart is invited into deeper work.

How Last Week Went

Last week felt more comfortable and I was ready to embrace any challenges that came my way

What worked well:

• Craving beans and lentils. Gone were thoughts of processed food and my body began craving healthy beans and lentils, probably for their protein content. In particular lentil soup with rustic bread.

• Making delicious soup toppers. I fried up spices like paprika and zaatar in olive oil, then added beans or chickpeas to top my soup and it was delicious. A sprinkling of pumpkin seeds is also delicious.

• New Jacket potato topper. I topped jacket potato with a caramalised onion houmous and sprinkled it with falafel crumbs. It was so easy but delicious.

• Breakfast. A simple but delicious breakfast this week has been peanut butter on toast with blueberries and pumpkin seeds. Filling and healthy.

• Eating out. I ate out twice this week and enjoyed some delicious plant based meals. At a lounge restaurant I had an oat milk dirty chai drink and a beetroot and sweet potato flatbread. Then I had a vegan chilli udon noodle dish at a Japanese restaurant with a glass of prosecco.

• Enjoying new fruit and herbal teas. My favourites are Turkish apple, Moroccan mint and chai rooibos.

  
  

What didn’t go perfectly:

• Wanting hot chocolate. hot chocolate is part of a family tradition at this time of year. It has been a challenge not joining in.

  
  

Overall, though, last week was enjoyable and full of new things.

New Ideas for This Week’s Meal Plan

🌿 Monday (No meat, dairy & eggs)

• Breakfast: Rustic bread topped with peanut butter, sprinkled with pumpkin seeds and blueberries

• Lunch: Plant based tomato soup and rustic bread

• Dinner: Salmon with lemon, dill, oregano and pepper, potato and peas.

  
  

🌿 Tuesday (No meat, dairy & eggs)

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

• Lunch: Jacket potato topped with tuna and houmous

• Dinner: Greek chickpea stew and rustic bread

  
  

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

• Breakfast: Beans on toast with spinach

• Lunch: Roasted vegetable and houmous wrap

• Dinner: Greek pea stew with potatoes (Arakas Latheros)

  
  

🌿 Thursday (No meat, dairy & eggs)

• Breakfast: Vegan biscotti and almond latte

• Lunch: Vegan frittata and salad

• Dinner: Breaded fish, wedges and vegetables

  
  

🌿 Friday (No meat, dairy, eggs & fish)

• Breakfast: Fruit salad

• Lunch: Vegetable soup and rustic bread

• Dinner: Vegan pizza with roasted vegetables and houmous

  
  

🌿 Saturday (No meat, dairy & eggs)

• Breakfast: Granola, coconut yoghurt and berries

• Lunch: Mezze platter (vegetables, fish and crustaceans)

• Dinner: Italian broccoli pasta

  
  

🌿 Sunday (No meat, dairy & eggs)

• Breakfast: Vegan baked oats with berries

• Lunch: Nut roast

• Dinner: Avocado toast with seeds

  
  

Spiritual Focus for the Week

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

• Praying throughout the day continuous connection

• Donate money saved from fasting to charity a way of giving back to the community

  
  

Week 3 is the week of quiet preparation, of reclaiming our attention, and of letting the fast do its gentle work within us.

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