Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that leads up to Easter. On Ash Wednesday, Catholics and many other Christians receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross, as a sign of penitence and mortality.
One of the main obligations during Lent is fasting – abstaining from meat on Fridays and limiting the amount of food eaten on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. So how many times can you eat on Ash Wednesday? Here’s a quick overview of the Ash Wednesday fasting rules:
Quick Answers
– You can eat twice on Ash Wednesday, plus one small snack.
– The two meals should not equal the quantity of your normal meals.
– The two meals together should not exceed one full meal.
– The one snack should be less than half a meal.
– You must abstain from meat, dairy and eggs.
– Only water and plain tea/coffee are allowed as beverages.
The purpose of the Ash Wednesday fast is to focus our hearts on repentance and unite ourselves with the suffering of Christ. Limiting our food intake is a form of bodily penance and self-discipline that helps us reflect on our spiritual state.
Now let’s take a more detailed look at what the Ash Wednesday fasting requirements entail.
What are the official fasting rules for Ash Wednesday?
According to the Code of Canon Law, the current fasting requirements for Latin Rite Catholics on Ash Wednesday (and Good Friday) are as follows:
– Only one full meal is allowed.
– Two smaller meals may be taken, but not to equal a full meal together.
– No food should be consumed in between meals.
In addition, Ash Wednesday is a day of abstinence from meat. All Catholics ages 14 and up are required to abstain from meat, as well as soup or gravy made from meat.
There are no official limits on the quantity of food for the two smaller meals, but the practice should be aimed at experiencing hunger and connecting with the suffering of Christ. The full meal should be moderate – not equalling your normal intake.
The laws of fasting apply to all Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59. The rules of abstinence apply to all Catholics aged 14 and above. Those with medical conditions or other issues are exempt from fasting and abstaining.
Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for observing the Ash Wednesday fast:
– Have a light breakfast and lunch, such as oatmeal, fruit and toast.
– Avoid snacking or eating anything outside of your set meals/snack.
– Make your one main meal something simple, not elaborate. Soup and salad or vegetables works well.
– For your two smaller meals, stick to just one modest portion.
– Drink mainly water and unsweetened tea/coffee. Avoid sugary beverages.
– Focus your heart and mind on prayer and self-reflection, not food.
The most important part of fasting is doing it with the right spiritual mindset – humbling ourselves, repenting of sins and growing closer to God. The bodily fast should be accompanied by increased prayer, self-denial and works of charity.
What about liquids and non-food items?
On Ash Wednesday, only water and plain black coffee/tea are permitted. Milk, juice, soft drinks, flavored teas and alcoholic drinks are not allowed.
Medications are permitted, as needed.
Chewing gum is generally not considered appropriate on fast days like Ash Wednesday. Technically gum does not break the fast since you don’t swallow it, but chewing gum goes against the spirit of fasting and self-denial.
Smoking is also discouraged on Ash Wednesday. Like gum, tobacco does not break the fast but should be avoided during this time of prayer and sacrifice.
What about age, medical conditions and exempt groups?
The Ash Wednesday fast only applies to Catholics between 18-59 years old. Those under 18 or over 59 may participate voluntarily but are not required to fast.
People with medical conditions like diabetes that require food intake modifications can adjust the fast or be exempt after consulting their doctor. Pregnant or nursing mothers also have special consideration.
Besides age and health, Catholics who are traveling or have physically demanding jobs (like laborers or athletes) are exempt from fasting and abstinence. Use prudent judgement based on your circumstances.
The main goal is to fast according to your situation, refraining from luxuries and being mindful of hunger and abstinence in solidarity with Christ. Those exempt from the full fast are encouraged to participate in their own way.
What about Lenten Fridays?
During the other Fridays of Lent, there is no limit on the number of meals or amount of food. However, Catholics ages 14 and up must abstain from meat on all Fridays in Lent. This includes beef, pork, chicken, etc.
Seafood such as fish, lobster, shrimp and clams are permitted on Lenten Fridays. Meat broth, meat gravies or sauces should be avoided when eating seafood.
Eggs and dairy products like milk, cheese, butter and yogurt are allowed. Vegetarians have many meatless options for Lenten Fridays such as veggie burgers, soups, salads, dairy and eggs.
On Good Friday, the same Ash Wednesday fasting rules apply – limiting yourself to one full meal and two smaller meals without meat, plus snacks less than half a meal.
Does the time of day matter for the one full meal?
Traditionally, the one full meal on Ash Wednesday would be lunch or dinner. However, the Church does not specify any particular times that the meals must be eaten.
The full meal can be taken whenever is most convenient or practical on Ash Wednesday – breakfast, lunch or dinner. The two smaller meals and one snack can also be taken at whatever times fit your schedule for the day.
Just keep in mind the full meal should be the main meal of the day, while the two smaller meals together should not equal a full meal. It is the quantity and nature of the meals, not the time, that matters.
Can young children fast on Ash Wednesday?
Children under the age of 14 are not obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday. However, parents can help form the consciences of younger children by teaching them the importance of fasting and self-denial.
Children can be encouraged to fast or at least eat smaller meals on Ash Wednesday once they reach an appropriate age of spiritual maturity and self-discipline, which will vary for each child. A reasonable guideline is between the ages of 10-14, but parental discretion is advised.
Younger children below age 10 typically do not have the capacity to truly fast or grasp the deeper spiritual significance. Still, they can be taught to make small acts of sacrifice or service on Ash Wednesday with a joyful and willing spirit, according to their age.
The focus should be helping children appreciate that Ash Wednesday is a solemn, holy day centered on Jesus. Fasting can come gradually over time under parental guidance.
Should pregnant or breastfeeding women fast on Ash Wednesday?
Pregnant and nursing mothers have special consideration when it comes to fasting on Ash Wednesday. The health of the mother and baby comes first.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not required to fast if it would impact her or her baby’s wellbeing. However, she could observe a modified fast if her medical situation allows, such as abstaining from certain foods and meals.
As always, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor or healthcare provider to determine if fasting is advisable. Spiritual needs must be balanced carefully with medical and nutritional needs.
If fasting from food is not prudent or possible, pregnant or nursing moms can join in the Lenten fast through other forms of penance and self-sacrifice. Additional prayer, spiritual reading, works of mercy and limiting non-essential activities are examples of alternative ways to fast with a willing heart.
Does fasting on Ash Wednesday help lose weight?
Limiting intake to one moderate meal and two smaller meals without snacks on Ash Wednesday can result in consuming fewer calories than normal. In that sense, fasting for one day may contribute slightly to weight loss efforts.
However, Ash Wednesday is not meant to be treated as a weight loss diet plan. The purpose of fasting is spiritual – fostering inner reflection, self-discipline, solidarity with Christ’s suffering and focusing less on bodily appetites.
Occasional fasting can be incorporated into an overall healthy diet and lifestyle. But one day of reduced food intake does not have significant long-term weight loss effects overall. The value of fasting lies more in exercising willpower and simplicity, not shedding pounds.
That said, Ash Wednesday can be a good reset point to reevaluate habits and be more mindful of hunger, consumption and self-care as Lent begins. Our bodies and spirits are closely intertwined, so taking care of both is important.
Conclusion
On Ash Wednesday, healthy Catholics between 18-59 years old are called to fast by eating only one full meal, two smaller meals not equaling one full meal, and avoiding food between meals. No meat, dairy or eggs are allowed, only plant-based meals. The focus is on repentance and connecting with Christ’s suffering, not dieting.
With the right mindset, fasting can deepen our faith and reliance on God as we enter the reflective season of Lent. Through voluntary acts of self-discipline like fasting, prayer and charity, we turn our hearts back to God and come closer to Christ.
