Nourished, Not Depleted — Caring for the Body While Fasting

Fasting in the Orthodox Church is meant to heal, not exhaust. Yet many of us associate fasting with feeling drained, foggy, or overwhelmed. What if fasting could instead support the body—so the soul is free to pray?In this episode, Kyra and Anna talk about how to care for the body while fasting, drawing from Orthodox teaching and practical wisdom. They discuss why depletion often happens during long fasts, how nourishment supports prayer and peace, and why fasting was never intended to harm the body. This conversation gently reframes fasting as stewardship—honoring the body as a temple while still embracing the Church’s ascetical rhythm.Whether you struggle with energy during fasts or simply want to approach fasting with more balance and discernment, this episode invites you to fast with intention, nourishment, and grace.Resources:For more information on the Orthodox Faith, please visit:https://www.orthodoxintro.org/ To find an Orthodox Church near you, please visit: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/directories/parishes/Ep. 10 Fasting- Part 1 Video:https://youtu.be/gpVyYqkRfq4?si=5q5NvAhD3rnABHTD"Ancient Wisdom for Modern Parents: Enriching the Body, Mind, and Soul of Your Child with Ancestral Practices" by Anna Rachocki:https://youtu.be/h13TRseGt5w?si=atM1nIFyXSLpDU0o"How to Eat Well During an Orthodox Lent" by Chris MasterJohn PhD:https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/blog/2018/09/15/eat-well-orthodox-lent/"The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan: https://michaelpollan.com/books/the-omnivores-dilemma/"Vegetarianism Explained" by Dr. Natasha McBride:http://www.vegetarianismexplained.com/Kyra’s Amazon storefront link to freezer bags and 1 cup freezer silicone cubes for bone broth. *Kyra earns a commission on purchases made on through her storefront*:https://amzn.to/4glXi2G"Are Oysters the Ultimate Superfood with Stephen Kavanagh" Wise Traditions Episode 499:https://www.westonaprice.org/podcast/are-oysters-the-ultimate-superfood-with-stephen-kavanagh/#gsc.tab=0Follow us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veiledingracepodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veiledingracepodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@veiledingracepodcast Gab: https://gab.com/veiledingrace Kyra: https://www.youtube.com/@simplycherishedlife Anna: https://www.youtube.com/@annazoemusic