Wondering what you can eat during Lent? Confused by the Roman Catholic Lent fasting rules? If so, you’re in the right place!
Personally, I grew up in a Protestant family that didn’t celebrate Lent (and still doesn’t). So when I married into a Catholic family, I suddenly had a lot of learning to do–and quick!
Unfortunately, as a beginner, I found the process of trying to figure out all the Catholic Lent fasting rules really confusing and frustrating.
I couldn’t find one single comprehensive guide that explained all of the Roman Catholic Lent rules in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way. Instead, all the articles I found were full of Catholic jargon I didn’t understand or they only answered one very specific question regarding the Catholic Lent fasting rules.
Thankfully, after lots of research, I did eventually figure out what you can eat during Lent. And now I’m excited to share this comprehensive, easy-to-understand Roman Catholic Fasting Rules Guide with you!
Lent begins on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 and ends on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The first day of Lent is known as Ash Wednesday. The last day of Lent is known as Holy Thursday. Lent always begins six and a half weeks (46 days) before Easter Sunday.
Lent is an important time of fasting and preparation in the Christian calendar, especially for Catholics. Many Catholics wonder – can I eat turkey during Lent? The rules around abstaining from meat during Lent can be confusing. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about eating turkey and other meats during Lent.
What is Lent?
Lent is the 40 day period leading up to Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday, the day before Good Friday. Lent represents a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to prepare for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The 40 days of Lent symbolize the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert while being tempted by Satan. By observing Lent, Christians follow Christ’s example of sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert.
Why Do Catholics Fast During Lent?
There are a few reasons Catholics fast during Lent
- To repent of sins and purify the body and spirit
- To unite with and honor Christ’s suffering and sacrifice
- To grow closer to God through self-denial and discipline
Fasting helps believers reflect on their faith and dependence on God. By giving up pleasurable things, they can focus more on prayer and spiritual life.
Official Fasting Rules for Lent
The Catholic Church outlines obligatory days to fast and abstain from meat
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Fasting: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Limit food intake to one full meal and two smaller meals.
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Abstinence from meat: Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays during Lent for ages 14 and up.
Good Friday abstinence continues through Holy Saturday for those who wish to do so. Meat includes warm-blooded land animals and poultry.
Can I Eat Turkey During Lent?
Turkey and other poultry are considered meat under the Catholic lenten fasting rules. So no, Catholics should not eat turkey on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, or Fridays during the Lenten season.
On Lenten Fridays outside of Good Friday, Catholics have the option to substitute another sacrifice or penance instead of abstaining from meat. But turkey and other meats are still restricted on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Why Isn’t Fish Considered Meat During Lent?
Abstaining from meat signifies Christ’s sacrifice of his flesh for humanity. Fish are exempt from the meat definition for a few reasons:
- Fish are cold-blooded animals, unlike warm-blooded land mammals and birds.
- Fish used to be a cheap, common food compared to more luxurious meats.
- The fish industry benefited from increased demand during Lent.
So fish, shrimp, lobster and other seafood are permitted during Lenten fasting.
What Foods Are Allowed During Lent?
You have lots of options for meatless Lenten meals! Here are some foods Catholics can eat during Lent:
- Fish and shellfish
- Eggs and dairy
- Fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts
- Breads, pastas, rice, other grains
- Meat broths and sauces without meat chunks
Simple, meatless dishes are recommended over indulging in lavish seafood.
What Happens If You Eat Meat On A Lenten Friday?
If you accidentally eat meat during Lent on a Friday or other abstinence day, stop consuming it as soon as you realize. Make sure you abstain from meat for the rest of the day and consider mentioning it at your next confession. An honest mistake isn’t a sin – relax and refocus on the rest of your Lenten sacrifice!
While turkey and other meats are off-limits on Lenten Fridays, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, you still have many delicious options to eat during this fasting season! Focus on simple meatless meals, self-reflection and spiritual growth.
Whether you substitute an alternate sacrifice or stick to abstaining from meat, let Lent be a meaningful time to grow closer to Christ through fasting and preparation for the joyous celebration of Easter!
Can You Eat Fish During Lent?
Catholics can eat fish during Lent. While the reasons are unclear, Catholics do not consider seafood (fish, shrimp, crab, lobster) as meat during Lent. This is why Friday fish fries and clam chowder are so popular on Fridays during Lent!
Do You Fast Everyday During Lent?
Catholics only fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday during Lent, not every day. Catholics fast by eating one regular meal and two small meals (that equal less than one regular meal) with no snacks in between. Fasting does not mean no food all day, and fasting is not a requirement if the Friday falls on a Solemnity.
When can you eat meat again during Lent?
FAQ
Can you eat chicken or turkey during Lent?
Flesh meats like chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, and bison aren’t allowed during the Lenten season. However, fish and animal products like broth, eggs, and dairy are typically allowed.
What meat is ok during Lent?
While chickens and other birds, cows, sheep and pigs are all considered meat, “salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, (cold-blooded …Mar 3, 2022
Is Turkey part of Lent?
Abstinence in the Roman Catholic tradition means to abstain from eating meat (beef, chicken, pork, turkey, etc.).
Is turkey considered meat?
Generally, meat from mammals such as cows and calves, sheep, lamb and pigs is considered red meat, while rabbit, chicken, and turkey meat is considered white meat. It’s all about the level of myoglobin – the iron-containing protein in muscle – giving meat its red colour.
Can you eat meat during Lent?
Most Catholics believe you can eat chicken stock, beef broth, turkey gravy, and other similar condiments during Lent, as long as you are only eating the juices from the animals, not the meat (flesh) itself. However, not everyone agrees. You will want to ask your local priest for a definitive answer on this one. Can You Eat Fish During Lent?
Can you eat chicken during Lent?
You can’t eat chicken on Fridays during Lent. Chicken broth used in cooking is acceptable, though. Can you eat eggs during Lent? For Catholics, eggs do not count as meat for Lent. For Orthodox Christians, eggs are off limits.
How many days do you eat during Lent?
While the season of Lent is a 40-day period (46 days if you count Sundays) leading up to Easter Sunday, you only have to follow the Catholic Lent fasting rules on 8 days total. That’s 2 days of fasting and 8 days of abstaining from meat. Every other day during Lent, you eat like normal. No changes needed.
Can a 14 year old eat meat during Lent?
According to the Roman Catholic Lent rules, Catholics 14 years of age and older are required to practice abstinence (from meat) on Ash Wednesday, Fridays during Lent, and Good Friday (unless a solemnity falls on one of those days). This doesn’t include all animal products, however. What Can You Eat During Lent?
Can you eat fish during Lent?
Yep! Cold-blooded reptiles and amphibians join fish on the list of animals you can eat during Lent. So, go ahead and add turtle soup, fried frog legs, and alligator fingers to your Friday menu.
What animals can you eat during Lent?
Cold-blooded reptiles and amphibians join fish on the list of animals you can eat during Lent. So, go ahead and add turtle soup, fried frog legs, and alligator fingers to your Friday menu. Was this page helpful?