World News for Students of English

07-04-2026 15:00

For six weeks each spring, many people in Greece and Orthodox communities follow a special diet called Lent. This traditional way of eating is like a modern detox for the body.

During this time, millions of people stop eating meat, eggs, and dairy products. At the Monastery of St. Augustine and Seraphim, monks follow these rules very strictly. They mostly eat vegetables and legumes, like lentils. On weekdays, they even stop using olive oil. To make the food taste good, they use tahini on potatoes or make rich vegetable soup from scratch. Nutritionists say this practice is very healthy. It can help reduce cholesterol and manage blood sugar because people avoid unhealthy animal fats.

However, experts warn that if the fast is too long, the body might need more vitamins like B12. For the monks, fasting is not just about health; it is like training for the soul. It helps them concentrate and feel closer to God. Even for those who are not monks, the fast is popular. Markets sell a lot of seafood, like octopus and shrimp, which are allowed during this time.

Difficult words: Lent (a special period of 40 days before Easter when some people stop eating certain foods), legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), tahini (a thick paste made from crushed sesame seeds, often used instead of butter or oil).

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