One of our followers asked me earlier today, “If oils of any variety are avoided on most fasting days, why is it present in your recipe?” and it got me thinking. I’ve always followed my spiritual advisor’s guidance on oil fasting. But I never really questioned whether the rule applied to olive oil only or every type of oil. So, I did some digging into the Church’s traditions. If you’ve ever wondered, “Does the Orthodox Church allow oil during fasting?”—you’re in the right place.
Stick around, and we’ll explore how this humble tradition developed, why it matters today, and how you can make the most of your fasting period.
🤔 The Oil Fasting Dilemma
For Orthodox Christians, the practice of avoiding olive oil (and sometimes all oils) during fasting periods might seem puzzling in the modern world. Especially now that olive oil is both affordable and widely available. Yet this tradition goes back to the Church’s earliest centuries, when oil was considered a luxury.
In the early Christian era, olive oil was a luxury product. It wasn’t just for cooking. It also served as lamp fuel, was used in medicinal salves, and played a role in religious anointing. Olive oil was costly but also stored in animal skins, which the Church discouraged eating (meat) during fasting seasons. Giving up olive oil helped early believers by turning away from worldly comforts and depending more on God.
As time went by, trade routes expanded and new technologies made different oils—corn, coconut, sunflower—more accessible. Recognizing that these alternatives could also become sources of overindulgence, some Orthodox communities around the world extended the fast from oil to all varieties, not just olive oil.
Today, olive oil is one of the most common cooking ingredients around. It’s sold in every grocery store and the price is far from prohibitive. Despite these changes though, many parishes still focus solely on olive oil, preserving the specific historical tradition. While others ask believers to fast from all oils. Aligning with the broader interpretation that any indulgent oil might lead us away from genuine self-denial.
As a result, many Orthodox Christians wonder whether they should abstain from olive oil alone or all oils. While this question can be unsettling, it also highlights an essential truth: fasting is less about a rigid rule and more about cultivating self-denial, humility, and spiritual discipline. Whether you skip just olive oil or every type of oil, the aim is to free yourself from worldly excesses and deepen your relationship with Christ.
🌿 The Deeper Meaning: Self-Denial and Comfort Food
When we talk about fasting from oil, we’re not really worried about the oil itself. Most of us don’t sip it straight from the bottle... Instead, we’re targeting comfort foods, made with oil. Those indulgent, fatty, and sometimes sugary dishes that can hijack our cravings and distract us from God. By cutting out oil-heavy or rich, creamy meals we step away from our usual indulgences and move toward a healthier, more balanced way of eating and living.
1. The Grip of Indulgence
1. The Grip of Indulgence
Consider how an addict relies on their substance of choice for emotional relief or a quick thrill. Comfort foods can work the same way: when we’re stressed, bored, or looking for a boost, we might turn to cheesy pizza, buttery pastries, or sugary treats. These foods spark a rush of “feel-good” chemicals in our brain—much like a drug does. Over time, we can become dependent on them, looking to food for comfort rather than turning to God.
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful … I will not be enslaved by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
Just as addiction enslaves a person, comfort food can hold us captive if we let it. When we rely on food to cope with every feeling or situation, it starts to shape our habits and rule many of our daily decisions.
2. Fasting: A Spiritual Detox
2. Fasting: A Spiritual Detox
The Orthodox fasting seasons can be seen as a detox for both body and soul. By removing indulgent meals and snacks, we become more aware of how strong their grip on our minds and emotions can be.
Jesus urges us in Luke 9:23:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Fasting is our way of “denying ourselves,” setting aside the earthly pleasures that can overshadow our relationship with God.
3. Self-Denial: A Life Long Practice
3. Self-Denial: A Life Long Practice
Just as detoxing from a substance can’t be rushed, freedom from comfort-food addiction won’t happen in a single 40-day fast. We’re surrounded by fast-food places, convenience stores, and sugary treats at every turn. Genuine, lasting change takes commitment, time, and persistent effort.
Building better habit through fasting:
- Long Fasts: Seasons like Great Lent or the Nativity Fast give us a focused period to fight these temptations and break their hold on us.
- Short Fasts: Weekly Wednesday and Friday fasts serve as “maintenance sessions,” helping us keep our cravings in check.
Over time, you’ll know you’re healing when you can skip the fries or the cheesecake without feeling a sense of panic or loss. Proof that you’re re-centering your desires on Christ.
Through the combination of fasting, prayer, and genuine faith, we can break free from the addictive power of comfort foods. As we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we find real transformation—body and soul—becoming temples that honor God in all we do.
🍽️ Bringing Fasting Into Everyday Life
We’ve talked a lot about how comfort foods can hold us captive and how fasting serves as a spiritual detox. Now, let’s get practical. Every Orthodox Christian has to figure out how to handle oil (and comfort foods in general) during fasting seasons—while still keeping up with busy schedules and family routines. Below are two common approaches that align with the larger goal of avoiding indulgent, “drug-like” foods. Neither path is “better” than the other; it’s really about personal commitment, spiritual maturity, and your parish tradition.
1. Standard Parishioner Plan: Focusing on Olive Oil
1. Standard Parishioner Plan: Focusing on Olive Oil
Many Orthodox Christians fast primarily from olive oil, following a longstanding tradition that singles it out due to cultural and biblical significance.
During this practice, you’d typically:
- Use Other Oils Sparingly: Small amounts of corn oil, canola oil, or other vegetable oils are acceptable, but moderation is key.
- Limit Comfort Foods: Even if you use different oils, aim to avoid deep-fried or overly fatty dishes. Keep an eye out for sauces packed with hidden fats.
- Balance Your Plate: Pair no-oil or low-oil dishes with whole grains, vegetables, and legumes to ensure you get the essential nutrients you need.
Why It Works: This plan is practical for most people. You still get to cook normally (within reason), but you stay mindful of avoiding overly indulgent meals. It’s a manageable way to practice self-control without diving headfirst into the strictest fasting routine.
2. Ascetic Practice: Fasting from All Oils
2. Ascetic Practice: Fasting from All Oils
For those seeking a more challenging path—often priests, monks, or spiritually experienced parishioners—there’s the option to avoid all types of oil (olive, corn, coconut, etc.).
This approach can:
- Strengthen Willpower: Removing an ingredient that appears in so many comfort foods forces creativity and discipline in the kitchen.
- Encourage Simpler Cooking: Rely on water-based sautéing, baking with parchment paper, or even grilling without oil to keep meals healthy and less indulgent.
- Highlight Daily Habits: Notice how often you used to rely on oil for flavor or texture, and how that might have fostered dependence on richer foods.
Why It Works: This more ascetic route can deepen your spiritual commitment, especially if you’re already grounded in the basic fasting practices. It’s a tangible way to “turn up the dial” on your personal sacrifice. However, it’s always wise to talk with your priest or spiritual father before making this leap, especially if you have health concerns or you’re new to strict fasting.
Both the Standard Parishioner Plan and the Ascetic Practice honor the spirit of fasting by steering clear of comfort foods that can numb our spiritual senses.
The real question is: Which one helps you grow closer to God without overwhelming your current stage of faith and life circumstances?
- If you’re just beginning or have a busy family schedule, focusing on olive oil alone might be the sweet spot.
- If you feel spiritually ready for a bigger challenge, fasting from all oils can be a powerful act of devotion.
In either case, remember that the ultimate goal is not about policing every drop of oil, but about breaking free from anything that holds your heart captive. By choosing a method that fits your prayer life, health needs, and guidance from your priest, you’ll be on a path toward deeper reliance on Christ—and a more authentic, transformative fasting experience.
🏷 Practical Substitutes for Oil
If you’ve decided to cut back on—or even eliminate—oil during your fasting days, you might be wondering how to keep meals flavorful and nourishing. Below are some ideas that align with a stricter fasting regimen while helping you avoid the “comfort food” trap:
1. Cooking Without Oil
1. Cooking Without Oil
Sauté with Veggie Broth or Water
- Low-Calorie Count: Broth or water has practically zero calories, making it a good alternative for those watching caloric intake.
- Digestive Issues: Some find it gentler on the stomach, helping with gut health.
Baking with Applesauce or Mashed Bananas
Flavor Boost: Add a naturally sweet taste that pairs well with many recipes.
Essential Nutrients: Fruit purees can keep baked goods moist without adding oil.
2. Replacing Oil-Based Dressings
2. Replacing Oil-Based Dressings
Vinegar and Herbs
- Type of Fat: None! This allows you to still enjoy salads without worrying about lipid droplets.
- Light and Fresh: Enhances flavors of whole foods like veggies and lean protein (if allowed on non-fasting days).
Tahini (Sesame Paste)
Small Amounts: Use it sparingly if your parish allows seed-based spreads, and check with your priest about guidelines for your local practice.
Potential Benefits: Contains fat-soluble vitamins, though from seeds rather than extracted oil.
3. Trying No-Oil Soups and Stews
3. Trying No-Oil Soups and Stews
Vegetable Broth and Whole Grains
Flexible: Add corn oil replacements like pureed vegetables to thicken soup if your parish allows minimal use of oil alternatives.
Great Way: A hearty soup can fill you up, provide essential nutrients, and sustain energy levels.
Adopting oil-free methods doesn’t have to mean bland or boring meals. With a little creativity—and a willingness to experiment—you can enjoy flavorful dishes while remaining true to your fasting goals. Remember, it’s less about rigidly following rules and more about stepping away from comfort foods so you can focus on spiritual growth. Bon appétit!
🩺 Health Considerations
While the primary aim of fasting is spiritual growth, cutting back on oils can affect our bodies in several ways. Below is an overview of possible health benefits, potential drawbacks, and practical advice for Orthodox Christians during periods of fasting.
1. Health Benefits
1. Health Benefits
Curbing Overindulgence
Reducing use of vegetable oils or medium chain triglycerides (found in coconut oil) can help curb reliance on “comfort foods.” While certain oils do offer beneficial effects, they can also become a stumbling block if they turn into a new form of indulgence.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
By lowering your calorie intake from high-fat meals (including those with extra virgin olive oil), you may reduce blood sugar spikes, helping your body maintain a more stable fasted state. This steadier blood sugar control can promote better energy levels and even enhance mental clarity.
Easier Digestion & Potential Energy Boost
With fewer oily, high-calorie meals, your digestive system might feel less burdened. Meanwhile, simpler foods can sometimes lead to a modest energy boost, especially when paired with sufficient hydration or a morning cup of coffee on an empty stomach (if permitted by your priest).
2. Cons
2. Cons
Risk of Unhealthy Swaps
Without oils, you might turn to refined carbs or sugary snacks, undermining your eating pattern and leading to more pronounced blood sugar spikes.
Loss of Essential Types of Fat
Fats, including those from pure fat sources and medium-chain triglyceride oil (like MCT oil), help with nutrient absorption. Eliminating them altogether may deprive you of key fatty acids—especially if you’re not replacing them with other healthy options.
Potential Low Energy or Mood Shifts
Some people experience fatigue or mood swings, particularly during fast days or a set period of time when the body adjusts to reduced fat food consumption. You might notice this especially the next day if you don’t get enough balanced nutrition.
3. Practical Advice
3. Practical Advice
Watch Your Body’s Signals
Whether your parish recommends minimal use of oil, moderate nutritional value of coconut oil, always pay attention to how you feel. If severe fatigue persists, speak with your priest or a medical professional.
Eat Balanced, Nutrient-Dense Foods
Whole grains, legumes, and vegetables can help replace the energy and types of fat you lose by skipping oils. If your parish allows it, seeds or small amounts of nuts may provide healthy fats without resembling high-calorie meals.
Stay Hydrated & Mindful
Drinking water, bone broth (if permissible), or herbal teas supports digestion and helps maintain energy. Fasting can include various periods of eating, so find the best time to nourish yourself within your parish guidelines.
Fasting from oil can foster humility and heightened devotion, but it also impacts how we feel physically. By balancing your eating pattern, being aware of potential drawbacks, and seeking pastoral and medical guidance when needed, you can nurture both body and soul during these periods of fasting—and keep your heart centered on Christ.
🏁 Final Take Away
Does the Orthodox Church allow oil? There isn’t a single, one-size-fits-all rule because different parishes follow slightly different traditions. Historically, the early Church encouraged believers to abstain specifically from olive oil, which was a luxury item at the time. Many Orthodox Christians still follow this approach, avoiding olive oil during fasting periods but allowing small amounts of other oils. On the other hand, more ascetic communities—including some priests, monks, and spiritually advanced laypeople—may avoid all oils as a deeper form of self-denial.
Why do this? It’s not really about the oil itself. Fasting is meant to help us detach from “comfort foods,” or indulgent dishes that can become as addictive as any other vice. By cutting out oil-heavy meals, we’re trying to free ourselves from cravings that distract us from prayer and reliance on God. In this sense, fasting works like a spiritual detox: we recognize how strong our attachment to certain foods can be, and we lean on the Holy Spirit, prayer, and community support to overcome that hold.
Ultimately, the decision to abstain from olive oil alone or from all oils depends on your parish’s guidelines and your personal spiritual journey. Talk with your priest or spiritual father for advice tailored to your health and circumstances. Remember, the goal isn’t to obsess over rules but to break free from anything that takes God’s place in your heart. Whether you choose a stricter or more moderate path, you’ll be practicing the core aim of fasting: turning away from worldly attachments and turning toward Christ.
Feel free to leave your thoughts below, and let me know how you plan to adapt your oil fasting this season!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
“Lent seed oil” typically refers to linseed or flaxseed oil, sometimes touted for its heart health benefits in animal studies. While certain clinical trial findings suggest it may help with blood pressure, it’s still oil. Orthodox tradition generally includes it under foods to avoid in a fasting window, although some parishes might permit it in limited fashion for overall health or weight management.
Going oil-free can prompt fat burning, especially if you follow shorter fasts or a keto diet with a strict state of ketosis. Your body taps into stored fat—cells store fat—potentially aiding weight loss. Some people also report fewer hunger pangs and improved insulin response. However, you should ensure sufficient essential oils (like from nuts or seeds) to maintain balanced nutrition and support spiritual and physical well-being.
Roxanne Emmerson
Fantastic post once again! Thank you very much for a well written and insightful piece.
I am thoroughly enjoying your blog!
God bless you and your family ♥️
Roxanne
Thierry
Hi Roxanne,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really happy to hear you’re enjoying the blog. I was actually going to email you about this post because your previous question really got me thinking—and it ended up inspiring me to write it! I also had the chance to confirm everything in the article with Father Michael at Saint Luke just yesterday, which was really helpful.
I truly appreciate your thoughtful engagement and support. God bless you and your family as well! ♥️
Best,
Thierry