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Happy Ash Wednesday! Lent is here!

As a Catholic, I fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and I abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent. A lot of people find this difficult. In the SAD (Standard American Diet) world, most people fall back on tuna hot dish and the like. In the real food, and especially paleo, world, what is one to do on a day without meat?

Well, the good news is that this is not a vegan day. The following animal products are still permissible:

• Fish
• Animal fat (tip – for recipes that have bacon, remove the bacon and cook the recipe with lard)
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Bone broth and gelatin

After one too many encounters with people getting really excited because “Lent means we get to eat fish!”, I now prefer to avoid fish on Fridays. Fridays in Lent are suppose to be days of sacrifice, and fish tends to be a higher class protein source in our society. To illustrate this, take a look at this suggestion the priest gave us this past Sunday:

Lent is about sacrifice and simplifying. Figure out how much money you would normally spend on food over (time period), and try to simplify you eating. Keep track of how much you spend on food, and donate the savings to a food shelf.

While not all of these recipes may be considered simple, I challenge you to take this suggestion to heart! For example, instead of going out for sushi or mahi-mahi, considering going vegetarian on these days.

However, at the same time, I realize that is is not necessarily sustainable for everyone, especially those on intense healing diets, such as AIP or GAPS. Know that those with health reasons to avoid fasting and abstinence are not required to do so. Yet some may still want to. Do the best you can. When I first published this post last year, I ate no meat or fish on Fridays. This year, however, I will be eating fish for one meal. I feel strong enough to abstain from meat, but not enough to cut all flesh, all day.

All of the following recipes fit the paleo diet – no gluten, grains, legumes, or processed ingredients. They are also sugar-free for those of you who gave that up for Lent. Note that some of the recipes are primal (they have dairy). I have marked these, as well as any that are AIP or GAPS-friendly. Enjoy!

And make sure you check out Veggie Staples. All the recipes on this site are gluten, meat, dairy and refined-sugar free. Most are also paleo and/or vegan – a great resource for Lent!

Meat-Free Recipes

Since I like to eat vegetarian recipes on Fridays, these are first in line!

• Shakshuka (Eggs Baked in Tomato Sauce) from Economies of Kale – this would make an AMAZING breakfast as well! – Full GAPS
• Coconut Rice Veggie Stir Fry from Raia’s Recipes – Contains rice; substitute with cauli-rice and use compliant spices to make AIP or Full GAPS
• Spaghetti Squash with Creamy White Sauce from Raia’s Recipes – Contains dairy; Full GAPS
• Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash Pizza from Raia’s Recipes – Can fit whatever dietary restrictions you want!
• Paleo Alfredo from Meatified – Eliminate bacon; AIP, use a different veggie noodle for Full GAPS
• Spaghetti Squash Pesto from So…Let’s Hang Out – Contains optional dairy; Full GAPS
• Pizza Casserole from Food Your Body Will Thank You For – Contains dairy

Soup Recipes

At my church we have soup supper every Friday. Here are some great ideas!

• Cream of Sweet Potato Soup from Paleo Gone Sassy
• Paleo Egg Drop Soup from Paleo Gone Sassy – Full GAPS
• Creamy Fish Chowder from Raia’s Recipes – Contains potatoes and dairy
• Carrot Mint Soup from Food Your Body Will Thank You For – contains dairy, Full GAPS
• Spiced Sweet Potato Soup from Food Your Body Will Thank You For
• Dairy-Free “Cheesy” Potato Soup from Plaid & Paleo
• Winter Veggies in Spiced Coconut Milk from Phoenix Helix
• Creamy Pureed Soup from Divine Health from the Inside Out – omit dairy for AIP and GAPS Stage One
• Egg Drop Soup from How We Flourish – GAPS Stage Three

Sides and Basics

• Cabbage Noodles from Empowered Sustenance – AIP, Full GAPS
• Mashed Cauliflower from The Paleo Mom – AIP, GAPS Stage One
• Butternut Gnocchi from Healy Real Food Vegetarian
• Plantain and Apple Fritters from Plaid & Paleo – AIP
• Cauliflower Rice from Primal Palate – AIP, Full GAPS
• Parsnip Mash from Pure and Simple Nourishment – AIP (omit spices)

Fish Recipes

Eight fish recipes – one for every Friday in Lent (plus an extra!), so you can be well fed all 40+ days!

• Quick and Easy Fried Fish from Raia’s Recipes – AIP, GAPS Stage 4
• Halibut with Garlic from Paleo Gone Sassy – Use coconut oil for AIP, GAPS Stage 4
• Slammin’ Salmon from Cavegirl Cuisine – AIP, Full GAPS
• How to Cook Pan Fried Cod from Oh Snap Let’s Eat – Contains potato starch
• Crispy Coconut Fried Talapia from Raia’s Recipes – AIP, Full GAPS
• Delicious Salmon Cakes from Good Food Eating
• Thai Spiced Steamed Fish from Good Food Eating – eliminate red chili for AIP, GAPS Stage 4
• Pesto Pan Fried Fish with Veggies from Good Food Eating – Full GAPS

Breakfast Recipes

All of the above meals are great for any meal, but here are some wonderful Lenten breakfasts. Also great options for Brinner (breakfast for dinner)!

• Spinach and Kale Quiche from The Organic Kitchen – Eliminate bacon, and use whichever crust (or none!) fits your dietary needs; contains dairy
• Kale Omelet from Economies of Kale – Full GAPS
• Simple Sweet Pepper Frittata from Our Small Hours – contains dairy, Full GAPS
• Spinach and Feta Frittata from Our Small Hours – contains dairy
• Sp-egg-etti Squash Bites from Food Your Body Will Thank You For – contains dairy, Full GAPS with compliant cheese
• Coconut Blueberry Oatmeal from Pure and Simple Nourishment – AIP, Full GAPS

Breads and Snacks

Quick! If you are doing a Whole30 or gave up baked goods for Lent, look away! If not, have no fear: these recipes are paleo, meat-free, and sugar-free

• Baguettes from Healing, Yoga, and Qigong – contains a small amount of sugar to activate yeast
• Coconut Bread with Zucchini from Healing, Yoga, and Qigong

Do you have any favorite paleo Lent recipes?

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