Nutrition

SPI R I T U A L
V A R I A T I ON
CHRISTIANITY
Christianity
• Christianity have types a few, in particular, have religious dietary
restrictions to be aware of.
• Catholicism – there are holy days and periods on which devout Catholics
will fast. For example, meat is not allowed on Fridays during Lent. And
fasting is expected on Good Friday and Ash Wednesday.
• Eastern Orthodox Christians – if practicing, there will be weekly fasts that
require abstention from alcohol, eggs, dairy, fish, meat, and olive oil.
There are other fasts that are longer and are more exclusionary in their
food choices.
• Seventh-Day Adventists – are what’s called lacto-ovo-vegetarians. This
means they avoid alcohol, fish, poultry, and other meat, but will eat some
animal products, such as eggs and dairy.
ISLAM
Islam
• Similarly, Islam also has lawful and unlawful foods, which are designated,
respectively, as halal and haram.
• The Quran forbids meats from animals which die of natural causes, the
blood and meat of pigs, and animals that have been dedicated to idols, or
to any deity other than Allah.
• All meat must be properly prepared in order for it to be halal. The animal
must not suffer, and must not see the blade used in the process. It must
also be slaughtered while speaking the name of Allah.
• All intoxicating drink is prohibited under Islamic dietary law.
• Muslims are permitted to eat any food in times of necessity, such as if they
are starving. This is called the “law of necessity”. In this way, drinks like
wine and foods such as pork could be eaten in order to survive.
HINDUISM
HINDUISM
• Hindus do not eat eggs, fish, meat, or poultry, but do eat dairy. For
this, they are considered lacto-vegetarians. Brahmins, a class of
Hinduism, have special restrictions on who and how their food is
prepared and stored. All practicing Hindus have several fasting
periods, some of which are limited to plant foods and others that
are more strict.
• While some Hindus will fast weekly, there are also New Moon days,
holy days, and festivals that require fasting. Diwali is perhaps the
most famous Hindu holy period, lasting five days, the last two of
which, many Hindus will fast.
CONFUCIANISM AND TAOISM
CONFUCIANISM AND TAOISM
• CONFUCIANISM does not have a dietary restriction however the freshness of the
food is important.
• Taoism
• Taoism doesn’t have dietary restriction however they practices a healthy diet, which
often takes the form of vegetarianism. Although the religion has no strict dietary
laws, Taoists are encouraged to cause no harm to sentient life, including animals. In
those rare cases of Taoists who do eat meat, it will not be consumed from sources
which do not treat their animals humanely.
• Taoism simply encourages its adherents to find what foods are healthiest for them,
and to pay attention to the changing needs of their bodies. Moderation, nutrition,
and balance are the keys to longevity and health.
• Noodles have particular significance to Taoists—they represent longevity, and are
often consumed on the Chinese New Year’s Eve.
BUDDHISM
BUDDHISM
• This religion does not specifically restrict any particular food or food preparation, but it
does have tenets that are interpreted and followed in many aspects of daily life, including
food consumption.
• Buddhists follow the principle guide to do no harm. Lacto-vegetarianism is most common
for Buddhists, which includes dairy and animal products, but does not allow meat.
• Theravada, a branch of Buddhism does allow pork, chicken, and fish if the animal was not
slaughtered for consumption, but consumption ends up being the best way to respectfully
utilize the entire animal after death.
• In some Buddhist traditions, onions, scallions, garlic, chives and leeks are prohibited
foods, as they are said to lead to anger and passion.
• Buddhist monks and nuns who follow the Theravadan way are only allowed to eat via
alms—leftover foods given to them as donations. They are not permitted to cultivate,
cook, or store their own food.
JUDAISM
JUDAISM
• The religious dietary restrictions guide regarding what can be consumed by
practicing Jews is called kosher.
• Foods labeled kosher are prepared under strict guidelines to the entire supply
chain, from harvest and slaughter to preparation, packaging, and food
combinations. Pork and shellfish are famously not allowed. Religious holidays have
additional restrictions and also food traditions.
• Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Passover are some of the more famous Jewish
holy days. Food traditions and restrictions are very important on these and other
holy days throughout the year. It’s best to purchase pre-packaged kosher meals
and leave them unopened to ensure the attendee can see there hasn’t been any
contamination.

Nutrition

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