Live Like A Monk!

One of the great things about the monastic life is that it is so good for body and soul. A monastery is a school of holiness and a foretaste of heaven; it is also promises long life in this 'vale of tears' due to its balanced way of life - work and prayer, regular meals, etc.

According to The Times, a study of the monks of Mount Athos over 11 years has revealed astonishingly low levels of cancer. This is largely due to the diet - 'what seems to be the key is a diet that alternates between olive oil and non-olive oil days, and plenty of plant proteins,” said urologist Haris Aidonopoulos. “It’s not only what we call the Mediterranean diet, but also eating the old-fashioned way. Small simple meals at regular intervals are very important.” Father Moses of the Koutloumousi monastery said: “We never eat meat. We produce most of the vegetables and fruit we consume. And we never forget that all year round, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, we don’t use olive oil on our food.” It is good to note that wine forms part of this wholesome diet, though only on alternate days.

The Times report concludes: 'The lack of air pollution on Mount Athos as well as the monks’ hard work in the fields also played their part, the researchers said. There was no mention, however, of whether the absence of women had any effect on the monks’ renowned spiritual calm.'

So, fasting and good old-fashioned cooking - the wisdom of the Church and of the ages - is proven to be essential in preventing cancer and strengthening the soul.

Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
Breakfast: Bread, tea

Lunch: Pasta or rice,vegetables, olive oil

Dinner: Lentils, fruit and salad, olive oil. Red wine
Monday, Wednesday and Friday - no olive oil
Feasts - Fish and seafood
.

It'as an appropriately Advent message - live like a monk!