I am sure that most, if not all, of you know that Lent starts today. I grew up in a Christian school, so I’ve been celebrating this time of year pretty much since birth. My parents have never been ones to “force” me to give something up, although that is typical in my religion. My mom always told me it’s more important to bring something positive to your life or subtract something negative. I agree with her and I have certainly done that in the past, but this year I’m going the typical route and giving something up. If you follow me on twitter you probably already know what that is, but are you ready for it……?
JUNK FOOD.
Yeah, this is happening. Now I’m going to go into why I’m doing this a little bit later in the post, but first here’s a list I compiled last night of the foods I am considering to be “junk food” for the next 40 days:
- ice cream/frozen yogurt
- popsicles
- candy
- cookies
- cake/cupcakes
- pie
- chocolate
- donuts
- fruit snacks (I eat these way too much with the girls I nanny….)
- chips & any other kind of snack mix
I’m sure there are other things that will come up that I will add to this list in the next couple of weeks, but that’s what I came up with for now. Basically any of that nasty processed food that I have become way too accustomed to eating on a normal basis. Since I nanny full-time, I’m around “kid food” all the time. It has become stuff that I eat on a daily basis. I need to stop. It makes me feel terrible.
I want to give my body a chance to re-set itself, and for me, Lent is the perfect time to do this. When I was in elementary school, we were always told that we were supposed to give up something we loved, because Jesus gave up his whole life for us. It was supposed to teach us an ounce of what that felt like. I’m sorry to say it, but I really have come to love those crappy foods in the last couple of months. I know that I can not eat them, and now is the perfect time to start. I realize some people may disagree with my decision, but I know this is what’s best for my body right now. I need to get back to eating whole foods and less of all that fake stuff.
So what am I not considering junk food?:
- pizza (sorry, can’t give it up)
- Naked juice (I’m obsessed with this stuff. I realize it has added sugar in it, but there’s a ton of fruit and veggies in there as well.)
- wine (no way jose)
- Kashi bars, larabars, Kind bars, that kinda stuff
- peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Once again, all I can think of for now. More stuff is bound to pop up!
I think when someone is “giving something up” for Lent or any other reason, it’s extremely important to think about why you’re doing it. Why do something if there isn’t a good reason behind it? I’m a firm believer in the fact that every big decision we make should be given a pros and cons list to make sure that it is the right thing for YOU. Something that is right for me is not very likely to be right for someone else, since we’re all so different.
The first day of Lent is sort of a “cleansing” day for a lot of people. I’m implementing this into my plan by drinking lots of green tea, kombucha, water, and loading up on the fruits and veggies.
So these next few days are probably going to be really difficult as I slowly wean my body off of all that excess sugar, but I know I’ll feel great in the end. I’ve become way too addicted to sugar, and it’s time to break that. Wish me luck 
Are you giving anything up for Lent? If so, what?
i’ll be honest, this just sounds pretty intense. like a lot to give up for a chance to ‘reset’ body. I don’t know. Just make sure you really think about why you are doing this and if it serves the purpose of growing your faith and not pre easter diet junk.
Thank you for your concern! I can always count on you for the truth, which I love. Trust me, I have thought long and hard about it. None of those foods listed above are foods my body needs. Not one bit. In fact, they make me feel quite sick. So why do I continue to eat them? Who knows. Great question. I maybe should have re-phrased some wording in my post to say that my goal is to practice self-control.
Damn, girl. You are stronger than I. Three years ago, I gave up cookies. Last year, I gave up stalking my ex’s Facebook and started meditating because I was going through some stuff. This year… I honestly don’t know what to give up or do for 40 days. I think online shopping would be a good one for me.
Last year was a big one for you! Wow. I’m impressed. I cannot meditate; I have tried so hard. Do you keep up with it still?
No, and I probably should. I felt a little more relaxed, and my brain loved not thinking for a few minutes. Hopefully I can start up soon!
Part of me agrees with Alex with it being a little too inclusive. I think it’s one thing to give up sweets, or give up chips, but to do all of it is going to make it EXTREMELY difficult for you to get in all the calories your body needs in a given day. And if it is just so you can do a mini-cleanse, then you may want to reconsider it. However, I think that if you’re doing this 100% for religious reasons, that’s a different story.
Like I said to Alex, thank you for your concern and advice! But truly, those foods I listed above make me feel like crap. I don’t need those empty calories. I need to focus on self-control and getting my life back and not letting unnecessary things, food, and people control my energy. Definitely not so I can do a cleanse. I want this to be a way of life. And I also feel that during Lent I should not allow myself something that’s important to me (pathetic that junk food is important to me right now, isn’t it?!) because people have given up WAY worse than that.
I totally respect that then! I am trying to limit my sugar intake this month because it has created some pretty crazy cravings even when I’m not hungry. As long as you find a way o replace the calories you’ll be missing with other foods, I think you can totally do this in a healthy way without going overboard
Thanks! Definitely what I’m going to be doing
Good luck with reducing sugar…I’ll be right there with ya.
My family is also Christian, but instead of giving up something for Lent, we add something positive to our lives. For example, we will volunteer somewhere, help friends/family, etc… For us, Lent is more about gaining something instead of giving up.
That’s wonderful! I love that. That’s kind of what I did last year, and I was really fulfilled by it.
I tend to eat clean, so giving up junk may not be an issue, but not being bale to have it may make me feel mentally deprived. I’m not sure I love the idea of giving up something for lent (but i’m not religious), because for me it’s like a new years resolution. If you are going to make a change, do it once and for all right now. Not because of a holiday. That being said I agree- junk food does make me feel yucky, so it’s probably a good choice.
I don’t think I could do the wine though. 
I’m trying my hardest to make this a forever change! As I said it some previous comments though, I use Lent as a time to challenge myself and to prove that I am stronger than I think. People have gone through much worse than I, so I want to make myself feel even an ounce of what some people have gone through. And I’m never giving up wine. Ever. Except when I’m pregnant, haha!
I totally hear you on the being around kid food and coming to rely on it…nanny problem I suppose
I’m trying to pack more snacks of my own to combat this but clearly it doesn’t always work haha. You know your body best, girl. I can see/understand the points/hesitations raised in some of the other comments, but ultimately it’s your body and your decision. I hope it brings you the peace in your body/mind/spirit that you want!
Definitely a nanny problem! I try to pack my own snacks as well, but the kiddies just want them! Thank you for your support
HAHAH I literally LOLed about the wine.. I could NEVER! I’m going to try to give up all junk food too.. good luck girl! I’m going to eat clean.. and drink wine. What would Bachelor Monday’s be without it?
Ah! Can we please keep each other accountable?! That would be so helpful to me. Bachelor Mondays would be NOTHING without wine<3
Best of luck, girl! I could never give up my wine. And defs not pizza
During Lent, I make a conscious effort to do more for others and to think outside myself. I know it is typically a time to get rid of things in life, but I use it as a time to just refocus my faith!
Wine and pizza are staples in my diet, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon! I love what you do during Lent. That’s wonderful
Wow that is a pretty long list. I did not grow up or am I religious, so I do not do lent. But, I am always curious to know what my co-workers, friends, and those around give up, and it’s usually one or two things. Chips is my ONE weakness from your list. Choco and sweets for many, but chips is for me. I can eat a huge bag of chips in one sitting, and then some. I do think those who choose to give up something should have a legit reason behind it, and not do it just to do it. I wish you the best of luck, lady!
I agree with what you said; it’s very important for people to have a reason behind what they do. That’s why I took the time to write out this post and think about it for a few weeks first! Thanks for the luck
I totally feel you on what you said about chips though…it’s almost impossible to stop once you start.
That is one serious list! Good for you for taking that on. I can’t wait to hear about your progress! I can’t imagine how good you are going to feel. I’m hoping to keep up with my water intake.
Thank you! Good luck to you as well
I don’t participate in Lent but Dave does. Last year he gave up beer and bread. He hasn’t decided what he’s giving up this year. I told him I don’t think he can participate if he joins in late so he better figure it out soon. lol
Hahahaha! Very true. That just made me laugh out loud.
I gave up alcohol last year.. that sucked. This year it’s soda because I know how awful it is for my body, but I’m having the hardest time cutting it out.
I could not give up alcohol. I give you mad props.
Hi, I’m a Christian but I’ve never done anything this extensive. However, I don’t see it as too difficult. I do appreciate the honesty of you and your readers though. I love you blog. The workout Wed has great photos. Your inability to give up pizza makes me your newest follower, lol! I’m a pizza junkie. Hang in there the next few day Miss Lady!
Thank you! This comment just made me smile so big. I would never give up pizza. Ever. Maybe just for a large sum of money.
It may be a challenge, but you know your strengths & you know what is too much, and too little. I wish you the best of luck and have NO doubt you won’t be successful w/ your decision
Thanks Jessie! That means a lot to me
Ooh you go girl! That sounds intense but I know you can do it!
Thank you!