Lent 2019?

na1maharb4
na1maharb4 Posts: 5 Member
in Motivation and Support
I'm not religious but I do like the idea of giving up certain "luxuries" for 40 days. In a way, I want to "test" myself and my willpower. I want to learn to believe in myself again.
So I decided to give up dairy, bread and junk food. Not just because of the calories but because I don't want to rely on my "comfort food" any longer.
Who's in with me?

Replies

  • pierinifitness
    pierinifitness Posts: 2,226 Member
    I begin Lent 2019 tomorrow and my Lenten sacrifice will be not eating meat and fasting with only one meal a day when the sun sets (OMAD). Don't really have a weight loss goal at this point so I'll probably eat 80 percent of maintenance for the 40 days and maybe drop 6 lbs. as a result. Eating at maintenance would seem to defeat the sacrificial element of Lent. Good luck.
  • jlegner29
    jlegner29 Posts: 2 Member
    I was thinking the same thing. Giving up all bread, potato and junk food. Just lean meats and vegetables.
  • MikePTY
    MikePTY Posts: 3,814 Member
    You can certainly abstain from anything you choose during any period of the year you choose. Just to give you a little perspective on Lent though. Us Catholics don't give up things during lent as some sort of personal test or "to believe in ourselves" or anything at all like that. In fact it's not about us at all. It's done as an act of penance and faith, with the purpose of repenting of our sins and removing the impediments in our lives that can hold back a deeper relationship with God. It is not an act born out of individual accomplishment but rather of humility and faith. We don't do it to raise ourselves but rather to submit. To do a Lenten fast for the purpose of self validation kind of misses the point.
  • na1maharb4
    na1maharb4 Posts: 5 Member
    MikePTY wrote: »
    You can certainly abstain from anything you choose during any period of the year you choose. Just to give you a little perspective on Lent though. Us Catholics don't give up things during lent as some sort of personal test or "to believe in ourselves" or anything at all like that. In fact it's not about us at all. It's done as an act of penance and faith, with the purpose of repenting of our sins and removing the impediments in our lives that can hold back a deeper relationship with God. It is not an act born out of individual accomplishment but rather of humility and faith. We don't do it to raise ourselves but rather to submit. To do a Lenten fast for the purpose of self validation kind of misses the point.

    I stated in my post that I'm not doong this for religious purposes. I just think that giving up a bad habit for 40 days starting tomorrow will be a good experiment.

  • pierinifitness
    pierinifitness Posts: 2,226 Member
    @MikePTY, thanks for sharing. I, too, am a practicing Catholic and your message is one with which I identify. Being an active forum participant on many forums, albeit a relative newbie here at MFP, I've learned to share lightly about my faith because it has a tendency to ignite some forum participants' flames. But, good for you for sharing and may you have a joyful Lenten 2019 existence. Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    I'll probably try a running streak-slothfulness
    and swearing. trying to avoid that and learn new expressive ways to state opinions
  • MikePTY
    MikePTY Posts: 3,814 Member
    pierinifitness wrote: »
    @MikePTY, thanks for sharing. I, too, am a practicing Catholic and your message is one with which I identify. Being an active forum participant on many forums, albeit a relative newbie here at MFP, I've learned to share lightly about my faith because it has a tendency to ignite some forum participants' flames. But, good for you for sharing and may you have a joyful Lenten 2019 existence. Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.

    I certainly tread lightly as well. You won't exactly find me preaching the gospel when someone asks for diet tips. However Lent is a religious celebration so I don't feel like overstepping by sharing the religious elements of it when it brought up.
  • TexasTallchick
    TexasTallchick Posts: 138 Member
    I always give up lobster and crack.
  • KKsGirl
    KKsGirl Posts: 12 Member
    Last night I asked my husband what I should give up for Lent. I suggested “How about cussing? How about eating sweets after my meal? Being late to church?” It took me by surprise when he replied, “You’re not supposed to give up things that you’re not suppose to be doing. Instead sacrifice something you love as an offering. What a beautiful reminder that what we sacrifice is deeper than just “giving up”. It is meant to help us grow in faith and love. Praying for you all in this upcoming desert.



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