2018 Lent Challenge
MaelynMayhem
Posts: 611 Member
in Challenges
Lent this year is from is from February 14 to March 29.
The idea is to give up at one unhealthy thing (you can elect to give up more than one) for the season of Lent) that is in your way of keeping you from becoming the best you that you can. Also the more specific you can be it will help you out than just being vague. You need a plan of action.
Keep it simple, measurable (either you did it or you didn't), attainable (either you can or you can't), realistic (going straight from couch to 5K on day one for every day is not likely), timely (you have until March 29).
Examples:
Cut back on sweets by no longer eating dessert at dinner
Cut back time sitting on the couch by getting up and doing exercises during commercial breaks.
Cut back on negative self-feedback by taking time to acknowledge to yourself what you have done good instead of focusing on what you have missed out on or made a mistake.
Introduction
I'm from a small city in Missouri. I have a long history of being overweight. I have had periods where I have lost weight and gained it back, party due to diet and partly due to meds. I am tired of the cycles, in and out of the hospital, and up and down with my weight. I have decided to take the slow and steady route with my weight this time in hopes of it staying down. Why not? It's a path I haven't really focused on before. I'm forty years old, I have mental illness, asthma, PCOS, etc. I have a lot negative mental habits along with a lot of other bad habits with eating and stuff.
My goal for Lent: I'm giving up takeaways. Every time I think about ordering takeaway I am going to go for a walk around the community room at least ten minutes.
The idea is to give up at one unhealthy thing (you can elect to give up more than one) for the season of Lent) that is in your way of keeping you from becoming the best you that you can. Also the more specific you can be it will help you out than just being vague. You need a plan of action.
Keep it simple, measurable (either you did it or you didn't), attainable (either you can or you can't), realistic (going straight from couch to 5K on day one for every day is not likely), timely (you have until March 29).
Examples:
Cut back on sweets by no longer eating dessert at dinner
Cut back time sitting on the couch by getting up and doing exercises during commercial breaks.
Cut back on negative self-feedback by taking time to acknowledge to yourself what you have done good instead of focusing on what you have missed out on or made a mistake.
Introduction
I'm from a small city in Missouri. I have a long history of being overweight. I have had periods where I have lost weight and gained it back, party due to diet and partly due to meds. I am tired of the cycles, in and out of the hospital, and up and down with my weight. I have decided to take the slow and steady route with my weight this time in hopes of it staying down. Why not? It's a path I haven't really focused on before. I'm forty years old, I have mental illness, asthma, PCOS, etc. I have a lot negative mental habits along with a lot of other bad habits with eating and stuff.
My goal for Lent: I'm giving up takeaways. Every time I think about ordering takeaway I am going to go for a walk around the community room at least ten minutes.
12
Replies
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Hello,
I will join the Lent Challenge with you. I think this is an excellent challenge.
I'm not exactly sure what I need to give up and being successful while doing it. I'm going to come back with a plan, but I do plan to join. The thought of giving up something for 40 days is scary. Making lifestyle changes is scary.
I'll be back before the 14th.2 -
Hello,
I will join the Lent Challenge with you. I think this is an excellent challenge.
I'm not exactly sure what I need to give up and being successful while doing it. I'm going to come back with a plan, but I do plan to join. The thought of giving up something for 40 days is scary. Making lifestyle changes is scary.
I'll be back before the 14th.
1. 40 days of No Facebook- instead I will read a book.10 -
2. Talk less and listen more: allowing people to speak and express themselves. Not arguing with people and keeping my opinions to myself. Giving the one man I love space and allowing him to be himself.Hello,
I will join the Lent Challenge with you. I think this is an excellent challenge.
I'm not exactly sure what I need to give up and being successful while doing it. I'm going to come back with a plan, but I do plan to join. The thought of giving up something for 40 days is scary. Making lifestyle changes is scary. I want lent to be a spiritual change for me. I want a long lasting change and not temporary.
I'll be back before the 14th.
1. 40 days of No Facebook- instead I will read a book.
3.6 -
Those are excellent choices. We all could do with listening more than we speak. I'm going to join you in giving up Facebook for 40 days as well as there's so much drama that goes on there which is impactful of my mood and mindset for the rest of the day.1
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I will join your Lent challenge. I came here specially looking for one. I had a recent bout of food poisoning which assisted with the push past the same two pounds. I am reading the purpose driven life, which is a forty day journey to help determine what purpose God has for my life. I am starting a 10 day smoothie cleanse, one meal a day, I know I cannot work without eating.
My goal is to be better all around. Pray life, health, financial and love life.6 -
I will join your Lent challenge. I came here specially looking for one. I had a recent bout of food poisoning which assisted with the push past the same two pounds. I am reading the purpose driven life, which is a forty day journey to help determine what purpose God has for my life. I am starting a 10 day smoothie cleanse, one meal a day, I know I cannot work without eating.
My goal is to be better all around. Pray life, health, financial and love life.
Food poisoning is horrible to experience; I'm glad you are feeling better now. You have some admirable goals for Lent season. I more than happy to support you in your journey.0 -
I will join the Lent challenge. My challenge will be to limit myself to only 1 cup of coffee in the morning and eliminate the other 4 cups. Between the sugar and creamer I consume a lot of empty calories that are not helping with weight loss.4
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wi1234567890 wrote: »I will join the Lent challenge. My challenge will be to limit myself to only 1 cup of coffee in the morning and eliminate the other 4 cups. Between the sugar and creamer I consume a lot of empty calories that are not helping with weight loss.
Welcome to the Challenge and great insight into a way to get rid of empty calories!0 -
I will join the Lent challenge. I believe the way some Catholics observe Lent is that on Ash Wednesday (Feb 14) and every Friday until Good Friday (March 30) they abstain from meat (pork, beef, and sometimes chicken), and also fast on those same days. Those who are able can totally abstain from meat for the whole duration. My challenge will be a take on this, which is to limit myself to have meat at just one meal a day. On Ash Wednesday, and every Friday until Good Friday, I will not have any meat at all in my meals. Much as I like veggies, I confess I like too the tenderloin, ribs, brisket, picadillo, oxtail, peameal bacon, sausage, ham, name it.5
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I think I posted that I would like to join this challenge in the wrong spot!
Goal 1- drink 90-120 oz water each day
Goal 2- pop/soda 1 can once a week or none at all!
Goal 3- move my butt at least 25 minutes a day with some sort of activity.3 -
I was also looking for a Lent challenge. I have a few things in mind but I’ll have a plan tomorrow! Thanks for starting this.1
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They want you to start cutting back on sweets on Valentine’s Day?! I’m glad I’m not catholic.3
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heathervanconant wrote: »I think I posted that I would like to join this challenge in the wrong spot!
Goal 1- drink 90-120 oz water each day
Goal 2- pop/soda 1 can once a week or none at all!
Goal 3- move my butt at least 25 minutes a day with some sort of activity.
These are all great goals to have. I don't know if I could do number two!0 -
@juvier - That is pretty accurate for Catholic time of Lent. It's admirable to take on the challenge. I know several Catholics that struggle with it each time it comes around, both cradle and convert. I have full faith in you that you can do this.2
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I would like to join in too.
I want to give up chocolate and cut down on sugary stuff as much as I can.I absolutely LOVE chocolate and have it in some form few times a day so it won't be easy but I'm fed up of wasting calories on it and I want to feel more in control.
Also anyone doing it feel free to add me for support4 -
I was looking for a Lent challenge too, I'd be glad to join. Despite not being Catholic I feel Lent is more a state of mind than necessarily a religious belief and it works great with my goals/deadlines too.
Besides, everyone can do with 40 days of discipline, nutritionally speaking!
So my goals will be:
goal 1: 2l fluids each day (logged, no excuses!)
goal 2: stick to diet as it is right now (as of Feb 13th, logged into a separate file for my own reference) as in don't fix what is not broken. There are a few competitions on my calendar in this time, that means sticking to diet before-during-after competition too.They want you to start cutting back on sweets on Valentine’s Day?! I’m glad I’m not catholic.
Neither I am, but the point is not about being Catholic, the point is doing something for yourself. Plenty of Catholics do not observe Lent, either.3 -
I was brought up as a Catholic and yesterday I was thinking about lent; explaining to my kids why we have pancake day (UK) otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday.
For nearly a year I have been challenging myself not to snack after 7:30pm. It's become habitual now with only 1 or 2 slips a month. However, I'm finding it much harder to not snack on sugary foods during the day. So that's my challenge - to not eat sugary snacks for 40 days.5 -
I will join the Lent challenge. I believe the way some Catholics observe Lent is that on Ash Wednesday (Feb 14) and every Friday until Good Friday (March 30) they abstain from meat (pork, beef, and sometimes chicken), and also fast on those same days. Those who are able can totally abstain from meat for the whole duration. My challenge will be a take on this, which is to limit myself to have meat at just one meal a day. On Ash Wednesday, and every Friday until Good Friday, I will not have any meat at all in my meals. Much as I like veggies, I confess I like too the tenderloin, ribs, brisket, picadillo, oxtail, peameal bacon, sausage, ham, name it.
Close. Ash Wednesday and Good Fridays are fast days, although required Catholic fasts these days are pretty easy and not really fasts -- no meat, eat only one meal, and you can have two snacks at the times of the other meals but they can't add up to a full meal. If able (health-wise), you are encouraged to do more. I actually dislike this wimpy fast and try to do a full fast (I'm Catholic).
In the old days, the reason for things like Shrove Tuesday/Fat Tuesday/Paczki Day (as it is today in Chicago) ;-) was that you would not be eating meat or animal products (although fish was permitted some places -- the Latin word for meat/flesh is distinct from that for fish). Anyway, as a result you'd be using up dairy and eggs.
The current Orthodox Christian fast is basically like that (my Greek friend always tells me how much more serious their Lent is). ;-) Catholics, though, just avoid meat on Fridays -- fish is fine, but it's really not in the spirit if you have a lobster dinner, it's supposed to be simple, cheaper (save the money saved and give it to charity is one common practice), plain, a sacrifice.
Since I eat vegetarian a lot and have for years, I tend to make it an all Lent thing so that it's a noticeable difference, and then do something else to make Fridays distinct (usually not food related, but going to morning mass or something).
In addition to the required food things (which are basically easy these days, but I like them because they are at least something to make the season distinct that Catholics (in theory) all do in common), we are encouraged to choose a sacrifice or discipline for the season, giving up something (something you will miss) or, in the alternative, adding in something (which equates to a sacrifice of time). It's supposed to be something that will be spiritually meaningful.
Anyway, all this is in case some did not know and were interested.
I am going to do no animal products this Lent, but it's not about weight loss (since for me Lent is a religious observance and about preparing for Easter, I actively avoid anything that seems to be about weight loss as I think that mixes up the reasons). Just my take, I get people have different ideas about Lent and many don't even really think of it as a religious thing.6 -
lemurcat12 wrote: »I will join the Lent challenge. I believe the way some Catholics observe Lent is that on Ash Wednesday (Feb 14) and every Friday until Good Friday (March 30) they abstain from meat (pork, beef, and sometimes chicken), and also fast on those same days. Those who are able can totally abstain from meat for the whole duration. My challenge will be a take on this, which is to limit myself to have meat at just one meal a day. On Ash Wednesday, and every Friday until Good Friday, I will not have any meat at all in my meals. Much as I like veggies, I confess I like too the tenderloin, ribs, brisket, picadillo, oxtail, peameal bacon, sausage, ham, name it.
Close. Ash Wednesday and Good Fridays are fast days, although required Catholic fasts these days are pretty easy and not really fasts -- no meat, eat only one meal, and you can have two snacks at the times of the other meals but they can't add up to a full meal. If able (health-wise), you are encouraged to do more. I actually dislike this wimpy fast and try to do a full fast (I'm Catholic).
In the old days, the reason for things like Shrove Tuesday/Fat Tuesday/Paczki Day (as it is today in Chicago) ;-) was that you would not be eating meat or animal products (although fish was permitted some places -- the Latin word for meat/flesh is distinct from that for fish). Anyway, as a result you'd be using up dairy and eggs.
The current Orthodox Christian fast is basically like that (my Greek friend always tells me how much more serious their Lent is). ;-) Catholics, though, just avoid meat on Fridays -- fish is fine, but it's really not in the spirit if you have a lobster dinner, it's supposed to be simple, cheaper (save the money saved and give it to charity is one common practice), plain, a sacrifice.
Since I eat vegetarian a lot and have for years, I tend to make it an all Lent thing so that it's a noticeable difference, and then do something else to make Fridays distinct (usually not food related, but going to morning mass or something).
In addition to the required food things (which are basically easy these days, but I like them because they are at least something to make the season distinct that Catholics (in theory) all do in common), we are encouraged to choose a sacrifice or discipline for the season, giving up something (something you will miss) or, in the alternative, adding in something (which equates to a sacrifice of time). It's supposed to be something that will be spiritually meaningful.
Anyway, all this is in case some did not know and were interested.
I am going to do no animal products this Lent, but it's not about weight loss (since for me Lent is a religious observance and about preparing for Easter, I actively avoid anything that seems to be about weight loss as I think that mixes up the reasons). Just my take, I get people have different ideas about Lent and many don't even really think of it as a religious thing.
As I have been doing for the past few years, my Lenten offering is again to visit with seniors in their homes.6 -
lemurcat12 wrote: »I will join the Lent challenge. I believe the way some Catholics observe Lent is that on Ash Wednesday (Feb 14) and every Friday until Good Friday (March 30) they abstain from meat (pork, beef, and sometimes chicken), and also fast on those same days. Those who are able can totally abstain from meat for the whole duration. My challenge will be a take on this, which is to limit myself to have meat at just one meal a day. On Ash Wednesday, and every Friday until Good Friday, I will not have any meat at all in my meals. Much as I like veggies, I confess I like too the tenderloin, ribs, brisket, picadillo, oxtail, peameal bacon, sausage, ham, name it.
Close. Ash Wednesday and Good Fridays are fast days, although required Catholic fasts these days are pretty easy and not really fasts -- no meat, eat only one meal, and you can have two snacks at the times of the other meals but they can't add up to a full meal. If able (health-wise), you are encouraged to do more. I actually dislike this wimpy fast and try to do a full fast (I'm Catholic).
In the old days, the reason for things like Shrove Tuesday/Fat Tuesday/Paczki Day (as it is today in Chicago) ;-) was that you would not be eating meat or animal products (although fish was permitted some places -- the Latin word for meat/flesh is distinct from that for fish). Anyway, as a result you'd be using up dairy and eggs.
The current Orthodox Christian fast is basically like that (my Greek friend always tells me how much more serious their Lent is). ;-) Catholics, though, just avoid meat on Fridays -- fish is fine, but it's really not in the spirit if you have a lobster dinner, it's supposed to be simple, cheaper (save the money saved and give it to charity is one common practice), plain, a sacrifice.
Since I eat vegetarian a lot and have for years, I tend to make it an all Lent thing so that it's a noticeable difference, and then do something else to make Fridays distinct (usually not food related, but going to morning mass or something).
In addition to the required food things (which are basically easy these days, but I like them because they are at least something to make the season distinct that Catholics (in theory) all do in common), we are encouraged to choose a sacrifice or discipline for the season, giving up something (something you will miss) or, in the alternative, adding in something (which equates to a sacrifice of time). It's supposed to be something that will be spiritually meaningful.
Anyway, all this is in case some did not know and were interested.
I am going to do no animal products this Lent, but it's not about weight loss (since for me Lent is a religious observance and about preparing for Easter, I actively avoid anything that seems to be about weight loss as I think that mixes up the reasons). Just my take, I get people have different ideas about Lent and many don't even really think of it as a religious thing.
As I have been doing for the past few years, my Lenten offering is again to visit with seniors in their homes.
I think that's a lovely choice. Good for you.2 -
Hi everyone!
Happy to see others taking part in this lent challenge.
I have a couple things I want to work on.
1. Cutting down on sugar (candy, sugary drinks, desserts)
2. Exercising daily - doing some easy at home work outs as well as gym
3. Hydration! Actually drink more water!
4. Also - on a personal note, I am recently engaged and am wedding planning. I would like to go to church more and find a church/priest for my wedding!5 -
For lent I will be giving up carbonated beverages including beer, and after reading some of the other posts, I’ll now be donating the money usually spent on these items.5
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I just joined this site today! I'll jump in on the Lenten Challenge. I'm going to seriously reduce my tequila intake and as a Catholic, I'm going to do a better job of fasting this Lent. Thanks for all the inspiring comments.4
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I've eaten my pancakes (crepe style) with Nutella, ice cream and banana! Yummy
So the challenge starts in earnest tomorrow with a visit to my parents. My mum was a cake maker by professional so let's hope I don't fall at the first hurdle!1 -
As a Protestant Christian, I have never observed Lent, as it is not a part of our religious traditions. However, I just did some reading up about it and I think it would serve me well to make both a physical and a spiritual commitment in commemoration of Christ's sacrifice. So for Lent, I will commit to spending one hour every day in devotions and prayer, and will also fast from dawn until dinner every Tuesday and Friday.8
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Ok I am in .... just before bed every night ... on my way to bed I end up snacking on hand fulls if cereal, mini ramikins with protein powder, stuff I find in the fridge ... I am niteven hungry, it’s some habitual emotion *kitten*. Last night it bumped me over goal by 120kcal.
For lent I WILL ... stop this6 -
I will join your Lent challenge. I came here specially looking for one. I had a recent bout of food poisoning which assisted with the push past the same two pounds. I am reading the purpose driven life, which is a forty day journey to help determine what purpose God has for my life. I am starting a 10 day smoothie cleanse, one meal a day, I know I cannot work without eating.
My goal is to be better all around. Pray life, health, financial and love life.
I will join you in reading Purpose Driven Life so I can figure out just what purpose I have to living. Thanks for the suggestion.4 -
MaelynMayhem wrote: »Lent this year is from is from February 14 to March 29.
The idea is to give up at one unhealthy thing (you can elect to give up more than one) for the season of Lent) that is in your way of keeping you from becoming the best you that you can. Also the more specific you can be it will help you out than just being vague. You need a plan of action.
Keep it simple, measurable (either you did it or you didn't), attainable (either you can or you can't), realistic (going straight from couch to 5K on day one for every day is not likely), timely (you have until March 29).
Examples:
Cut back on sweets by no longer eating dessert at dinner
Cut back time sitting on the couch by getting up and doing exercises during commercial breaks.
Cut back on negative self-feedback by taking time to acknowledge to yourself what you have done good instead of focusing on what you have missed out on or made a mistake.
Introduction
I'm from a small city in Missouri. I have a long history of being overweight. I have had periods where I have lost weight and gained it back, party due to diet and partly due to meds. I am tired of the cycles, in and out of the hospital, and up and down with my weight. I have decided to take the slow and steady route with my weight this time in hopes of it staying down. Why not? It's a path I haven't really focused on before. I'm forty years old, I have mental illness, asthma, PCOS, etc. I have a lot negative mental habits along with a lot of other bad habits with eating and stuff.
My goal for Lent: I'm giving up takeaways. Every time I think about ordering takeaway I am going to go for a walk around the community room at least ten minutes.MaelynMayhem wrote: »Lent this year is from is from February 14 to March 29.
The idea is to give up at one unhealthy thing (you can elect to give up more than one) for the season of Lent) that is in your way of keeping you from becoming the best you that you can. Also the more specific you can be it will help you out than just being vague. You need a plan of action.
Keep it simple, measurable (either you did it or you didn't), attainable (either you can or you can't), realistic (going straight from couch to 5K on day one for every day is not likely), timely (you have until March 29).
Examples:
Cut back on sweets by no longer eating dessert at dinner
Cut back time sitting on the couch by getting up and doing exercises during commercial breaks.
Cut back on negative self-feedback by taking time to acknowledge to yourself what you have done good instead of focusing on what you have missed out on or made a mistake.
Introduction
I'm from a small city in Missouri. I have a long history of being overweight. I have had periods where I have lost weight and gained it back, party due to diet and partly due to meds. I am tired of the cycles, in and out of the hospital, and up and down with my weight. I have decided to take the slow and steady route with my weight this time in hopes of it staying down. Why not? It's a path I haven't really focused on before. I'm forty years old, I have mental illness, asthma, PCOS, etc. I have a lot negative mental habits along with a lot of other bad habits with eating and stuff.
My goal for Lent: I'm giving up takeaways. Every time I think about ordering takeaway I am going to go for a walk around the community room at least ten minutes.
0
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