Giving up anything for Lent that will help you lose weight?

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  • mhankosk
    mhankosk Posts: 532 Member
    I'm giving up pre- made frozen food. No more lean cuisines, lean pockets, ect.

    This is good, cause processed food isn't good for you no way..

    ^^ That was my new years resolution (I stole the idea from a co-worker... sorry mary) and I've been sticking to it! It's amazing how long it takes to make lunch now. HAHA
  • soomiles
    soomiles Posts: 9
    For me it will be Chocolate (sob, sob), Crisps and Diet Coke! :sad:
  • merrylea
    merrylea Posts: 34 Member
    A bunch of my friends are taking part in a 47 day running streak... you have to run (or walk) at least 10 min every day of lent. While I'm not back up running form... this will sure help me get back into shape! To add the religious spin to it for those that are especially religious, some are meditating on a bible verse every day while working out.

    That's a good idea. You could even increase it each day...start out at 10 min, then the next go to 11 or if you are adventurous another 10! Now THAT would help you get in shape! ;)

    I plan on doing more than 10 min a day... but those days that you just don't feel like doing nothing... or you need a rest... just doing 10 minutes of activity is an option to keep you going. Can't wait to see what happens by Easter!!!!
  • kar2083
    kar2083 Posts: 68 Member
    Timbits/Doughnuts and Chips. I normally have one or two mini donuts whenever I'd go on break at work, especially with tea (they were 50 cal a pop). As for Chips, I'm an addict. I've pretty much given them up since January, but have had maybe a handful since then. I was just thinking of having some yesterday so I'm gonna hold off for the rest of lent. Those and of course, no meat on fridays.
  • Tiff1124
    Tiff1124 Posts: 261 Member
    Beer :sad:

    LOL...you can do it!!

    Keeping my fingers crossed :) It was either that or meat, and I know I can't give that up lol
  • Pollywog39
    Pollywog39 Posts: 1,730 Member
    I don't practice Lent anymore, but did as a child. I also don't believe in resolutions, giving things up, or most of the ideas surrounding Lent. I am a Christian (but not an overly religious person), and try to just live each day to the best of my ability.

    That being said, I will continue on the successful path of my life - one day at at time (sometimes, one MINUTE at a time). I will enjoy each day, I will be positive and content with what I have, I will thank God for all He has taken me through, and all He has promised me for my future. I will try to inspire others, I will keep my MFP connections, and I will just be happy!

    Life is good.
    :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
  • jesusislove1526
    jesusislove1526 Posts: 442 Member
    I'm giving up all candy that is not chocolate, and all drinks that are not water. I am also adding on a 20 minute walk to my exercise routine.
  • Suziq2you
    Suziq2you Posts: 396 Member
    Red meat.
  • sara8carol3
    sara8carol3 Posts: 5 Member
    Giving up french fries, my most favorite thing in the world.
  • scoop250
    scoop250 Posts: 1
    I'm giving up chocolate, even the 100 calorie packs of cookies. I've been slipping lately and this will help me tremendously and I added doughnuts to this as well, since my 5 year old has an occasional doughnut and they are so hard to resist!! Now that I think about it, I should give up Facebook as well!! LOL That one would really get me off of my butt!!! One day at at time, I suppose... I have put my goals up on the Fridge to remind me of where I want to be and what I need to do on a Daily basis!!! Good Luck everybody!!!
  • kateroot
    kateroot Posts: 435
    I'm giving up the scale. I've become way too focused on it, and weighing myself daily hasn't gotten me anywhere. I tried to weigh myself on a weekly basis, but having the scale in sight just makes me jump on it every day. I want to break the habit completely, since it's really not about the numbers anyway. I'll determine my progress through my measurements and the way my clothes fit.
  • aNEWmarcus
    aNEWmarcus Posts: 48
    I've decided to give up my £1million a year salary to someone more deserving (plus I never had it in the first place - but it would be nice to be able to say that wouldn't it)...

    On a far more practical note though, I'm a non-practicing Catholic and this year I have chosen to give up Bread and Beer - two stables in my life that I struggle to do without. I ate bread every day and it's traditionally my "hunger craver" as well and bread was also one of the first temptations for Christ (for those that are religious), and I don't think that I could go to the middle ages when meat, eggs and dairy products were generally forbidden..

    And to add to this, I will also endeavour to put some time aside each day to contemplate life, to learn to be a better person, to take a few spare minutes to say thanks for what I have and who I am and to generally use this time of reflection to understand more and to make positive changes to my life that may also help others.
  • kateparedes
    kateparedes Posts: 17 Member
    I'm givng up rice. I eat it everyday as its the staple here, so it's the hardest thing to say "no" to. 40 days shouldn't be so hard!
  • Kristen0526
    Kristen0526 Posts: 168 Member
    I will be giving up using my cell phone while driving completely. I've already stopped using it while I have my son in the car, but I need to stop doing it all together, even when he's not there! Because even if I'm more cautious with him in there with me, it doesn't mean much if I'm not careful to keep myself out of danger all the time! I'll be no good to him dead. I've also decided to stop cursing, my potty mouth is getting pretty bad and I don't want him picking up on any bad habits (yes, I know he's not even 4 months yet and cannot talk but if I don't stop now, how will I be able to stop when he starts repeating everything I say??)

    I've also decided on top of giving things up, I will also be adding something in it's place, in the form of exercise. I try to do a little walking every day, and I've given up using the elevator at work completely, but today after work, my fiance and I are finally going to stop talking about it and we are joining the gym! I can't wait to get back to taking Zumba classes, and our new gym has an indoor pool which will be a great exercise!! I'm very much looking forward to this!:happy:
  • misticache
    misticache Posts: 364 Member
    juice there totally loaded with sugar

    Actually you're right about the sugar but I need a change from water and coffee sometimes. A friend of mine told me to cut the juice in half and add seltzer water (sodium free kind) and that gives you less calories and sugar but also gives you a bubble fix. I used to cut my juice with plain water but the bubblies are soo much better.
  • kristelpoole
    kristelpoole Posts: 440 Member
    Beer... *sniffle*

    ETA: any and all fried foods :brokenheart:
  • jcstanton
    jcstanton Posts: 1,849 Member
    I don't traditionally celebrate Lent, but I think this year I am going to use it to challenge myself in a couple of areas:

    1. NO SWEETS!
    2. NO EATING OUT!

    These are the two things I struggle with the most. Especially that second one, as I am single and sometimes eating a meal out is faster, more convenient, and less work. :tongue:
  • dodd319
    dodd319 Posts: 228
    I just decided that I'm giving up processed sweets, cookies, & cakes! It's really going to suck because I do a ton of baking!!!
  • Pollywog39
    Pollywog39 Posts: 1,730 Member
    juice there totally loaded with sugar

    Actually you're right about the sugar but I need a change from water and coffee sometimes. A friend of mine told me to cut the juice in half and add seltzer water (sodium free kind) and that gives you less calories and sugar but also gives you a bubble fix. I used to cut my juice with plain water but the bubblies are soo much better.

    MMM< I love doing that with juice.............another good bubbly drink is Gatorade or Power Ade, mixed half/half with seltzer or sparkling water. VERY low in calories, and you get that bubbly kick. I don't do any sugar-free items, so am always looking for a low-cal beverage that gives me a "pop" fix!!!
  • moamom1
    moamom1 Posts: 15
    week 1 - giving up the B.L.T.'s (Bites Licks and Tastes) Adding 2 days of dance to my exercise
    week 2 - giving up the chocolate Adding 3 walks a week with my husband
    week 3 - giving up red meat adding 5 pounds of weight to the machines and 5 extra min's on the treadmill
  • InaraTribalDance
    InaraTribalDance Posts: 1
    I am going to give up wheat pasta and stick with the rice pasta.. not only is it gluten free.. but better.. cuts back on carbs as well!
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
    I normally give up watching football for Lent.

    However, this year I am in a leadership position at my Church (Non-Catholic. Lent is a part of the Liturgical Calender in most major denominations) that requies a little more of me so I think I'll take it seriously. I gave up Diet Mountain Dew, we're appraoching 24hrs since my last one and I haven't started tweaking yet. I hope PepsiCo doesn't go out of business because of this decision. It's going to be really tough.

    I was playing with my Bible App over lunch and they were offering all kinds of Lenten studies. I think I will also committ to reading a Bible verse before I run, and chew on said Bible verse while I run.
  • sparklefly74
    sparklefly74 Posts: 40 Member
    I'm giving up candy and chips. I bought a bag of chips the other day for my son's lunches, portioned the majority of them out, and the next day I proceeded to eat the majority of them anyway.
  • MeggieJo04
    MeggieJo04 Posts: 2
    I'm giving up fried food. Lord, give me strength.
  • dodd319
    dodd319 Posts: 228
    My husband told me I need to re-word this. I will give up all processed sweets, and cakes & cookies that are loaded with sugar. I will try making cookies out of fruits, nuts, coconut, honey, etc (real stuff) and only have that stuff. Does this count?
    I just decided that I'm giving up processed sweets, cookies, & cakes! It's really going to suck because I do a ton of baking!!!
  • mollyjackson82
    mollyjackson82 Posts: 128
    I'm giving up pre- made frozen food. No more lean cuisines, lean pockets, ect.

    good! they are horrible for you! keep it up after lent please :happy:
  • karenwill2
    karenwill2 Posts: 604 Member
    I had to give up wheat, barley and rye last year due to intolerance so I now just try to better myself by stepping up my game. since I have had kids my house has fallen into disrepair. So, this Lent I am going to dedicate one full non stop hour to house work daily. So maybe after 40 hours for the 40 days of Lent I will have a clean house and get a good habit started.
  • Jami22
    Jami22 Posts: 253 Member
    I'm giving up meat for Lent. I'm Baptist, not catholic, but I think it's a good practice. Last year I gave up sodas and also kick started my new lifestyle and MFP journey. I'm still soda free 355 days later! I don't plan on giving up meat completely after Lent but if I can cut back on some of the more fatty meats it will help!
  • sandraleigh01
    sandraleigh01 Posts: 7
    Walnuts are one of the best nuts for you, with tons of omega 3 and protein! Omega 3 is a good fat that actually helps to lose weight, so my advice would be to keep the walnuts :)
  • gtwin
    gtwin Posts: 290 Member
    I gave up alcohol, chips, bread and I will be running or walking at least 4 miles everyday during Lent. I think the alcohol is the hardest part.....
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