For many people tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of Lent. We are taught that Lent is about making sacrifices, and can sometimes get a negative association. However, putting a positive spin on sacrificing can make those 40 days fly by.
If you celebrate Lent and have not figured out what to give up yet you could use this opportunity to make healthier eating habits. Let’s face it, bathing suit season is right around the corner, so why not get a head start? Here are some examples: giving up soda pop, chocolate or sweets in general, pastries, red meat, pasta, dairy products, alcohol or even electronics such as TV, to help you be more active.
Caroline Diperna, 22, of Allison Park has decided to give up bread, “My mom gave up bread one year for Lent, and she found she could easily get carbs through other forms such as brown rice and sweet potatoes. She increased her protein with yogurt and hummus.” Caroline has accepted this difficult challenge, “I would like to pursue a healthier life” she admitted. However Caroline is not alone, she has recruited a co-worker to journey the 40 days of Lent with her, “When you give up the same thing as someone else you can hold each other accountable. We will find ways to make it work like eating a lettuce wrap instead of sandwich for lunch!”
Lent can be a second chance at a New Year’s Resolution; of course, it is never too late to start healthy eating habits, and who knows? Perhaps they might stick long after Lent ends!
Stay tuned, as we follow Caroline through her journey in the upcoming weeks.
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