Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
As most of you know through your own faith or just hearing about it, Lent begins today. I was introduced to Lent as a teenager and had several friends that gave up something up (aka fasted) for 40 days to symbolize the suffering that Jesus went through before his Crucifixion.
So, as I'm sitting here chowing down on my version of the BK Eggnormous Burrito, I thought it would be meaningful to support my husband and all my Catholic friends by taking Lent. And okay, I may have an ulterior motive of using it as motivation to shed those extra pounds that crept on during the holidays.
First, I want to be clear that when I use the term 'Fast,' I am referring to the meaning in the Bible. I am not referring to fasting as a lifestyle change or diet or refraining from eating for long periods of time. I am not a health coach, doctor or nutritionist. I'm just a supportive wife and friend wanting to shed a little weight before swimsuit season.
I guess you're wondering what I've chosen to give up. Because it's one of the culprits that causes inflammation in my body and flares up my Hashimotos disease, I've decided to fast from sugar for the next six weeks. I know, I know. It's going to require a lot of discipline, which is why I'm doing it in tandem with Lent.
Oh how I love sugar, and believe me, I've tried going cold turkey without success. But, I've found some alternative ways to eliminate it from my diet without crazy withdrawals. I simply replace the sugar, chocolate, sweets with my favorite fruit. Eventually, the fruit satisfied me so much that anything with sugar tasted sour.
I'm lucky that in today's market, there are many healthy sugar subs and various diet lifestyles that have sweet tasting food without sugar! I've explored Paleo and Keto and found some great recipes that are winners for me.
When my 40 day fast is over, I'll have achieved less inflammation in my body, clearer thinking, better sleep and more energy for my workouts. So, I'm going to take it one step at a time. If I happen to cheat, I won't beat myself up and I won't quit. I'll just learn from this experience, start again and press on to the finish line. And I get to do that with the support from my hubby and friends.
And here's my encouragement for you: six weeks really isn't that long. We go longer without things that hold less importance in our lives. Achieving overall health is a daily commitment and if you choose to make real changes in your life, find a group of like-minded people to keep you accountable with positive reinforcement.
Choosing to fast during Lent put me in the race with others who can encourage and cheer me on. Running the race together makes it easier to reach the finish line. Ready? Set. GO!! Hope to see a new you in 40 days.
Stay Strong! Amy