Although I do not consider myself a Catholic anymore, some habits die hard. So, for Lent, I found myself wondering what I would "give up." DH and I both decided to forego soda and sugary snacks. I only drink diet soda, but it is still such a trigger for me that I tend to binge on sugary snacks WHILE drinking diet soda. It's the sweet taste - I know that. And it's the intense sweet taste of the artificial sweetener that makes me want more of that intense sweet. So I try to find it in other places. Logically, it makes perfect sense to stop drinking soda and all that will go away.
Which brings me to Lent. For 40 days and 40 nights, DH and I are giving up soda and sugary snacks in the hope that this will reduce, if not eliminate, the cravings we both feel for sweet stuff. I just have to say that even after the headaches from withdrawal (caffiene and sugar) it is still so hard for me to resist sweet stuff. It's only been since Wednesday and right now I am this close to checking myself in next to Britney for some detox. THIS IS HARD!!!!!!!!! And of course it is Girl Scout cookie season...and of course I had ordered 5 boxes before Lent...and of course they came in on Friday...and of course they are teasing me from the kitchen because I haven't been to work since I got them to give them away. UGH!!!
BUT...the whole reason I haven't given in yet is the scale. Just since Wednesday, I have lost about 8 pounds. I have done nothing else to my diet or lifestyle other than eliminate soda and sweets. Bit that has forced my calorie consumption to go down, since I don't eat between meals and I don't eat them mindlessly anymore. Wow - 8 pounds! I'm beginning to suspect an allergy that is finally being treated. Don't the docs say that food allergies can be so subtle that only bloat is the symptom? Hmmm...
Anyway, I am trying to take it day by day, sometimes minute by minute, to make it through 40 days and 40 nights. 4 down, 36 to go. Tick, tock...
Posted By: AZteacher
Comments to this post:
02/25/2007 12:36
I, too,
ordered girl scout cookies. 10 boxes. I'm going to give away every last box the minute I receive them, I promise everyone here!
You're doing great. Instead of looking at it as 40 days and 40 nights, do it the other way around. One day, two days. Maybe that will help?
Here is an interesting tidbit -- Sundays are not included in the 40 days of Lent. So it is actually 46 days. Think how awesome you will feel in six weeks!!!
I know the girls already delivered your cookies -- but next year (or if acosted by any other cute little Brownie you can't turn down) ask about the "Gift of Caring." Our troop, for example, took cookies to wounded soldiers from Iraq at one of our local military hospitals. When people purchased a box for Gift of Caring we even gave them a little card to fill out for the soldier. (This is not usually done by troops though, so don't be surprised if you don't get one). Its a great way (in my unbiased opinion ) to both support the GS troops and whatever group they have chosen to donate cookies to.
I think diet soda is a bigger trigger than regular! Congrats on giving it up. After lent is over, you can decide if you really want it any more at all. Its deal time again. If you still want to participate, just blog on over an give me your stats - Shelly
WOW! Giving up for lent? I am not Catholic... but I wonder if I could do that... 40 days and 40 nights... So what happens afte that? is there a ceremony ending lent or do you just get to go buy a candy bar? =-) ha ha haha I admore your conviction. GOOD FOR YOU! My life is kinda sucky right now. I have fallen down on cking on all my blogging buddies. I am trying to get back into it. You are a gorgeous lady. Hope to hear from you soon!! Love, Jen
Well, after all my hard work. I gained! SHIT! =-) I know what I did wrong... PORTIONS! I need to keep my portions DOWN!!! I think that even though I have cut out the snacking.. I still need to cut back!! Well, You are doing great!! U GO GIRL!! I am so proud of you!! KICK BUTT!! Love, Jen
) to both support the GS troops and whatever group they have chosen to donate cookies to.