If you give up what you love for Lent, is it worth it?
Lent is the six weeks leading up to Easter, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday – that’s 40 days, to be precise. Many Christians consider this stretch of the year one of the most important as it remembers the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ. However, some non-Christians also participate in this Easter tradition by choosing to give up something they love.
Lent allows for reflection and acceptance, with many people using this period to give up their luxuries and appreciate what they already have in life. So join us as we explore ‘Lent trends’ and discover what treats people are going without this year and the potential benefits of doing so.
Give up alcohol
Now this one is a biggie. And we know it can take a lot of willpower to abstain for what seems like forever. But doing so can have tremendous health benefits.
Firstly let’s talk about sleep. Giving up alcohol for just one month could change your sleep pattern dramatically as your body can absorb essential ‘REM’ sleep. This type of sleep is deep and nourishing; you should have two to seven sleep cycles every night. When intoxicated, your body misses out on this essential process and has few REM sleep cycles. This often explains overtiredness and its knock-on effect on the next day.
If you give up your favourite gin or pale ale it can also be great for weight loss. Pausing your daily or weekly alcohol splurge could save around 1000 calories weekly. Also, think of that money you could be saving too. According to Nimble Fins, the average Brit spends £916 a year on alcohol alone – think how else you could use that money.
Your whole body will ultimately thank you for this sacrifice. Cutting out alcohol can boost hydration levels – which is essential for healthy and radiant-looking skin. Look out for improved liver health, as doing so increases insulin resistance. This is vital for preventing fatty liver disease and other long-term health problems caused by drinking alcohol regularly.
As you can see, the there are many reasons to give up alcohol for Lent. So we really would recommend trying this one out.
Take a break from chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most common ‘luxuries’ sacrificed at Lent. It may not be as easy as it seems, as many adults in the UK are addicted to sugar, according to The Independent. Erasing chocolate from your diet, even for a few weeks, can have significant health benefits besides obvious factors like weight loss.
Cutting out this sweet treat may mean a reduction in mood swings because “sugar is a toxin that can deplete energy levels and create havoc on blood sugar levels”, according to registered nutritionist Jay Cowin. Doing so can also help improve sleeping patterns as chocolate contains caffeine which can keep you up at night (yes, you heard us right – caffeine!). Having caffeine in our system can harm other factors and cause emotional imbalance. If giving up chocolate altogether is too tricky, try choosing a dark chocolate that is 70% cacao or higher.
Leave meat alone
In an attempt to be greener and live sustainably, joining the meat-free clan (even though it may be temporary) could be worthwhile. Generally, giving up meat and introducing more veggies into your diet is excellent for improving overall health and weight management. This is because fruit and vegetables contain higher levels of antioxidants, fibre and micronutrients.
However, we know this can be quite a shift, as many people report feeling hungry when removing meat from their diet. However, introducing protein-rich foods can help keep you fuller for longer. Eggs, tofu and lentils are great alternatives if you’re switching to a meat-free diet, and there are hundreds of delicious recipes for you to try, which we love.
Check out this lentil bolognese by Weight Watchers – we made it ourselves, and you need to try it too!
Giving something up for Lent is a very personal thing. However, whether you choose or not choose to forego your favourite treat this year, why not use this time to appreciate what currently exists in your life?
Love them a little harder during Lent, whether a close friend or your favourite dessert. Take time to appreciate what you have and stay happy – and if that means enjoying a little of something you love every now and again, do it.
And, of course, if you’re planning any occasion during Lent and would like some help designing a menu ‘sans’ your favourite treat, please get in touch.
