Cutting Back

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. Many people decide to give something up for Lent as a sacrifice. Jesus sacrificed His life for us so it shouldn't be hard for us to give up something as well, right?

I didn't have to think long about what we needed to give up as a family. We all have such a sweet tooth and are constantly picking up candy here or a package of cookies there. Not only is this unhealthy, but it isn't a treat if it is constantly available. We talked as a family about it and have decided to cut back on all these sweets. During this time I may make a batch of cookies here and there or pick up a treat occasionally (Sundays, I have learned, are exempt from the Lenten fast so a small treat then would be allowed). But a treat will now become a treat, and not a given.

And that is the whole point of a treat, right? To be rewarded with good behavior or be surprised with an out of the ordinary snack. If you get these goodies several times weekly, or daily, how is that any different than your regular diet? Just add a side of candy bar and call your meal complete.

As a child we rarely got candy, and when we did it was something small like a dum-dum sucker or we shared a small bag of skittles. Pop (or soda for those who are not from the mid-west) was an even rarer treat...we typically only got it at family get togethers or for a very special occasion. So we treasured those treats and really did feel like it was a special occasion when we received them.

This is not just meant as a sacrifice until Easter. I want our eating habits to change and I think the first step is to try to cut down (way down) in the sweets department. During the Lenten season I think it will be difficult, and will be a sacrifice, but they say that after 21 days you tend to be able to stick to your new habit, and I hope this "less sugar, less junk" habit will stick with us after Easter has passed.

What have I decided to be junk food? Store bought cookies and donuts, candy, and pop. These are all our downfalls and this is the area that we need the most work on. I actually started this goal a couple days ago and am on day three of no sweets. I feel better already. But I have to admit that I still have a strong craving at times and hope that I can pass by these treats at the grocery store next time I go shopping - that will be my biggest challenge! I will keep you all updated on how we are doing.