I'm giving up sugar for Lent - anyone in?

[tinselandlights]

Since Christmas my sugar consumption has been out of control.

I've decided to give up sugar and wheat for Lent, and give the money I would spend on it to the Trussell Trust to keep me on track.

Anyone else in?

@Namechangerange

Are you all aware that Lent is meant to be about doing something to make you realise how lucky you are or giving something back to the world.How about using lent to give to charity? Litter pick? See a lonely person?

I always learnt in church it was demonstrate self discipline and to help empathise with Jesus' plight of sacrifice in the desert (atheist now but can't imagine it's changed much). What denomination are you?

Exactly this

@Pileonsally absolute rubbish.
As a practising Catholic lent to me is giving up something you find difficult to give up in order to understand how Jesus felt when he had no food in the desert.
Lent is different to everyone. It can be starting something new to benefit others or giving something up or simple give thanks.
It's up to you how you interpret it.
Not a time to diet pfft! You do realise people used to fast in daylight hours during lent?!

I’m in - giving up refined sugar, so pastries, cakes, chocolate bars. But I’ll keep having fruit.

pastries are my downfall, I’ve taken to going out for a takeaway coffee mid-morning and always end up getting pastries to have with it, so that’s going to be a struggle.

Oh, great thread! I'm in too.
I have more than one unhealthy habit to change but will concentrate on the sugar to begin with and take it from there.

I need this. Have become reliant on sugar, and am also hiding how much I eat from the rest of the family which I know is not a good sign.

For those giving up fizzy drinks - do you include diet drinks in that? I have a can of Diet Coke every evening - it’s become a bit of a treat / ritual after the kids are in bed. I keep telling myself it’s fine, and not unhealthy. But I’m not actually sure that that’s the case 🙈

@Pileonsally

Are you all aware that Lent is meant to be about doing something to make you realise how lucky you are or giving something back to the world. How about using lent to give to charity? Litter pick? See a lonely person?

Lent is not meant to be an opportunity to diet!

We are aware. That's why we are giving up sugar. It is a constant and forceful temptation. Giving it up requires self discipline. It is all too easy to just say, OK, it's lockdown, I deserve a biscuit etc. Not indulging this constant desire is a small gesture towards the temptations Jesus had to resist in the desert.

@Pileonsally

Are you all aware that Lent is meant to be about doing something to make you realise how lucky you are or giving something back to the world. How about using lent to give to charity? Litter pick? See a lonely person?

Lent is not meant to be an opportunity to diet!

Did you read the OP?

@buzzing I am giving up diet drinks too but only because I find once I have one it leads me on to eating more sugary things. Maybe see how you go? You probably have more control than me!
Dd had a Diet Coke yesterday and it was the only time I thought ooh I would really like one of those.

I need to do this for def, but I am a bit afraid of the terrible first few days of withdrawal!! Any tips for getting through this? Thanks 😊

@Pileonsally

Are you all aware that Lent is meant to be about doing something to make you realise how lucky you are or giving something back to the world. How about using lent to give to charity? Litter pick? See a lonely person?

Lent is not meant to be an opportunity to diet!

Pileonsally I see a semi fast as developing self control, rather than dieting. I am trying to get more healthy because my body is God's temple and it's in a bad way. Giving up things can be a real challenge and of course there are things we can do that aren't food related, but as food is a huge part of our lives I think this is a good thing. Please try not to judge us.

troppibambini6 that sounds really good! I had the same breakfast, lunch and snack today but I am about to make pancake batter and will restart tomorrow.

I'm in too, I started intermittent fasting on January 1st and lost 10 lbs that month, I'm weighing monthly so have no idea how much I've lost so far in February.

I'm sure cutting out sweet treats will help my losses so although I've already cut right back I'll commit to having no biscuits, chocolate, crisps, cake etc.

Right, I had pancakes with maple syrup for breakfast, and chocolate pancakes with chocolate spread for pudding just now, and I'm now ready to go without. Cant wait...

I'm in too! I gave up alcohol as my New Year's Resolution but have just replaced it all with chocolate and put nearly a stone on .

I said goodbye to sugar with an unnecessary Penguin just now. I bloody love Penguins.

Grrrr I'm tetchy tonight I'm really craving something sweet.
I'm going to have some nuts I'm going to turn into a bloody squirrel at this rate...

Yes! I am out of control. The cold; the boredom.

Ooh is wine included? I can't give up wine

I said goodbye to sugar with three pancakes with lemon and sugar. I'm a bit stuffed now and slightly nauseous. Happy Pancake Day/ Shrove Tuesday!

@SugarfreeBlitz

I said goodbye to sugar with three pancakes with lemon and sugar. I'm a bit stuffed now and slightly nauseous. Happy Pancake Day/ Shrove Tuesday!

Me too!! I actually don’t eat loads of sugar anyway but it sneaks in more than I’d like

Just had the same sweet pancakes and feel a bit gross

I'm in! I do this most years. It's so hard but so needed as well. And I include alcohol because otherwise I just replace sugar with wine. Just preparing for the massive sugar come down today/tomorrow.

Can I join too. Sorry I'm a bit late to the sugar free party but I need to do something to stop me snacking in the evening. And I love a bit of moral support!

😳 I had three pancakes, followed by half a bar of fruit and nut tonight as my Mardi Gras celebration before tomorrow 😬😬😬 good luck everyone!

To get through I'm aiming for:
Loads of water
Early night
Good distraction techniques!

Just posted this on another thread, but ...

I'm currently stuffing my third chocolate bar of the day into my gob, even though I feel a bit sick, and wondering whether I can eat two Twix bars, another Turkish Delight and a 5 pack of Curly Wurlies before midnight.

(That is what is currently in the 'chocolate' tin)

Two pancakes with homemade Chantilly cream and blueberries. So good. And three chocolate digestives after lunch.

But from tomorrow - no sugar until Good Friday's hot cross buns.

Right! I'm in! Joining on a whim because I really need this. Have gained weight and got flabby since last March. I need the group accountability. I've never given up anything for Lent before.

I will avoid: cake, biscuits, chocolate, sweets, alcohol. I don't drink much anyway. I will still have fruit though, and will try to reduce my carb portions.

Good luck everyone!

I've had my last hurrah for 40 days (I hope) and stocked up on a variety of nuts hoping they help keep my mind off the craving that will come for sugar. I done some affirmations today and plan to continue this on and hopefully exercise/walk loads to help keep focused.
Will check in for inspiration and to hopefully provide some support and encouragement.

Good Luck!