So as you know, I’m planning on the total cliché of giving up sweets for Lent. Junk, really. Which means that instead of eating chocolate and cookies, I can’t just turn to the Chee-tos. I mean, obviously snack food is still acceptable, as cannot live without snacks. But the sugar is what really needs to go. (That’s what *they* said – Survivor! mwah.) I’m just afraid of falling back on a bunch of carbs – sugar in a different form. And also, what am I going to do in those lulls after lunch and dinner, when I *need* something sweet. So I want to begin a list of acceptable backups or substitutes to have on hand, because obviously something will have to fill in the gaps. Can’t eat my hand. Won’t be hungry for lunch.
*fruit (strawberries!)
*hard-boiled eggs
*various trail mixes
*cheese
*cheese
*bruschetta
*chips and salsa
*veggies & dip
*more cheese
Please continue in comments.
-pen
5 comments:
i think you're right to be guarded-and the list is an excellent idea- like a good sub routine. part of the cliche thats so good is getting to the idea of how much it controls you and conversely how much more control you should be giving to God, or spending time with him, or asking for his help. normally during times of need or mad sugar cravings or even withdrawl- one would actually pray to God not only for his help but in a gesture of penance? or something that confesses your weakness. (therefore its not just about the list and the sub routine though i think it is crucial).. so that by the end of the 40 days you're developing a prayer life, learning to hear Gods voice, and spending time with him. ( i clarify this for myself as well). but now as i write this you want more list stuff and not commentary on lent- and im for that so let me see: more fruit, string cheese, peanut butter with fruit, cheese with fruit, veggies with peanut butter, hummus, pita bread, those mini bread things you had at your house the last time i was there and they were good, salami!, mango salsa, rice crackers, oooh rice cakes, guacamole...
oh and ps. i think i'm getting a cold.
Almonds,
i ditto M on the praying during sugar-need thing. also, sugar-free gum. i have some in my desk at work and it is soooooooo helpful when i need something sweet. i actually think part of the craving is boredom or frustration and the act of chewing relieves it more than eating something sugary. sometimes. sometimes i through out the wad of gum and go find chocolate. : )
speaking of, there is actually this really tasty sugar-free chocolate from TJ's. i am trying to decide if eating this while giving up sugar for Lent is cheating. because, it accomplishes the same exact thing other chocolate would... hmmmm....
Be wary of sorbital, which is an alcohol sugar... It seems magical, but there can be digestive side effects like gas. It might be better to eat one piece of gum with sugar instead.
big sacrifice - good to have support in place. pretzels? bagels/English muffins? chewy, sucky things, because I agree, sometimes it's just the absent-minded chewing/eating that is needed. raisins or yogurt covered raisins. regular yogurt for that matter - it feels like a dessert sometimes because it's creamy. add some granola on top even. I like M&M's or chocolate chips in my trail mix. Or the sweet Chex mix. And Nekot "cracker" cookies. not helpful here, sorry. Ummmm, mini muffins? are those too sweet? like blueberry, that's partly "fruit" Maybe cereals - not the super sugary ones, but slightly better ones that you can eat dry, or that get you getting milk, too. I always liked Golden Grahams dry, but not sure if that's too sugary or not. ok, I'm snacky hungry now. so glad I bought those Double Stuff Oreo Cakesters today. whew!
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