Poll: Do you give anything up for Lent?

[lindrusso]

It's getting closer to Ash Wednesday (Feb. 28) and I was wondering if any of you give up things for Lent? Or if you do any fasting?

My husband and I usually give up something food related because not only is it hard to do (you're not supposed to give up something like liver http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ) but it can also have health benefits as well. I'm not Catholic (my husband is), so I've never had the emphasis on fasting and not eating meat on Fridays.

I have a recommendation - don't give up something different than your husband. On year I gave up sweets and he gave up beer. Then we were both drooling while the other would eat or drink!!

Do any of you try to do something good instead of giving something up?

I'm not sure what I'm planning to do this year.

[lsdesign]

My DH converted to Eastern Orthodox Christianity several years ago. They do a big fast with no dairy, meat or oil. I had to keep it with him to some extent as I was the cook. You can't believe how difficult it is to find meals that have no dairy or oil in them! I often wondered why his church members seemed so overweight with 2 fasts like this per year. Go figure.

[Zinnia]

Hi Lindrusso,
I agree with your 'recommendation', & know from experience how hard that is, lol! I am also curious as to what other families do.
I am Catholic, & Friday's are our fish,seafood,grilled cheese,cereal,pancake,salad, &/or veggie dinner nights. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Zinnia

[Laura]

My faith does not place an emphasis on fasting during Lent. I was raised Catholic however, and I don't remember ever making it through Lent without cheating. I also remember having waffles with strawberries and whip cream on Fridays because my dad couldn't eat most fish. Such suffering! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

[sneezles]

Having spent 8 years in Catholic school, taught by nuns in habit and made to feel all the world's problems were our responsibilty, and that every thougt we had as teenagers was a sin, no, I no longer give up something at Lent. We try to remember to eat fish on Friday but fasting is out! Leads to overeating at dinner Friday night!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif !

[This message has been edited by sneezles (edited 01-17-2001).]

[lorilei]

I have not observed this Lenten tradition for years, although I appreciate the sentiment behind the gesture -- the idea of giving up one small thing out of gratefulness for a far more significant gift.

I was raised protestant, but in a family that encouraged a sacrificial attitude during Lent. I often gave up icecream, chocolate or another "luxury" item. Something I would miss having, but which would remind me that there were more important things in life.

I still think this is a worthy tradition... and maybe this year I'll consider resurrecting it in one form or another http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Angelina]

Born a Roman Catholic, grew up in Italy...but never gave up anything for Lent! That's just the way we grew up.. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[acorreia]

Born and raised RCatholic. We always gave up something for Lent, and I still do. Because I've changed my diet dramatically, I don't eat hardly anything that I would have given up before. My husband would love to see me eat more as my Lenten sacrafice (ha!ha!). But, maybe this year I'll give up coffee. That would kill me and it would definitely be a challenge.

We do like to do the "extra" as well. I love going to Stations of the Cross on Fridays. Also, I've volunteered with Catholic Charities to visit the elderly. I'm really excited about that.

As for fasting, I choose not to totally fast. I may decrease my portions or not do snacks, but I cannot NOT eat. I get too grumpy, then the purpose is defeated.

-Angela

[emilycat]

I'm Epsiscopalian, and we always observe Lent...well, my sister and I do...
Lorilei, I really liked the way you so simply summarized the tradition of a Lenten sacrifice; I truly feel that it is a token of gratefulness and appreciation not only for the much larger sacrifice that is the focus of Easter.

In the past, I've done something "extra" instead, too; last year I tried to make it to all of the Holy Day services, but I didn't succeed, so maybe I'll have to try that one again.
I don't know what I'll give up this year...maybe I'll abandon shopping; it may sound trivial, but it would truly be a great challenge for me! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Emily


[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 01-17-2001).]

[lorilei]

Originally posted by emilycat:
...maybe I'll abandon shopping; it may sound trivial, but it would truly be a great challenge for me! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
Emily


Just so long as it's not grocery shopping http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

That would be taking the "fasting" aspect to the extreme http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[pmmahan]

I was raised in a very traditional catholic household. As a kid, I think I gave up candy, but that wasn't a big deal, cause I didn't eat it a lot.
an interesting discussion - I'll have to talk to me fiance. He is converting to Catholicism, and maybe it will be somthing we can do together!

[JanetB]

Well, I survived Catholic school K-BA! And, I still practice. We always did and I continue to do the fast/no meat on Fridays. It was always pizza or fish sticks as a kid. I've taken that up a notch since I started cooking.
My Mom has always stressed the importance of the Lenten sacrifice. As a kid, I'd give up candy or something else I really liked. In college, my roommate and I gave up cursing for Lent (we both worked in the college food services and had developed a lousey vocab!). We did it with a twist. Everytime we cursed we had to put a quarter in a huge jar in our room which we had to had over to charity before we left for Easter break. Well, it became the dorm joke. The thing was full in a week. We used to buy curses when we were angry - but as our $$ got low we weaned ourselves of the habit. At the end of Lent, we handed over $80 to charity. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
I've tried giving up coffee two or three Lents. This is more a sacrifice for those around me. I am not a nice person without it, and the headaches are extreme. Everytime I tried it - I've had to change it to cutting back. Although - I'm down to two cups a day - without it I have serious headaches.
Recently, at the suggestion of one of the priests from my college, I've gotten in the habit of doing something that is a sacrifice like volunteering on the weekends, or staying in a few nights and giving the $$ to charity. Or, saying the Rosary daily (which is what I think I will do this year).

[food girl]

This is a very interesting thread. My husband and I gave up eating out (no takeout, pizza dilevery, catered lunches at work) for lent 2 years in a row. This was what spurred me to cook and to buy my first issue of CL.

In the last few years we have given up meat, sweets and alcohol. Giving up desserts caused me to have a year-long binge on them afterwards.

I haven't thought or prayed about what to give up this year.

[SHERRY]

With two little children, who don't have to observe the dietary fasting, I tend to cook regular meals during lent, avoiding meat on Fridays, of course.. ..

But, this year we are going to try something else, we are going to try giving up TV...I am hoping we can increase family time this way, playing games with our two boys and relying less on artificial entertainment. I am sure it will be a good challenge for us and help us become aware of the luxuries we seem to grow to accustomed to.

[JHolcomb]

I was raised Baptist (but we never went to church because it scared me so badly that I has nightmares). My family never gave anything up for Lent-I didn't realize that people did until I was in my teens-not many Catholics where I'm from. Anyway, when I started dating my husband, I started going to Lutheran (ELCA) services and loved it so much and joined the church (which we got married in). So last year was really my first year as a "practicing" Christian, I guess, and I gave up french fries for Lent. It was something that was very important to me and somehow made me really aware of the season-it had never seemed quite so important to me before. I know, they're just french fries...anyway, I'll give up something again this year, but I don't know what yet. Probably ice cream. That's my real vice.

[This message has been edited by JHolcomb (edited 01-17-2001).]

[RUSTYSMOM]

Good Question! I alsways look forward to teh sacrifice of lent. Somehow when it is Lent whatever I commit to do or give up I stick with. Any other time of year I can come up with 10 reasons why it is okay not to stick with whatever it may be.

Years ago I gave up candy and have not really eaten it since. Last year I gave up bread which was a very big sacrifice. I will do this again this year. Maybe desserts as well. I drive my husband crazy going over board (his opinion) with my lenten resolutions. In addition I will esablish some specifc personal outreach goals.

[Natasha]

I m pretty sure my loved ones would try very hard to keep me from trying to give up coffee for that long! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Laura Wick]

Originally posted by sneezles:
Having spent 8 years in Catholic school, taught by nuns in habit and made to feel all the world's problems were our responsibilty, and that every thougt we had as teenagers was a sin, no, I no longer give up something at Lent. We try to remember to eat fish on Friday but fasting is out! Leads to overeating at dinner Friday night!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif !

[This message has been edited by sneezles (edited 01-17-2001).]
Dear Sneezles: I was raised in a very strict Roman Catholic environment, and also went to Parochial Schools, was usually taught by nuns. Some of them were very unhappy human beings, and looking back, I think they took it out on the children in their care. The guilt complexes that they inspired are what I truly resent them for. . . . . .
Because religion was just about crammed down my throat in childhood, I quit going to church as soon as I went away to college. I tried several times to start going again, but several things seemed to get in the way, specifically three moves as well as some less than pleasant experiences with priests.

We moved to San Diego three years ago, and just over a year ago, started going to a catholic church that we really like. We don't go every Sunday, but we are making an effort, and are enjoying it more than we thought possible. I really appreciate Lindrusso for starting this thread--I am going to observe a Lenten sacrifice this year for the first time in MANY years!

[Vanessa]

My hubby gives up coca cola & I give up my passion chocolate! One yr he suggested I give up coffee well not a good one. I had to break down as I had the worst headaches.
I don't know what or if we are giving up on food items this year. Mostly you can give up eating out and give the $ you wuld spent to charity etc. We are both Catholics.Lent is a very special time. We observe guidelines (no meat Friday Ash Wed observed etc etc).

[MrsReber]

Okay, now I know there are no stupid questions, but please forgive my terrible lack of knowledge on this subject. I grew up in a household where we didn't practice any religion at all. My parents were turned off of religion because of the religion my two grandmothers chose. Could someone explain the reason behind giving up something for lent?

[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 04-01-2001).]

[lindrusso]

Mrs Reber - Lorilei touched on it in her message. Giving up something for Lent is a symbolic gesture of the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us on the Cross. Many people give up things during Lent(and they should be things that are difficult to give up - that's why I said that for most people, giving up liver wouldn't count http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ). Others do things that enrich them spiritually such as helping others, reading passages of the bible daily, etc.

Hope that helps a little! I'm Presbyterian and our family didn't give up things for Lent, fast or avoid meat on Fridays. However, I sort of adopted the Lenten sacrifice because I think it is a wonderful spiritual gesture.

[lsdesign]

I want to take the "sentiment" a bit further to describe that Lent is even more about realizing that our lives are in or about the food we eat but that our lives are in Christ. Lent is a reminder that we don't live by bread alone but by the life/love of Jesus Christ that is in us.

[acorreia]

Now I am concerned about giving up coffee for Lent. Do yall think it would help if I drank tea instead, or do you still get the headaches?

-Angela

[sneezles]

Laura
I appreciate your post, it is difficult sometimes to get past the things I was subjected to as a child (MrsReber seems to have the same situation, only opposite). I did raise my boys Catholic (DH was raised Presbyterian but left the children's education to me) adn do try to attend church as often as possible (after some Saturday nights running the bar until 1:00 am is difficult). I left my last parish after the pastor would only talk about money. Our new parish is very nice and the msgr. is very kind so it's easier here. I have my boys do something extra during Lent-community service type things so the guilt involved with "cheating"(eating whatever it is they chose to give-up) isn't a part of their Lenten season.

[Angela]

One year I gave up soda and haven't particularly liked it since. Another year I gave up potato chips, Dorrito's, etc. and haven't eaten them since and that was about 10 years ago! So given up food items for lent has help me eat better.

[MrsReber]

Thanks lindrusso and lsdesign. That does help me a bit. I always feel a bit lost when people discuss religions- not to get way off the subject here, but it always seemed like a good way to connect to people and base your life on some very good principals. My parents were always so against it, though, after their experiences. Me and my sister always feel weird trying to talk to my parents about it. They gave us this feeling that religion was such a bad thing. But my sister has since joined a church in NC and I have to admit that I think about it often. Just seems like there is so little time to fit everything in.

[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 04-01-2001).]

[Laura Wick]

Angela--Boy do you have the right idea! Do you PLAN to never eat these things again, or does it just happen? If I could do that, in about 20 years I would be eating a really healthy diet!.

[food girl]

Originally posted by JHolcomb:
I was raised Baptist (but we never went to church because it scared me so badly that I has nightmares.

This made me laugh! I grew up Baptist and I consider being Methodist my "therapy" for growing up Baptist.

Yes, there are lots of nice Baptists, my entire family included!

Lisa

[LUCYT]

I too was born and raised Catholic. I grew up in a very Italian family but never gave anything up for lent until I started attending a Presbytarian Church! I gave up chocolate every lent for several years and I found that I no longer had the craving for it! I heard somewhere that it takes 40 days to make or break a habit.

[Jen]

I came across this article in my local Catholic newspaper, and thought it touched very well on some of the topics brought up in this thread. I hope I don't offend anyone by posting this - but I know there are many other Catholics on this board, and others who are interested in learning more about what the Lenten sacrifice is all about. Hope you will find this useful.
http://bcc.rcav.org/01-04-02/c-luttrell.htm

[CheerLiz]

Hi Jen -- Great article! I teach in a Catholic school, and every morning during Lent the Campus Minister (who is, ironically, a lay woman!) suggests something to DO for the day instead of something to GIVE UP. Yesterday, it was to say something kind to someone you envy. The day before it was to thank a person in your life who has been influential to you. Wednesday it was clean out your closets of all the clutter you've accumulated in the past year and donate it to charity. I find things like that much more inspiring than giving up soda. Besides, do you know what it's like to face a class of 20 seventeen-year-olds at 8:00 am who have given up coffee for Lent? NOT a pretty picture.

Of course, the cafeteria doesn't serve meat on Fridays, but that's OK with me, since I'm a vegetarian. Grilled cheese and pasta primavera for everyone! Yay Lent!

(Tee hee.)

[matt]

I only gave up one thing in this world i love more than mint choclate chip cookies is Buffalo Wings. Boy have I been tempted, I love them so very very much. So far have not had them and I feel good I gave up something. Matt

[MrsReber]

Oh no! Why'd you have to mention wings?! My husband will love you for that. There are these awesome wings at this little hole in the wall bar near our house. The seed has been planted in my brain......