So, you all know how I gave up sweets for Lent, right? I only had sweets on Sundays and abstained completely during the week (except for the day of our anniversary when we went out for dinner.) I knew that my sweets habit was getting out of hand, but apparently I didn't realize just how much. I'm going to tell you something embarrassing here:
Y'all, I lost 8 pounds!
Why is this embarrassing? Well, I didn't do it to lose weight, I did it because I knew it would be a sacrifice for me and that is what Lent is all about. I expected I'd maybe lose 2 pounds. But 8! I've never lost 8 pounds in my life. Even when I was running three times a week AND dieting I only lost 4 pounds. It's somewhat astonishing to me that JUST by cutting sweets, I could lose that much. I did not alter any other eating habit or exercise any more, and I still had juice and the occasional soda, as well as foods like fruit and yogurt that have sugar in them. That shows you how much dessert I ate!
I should probably be reflecting on all the spiritual growth that happened during this period of fasting; however, I think the biggest lesson I learned in all of it was that I need to cut back and make sweets a treat instead of an every day occurrence. My clothes fit better, and I feel better, so I think this is one change I'm going to adopt permanently. Probably not as strictly...maybe sweets on the weekends or something. But no more ice cream after every dinner! I would really like this lovely surprise to stick.
What about you, any unexpected (but welcomed!) side effects of your Lent season?
That is awesome! That is a pleasant surprise! It's amazing how many calories we consume without realizing it! I guess my only good side effect is that I am significantly less "dependent" on the tv for entertainment - found I enjoy reading!
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