Oh, Coke Zero, it’s been a week since we we’ve seen each other.  I thought I’d miss you, but honestly, I don’t.  Although I’ve always loved you and used to drink 24 or more ounces of you a day, I’m finding that water tastes much better.  I’m not promising I won’t come back to you (in  moderation), but for now, I’m keeping my distance.  Because, honestly you haven’t loved me back.  You’ve filled my body with all sorts of chemicals and crap.  You’re also a waste of my money… $3 for a glass of you at a restaurant… ridiculous!

For the first time ever, I’m giving something up for lent: chemical preservatives / additives / sweeteners / emulsifiers in foods, grains that have been refined or bleached, and basically non fruit desserts.  It’s actually been easier than I’ve thought, so far I’m not craving anything or having to use great restraint to keep from eating something.  (I am still feeding my kids semi-normally though.)

So why am I doing this?  To be honest, it’s a spiritual thing.  When I read the bible, I notice that oftentimes there are 40 day fasts mentioned.  I’m pretty sure in those times when they did a 40 day fast, they spent the day praying, not going about their normal routines of taking care of children, laundry, homes, going to work, whatever.   So for me, I don’t think a true 40 day fast is realistic, so this is my version.  I’m fasting from something that I’ve grown accustomed to, something that I’ve felt entitled to.   I’m stepping out of my comfort zone and saying, “God, I need you more than I want those things.”

But I am ultimately hoping this time will be full of health benefits as well.  I’m hoping that it will “cleanse” my system.  I’m hoping that it will give me a jump-start on what has become a stagnant weight loss journey.  I’m hoping that it will help me feel good.  I’m hoping that it will help me develop life long habits and find new foods that I like.

So for now, I’ll go finish my lunch… a glass of lemon water, a tuna wrap (chunk tuna that was packed in water only, carrots, red peppers, drizzled with fresh lemon juice, rolled up in lettuce), a handful of sweet potato chips prepared with sunflower oil and sea salt followed by raisins to end with something sweet.  Who knew that I’d find this lunch so absolutely delicious… me, the girl who used to (you know, a week ago) prefer her tuna mixed with mayo and relish on a good roll or bread with potato chips that were probably fried in partially hydrogenated oil, followed by a few Oreos, all while drinking a coke zero…

♥Becki