Lent - The 'Try Before You Buy' Habit Changer?
Are you still going with your New Year’s Resolutions? If you are then you are better than the vast majority of the population. Assuming you haven’t given up completely on your goal – whatever that may be – Have you decided when to restart?
Lent is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already mentally preparing to bid a temporary farewell to your favorite indulgence—chocolate. Whether it’s that mid-afternoon square of dark chocolate, the sneaky stash of M&Ms in your desk drawer, or the post-dinner chocolate lava cake that calls your name, giving it up for 40 days can feel like a Herculean task. But fear not, eco-savvy women of wit and wisdom! With a little preparation, a dash of creativity, and a sprinkle of sustainable flair, you can conquer this challenge and emerge stronger, healthier, and maybe even a little smug about your willpower.
And it doesn’t have to be Chocolate – that’s just my drug of choice. Any habit that you would rather ditch can be road tested during lent, which is a much more manageable timeframe than the ‘forever’ required by NYR’s. Its long enough to form a new habit, but you can see a light at the end of the tunnel of testing.
1. Set Your Intentions (and Make Them Eco-Friendly)
Before you dive headfirst into your chocolate (or other habit)-free journey, take a moment to reflect on why you’re doing this. Is it to break a dependency on sugar? To reset your taste buds? To prove to yourself that you can? Whatever your reason, write it down—on recycled paper, of course. Better yet, use a reusable chalkboard or a digital note-taking app to save trees.
Pro tip: Pair your Lenten goal with an eco-friendly habit. For example, for every day you resist chocolate, put a pound coin (or five) into a jar and use it to fund a sustainable treat at the end of Lent, like a package of fair-trade, organic chocolate—because you deserve it.
2. Declutter Your Space (and Your Life)
Out of sight, out of mind. Start by clearing your home, office, and car of any chocolate temptations. Donate unopened treats to a food bank or share them with friends (bonus points for reducing food waste). Replace your chocolate stash with healthier, eco-conscious snacks like roasted nuts, dried fruit, or homemade energy balls made with ingredients from your local bulk store.
While you’re at it, take this opportunity to declutter other areas of your life. Clear out your email inbox, organize your pantry, or finally tackle that junk drawer. A clutter-free environment can help you feel more in control and less likely to cave to cravings.
The added bonus is the boost in self-confidence and self esteem you will get from succeeding in your 40 day purge, especially hot on the heels of a NYR fail.
3. Find Sustainable Substitutes
Let’s be real: cutting out chocolate doesn’t mean you have to suffer. There are plenty of delicious, planet-friendly alternatives to satisfy your sweet tooth. Experiment with carob, a chocolate-like pod that’s naturally sweet and caffeine-free. Or try cacao nibs, which are less processed than chocolate and packed with antioxidants.
If you’re feeling adventurous, whip up some homemade treats using ingredients like dates, almond butter, and coconut oil. Not only will you avoid the palm oil and excess packaging found in many store-bought snacks, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in your food.
Remember you are not looking to eliminate your drug of choice forever – just try to reduce your dependence on it for short term fixes.
4. Plan for Weak Moments
We all have them—those moments when the craving hits hard, and you’re this close to raiding the kids’ Easter candy stash. Prepare for these moments by having a game plan. Stock up on herbal teas (peppermint and rooibos are great for curbing sugar cravings), keep a water bottle handy (dehydration can masquerade as hunger), and have a list of go-to distractions, like a brisk walk, a chapter of a gripping book, or a quick call to a friend.
I just bought some cocoa butter and made the mistake of licking it off my lips – that gave me a good few days of chocolate avoidance!
If all else fails, remind yourself that Lent is a finite period followed by Easter when you can overdose on chocolate eggs to your hearts delight and blame it on your kids.
5. Embrace the Power of Community
You don’t have to go it alone. Enlist a friend, partner, or coworker to join you in your Lenten challenge. Swap tips, share recipes, and cheer each other on when the going gets tough. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, start a Lenten support group (virtual or in-person) where you can vent about cravings, celebrate victories, and maybe even swap sustainable living hacks.
Pro tip: Use social media to your advantage. Share your journey with your followers, and you might inspire others to join you. Plus, the accountability of posting your progress can be a powerful motivator.
6. Practice Mindful Indulgence
Lent isn’t just about giving something up—it’s also about reflecting on your habits and relationship with food. Use this time to practice mindful eating. When you do indulge in a treat (chocolate or otherwise), savour it. Pay attention to the texture, flavour, and aroma. Eating mindfully not only enhances your enjoyment but also helps you recognise when you’re truly hungry versus just bored or stressed.
7. Celebrate Small Wins (Eco-Style)
Every day you resist chocolate is a victory, and it deserves to be celebrated. But instead of rewarding yourself with a new pair of shoes or a fancy latte, opt for eco-friendly treats. Plant a tree, treat yourself to a reusable water bottle, or spend an afternoon at a local park. These small acts of self-care and sustainability will leave you feeling fulfilled without undoing your progress.
8. Reflect and Reset
At the end of Lent, take some time to reflect on your experience. Did you miss chocolate as much as you thought you would? Did you discover new favourite snacks or habits? Use this insight to reset your relationship with food and make more intentional choices moving forward.
And when Easter rolls around, feel free to enjoy that chocolate bunny—guilt-free. After all, you’ve earned it.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for Lent and cutting out a bad habit food like chocolate doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little planning, a touch of humour, and a commitment to sustainability, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and eco-friendly living. So, grab your reusable water bottle, rally your friends, and get ready to show that chocolate drug who’s boss. You’ve got this, eco-warrior! 🌱✨
