One year in high school I gave up soda. After Lent was over, I could no longer drink regular sodas because they were too strong. Since then I've been a diet soda gal. And hey, it's better for you too. :) Sometimes I'll get a craving for a real Coke or DP or something, but it's either diet Coke or water for me now. :)

agh.. giving up fast food is no fun. I seriously want some McD fries and a Quarter Pounder with no onions..... i guess i will have some carrot sticks or something...

I'm giving up coke (soda to y'all up north), like so many others, and hard liquor. The latter is more for my bank account's sake. I turned 21 a few weeks ago, and I'm feeling the pinch! Chambord Sours are way, way too good...

Regardless, I'm hoping the no coke thing will help out.

~Emma

Lent 2003 means no pop for me!

I'm also going to try to read a new book a week. I've already reread the 7 Habits...which is always a good one to read and read again.

Puh-LEASE. I'll be lucky if I even get into heaven. :D

I try to set myself up for success. Last year I gave up crack-- just counted on the good Lord not to give me any temptation. He came through. This year I think I'll give up sex-- none of that happening either.

If I really wanted to have a productive Lent, I'd give up swearing.

But I'm a Lutheran, so I think you Catholics are all crazy anyway.

I'm Catholic (and at times even a good Catholic) yet I don't give up anything for Lent (never have) and even eat meat on Fridays..

Congrats to those who make it 40 days without their vices.

i am giving up caffine... not as extreme as soda all together cuz 7 up and others don't have caffine in them. But no iced tea, no coffee, etc. I am hoping this will train me to get more sleep.

also giving up alcohol. i started drinking a bunch within the last couple months so i think i need a break. too bad there are some kick ass parties coming up soon.

i gave up cussing! it is HARD. especially because I realized I was 4 1/2 hours late in posting to a discussion board for a class, and said "Sh*t" very long and loud! (I used to sing, still have the breath control)

Great Lent doesn't start for Orthodox Christians until Monday. My husband and I are trying to eat healthier and start exercising everyday, so we decided to kickstart our efforts by observing Lent in the traditional Greek Orthodox way.

So starting Monday, we are abstaining from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, olive oil and wine. We're also going to curtail the television and radio.

Wish us luck! We are going to need it. :p

Wow, good luck! What's left to eat- veggies and bread?
I admire your discipline to be doing that! I couldn't deal without meat, dairy, and olive oil!

Here's basically what's left: vegetables, fruit, bread, pasta, rice, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, hummus, honey, jelly, shell fish & squid, juice, tea, soda, and coffee. Other oils (vegetable, canola) are fine.

I'm still debating as to whether soy milk is OK or if it breaks the spirit of the fast. Does anyone know if there is any dairy in soy milk?

We are either going to end up the closest and healthiest couple you've ever seen--or we are going to kill each other. Who wants to start the betting pool? ;)

(Edited to add: This is the first time I've ever gone whole-hog on observing the fast. I usually only give up meat. However, I know people who observe this fast EVERY year! Its mindboggling to me.)

Greeklawgirl,

There is no dairy in soy milk. No cows have come near it, so your okay!
:)

I'm Episcopalian-AKA- "Catholic Lite"....

so giving things up for Lent isnt as big of a production, but I am giving up carbonated drinks.

This will be the most difficult pennance yet...

I don't know what to give up.