It’s time to let go of being miserable when it comes to Lent, and here’s a few ideas how you can do just that. But first, why all the gloom surrounding Lent anyway?

Lent in times past

You may have been raised in old-school traditions in which sacrifice, sadness, and sometimes even pain were expected during the six weeks of Lent. It’s a time of renewal, which means we have a chance to make ourselves new and clean and fresh. In times past, the most reverent of us may have stripped oneself bare of all earthly pleasures. To have the least of anything can help us get the most of Him. It was the only way to attain the holiness we are constantly striving for.

So, children were told to give up sweets. Adults did the same (or more!) We all asked each other, “What did you give up this year?” and waited in muted excitement to hear of all the items people swore off. Not only that, but going throughout your day in a perpetual state of depression was considered a badge of honor. You must have been doing Lent right.

Wrong. So very wrong.

A Fresh Perspective for Lent

As it is written: “fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:18.

It wasn’t until the reckoning with my own faith that I reconsidered what it was to live with joy, passion, and purpose. I’ve also heard implications from various priests and other Catholic leadership that Lent isn’t just about giving UP something, but about giving TOWARDS others. I’m convinced that to deny oneself without any other purpose except self-deprivation isn’t honorable. In fact, there isn’t any purpose in it at all, and therefore a waste of time.

Let’s flip the narrative.

Fasting isn’t about you, or the food, or the sacrifice.

Fasting is about intentionally working to give the best version of yourself to others.

If that feels like where your heart is, continue reading below! You can also watch the Entire Lent Playlist over on Youtube for more inspiration.

Intentional meals, limited or not

There are a few traditional rules about fasting during Lent.

1. Don’t eat meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays.
2. Fasting includes limiting yourself to one major meal a day. Drinking water as needed is allowed.
3. Should you suffer from a medical condition, pregnancy, or are a child – you are exempt.
4. Outside of the rules above, your eating plans should continue as normal.

When looking at these expectations, several questions comes to mind. Here’s a few: What about vegans or vegetarians? What determines a “medical condition?” What about those in careers that require constant fuel, or have untraditional hours?

The constant change of life circumstances lead many of us to have great intentions to fast during Lent, only to feel terrible should we not continue as we had hoped. Lent is not a time to shock your body into a routine it is not used to. Instead of focusing on the “rules,” focus on the purpose behind the fasting and the outcomes that are intended for you.

Here’s a few tips for your fasting period:

• Plan your meals with purpose and intention. On days when you plan to fast, think of the ingredients you will use, the time it will take to prepare, and the people you will be sharing the meal with. Make the meal something to look forward to.
  
• Keep healthy snacks on you that give you energy and fill you up. Be smart – make sure they have protein and carbohydrates, so that you don’t find yourself making a meal out of a bag of chips. A few of my favorite snacks are dates, nuts, yogurt, granola, eggs, or little protein balls. My go-to fasting meal – Pan’e Uovo.
  
• When in doubt, drink more. Always have water on hand. Even better, keep a bottle of water that has electrolytes. If anything at all, we mistake thirst for hunger most of the time.
  
• Set yourself up for success by embedding time each day for prayer, meditation, or reflection. I use my Mangificat devotional every day. Fasting is as much mind (& soul!) over matter as it is a physical habit. Remind yourself of your commitment and reframe the practice in a positive and encouraging light. Fasting is not meant to harm you, but to center yourself more in Christ.

Replacing bad habits with good ones

As I’ve mentioned above, times have since changed concerning the idea of “giving something up” for Lent. Nowadays, you may hear of the “1 Sin + 1 Sacrifice + 1 Service” expectation. In other words:

1. What is the one sin you are focusing on reducing for yourself?
2. What is the one habit you are giving up?
3. What is the one act of service you are committing to?

This is a much more holistic view of Lent, and might I say, for life in general! In keeping with the idea that Lent is not about you, but about being better for others, these three questions can help us focus on the real meaning behind these 40 days.

By remedying our own sins, giving up bad habits, and committing to serving others, we are working to make ourselves better people. Better people equal better communities. Better communities equal peace.

Enjoying feasts as they are intended

In Mark, Chapter 2, Jesus states, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.“

Weddings will happen during Lent. So will birthdays, family dinners, and other celebrations. Give yourself the grace to participate in these events with your full self. Enjoy the moment and enjoy the food. Where there’s family and friends, there is love. Where there is love, there is Him.

We often underestimate and under-appreciate the times we gather together. Being fully present with family and friends around a table full of delicious food is one of the most memorable experiences you can have. If you close your eyes and think back on your childhood, I guarantee that one of the happiest memories you have is one where you are in communion with the people you love – with a plate of food.

Watch the Entire Lent Playlist on Youtube!

Click the Playlist Button on the Top Right to choose from all 10 videos.

How do you fast for Lent without being miserable? What helps you get through it? Share below!