Christmas has been and gone so we’re all thinking about when we’ll next get those four glorious weeks off uni, right? Easter is approaching and Lent begins tomorrow – the 40 days before Easter Sunday where Christians across the world take time to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made during his 40 day withdrawal to the desert. Starting on Ash Wednesday, people give up something to replicate the sacrifice they believe Jesus made. Since giving up eggs, flour, sugar and milk is a bit outdated, let’s look at some popular things that people give up for lent in the 21st century and help you to choose one.
The top 100 things given up for lent in 2014
Chocolate
Difficulty level: 4/5
Can you manage forty days without one single bite of a Dairy Milk or a Ripple? Giving up chocolate is very challenging, but it’s rewarding to give up for Lent – especially as once the forty days are over, you can stuff your face with all the Easter eggs Grandma has bought you. There are thousands of desserts that have no chocolate whatsoever in them that you can eat (almost) guilt-free – lemon meringue, raspberry cheesecake etc.
Tips:
· Replace your chocolate cravings with healthy treats – frozen grapes, strawberries or blueberries.
· If fruit isn’t your thing, there are plenty of chocolate free sweets – bring on the Chewits, Maoam and Haribo (Tangfastics are my personal favourite!)
Nom nom nom
Alcohol
Difficulty level: 4/5
It’s the second term of university and your final exams and submissions are fast approaching. Taking 40 days without drinking alcohol also means 40 days that you won’t be hungover. Not drinking doesn’t stop you from going out either; you will save a ton of money and embarrassment if you’re the type to attempt twerking in the club after a few Jagerbombs. Coco Tang have just started selling cold-pressed juices on weekends, why not try one?
Tips:
· Take this opportunity to try out non-alcoholic drinks you’ve never tried before like iced teas, mocktails and smoothies.
· Wine gums don’t count, knock yourself out!
Try a mocktail
Meat
Difficulty level: 3/5
Whilst there aren’t as many vegetarian options for eating out, there are thousands of veggie recipes online for you to make at home. Cutting meat out of your diet means you won’t be able to have a Big Mac or a box of hot wings, but you’ll discover all types of food you can make with vegetables hat you once thought were boring – mushrooms, eggs and legumes will become your new best friends.
Tips:
· Try Lenton’s very own Crocus Café for great veggie and vegan meals.
· If you’re starting to miss sausages halfway through or want to top up your protein intake, there are meat substitutes available – try Quorn or Linda McCartney products available in supermarkets.
Order a vegetable box from your local grocer.
Social Media
Difficulty level: 4.5/5
Very difficult, but not impossible for dedicated people who want a break from Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and/or Pinterest. Cutting out just one form of social media is difficult in the online world that we now live in (how will I know if my crush is attending that house party next week?)but it will give you a new perspective. You’ll remember the joys of texting again and (possibly) procrastinate less as you find new ways to fill your time.
Tips:
· So you’re not totally disconnected, we think it’s ok to ask a housemate to inform you of any breaking news or events
· Delete Facebook/Instagram/Snapchat apps from your phone so you’re not tempted to open them when you get a notification.
· Her Campus isn’t social media, read through our archives!
Take a break from social media.
Swearing
Difficulty level: 2.5/5
Taking time to think about the language you use day to day isn’t that difficult. If you find yourself swearing a lot at the university printers, lack of milk in the fridge or when you stub your toe on the stairs then this could be for you.
Tips:
· Get a swearing jar and put a pricey fee on every F word muttered, then donate the money to a charity when Easter comes.
· Try to think of a new word to replace the cuss words you usually use, the more obscure the better – sherbert, fundamental, Bolivian etc.
Make your own with an old jam jar/bottle of pasta sauce.
Uni
…only joking! Not only would you have nothing to do all day, you’d also get a lot of emails from your module convenors, tutors and your friends, who may start to wonder where you are. You can ‘give up’ uni for a couple of hours a day and relax by watching your favourite TV show, but keep attending your lectures and aim to get those grades!
Stay in school kids!
So what will you give up for lent this year? Let us know what you choose and how you get on!
Image sources
http://www.openbible.info/blog/2014/03/
http://giphy.com/gifs/frozen-chocolate-disney-TuSeFzo4hJeWk
http://www.chicproductions.com/chic-food/mocktails-mock-cocktails-for-non-alcoholic-bars-2/
http://www.parsnipsandpears.co.uk/collections/seasonal-produce-boxes/products/standard-veg-box-1
https://wronghands1.wordpress.com/2013/03/31/vintage-social-networking/