Lightweight Eats

In 2011, I observed lent for the first time. I gave up meat. Two years later, I am amazed by what I have adapted to live without.

When I picked meat, I knew it would be a challenge for me. I never understood the choice to be vegetarian, nor did I want to. Moreover, I ate quite a bit of meat--sometimes three meals in a day, but usually two. Now? I think I've eaten less than a serving of meat in the last year--without any thought.

In 2012, I didn't observe lent; I didn't feel particularly strongly about the need to give anything up. Rather, I was more interested in incorporating new things into my life: more workouts, more vegetables, more fun.

And so this year, I struggled. What to give up?

I have a lot of New Year's resolutions, but, again, many of them were about adding more into my life: drinking more water, sleeping enough, stretching daily, etc.

One resolution stood out thought: I want to increase my savings. That I can do by taking something away: spending. Our garden is not productive enough that I can eliminate spending completely: I will still need to buy groceries.

However, I'd like to challenge myself to eliminate all non-grocery purchases until the end of March. I have some gift cards I can use (like iTunes money, for movie rentals) but this means no more garden purchases, no clothing, no meals out.

This will be difficult: I am likely going to Australia in March {I will need to purchase that plane ticket} and South Carolina afterwards; I like to work in cafe's while sipping hot coffee; and I will soon be in need of new running shoes and spandex shorts.

But again, I am amazed by what I have already adapted to live and thrive without.