Often, I hear of people giving up things like coffee, chocolate, or bread. If it’s something that’s really important to you and making that sacrifice feels right for you, if it’s something you want to try to see if you feel better without, or if it’s a fun thing you want to try for 40 days- go for it! But if you’re giving up a food item because you don’t feel you have the “willpower” to do it any other way or if you would have given it up anyway, but Lent is giving you a social excuse to cut out the food- don’t do it!
Lent is not an excuse to diet.
Instead of giving up a food, give up a bad habit like biting your nails or smoking. Give up talking negatively about your body. These things have been crutches for you and ways to manage discomfort, so you’re absolutely still making a sacrifice. But these sacrifices will benefit you in the long run and it may be something you stick with beyond the 40 days.