Though this is Allison Ribble's first year observing in Lent, that didn't stop the advertising freshman from plunging headfirst into the tradition — she gave up all sweets and junk food.
Like other students who use Lent to initiate healthier eating habits, Ribble made a pact with her friend to swear off sweets and junk food for the 40-day season.
"I was actually asked by a friend, and I had never thought about it," she said. "Most people don't do it for religious (reasons) — it's more a fad. It's a good chance to try using my self-control to not eat junk food and give in to a lot of indulgences."
Between Jan. 1 and spring break is probably the most popular period for dieting, said Peggy Apostolos, a registered dietitian at Ingham Regional Medical Center. Making New Year's resolutions, getting "beach-ready" and resisting temptations during Lent make it a prime time to lose weight.
Though she doesn't observe Lent anymore, political science junior Caitlin Annatoyn said she gave up a variety of unhealthy foods for Lent during high school, such as chocolate, sweets and fried foods. Her high school friends also participated in extreme Lent.
"My friends who gave up things for Lent, it was never 'I'm giving up TV;' it was, 'I'm giving up lunch,'" Annatoyn said.
Mark Inglot, pastor of St. John Student Parish, said Lent is a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice to the world, and it allows people to remember what is really important in life — faith, family and friends, not power, pleasure and possessions. But using Lent to lose weight and banish unhealthy habits is still a good idea, he added.
"We're connected mind, body and soul, and I think it can be very practical too," Inglot said. "We need to be healthy physically, emotionally, psychologically and even intellectually. It's a holistic approach to Lent, a holistic approach to life. Doing those things can have an added benefit. If your body's a temple of the Holy Spirit and you're overweight, it's a good time to lose weight."
Ribble said resisting sweets and junk food has helped her transition into healthier eating.
"I do eat a lot more junk food than I should, so it's better to incorporate these behaviors in my daily life so no health problems arise later," she said. "I gave up pop as a whole a couple years ago. It was really hard for a while, but I'd tell myself, 'No you can't have it.'"
Apostolos said giving up one or two delectable desserts might help introduce healthier, long term eating habits.
Ribble is proof of this — when she gives in and eats sweets, she said she indulges more than usual.
"I've failed a lot so far with giving up junk food," she said. "But it definitely decreased the amount I want."
