I gave up sugar for Lent and this is what I learned

As we entered Lent, our preacher Cesca said, ‘Forty days is enough time to break a habit.’ I don’t always give something up for Lent, or take something new up, but this year I decided to give up refined sugar. In the past I’ve given up chocolate or alcohol, so this was by far my most hardcore seasonal challenge! Now that the season of Easter has passed, I can trace the lessons I have learned.

In the church calendar, Lent and Advent are seasons of preparation. During Lent Christians prepare for the feast of Easter through a season of discipline and reflection. We orientate ourselves towards the cross of Christ. Any form of spiritual discipline is about saying no to self and yes to Jesus. When you look at your walk with God, it is good to ask what is weighing you down or holding you back. Where does your mind go when you are not thinking about anything in particular? The (rather heavy sounding) biblical word for these things is idols. An idol is not just a god that you worship; it is the thing which has the bulk of your attention, which can mean it absorbs your time, energy, effort and money.

Although it would be a bit extreme to suggest that a Twirl bar is my idol, anyone who has spent time with me will be aware of my sweet tooth. I am also an inveterate comfort eater; when I am having a tough time for whatever reason, my first resort is to sugar. In giving it up for a season, I wanted to reset my relationship with it and see what I could learn. Part of the discipline of Lent is also to pray in those moments when you are missing whatever it is you have given up.

The first thing I experienced was hunger! Within a day or two of Ash Wednesday, I realised how many calories are packed into sugar. Taking it out of my diet altogether meant my body needed to find more energy from other, bulkier carbs. Bringing an end to my post-Christmas chocolate, cake and any-other-junk-that’s-hanging-around-in-my-house habit meant that I had less of a blood sugar spike around snacks, so hunger was less urgent and I could go for longer without food. I noticed how I feel physically hungry at emotional moments, even if I have eaten recently.

Food-wise, Lent felt pretty long and boring. Taking much of the sweetness out of life meant food was more bland and less enjoyable. The weeks at the end of winter into the beginning of spring were also pretty cold, dark and wet; the mornings and evenings began to get lighter, but it was not generally the most joyful time. It was hard to say no to sweet treats. The very first Sunday of Lent was our St Mary of Bethany Chill, complete with ice cream sundae making – it was torture! People were sometimes crestfallen when they produced goodies that I turned down uncharacteristically. It made me think and pray regularly about people all over the world who have far fewer food choices than I do.

When Easter Sunday finally rolled round, I was not surprised at how much I enjoyed being reunited with chocolate. And cake. And ice cream. And puddings. There were some surprises though. I had spent six weeks looking forward to having sugar in my tea again (only half a teaspoon, mind – yes, it did make a difference, since you ask), so I was quite disappointed to find I didn’t like it any more. My tea has remained unsweetened; I am experimenting with my coffee! I notice the effect of sugar on my body much more now, the slightly sped-up feeling it gives you, especially if you have had too much. It was good to impose some discipline on my body; mastering my appetite rather than being mastered by it. I hope I didn’t have too much of a sad face when I couldn’t eat something I wanted over that time. I have got a bit better at saying no to treats.

I can definitely conclude that forty days is a good length of time to break a habit or start a new one. For spiritual habits there is no reason why this principle should be confined to Lent or Advent. The summer months are probably the best time to think about retreat or quiet days with God – the nicer weather gives you far more options of things to try or places to go. If you engage with God more easily when you are outdoors, now’s the time to get out. The holiday season provides opportunities for reading or listening to helpful stuff, whether a Christian biography to encourage you or a podcast to keep you informed. It’s not too late to book into New Wine United, and its location in Maidstone makes it doable for a day trip if you just want to dip your toe in. God’s promise remains that when you draw near to him, he will draw near to you. (James 4:8) God can do more than you imagine with whatever you bring to him in faith.

This blog is about habits rather than addiction. If you are struggling with addiction then please seek professional help and pastoral support from an organisation like Alcoholics Anonymous www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk