Lent is such a funny thing. I really respect the origins of it and I think there are people that still honesty partake in Lent to set their focus in accordance with God.
For the most people today though, lent has become more of a fashion accessory or a “hey, look at me†kind of ordeal. People even attempt lent in none religious way but more so to challenge themselves to over come things. I am no exception.
For me, this year, I am starting lent late. As of today I am officially going to prepare all of my own meals. I do this for a couple of reasons.
1: I eat out way too much
2: My cash flow is taking a big dent.
3: I buy lots of groceries and never get around to eating them
4: I can invite people over to eat with me and learn their cool cooking ideas (Dave, Steph – this means you!!!!!)
5: Women are impressed with a guy who can cook so this can be my fish hook if you will.
6: I like cooking
at 4:27 pm
I’m still going to argue with you that if you’ve done whatever you gave up for Lent since the start of Lent, then it cannot qualify for Lent. I’m not saying that you can’t start Lent late, but you can’t start it with something you’ve done since Lent started. Example: Today, I decide to give up booze for Lent. I haven’t had a drink of booze since the start of Lent, so it works. But, on the other hand, if I’ve had a drink of booze since Lent started, then it doesn’t work. The whole idea of Lent is to GIVE UP something for the whole period of Lent – it’s a sacrifice.
It’s not like a New Year’s resolution.
So what I’m hearing from you is that you want to give up restaurant food for Lent. Have you had any since February 21? Maybe yes, maybe no, maybe only once, maybe only fresh food like Subway but not fast food like McDonalds, maybe only for lunch but not for dinner?
See what I’m trying to do? I’m trying to give you a loop hole for you to make something stick – and then STICK TO IT.
I know you’re thinking I’m a hypocrite but what you think I gave up for Lent is NOT what I really gave up for Lent. I’m still going strong on what I really gave up for Lent and the other, well, it’s just a cover.
Still, even if Lent has inspired you to make a lifestyle change – GOOD FOR YOU. So, in that spirit, here’s some advice to help you:
This is to help you with your lunches, but it only works if you have access to a fridge at work.
Option 1:
It’s easy to make your own sandwiches at work. It’s inexpensive and convenient – and you don’t have to think the night before or in the morning “What am I going to have for lunch at work?”. Here’s what you do:
Buy a loaf of bread and a couple of packages of lunch meats (for variety). Buy whatever toppings you like: some cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc. Buy your own condiments in the small sizes or put some in small plastic containers (the cheap disposable Ziplock or Glad containers are awesome!). Keep it all in the fridge at work. (Most food thiefs won’t go for something they have to make in order to eat.)
Option 2:
When you make dinner – make it for two. Then you have enough for your dinner and another portion leftover to take to work for lunch the next day.
Option 3 (no fridge at work required):
Chili freezes really well and because it’s frozen, you don’t need to keep it in a fridge at work, but you do need a microwave to heat it up.
Make a large pot of Chili, portion into sandwich-sized plastic containers (again the cheap disposable Ziplock or Glad containers are great! and the sandwich-size ones make for a good lucnh portion) and place in the freezer. In the morning, grab one and go. 2-3 minutes in the microwave and you’ve got hot chili.
Hint: You can keep a bag of nacho chips or a box of saltine crackers at work to go with it. If your workplace has a fridge, keep a small tub of sour cream there too if you like.