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40 Days Without…

By Courtney 42 Comments

Sooo, remember those undercooked Butterscotch Blondies I made over the weekend?

Well this gal right here dominated three of them last night.

Followed by three mini peanut butter cups.

Two chocolate covered peanut butter pretzels.

And half of a brownie cupcake.

Ooooof. That’s embarrassing. Embarrassed smile

So I have now decided that sweets after dinner are off limits. For 40 days.

Since today is the beginning of Lent, I figured it would be the perfect time to give this a go. I’ve been wanting to try cutting back on the after dinner sweets for quite a while now, but apparently I just haven’t been motivated enough to do so.

To be honest, I’ve never really been all that good at giving things up for Lent. In the past, I can remember one year giving up doughnuts. Now, let’s be honest. How often do we really eat doughnuts anyways, right? Well as soon as I declared them “off limits,” my cravings for them were out of control and I was miserable!

I know I’ve said it before, but I’m really, really bad at declaring foods “off limits” and depriving myself of something. But last night’s debacle has further proven the fact that something needs to change!

I have come up with the modified version of no sweets after dinner only, because 95% of the time, this is the only time of day that I eat sweets, and it’s really the only time I crave them. Not only is this about giving something up, but it’s also about self-improvement. For an even healthier, happier me! Open-mouthed smile

It will certainly be a challenge for me, but I’m determined! I’ve got some great friends out in blog land doing the same, and I know they’ll have my back! Smile Even though they’re going full out no sweets, I just don’t know if I could go 40 days without baking some sort of yummy treat!

So, here goes nothin’!!

Question for the Day:

What are your thoughts on Lent?

Do you plan on, or have you ever given anything up?

Or are you more about self improvement?

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Related

March 9, 2011 Filed Under: Baking, Dessert Tagged With: Lent, no sweets after dinner, sweets

About Courtney

I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

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Comments

  1. Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says

    March 9, 2011 at 8:28 am

    good luck!!!
    Reply
  2. Faith @ lovelyascharged says

    March 9, 2011 at 8:28 am

    I actually haven't ever participated in Lent, but best of luck with your committment!
    Reply
  3. kate@ahealthypassion says

    March 9, 2011 at 8:29 am

    hahaha sounds like my typical night, good luck havent decided what im giving up yet!
    Reply
  4. cait says

    March 9, 2011 at 8:32 am

    ahhh sounds like a good night for you girl :) eeks I'm giving up FACEBOOK for Lent! AM I CRAZY?! haha I posted it on my blog too! Hopefully I can last 40 days.. i tried a few years ago and didn't work out so well ha I think I lasted 48 hours! fingers crossed!
    Reply
  5. Lindsay @ Brownies For Brunch says

    March 9, 2011 at 8:37 am

    You remind me alot of myself! Eating sweets after dinner is a not so nice little habit i've gotten into too. And I tend to "graze". I should follow suite and try to give that up for 40 days...But baking is so fun! To fast or not to fast.....Good luck girl!
    Reply
  6. patience says

    March 9, 2011 at 8:49 am

    I am giving up wine. This is going to be a rough 40 days.
    Reply
  7. Liz says

    March 9, 2011 at 9:22 am

    Ah, what a good compromise! If you REALLY need that cookie, you can have it, just earlier in the day. I'm the same way - most of my sweets come at night. I think giving up doughnuts would be toughest in the fall, not the spring. 40 days without cider doughnuts?!
    Reply
  8. Melissa @ Chocolate & Kisses says

    March 9, 2011 at 9:39 am

    Good luck!! We are doing the same over here! Let the 40 days begin!...go by fast...and end without fault!!! :-)
    Reply
  9. Emily says

    March 9, 2011 at 9:44 am

    this is a great thing to give up! i really want to pick something but haven't yet (I know lent has started... I figure I'm in the clear as long as I don't consume it/do it today.) It's tough to think of something I can't live without versus something that's an actual sacrifice.
    Reply
  10. britt will be fit says

    March 9, 2011 at 9:45 am

    I'm on jenny craigs...and I have given up a quite a bit
    Reply
  11. Liz @ IHeartVegetables says

    March 9, 2011 at 9:47 am

    I haven't thought about trying to give something up for lent (we don't normally do that at my church) but I think it's a cool idea! Good luck giving up sweets!
    Reply
  12. Melissa says

    March 9, 2011 at 9:48 am

    During Lent, I usually try to do something extra to give back or to improve myself. One year, I committed to work out 6 days a week during Lent. This year, I'm committing to being mindful about eating. I have the "night eating syndrome" too and always snack my way through the evening after dinner even if I'm not hungry. I'd have to say sweets are my usual go-tos, so I guess our Lenten promises will be similar! I'm hoping to learn to start listening to my body more and spend the time I usually spend eating connecting with my spiritual self instead.
    Reply
  13. Cute~Ella says

    March 9, 2011 at 10:01 am

    I've previously not made a Lenten sacrifice, but am trying it this year for the betterment of me (which I'm all about) Here's the link for it http://cuteellaisbold.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/fat-tuesday-lent-and-what-im-giving-up/ You can see my progress via my tumblr http://cuteellais.tumblr.com/
    Reply
  14. Chicago Cuisine Critique says

    March 9, 2011 at 10:23 am

    Good luck! At least you are giving yourself the opportunity to have sweets which should make it a little easier. :)
    Reply
  15. Blog is the New Black says

    March 9, 2011 at 10:32 am

    Good luck! You're a better person than I! ;)
    Reply
  16. Marg says

    March 9, 2011 at 10:43 am

    I'm pretty positive I'll be doing the no sweets thing too, still have a little time to decide. I've done lent since I was a teenager, normally it's been cokes or chocolate - two of my faves, so I like that this is more of a challenge.
    Reply
  17. Katie G. says

    March 9, 2011 at 10:50 am

    Sweets after dinner is my weak point too! It's the only time I am dying for a sweet treat, and I try so hard not to, but I usually always give in for at least something small. I'm trying to cut back on my sugar intake overall (less than 9 grams per serving) but sugar is just so good! Good luck! As for lent, I want to give something up (or maybe declare to start doing something that I am currently not), but haven't thought of something yet...TBD
    Reply
  18. Thetreadmilldiaries says

    March 9, 2011 at 10:56 am

    40 Days- now that's willpower but I know you can do it. :)
    Reply
  19. Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says

    March 9, 2011 at 11:01 am

    I'm more on the self-improvment train :) Good luck with the sweets!
    Reply
  20. Shayla says

    March 9, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    I am exactly the same!! My sweet tooth is on overdrive after dinner! I'm trying to cut back too and have been really trying to go without, and if I must have something I try to make it something small like a pre-portioned Jello pudding cup or skinny cow bar. Good luck to you and I'm happy to hear you're enjoying your peanut butter chocolate pretzels! ;)
    Reply
  21. Tara @ The Game of Life says

    March 9, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    I do the same thing... I eat healthy all day long, and then at night I just HAVE to have a dessert! I just cant go to sleep without one ha. I have tried to trick myself and say cereal is my "dessert" for the night, but it rarely works!! Good Luck though!!!
    Reply
  22. Samantha says

    March 9, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    I have the same issue with sweets after a meal. I found that popping a peice of gum really helps with the craving! They make gum that tastes like certain desserts - so that may be an option. I usually stick to peppermint though. I haven't decided my Lent promise yet but will decide by this evening. Good luck!
    Reply
  23. Allie @ Healthy Balance, Healthy Life says

    March 9, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    I'm giving up sweets too! I'm Jewish so this is my first time participating in Lent but I'm hoping the support of fellow "lent-ers" will help me stay clear of sweets! I'm dedicated to this in order to detox my body and end this sugar addiction! Good luck!
    Reply
  24. Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun says

    March 9, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    I believe in sacrificing something to learn and appreciate the sacrifice Jesus made for us. I don't like how sometimes people use it as a front for restricting food though. Not saying you are - I'm talking about people who use it as like a "diet" and not to remember Christ's sacrifice. Kwim? There are so many things to sacrifice for 40 days and it has to be something that will keep your focus on the right place. I'm giving up my morning time on the computer and using it for study, prayer, and reflection.
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      March 9, 2011 at 5:48 pm

      Tina, I completely agree, and I think you worded it very nicely here. I really like your idea on giving up your morning time!
      Reply
  25. Lisa @ Healthy Diaries says

    March 9, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    My sister and I are giving up sweets too!! ahhh it's gonna be so hard! We might need you for support!!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      March 9, 2011 at 5:46 pm

      You betcha!! :)
      Reply
  26. chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says

    March 9, 2011 at 2:10 pm

    I totally believe in giving something up to remind us of the temptation Jesus went through in the desert. I haven't done it for a few years though!
    Reply
  27. Amanda - Small Home Big Start says

    March 9, 2011 at 2:29 pm

    As hard as it may seem, its only 40 days and you can do it! Good luck! P.S. – I just kicked off my Spring Shape Up Challenge this week and there is a giveaway for a $10 iTunes card! The contest ends tonight at midnight, so come on over and enter! http://smallhomebigstart.blogspot.com/2011/03/giveaway-10-itunes-gift-card.html
    Reply
  28. Ashley Rose says

    March 9, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    For lent I'm giving up soda! I am not a huge drinker - usually at work, 1 bottle. But I'm looking to stay on track and get into shape for an upcoming wedding I'm in anything thats holding me back as got to go! Good luck!
    Reply
  29. Elizabeth says

    March 9, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    OMG, I'm laughing because eating all those sweets and chocolate is absolutely something I would do!!! I actually met some girlfriends for a birthday dinner last week, and one of them brought cupcakes from a local bakery. Regular sized cupcakes mind you, NOT mini cupcakes. I had one after dinner and brought 2 home for my little girls. When I got home they were asleep, so I ate the other 2 cupcakes!! 3 non-mini cupcakes in one night! I was actually embarrasses about it too, especially when my husband figured out what I'd done. Which brought me to what I decided to give up for Lent. I can't possibly give up after dinner sweets altogether, so I'm giving up any baked goods that I didn't make homemade. So no bakery cupcakes or cookies, no packaged cookies or my beloved Hostess 100 calorie cakes. If I didn't bake it, I can't have it.
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      March 9, 2011 at 5:45 pm

      That's also a really good idea! I like it! :)
      Reply
  30. Alyssa Kuminski says

    March 9, 2011 at 4:58 pm

    I was trying to think how i could possibly give up sweets for 40 days but I think the after dinner one is a good idea! Bc thats mainly when I eat them - I always feel like I need something after dinner... Hmm, I might do this too!
    Reply
  31. Sandra says

    March 9, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    I'm giving up bread!!! Wish me luck as I'm going to need it ;)
    Reply
  32. Alexa @ Simple Eats says

    March 9, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    I'm giving up chocolate AND meat...wahh wahh wahh. It's going to be hard, but I kind of like that about Lent, it's such a challenge and I always wind up feeling better physically mentally and emotionally. I wish I made myself do mini-challenges year round!
    Reply
  33. Kristen says

    March 9, 2011 at 7:26 pm

    good luck! I was thinking about giving up sweets, but lets be honest I dont think I would be able to do that! haha I need to think of something, and I like that your 40day lent goal is also to make a healthier happier yoU!
    Reply
  34. fsugirl! says

    March 9, 2011 at 7:52 pm

    For Lent I'm giving up cheese, white carbs, and soda. AND gum! Best of luck to you (and me!) :D
    Reply
  35. Jardan says

    March 9, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    good luck! I'm sure with plenty of support, you will do fine :)
    Reply
  36. *Andrea* says

    March 9, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    i'm giving up sweets too! i saw this on julie's blog and thought it would be a great idea...my sweet tooth is insane this winter, and also i think it will remind me about not letting my autopilot tendencies take over with food, and instead focus more on giving my body a break from all the sugar!
    Reply
  37. Julia says

    March 9, 2011 at 11:19 pm

    I'm giving up meat again this year :)
    Reply
  38. Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says

    March 10, 2011 at 7:40 am

    You can do it!! It seems a lot harder than it is, I promise. I like how you're just giving them up after dinner, so you can still enjoy a treat if you want it. And I think you'll find that the less you eat sweets, the less you crave them in general! Good luck!!
    Reply
  39. Kelly Olexa says

    March 13, 2011 at 12:11 am

    I so hear you. If I have sweet stuff in my house, and it's night time and I'm relaxing, OMG I could eat an entire pan of blondies!! Great time to fence the out-of-control eating habits, that's what I'm working on too!!
    Reply

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Sweet Tooth Sweet Life
Court Profile CircleI'm Courtney, a 30-something wife and working mom living in upstate NY. I'm a food lover, fitness enthusiast, baker extraordinaire and lover of all things sweet.
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