Low Sugar Lent and Some Lenten Resources

I have been thinking about Lent for a while and have decided this year that I would try to follow a low sugar diet.  I am avoiding white sugar and allowing coconut sugar, honey, and  maple syrup.  I will still eat some dark chocolate.  This means I have to read labels and make more of our snacks.  I am excited to take on this challenge.  I know it is not really much of a sacrifice to switch sweeteners, but Lent is a time of renewal and improving my diet will lead to better health which will renew me physically.  

I am also excited for the Lenten season and the opportunity to draw closer to Jesus! My Jesus Calling devotional is already part of my routine, but this year after going through the Welcome women's retreat and a year of formation (formerly known as Christ Renews his Parish), the Bible has become a part of my routine too. Rediscover Jesus is another great Lenten resource.

I am also participating in No Greater Love, a biblical walk through Christ's passion, Lenten reflection series at church.  So this Lent, I will have more reading than in the past, but also more prayer and reflection.  I know this will be a lot, but hopefully I can keep up with it and enjoy more peace in his presence.  I am starting another graduate class this week which brings added stress and time constraints, but I have found that when I spend a little time with God and ask for help with my assignments I am able to work through them.  
​

Since I am avoiding sugar, I have to really pay attention to the ingredients in processed food.  These are two foods I have recently discovered that I can still enjoy on my low sugar diet.  I break off a small piece of this chocolate bar for a delicious treat.  The only sugar on the ingredient list is coconut sugar. I love this Sprouted Cinnamon Raisin Bread which has no sugar and is delicious toasted with butter.  I buy both of these at Kroger.  (The bread is sold in the frozen case in the health food aisle.) Please feel free to share your favorite no sugar foods!  

​