Lenten Real Food Challenge
We learn in catechesis that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…
What does that mean? We go to Holy Mass. We receive the Blessed Sacrament and we become what we receive. We go to Confession. We have our devotional prayers that draw us more deeply into the spiritual life.
But if we TRULY believe that we were temples of the Holy Spirit, would we continue to put toxins in our body? Or would we put foods in our body that allow it to thrive the way that God intended?
This Lent let’s root out the vice of gluttony.
Join me for this nine-week program with live coaching, nutritional education, and a nutrient dense whole foods challenge. As Catholics, our job is to root out vice and what a better time to root out the vice of processed foods than during Lent, when we draw closer to Our Lord’s passion and death?
Let’s take a break from processed foods and sugars and focus on nutrient-dense whole foods. Our goal will be to reduce our carb cravings and boost our energy and focus. No extra supplements. No extra gimmicks. Just real, nutrient dense whole food and learning how to listen to our body.
The weekly breakdown:
Week 1 - Let’s Get Ready!
This week is all about preparation. We’ll find out what we need to do to get ready for our Lenten journey and gather the tools necessary to have a successful Lenten resolution.
Week 2 - All About Digestion
Do you know how digestion is supposed to function? Often what we see as normal is actually common… and nothing close to normal. This high level overview will equip us with some insights to help us strengthen this very important part of our body.
Week 3 - Understanding the Sugar Trap
Managing our sugar intake and how our body handles it is of importance! This week we’ll learn how our bodies respond to excess sugar and refined carbohydrates and how to break the sugar cycle in ourselves.
Week 4 - Minerals are Unsung Heroes
Are minerals really that important? What’s to them anyway? We’ll take a 30,000 foot view at minerals, why we need them, and how we can get our trace minerals into our diets.
Week 5 - Healthy Fats Don’t Make You Fat
You read that correctly. Healthy fats from sources that God gave us don’t make us fat! Learn the truth about healthy dietary fats and why they’re essential to our diets. We’ll also discuss which fats we should absolutely avoid.
Week 6 - Fundamentals of Hydration
It’s so easy to get dehydrated. Do you know the symptoms of major dehydration, let alone minor dehydration? Or what beverages rehydrate us and which deplete our water and minerals? This week we focus on what’s needed to get water INTO our cells.
Week 7 - Sleep, Stress, and Movement
Three topics that can make or break us. Sleep, stress, and movement have taken a back burner in modern society. Let’s dive in and work on our sleep hygiene, healthy ways to manage stress, and get some movement into our lives.
Week 8 - Into the Silence for Holy Week
As we enter the holiest week in the liturgical year, it only seems fitting that this week we dive deeper into the stillness and quiet of prayer.
Week 9 - Where To Go From Here
Happy Easter! He is risen! Congratulations on completing this challenge! This week we’ll wrap up, learn how to integrate the skills you’ve gained during Lent into your everyday life, and talk about tools and resources to continue your healing journey.
You will be supplied with a journal pdf when the course begins. It will contain space for prayer journaling as well and food and mood journals.
Each week you will receive a pdf packet to your course portal. Print it out and have it on hand. Modules will be live and recorded, so if you are unable to attend because of life, no problem! Catch up at a later time.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Can I participate if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Absolutely! There are modifications that can be made so that you can thrive (or not lose your milk supply) while doing this. You and I may need to work a bit more closely to see what works best for you but you will learn what you need to be successful in this endeavor.
I do strenuous exercise. Will I get enough calories to maintain my workout?
It’s the same as above — Absolutely! There are modifications that can be made so that you can thrive while doing this. You and I may need to work a bit more closely to see what works best for you but you will learn what you need to be successful in this endeavor.
My doctor has me on medication or dietary restrictions. Can I participate?
No problem! There are modifications that can be made and you may find that medications need to be adjusted as your body settles into a different diet. I would suggest keeping a journal (it will be provided) and staying in touch with your doctor. As always, if you have questions, please consult your physician to see if this dietary plan is right for you.
This seems very Catholic. Do I need to be Catholic to participate?
Not at all - the course is written for a Catholic audience as Catholics observe Lent as a unified practice in their faith. There will be Catholic themes throughout as I am a practicing Catholic. However, if you observe Lent and wish to participate, you are welcome you to join as you will still find value in this challenge! Please note: debates about Catholic theology will not be entertained.