Giving Up And Giving For

 Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of another Lent. The period before Easter is meant for sacrifice and fasting for many Christians. Yet this year it's also the time of giving up and this year it should be giving out and for as well.

Thanks to government cuts and jobs being lost across the private sector, more and more people are relying on help. This Lent instead of giving up - give out. Prices are high across the board and it;s hard for yourself to put together a decent meal yet if you can spare a few dollars or a few cans to friends and family in need do so. Also think about inviting them over. You don't have to make and elaborate roast and buy a splashy dessert. Something as simple as pasta or chili which is  inexpensive to throw together . As far as dessert, homemade brownies or slice and bake cookies can do the trick. If your kids ' friends families are having trouble with providing lunches , step in. Make a double lunch for your own and then have the kids share them. The little ones will love the idea and they can get together for meal planning. The same idea goes for  elderly neighbors too.Bring a simple lunch of soup  - which is inexpensive and a sandwich to share. They'll appreciate a hot meal and also the company.

Keep in mind that food pantries are bound to be cut and dismantled. Illinois is already experiencing this. Families will be in dire need of even basic staples. If you're a small grocery owner try to donate any overage to these if you can. Keep in min that church or community run food pantries and gardens are not state run and their budgets may only face slight cuts, depending upon donations. You would be better donating to them. Also this is the time when many community gardens start preparing their land for seeding . Volunteer when you can. Help them with planning where to plant along with the actual tilling and hoeing. Also help in pruning fruit trees if they have them. every year branches need to be cut to make way for new fruit bearing ones. Also help or donate any vital tools like hoses and spades, along with rakes and gloves.If there is a shortage of these and no money , organize either a bake sale or a Chinese auction to raise  money. Bang on doors, send out flyers to the community. too for others to donate whether time or money.

This is the time for giving up. Sacrifice what you have  - food , time or money to those in need. we need to help each other right now and this is the perfect time to do so.

Easing Into Lent

 With Lent comes sacrifice. Many swear off meat , dairy or sweets .This is their way of fasting which is good and mindful. However it can be a shock to the taste buds to give up beloved foods. There are ways to ease into it.

Luckily there has been an explosion of all sorts of vegan meats in the  last few years.It's easy to give up beef , poultry and even seafood. Gardein has been a leader in this and you can visit any grocery or Target to buy their products. Their hamburgers taste exactly like the real ones and they're even good grilled outdoors. They also have meatballs, which are perfect for subs or if you're thinking of making Swedish meatballs and egg noodles. The company also produces chicien nuggets  and thick crispy tenders. These are so much like chicken itself that KFC is even putting out Gardein nuggets in various locations.Try their fish filets which are beer battered along with fries ro their crab cakes. If you're also thinking about giving up egg then go to Just Egg. This a substitute , using mung beans to get that eggy flavor and rich beaten yolk yellow color. Make a scramble for the family using it and spinach. Add Morningstar Farm's soy bacon which can get as crisp as actual bacon when microwaved.Also incorporate more beans such as kidney and chickpea for protein boosts. Think more dishes with veggies and rice like stuffed cabbage or a filling ratatouille.

As extreme as it sounds giving up dairy is also doable for Lent. There are so many plant and nut milks out there. If the kids do have a nut alllergy then use soy or oat milk. Both work in many recipes calling for dairy along with satisfying an afterschool need for a glass fo chocolate milk. (in fact many of these milks also come in chocolate now and can be bought in small bottles or boxes for lunch boxes), Almond milk is a nice ,creamy alternative and can be bought in gallon containers. If you do cave in and want a treat remember there are non diary yogurts and ice creams to snack on. You may even like these so well that you'll be eating them after Lent has finished. As for butter , try Melt. This plant based spread tastes exactly like the real deal and can be used in eveything form baking to cooking to being spread on toast or bagels. Maybe the hardest Lenten sacrifuce is giving up sweets. This is where a push for a healthier diet comes in. Try an apple for dessert. You could slice it and then dip in cinnamon for something different. PIneapple cubes are another great meal ender along with being a good snack. Think about getting fruit cups like Aldi's pears in syrup which are light tasting or any fruit salad cup like Acme's Signature brand mixed fruit ones. As for candy, nuts can do the trick if you want a snack or popcorn. Raisins or Craisins are fun snackables that you can eat by the handful.

It's a good and mindful thing to have some sort of sacrifuce during this important time in the Christian calendar. However it's best to ease into this new diet .Use these sub for meat , daiiry and sweets tomake that time effortless.