So you gave up chocolate: if you chose to abandon the rationalization that “it has antioxidants” and give up chocolate for lent, swap with carob, which is a powder from that comes from the carob bean that is used as a chocolate substitute. Numb the pain: Convince your friends to BYO somewhere other than Charles Plaza and make a reservation at Kanella (1001 Spruce Street), a delicious Greek alternative. Indulge in your favorite Mediterranean dish and order the Cyprus crepe filled with manouri cheese drizzled with carob syrup to satisfy your sweet tooth for dessert. Carob can also be used instead of chocolate in a microwave cake. Mix 1 tablespoon and 2 tsp carob powder, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2-3 tsp vegetable oil, 3 tablespoons of milk, and ½ tsp vanilla extract in a mug and zap for one minute. Bonus points if you instagram a picture of your healthy(ish) dessert with an artsy filter.
So you gave up meat: If you’ve ever wondered what Betty White, Bill Clinton and Mike Tyson have in common (as most rational people do from time to time), it’s that they’re vegetarians. Lucky for all the temporary herbivores out there, the celebrity–endorsed diet has plenty of options like tofu, which is made from soybeans, and seitan, also known as wheat meat, which can be prepared to resemble meat. Numb the pain: Tofu and seitan are available in the vegetarian sections of the campus dining halls and many off–campus favorites offer these two health–conscious options as well. Sweetgreen, Salad Works and Gia Pronto all offer tofu with their salads, and Magic Carpet features an entirely vegetarian menu. In addition, you can cook seitan with your favorite vegetables and spices and wrap in a tortilla for a vegetarian fajita.
So you gave up soda: If you’re finally kicking the Dr. Pepper habit for good—or at least for the next week—pick a healthy carbonated drink to get your daily fix. Numb the pain: NeuroDrinks ($1.86) provide important antioxidants that promote benefits ranging from better sleep to weight loss to improved cognition—all while being sold in bottles that sort of look like colorful rocket ships. Try a few different flavors from CVS. Lacroix also makes healthy carbonated beverages that come in the cold aluminum cans you’ve come to know and love.
So you gave up junk food: After the Freshman 15 proved not to be a myth after all, cutting out junk food for lent seems like a natural solution. Pick fresh foods with natural ingredients to upgrade your diet. Numb the pain: Tailor your snacks based on your cravings. Lightly salted edamame serves as a finger food alternative to French fries and is available pre–packaged in Houston Hall. Hummus and pita replaces chips and dip and can be found, ironically enough, at Hummus Grill ($3.95). Greek yogurt and fruit fills the void Ben and Jerry have occupied in mending your broken heart. Find it at 1920 Commons, Wawa and Fresh Grocer.
So you gave up alcohol: For many Penn students, giving up alcohol for lent is somewhat like giving up Thursday through Saturday night. No need—go out, get weird and dance like no one’s sober. Numb the pain: Enjoy your virgin Shirley Temples and be thankful that lent ends before Fling.
