Meat on the brain

I gave up meat for Lent this year, as I believe you should only give up something if it's going to be difficult. It's been 10 days, and I am constantly thinking about meat. When I wake up in the morning, it's a conscious effort to pick up an egg instead of a slice of ham. I've also found myself eating a tonne of crap (cakes, biscuits, etc) that I usually have no taste for instead of a bit of pork/whatever. Yesterday, I nearly ate beef pate because I completely forgot myself :<

Does anyone have any tips for reminding myself for the next month? It's been really difficult so far :/ Oh, and I'm not a vegetarian, just not eating meat (as in, I still have gravy on my chips, etc) Hope this is in the right place!

When you cut out a whole food group, it can lead to a lack in nutrients. Which leads to cravings. In meat? I'm going to guess you may not be getting enough iron. Try to get more iron into your diet - and I mean, in your diet. Don't go for the multivitamin route (unless you take one already, in which case... eh). But yes, I'd try getting a bit more iron in your diet!

What are you doing for protein then if you've given up meat for lent?  Maybe you need to find some protein rich foods and that will help you curb that craving for meat.

I'm not trying to get you to stop giving up meat, but my mom gave me some good advice concerning Lent. If your Lenten sacrifice causes you to obsess over the thing you're giving up, then it's creating unhealthiness in your life, which is not what God would want. God doesn't want you to think constantly about meat all day. 

I hope this doesn't offend! Just thought I'd pass down some of my momma's advice :-)

Morning Star Vegetarain Breakfast Sausage Patties will change your life. You can't even tell they're not meat. I hate fake meat and these are my favorite thing!

lalabanana - Thanks! I hadn't thought of that actually. I'll try eating more veggies like spinach and broccoli for a while and switch to fortified cereals. I'm not a fan of multivitamins :/

colorado_sunshine - I don't think it's the protein issue, as I drink a lot of milk, and eat a lot of cheese, bread, eggs, mushrooms, etc. But I will check to make sure it all adds up properly!

jlc76 - Thanks for passing on your advice <3 I just wanted to see if there was a reason for me constantly thinking of it. If I make sure my diet still has everything it's supposed to, and I still have it on the brain, I will definitely consider switching to something else!

raynsong - I hadn't thought of meat alternatives, actually - I'll definitely take a look round for something similar when I go shopping today :D

Thanks to all of you for the great advice and recommendations!

watch out-- most fake meat is gross.

morningstar and quorn are the only brands i can handle.

also be careful not to eat meat substitutes more than three or four times a week because the estrogen in the soy can cause problems for some people. i think i've got that right...?