Pancake day

This week it’s Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, which has its roots in religious observance, specifically in Christianity. The day falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent—a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter. In medieval Europe, Christians would use up all their rich foods, such as eggs, milk, and sugar, and pancakes became a popular way to consume these ingredients.

Like dieting, we often consume more before a period of abstinence.

Much like the tradition of Pancake Day, where individuals indulge in rich and decadent pancakes before the period of Lenten fasting and restraint, many of us have experienced a similar phenomenon in our approach to dieting.

The Feast before the Fast

Consider the days leading up to the start of a new diet or weight loss regimen as our own personal "Pancake Day." Just as Pancake Day allows us to indulge in delicious treats before a period of dietary restraint, we often find ourselves "eating up" in anticipation stricter dietary guidelines.

During this pre-dieting period, we may give ourselves permission to indulge in our favourite foods, rationalising that we'll soon be cutting back or eliminating them altogether. Whether it's enjoying extra servings of dessert, indulging in rich and savoury meals, or simply eating larger portions, we may find ourselves consuming more calories than usual in preparation for the impending restrictions.

However, much like the Lenten fast that follows Pancake Day, the period of dietary restraint that comes with starting a new diet can feel challenging and restrictive. We may struggle to adhere to the prescribed guidelines, feeling deprived of the foods we once enjoyed freely.

Can you enjoy your pancakes without overeating?

In the tradition of Pancake Day, we recognise our human tendency to swing between extremes of indulgence and restraint. However, there's an alternative path—one that embraces moderation and balance in our approach to eating.

Rather than viewing dieting as a period of deprivation followed by overindulgence, we can cultivate a more sustainable relationship with food—one that prioritises nourishment, enjoyment, and self-care. By adopting a moderate approach to eating, we can savor the pleasures of the table without the guilt or discomfort that often accompanies extremes of feast and fast.