Carla & Chris. Chris & Carla. I love these guys, and soon, you will too (I hope).
Both are bound by love and their mutual interests. Chris and Carla are both (beautiful) healthy folks who live the good life in pretty much every sense of the word. They work hard, they play hard, they eat well, and give back when they can.
While these two beautiful souls are surely extraordinary, they are also just really good, regular folk who are blessed to have their health, their happiness, and each other.
Like me or (maybe) like you.
Carla has been a huge supporter of Not So Fast since the early days, and so a few months ago both Chris and Carla decided to put themselves to the test for the benefit of others.
For those of you who are new to this blog, you may wonder what this has to do with food and delicious recipes. If you like, you can find more info here and here (I’d be honoured).
IPOM exists to share healthy, accessible recipes and inspire new (delicious) ways to live with (just a little) less.
This is a story outlining how small changes can be turned into real food for real people who have less.
How does it work?
Go without: Chris and Carla decided to fast for 40 days, by going without one specific luxury for 40 days.
The money they didn’t spend on what they would have consumed would be donated to feed those who have less.
Make It Real: Keep a journal (we are making something very special for this). Write in in your calendar. Tweet it.
By giving record, you make it real. After all, shouldn’t you take credit for your awareness and good deeds?
Feed People. We’ll do that, and soon we’ll tell you how. Or, get involved in your local community.
Here are Chris and Carla’s Stories…
Carla’s Challenge: Carla chose to go without any refined sugar for 40 days.
For those of us who are lucky to work with this lady like me, we know she works hard. She takes great care of herself. And she likes treats (but not too many).
We knew this would be tough..
Chris chose to go without all alcohol for 40 days.
This was in the midst of a few upcoming weddings. And weekends (those darned weekends)!
Chris, like Carla, is somewhat the picture of good health. They are both moderate people. But they, like all of us, have vices*, or things in their life they do not wish to be controlled by.
*(unless you don’t)
Here are a few thoughts direct from Chris and Carla themselves.
This is proof that no matter how small, little changes add up, and can result in positive benefits for you and for someone else!
Chris speaks on going without:
Why did you want to do this challenge? I am faced with various challenges everyday, but at the time I felt that I do not challenge myself enough. I think I was feeling a little complacent. I think I avoid challenge to avoid additional stress in my life.
Why did you choose beer to give up? I chose all forms of alcohol, not only beer. In the past I have given up only beer but just replaced it with other forms of alcohol, like wine, so the challenge was absent. Recently I became aware of how much alcohol I consume. I am not abusive but I have a drink a day. I truly enjoy the taste of beer and wine and look forward to that after work or with friends. I could not remember the last time I went a long period without consuming any alcohol (more then a couple days anyway). So it seemed like a good idea. Another big part is health. As I get older I become more aware of health choices. I felt it could do my body good to stop drinking for a while.
What did this exercise teach you about yourself/each other? That I was more dependent than I thought on alcohol. After a long day at work or at a social gathering, I found I would be a bit grumpy knowing that I was not going to have a drink. There was a very noticeable absence in my life for the first couple weeks. I think though the social aspect was the most interesting. In my life alcohol is often consumed in the company of friends and with that comes good conversation and discussion. I missed that and found that I was less social during this time. I even think friends called me less knowing that they might be drinking alone if we went out. Giving up alcohol felt like a bit of a sacrifice, if only in the superficial sense.
What were you able to contribute as a result of this or who did this positively affect? I think the most positive effect was on me, both health and financially.
Has it affected you in any other ways? My fast came during the season of Lent so there was a spiritual element to it. Although that was not as prominent during this time, I did make a point of thinking about why I was giving something up whenever I longed for it. This would lead in many different directions, from self-satisfaction/dissatisfaction to thinking of those who have no choice in what they do not have, to health and pride.
Would you do it again/build something like this into your daily routines? I will consider doing this again in a year and currently I conscientiously practice giving things up on a week to week basis.
Carla speaks on going without:
Why did you want to do this challenge? To encourage more reflection in my life – to help remind myself of how blessed I am for what I have, and that there are many who have to go without –being able to choose to go without is a luxury. I also wanted to support NSF by giving to those who have less.
Why did you choose sugar? I chose sugar for health reasons… and because I crave a little sweetness at least once a day. I knew it would be a little difficult.
What did this exercise teach you about yourself/each other? It taught me self discipline and encouraged generosity and reflection. It was encouraging to see how well Chris did in his fast and it helped me stay on track. Seeing that Chris and I could complete this challenge (not without our moments of weakness…), who knows what else we could take on.
What were you able to contribute as a result of this or who did this positively affect? Food issues are important to me – where our food comes from, how it is produced, what we put in our bodies and food waste. We are donating $$$ to NSF for a local food project they are involved in.
Has it affected you in any other ways (either positive or negative)? This fast has taught me that I don’t need sugar (and probably a lot of other things in life) – and should try and treat it as something special – that I’m lucky/blessed to be able to have, while others have to go without.
Would you do it again/build something like this into your daily routines? Yes.
Making it real…
Carla used this little notebook to record what she was giving up, and the value of it too.
In it I found little gems of her writing.
Putting words to something somehow makes it real, like thoughts once they become spoken words.
Do you keep a journal?
Everyday is a new challenge..what’s yours?
Chris and Carla donated enough money to sponsor a very special NSF event coming up.
I can’t wait to share this with you as the planning is in the works as we speak. Seeing the results of their challenge has inspired many great things and I can’t thank them enough for their courage and willingness to take part.
Not only will their funds provide much needed food, but we will also be sharing cooking skills that will (hopefully) enable folks to keep feeding themselves. Stay tuned as we roll out more 
I’ll be keeping the recipes flowing too, starting with these delicious cookies in my next post…
The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.
~ Oscar Wilde
- Have you ever considered giving up a vice or a habit?
- If you did what would it be?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, and thank you my friends for reading about this amazing effort by amazing people. I told you you’d like them. Was I wrong? 
There is lots more to come, and I’d love to hear from you all!
Here’s to a super week everyone!
Yours in Less,
I LOVE THIS POST Shira!!! We all ready discussed how much I adore and participate in a similar concept through my religion, but you have really inspired me to think about it more conscientiously than I previously have and to perhaps sacrifice something dear to me for a time and give even more. Congrats to Chris and Carla on their challenge. I’m sure both found improved health and lightness through giving up their vices. Going without so that others can have more is so beautiful, especially when so many of us have so much to give to those who are far less fortunate. XOXO!
THANKS Somer!! I am so happy you enjoyed this..these guys have sparked a flood of action through their challenge and the results of their actions..I can’t wait to share it all! I’d be thrilled to guest a blogger here at IPOM who might be interested in doing something similar at some point! It is amazing to think of the results of so many little actions if we add it all up! More to come my friend, so much more! I love that you love this!! XOXO
Super exciting Shira! You created this chain reaction that is spreading so much good, now that your blog has even more kudos it’s gonna be like wildfire my friend! People want something positive to contribute to so that they can make a difference. It’s a win-win! Can’t wait to hear more about it! Love you girl!
Thanks girl! Love you too – your support means oh so much…so thrilled to have your support! I’d love to see what can be done with a group of folks working together for collective good…I’ll be sharing!
Yay! I’ll be reading and rooting for you! Coming up with some thoughts locally too
This post is so beautiful! And I love the whole idea! I am with Chris and would find it hardest to give up my wine! I love a glass of red while making dinner or hanging out with friends, but saving money on wine to help others is a noble effort, so I think I could do it!
I know! Can you imagine 40 days of no alcohol…I have never even done that (and really would find it very difficult) – I think the gauntlet has been thrown down!? I am down if you are…
Lots more details to come on what we are doing so stay tuned – thanks Rachel! xo!
I’ll check back for details. I’m willing to throw down if you are! It really would be QUITE a sacrifice for me!
Me too Rachel!! Let’s do it – I am IN if you are!
I always love a good throw down, though the sugar thing…man – and the alcohol? That’s a toughie, but I think I can do it too!
I think it would be easier to give up sugar than alcohol…
Me too!! Alcohol would be very difficult…
Life is better enjoyed with a glass of wine and I always appreciate mine!
Way to go, Chris and Carla! I often give up something for Lent. One year I gave up chocolate (hard), once popcorn (even harder.) I think the discipline of it is good.
I agree with you (and kudos on the Lent fasting)! The discipline is good – aren’t these two inspiring?
I absolutely love, love, love your blog!
I love, love that you feel that way!! Thank you for sharing that – you just made my day!
Hello Chris and Carla!
Really interesting! I know it’s possible – I gave up alcohol during pregnancies. That’s a lot of weekends without a glass of wine. For me, I think giving up sugar would hurt so much more. Good for them, and a great cause.
Isn’t it great?! Stay tuned to find out how we are following up (it’s pretty fun!) – both of these would be so hard..though fasting from anything takes enormous discipline – a very good process for those open to the experience! I rarely go wine-less through the weekend…good for you!
So much awesomeness here. Great post. Wow and blessings to these guys for this amazing step out in faith. I am encouraged and inspired on many levels.
Aren’t they inspiring? I wish I could tell you all the ways they amazed and encouraged me by doing this..I am so happy to share their story!
thank you for doing what you do. Blessings….. They inspire and thank YOU for using your gifts.
Giving up refined sugar would be hard for me. Giving up any or all forms of alcohol would not be. My particular challenge is a “do more of” rather than “do less of” challenge. I need to keep moving (exercising).
I think a lot of us share in that area Sharyn (giving up sugar would be so hard!) and on the exercise front too (we could always use a little more)…you are a swimmer and hiker if I remember right?
Good memory, Shira — swimmer and walker, actually: I took my first open water swim of 2012 yesterday, which I vastly prefer to walking!
Sounds amazing Sharyn!! I could only hope for ‘swimming’ weather here..the ocean is still completely frigid right now! I bet it was incredible..
Yay to and for Chris and Carla! Awesomeness! Thank you for sharing their inspirational stories with us, Shira.
Thanks Annie! I hope to have lots to share in the coming weeks/months… Aren’t these two amazing?
Loving your post – thanks for sharing!
Thanks for popping in Renee!
Hey Shira – love your wee cut outs throughout this inspiring post!
We recently gave up refined sugar (it was harder for LM than for me). Amazing how much better we felt for it.
Do you have an Oz Harvest equivalent in Canada. You may be interested in having a squizz at their website – they do amazing work: http://www.ozharvest.org/
Cheers from Syders
Jx
Checking the site out as we speak — thank you my friend!
Are you off the refined sugar for good then? Impressive!
T r y i n g – but not always succeeding. LM has a serious sweet tooth. Just the more I read, the more I think refined sugar is very, very bad for us. X
It is hard to do ALL the time…but with (just a little) less it can make all the difference
– sounds like you have already! I have a pretty serious sweet tooth too and can relate 100% friend!
This is such a great post. I would be giving up sugars as well. My vice is definitely made with love and covered in chocolate!
Me too Britt! Me too! So happy you enjoyed reading about Chris and Carla!
This couple is a sincere inspiration to us all – thank you very much for sharing their world my friend
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks CCU – I am so glad to share their inspiration!
i did a similar challenge with my boyfriend, except it was me that was trying to avoid the alcohol and my boyfriend cut the sugar. I love my (almost) daily glass of red wine, so it was a tough one for me. I dont have a sweet tooth at all so cutting sugar wouldnt be a big deal. it was fun and after ending the challenge my boyfriend was actually craving less sugar and cut the sweets. I, on the other hand, am still enjoying my wine
I am with you on the wine Alexia! It would be so hard – good on you guys – how long did you do the challenge for?
These guys are truly inspiring. I gave up chocolate a few years ago cold turkey. I was working in a fruit and nut shop and was eating mouthfuls of the stuff all the time! Mindless eating and I wasn’t really enjoying it either. So I just stopped. Can’t say I actually miss chocolate all that much now. I do have a bit from time to time, but tend to crave other things…mostly lemony, blueberry, or nutty things!
Cold turkey is sometimes the only way isn’t Sarah – that’s so awesome!! Amazing how when you get off the ‘need’- the ‘need’ just disappears!
Very cool!
Wow, Shira! What a beautiful beautiful post! So inspiring! I love the willingness they had to give something up — that speaks volumes about their character….thanks for sharing. i’ll be thinking about this all day!
Isn’t it awesome Caralyn! I too have been giving thought to how to incorporate giving up something everyday…imagine the impact we could make!
I am so thrilled with these guys…they amazed me! 
WOW what an inspring post Shira! I am glad for both Chris and Carla but I have to say I feel for Chris…if I were to give up something that would really impact me it would be beer :-/ (being that my blog is a lot about beer!). I don’t drink a lot but I really enjoy having a beer after work and in social situations…similar to what Chris said.
This has inspired me for sure! What a challenge!
I thought of you when I wrote this Lilly Sue! It would be hard wouldn’t it? I am trying to think of a good challenge for myself..
haha it would be hard…and I would like to do it eventually to challenge myself! Beer would definitey be the hardest…I like wine occasionally and don’t drink liquor to often. Sweets would be hard too..I have such a sweet tooth.
love love love meeting [reading about. haha.] awesome people! thanks for sharing! and cheers to them!!! so inspiring! i can’t wait to hear more about NSF!
Lots more to share soon – thank you Ames!!
I love this, Shira! You are such an amazing, inspirational person- thank you for sharing your project, and Chris and Carla’s story, with us! I wish LA was closer to Vancouver so I could volunteer for NSF and also give you a great big hug for always brightening my day with your posts. I can’t wait to hear more (and see the recipe for those gorgeous cookies)! xo
Stay tuned Kristy! Your support is so wonderful….thanks for reading, and for your kind words! I will find a way to get you involved (I hope) – even if from afar
(wish you could be here to take part too!)..I’ll make sure to share lots! XO!
Great story!! I LOVE the whole concept – you guys are so inspiring! Thank You!!
Thanks for reading Anne! Lots more to come!
Amazing post Shira! I loved this line: “This is proof that no matter how small, little changes add up, and can result in positive benefits for you and for someone else!” So universal! I feel both Carla and Chris’ (initial) pain – I love sweets and I love a good glass of vino. But for the greater good, it’s great knowing that there’s a goal at the end. So inspiring and love the pic of C&C in the grass – Chris is framed in yellow! Congrats on this project, Shira!
Thanks Marina! Isn’t it so true in theory though, really?! That is what keeps me going that idea that we CAN if we just try! Happy you enjoyed it Marina – in the throws of planning right now! Cheers!
XO!
Enjoy the planning process – I hope you’re documenting it! You’ll reflect on this later and think ‘wow’ – I’m sure of it!
Oh my gosh, that’s SO awesome! My church did a similar thing last year. We ate on $2 a day for a week. All the extra money that we would have spent on food (which for me, is a lot!) was donated to the food bank. It was such a cool mission!
That’s amazing!!! Exactly what we are doing here….that just made me smile
Very wide….
How much did you end up donating in the end?
XOX!
This is beautiful Shira! They (and you!) are so inspiring. I’m feeling incredibly motivated to try something similar! I love the idea of donating my money on what I would normally spend on that item. I wonder what I could do to have the most impact? I love the idea of doing this on a regular basis too! I always like challenges and moving toward an end goal. I went plant based partly because of the challenge it presented! What better way to continually challenge myself than to integrate this concept of going without so I can give to others?
Thanks you for the inspiration my friend, I truly appreciate it. Your blog and lovely words make me think about things I never would have otherwise and it’s truly impacting and shaping who I am. Thank you!
And of course, thank you to Chris and Carla for doing this and sharing their experience and thoughts
I am going to think about this and I would love an input you have! I will update you!
xox
This makes me so happy Gabby! we’ve got plans and ideas bubbling over like you wouldn’t believe….would love to involve you and anyone else out there wanting to take part!
Hope to roll it out in the coming months…in the mean time let’s keep exchanging ideas! Love it!
XOX
Gosh I love checking in here and seeing the work you’re doing. Who are all these amazing people who come across your path? As always, I love your approach to more (and less). I feel my shoulders relax and my breaths becoming deeper when I’m here. Thank you for all you do. I nominated you today for the Food Stories Award for the beautiful job you do. http://foodstoriesblog.com/food-stories-award/
Jennifer – your words here are so kind and amazing – thank you for this! Whenever you visit you leave such thoughtful notes and I am truly grateful to you
Thank you for the nomination and my most sincere congrats to you for yours! I also adore your blog and what you do! 
Until next time! XOX
This is one amazing post. so awesome of Chris and Carla to go through with it! I dont drink anyway, so something like that will go to hubbs;) love what you have started with NSF! There are so many things we randomly used to splurge on. like random clothes and shoe shopping, eating out and so on. now though, i think of where the money could go instead..things we dont necessarily need. I havent shopped for shoes in the last year . with the money saved i am trying to think of other ideas to raise funds for so many causes that need help.
Oh Richa – I would love to hear more about your conscious efforts to go without – and please stay tuned for more info to come (that we are working on) – you are so right about the causes! Thanks for stopping in my friend!
I so loved this post of yours Shira, and this brave and heart-forward couple! Have read this several times, and appreciate it more with each reading! Thank you, always, for lifting us up as you do! xoxo
I am touched Spree that you have read it more than one time – you totally made my day with this comment- just as C&C have made so many good things happen with their actions. I’ll be sharing more so stay tuned! Thank you!
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