Maggie Malach's column in the Feb. 23 edition of Flyer News left me disappointed. While Lent does offer a structured time period that might prove convenient to "go on a diet," it completely misses the point of Lent.

Lent is a time of reflection, a time in which Christians are supposed to look at what in their life is separating them from God. Giving up something for Lent is meant to be a personal sacrifice in order to be closer to Jesus, as the 40 days of Lent is based around the 40 days of fasting and temptation Jesus endured in the wilderness.

For example, if you really enjoy Pepsi, giving up soda would be a proper sacrifice. Giving up something for Lent may also be a way of getting rid of a habit that is separating one from God, such as giving up sleeping in on Sundays and getting to noon Mass.

But going on a diet just to get a "Daytona body" is just sacrilegious. Such an attitude does not put the Creator first, it is putting yourself first. "Forty days on this diet and you'll be smokin' hot" does nothing but put God last.

And while not all students at the University of Dayton are Catholic or even Christian, this doesn't mean that we can't show respect toward a season of the religion that is so much a part of making UD what it is. (I mean, this is a Catholic institution).

The suggested diet doesn't even show respect toward your body, as feeding your body nothing but "water, celery or rice cakes" is incredibly unhealthy.

Look, I guess if you want to lose weight and want to make a proper Lenten sacrifice, consider skipping the late night pizza and donate the money you would have used to charity. But remember that Lent is a time of self-betterment for God's sake, not a time for crash diets.