After all the gluttonous Mardi Gras celebrations comes Lent, the Catholic season of penance that starts on Ash Wednesday. Many Catholics give up a vice for Lent, but even if you don't do it for religious reasons, you may find that giving something up for the same 40-day period is a good way to kick-start a healthy habit or lose weight.

To see just how effective avoiding an unhealthy food for 40 days can be, we've rounded up 10 popular foods that many people choose to give up for Lent, along with the total calories you'll save if you avoid them. You might be shocked at how many calories you can save in a little over a month from just giving up your favorite junk food.