Lessons learned

Have you every gotten to that point?…you know...that point?  Getting to a place where something you are dealing with needs to be conquered once and for all, so you can get on with your life without allowing the problem to control you again?

I’m there.  For me it’s my weight which ultimately affects my health.  I’m not overweight per se, but those last 13 pounds I’m determined to get rid of.  My problem isn’t quality—we’re doing good on eating healthier.  My problem has been quantity.

About 3 weeks ago I went on a cleansing fast.  My plan:  3 days raw fruits/veggies, 3 days liquid fast, ending with another 3 days raw fruits/veggies.  It was a personal goal (you can read about it here).  I went 7 days and then knew my body was telling me to stop, or eat in my case.  When it was all said and done, besides the benefit of feeling better, I managed to lose 8 pounds, gaining back about a pound or two of water weight which is normal.

I know there is nothing new under the sun, but the following list includes some of the ideas I've implemented since then and, I'm happy to say, are working for me.

1.  Baby steps.  I’ve started focusing less on the overall goal and more on setting baby goals instead.  {think One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus!}

2.  I’m becoming a conscious eater.  I’m not talking about counting calories, but just being aware of what I put in my mouth.  Is it beneficial or detrimental? With this has come the responsibility to study, read labels and basically know what I am consuming.

3.  Exercising most days.  When I get home from exercising, I’m more selective about the foods I eat.  I’ve just burned so many calories exercising, so why would I want to blow that with a cookie?

4.  No more second helpings--until last night, and believe me, I paid for it.  Also, I’m not noshing while I’m cooking.  Taste testing is one thing.  Eating a full meal before you eat supper is another.

5.  No more excuses.  My biggest one I’ve always used is “I’m doing really good, so it’s not going to hurt me to eat a little more this time.”  Then before I know it I’m in I’ll-start-tomorrow mode again.

Example, last night I made homemade sloppy joes on focaccia bread (minus the rosemary).  I was full after my first helping, but used my old excuse mentioned above and had a second helping.  Since my body had already gotten accustomed to eating smaller portions, I paid for it about 2:30 a.m. with heartburn that lasted throughout the rest of the morning.

6.  I am a steward (manager) of my body.  I am responsible for stewarding my body as the Lord sees fit.  I’m tired of not taking that—or Him seriously.

I’m sure there are more things I will be learning.  I’m determined to not let this all be in vain.  It’s that important to me and to my family.  Period.

It’s All Do and Live Good!

Brenda