Ice cream has always been my downfall.
Not just any ice cream, mind you. It must include sweet morsels of cookie dough, thin mints, or chocolate chips⏤sprinkles, syrups, or anything fruity are simply not invited to the party.
Recently, while wiping minty green deliciousness from around my lips, the words Where is your self-control? rudely interrupted the moment. The words stunned me even more than the fact that I was returning a half-eaten pint of my favorite meal snack to the freezer.
We know when it’s time for a change. And this was that moment.
Scenes from the last two years darted past.
Let’s see. There was the stress of prepping our old house to sell, then the move, writing two books in one year, the heartbreak of returning a beloved puppy on Valentines Day, and struggling with a couple of ongoing medical issues that wiggled fingers from their ears, double-dog-daring me to just try and lose the weight.
Hmm…turns out, it wasn’t ice cream I tasted. It was my emotions. If only they were fat-free. *sigh*
Convinced I couldn’t gain control of my eating habits, or the expanding waistline, I gave up. I grew comfortable buying one larger size after the other, but way down deep, I knew my lack of self-control was costing a lot more than 4.99 a gallon.
So I whipped out my favorite sketchbook, turned it sideways, and drew a line down the center of the page. Each column claimed a title.
The left column: Results From Eating Poorly. Keeping it real here, folks:
- Avoiding people I haven’t seen since the added weight.
- I’m not reflecting the power of self-discipline.
- Feeling dumpy.
- Slave to sweets.
- I run away from the camera and videos.
The right column: Benefits from Eating Healthier
- Live unashamed!
- Healthier body, mind, and spirit.
- Attention and energy will shift more to others (instead of worrying about what people think about me.)
- I won’t shy away from the camera, whether it’s snapping shots with my family, fun selfies with friends, or video opportunities.
- This time next year, I will be healthier, stronger, and more energetic. (One of the reasons we moved closer to the mountains was for the convenience of kayaking and hiking.)
It wasn't until I took the time to draw a line down the center of a page that changes began to happen. Share on X
There I sat, comparing the two columns and circling key words, like avoid, slave to sweets, not reflecting⏤followed by⏤live, unashamed, won’t shy away.
For the first time in two years, I saw my life choices for what they really were, as well as their cost. Two scripture verses quickly followed:
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12
[Truth is, I had given food way too much control over my life. It was my comforter, my be-happy-for-ten-minutes drug, my thoughtless activity. I want my life to reflect what I believe, not what brings me relief.]
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 6:22, 23 NIV
[I agreed with the voice that had rudely interrupted me only minutes prior, saying aloud, You’re right! I have no self-control. God said, “Wrong! I have given you everything you need to exercise self-control. My power lives in you. Depend on Him, not yourself.”]
- I prayed for help, wisdom, and a desire to eat healthier.
- I came up with a simple plan to focus mainly on my eating habits. If I tried too much at one time, I would be overwhelmed. I re-started Weight Watchers, looked back at this post in 2015 for tips, and instead of finding ways it wouldn’t work for me, I found a way to make it work. Now I make a weekly menu and stock my fridge with all the right things (I use my extra points on the weekend for a cupcake — and I enjoy every bite!)
- I dedicated the plan to God with open and outstretched hands, confessing I can’t do it without Him.
So why am I sharing this journey with you at ten pounds down instead of waiting for a whopping victorious number?
Because it’s the small, strong, day-to-day choices we make that are to be celebrated.
It’s not about arriving at a certain number on a scale, or making “x” amount of money, or gaining “x” amount of social media followers.
It’s about arriving at the feet of Jesus.
Is there a situation in your life that might benefit by drawing a line down the center of a page?
I see that line down the center of my food page too . . . and my shopping page . . . and so on. Thank you for your thoughtful review of how important our mindset is to all of life.
My go-to verse that needs remembering is “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Yes! Such a powerful verse, Sandra. I’ve enjoyed watching your videos — your determination is inspiring! Thanks for taking the time to share. 🙂 Blessings!
Cathy, you can do it. Having lost a mom at 53, I’ve always been aware how bad habits affect our health. As we age it’s a challenge. I’ve been a runner which may have led to my knee issues. But weight is something I can work on. More importantly was my heart health. Day 37 of my life changing way of eating is bringing down my cholesterol #’s and pounds as a result. I’m loving renewed energy, better sleep and a clearer mind. My big incentive is to be around for my family and quality life as I serve.
My husband was put on a strict diet to manage his diabetes. After watching his brother have multiple amputation from diabetic complications I am motivated to do whatever I have to for my husband’s health.
Surprise! Twenty one days later I am committed to continue this method of treatment with food rather than drugs.
His sugar hasn’t been this good in years.
Leave it to the Maker of all good things to make a way for us to regain our health.
Keep up the good work sweet friend. Shalom rav!
Yes and amen, Jean! I’m thankful your husband is doing so well. It’s amazing how 21 days can make such a difference in our health. Cheering you both on! Thank you for sharing this victory. It’s encouraging. 🙂
That’s one of the best incentives I know — to be here for my family. I also want to serve the Lord for as long as possible! I’m so proud of how you’ve taken hold of your heart health, Daphne. Your example spurs me on, sweet friend. Thank you for the encouragement!
Love you, Cathy! Excellent evaluation tool for pretty much everything we need to layout and think about. Great piece — you inspire!
Thank you, Becky! It’s a tool I’m sure to use again. I was surprised by the results. 🙂 Love you, too!
I just recently came to the same conclusion – eating extra stuff has WAY too much control over my life…. and I’m only up 4 pounds. But I feel dumpy and lumpy…. something a 73-year-old can’t afford to be or feel any more than is already there. It’s the sugar! I truly love veggies and eating well. It’s the sugar! Well, and the bread. And the real, Kerry Gold butter on the bread………….. groan.
Okay, Jackie, I’m unaware of Kerry Gold butter, but it sounds yummy. 🙂 I also love veggies, but I’m wondering what I’m going to do for fruit when summer is gone. Watermelon is my go-to snack at night. Thanks so much for sharing! It’s always nice knowing we’re not alone in the battle.
Thank you Cathy for your post. I know where you are. I’m working on losing weight again. It’s hard, but God will help us. Praying for you.
Yes He will, Jann! Thanks so much for taking the time to share. Have a blessed holiday weekend!
Ugh, sugar is my downfall too! I so relate with your struggle. You can do this! I have faith that God will finish the good work He’s started in you. Blessings!
I knew we were soul sisters, Tammy, but I didn’t know we also shared a fondness for sugar. 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement! Blessings!
Oh, Cathy, this hit home! I love my sweets, and my waistline is showing it. I needed this encouragement and exhortation to do something. Thank you for your transparency. This was a powerful post. Praying for you as you press on!
Thank you, Crickett! I’m thankful you found encouragement in the post — and especially so for your prayers. Love you, friend.
Ah, Cathy! Girl, you put your finger on the pulse 🙂 I recall a similar personal moment when I confessed to God that a Krispy Kreme donut should never appear to have more power than the Holy Spirit in me! Let me tell you, THAT was a humbling – and empowering – moment for me.
I’m thankful for these {divine} epiphanies that open our eyes to these humbling, yet empowering moments that challenge our actions for His ultimate glory. And, I’m thankful for you, Charla! 🙂 Blessings!