Day 63...Obsession

Dear Reader,

Took a mini sabbatical and in the midst of it I discovered somethings I don't mind sharing. But first things first.

Last weigh-in: 152 Today: 144.6

My personality tends to lean towards extremism.

It's been 2 months since I started Take Shape For Life. If you have been following this blog you know that losing weight is important, but dealing with the real me is more important. I believe nothing of true and lasting value happens until you deal with YOU and nothing gets done until you remove the excuses.

I'm not talking about naval gazing. Obsessing over every imperfection is just as dangerous as denial. Going back to your childhood and analyzing every hurt to find excuses for your current behavior is self defeating.

I'm talking about recognizing your weaknesses, owning up to them, and changing what can be changed. There are weaknesses that just are and will always be. But what I can't change I can certainly work around. For instance, one may have a terrible memory, but that can't be an excuse for not getting things done. Work around that terrible memory with post-it notes, planners, cell phone reminders, whatever it takes.

What does this have to do with losing weight? EVERYTHING!!!

I have found that I carry an obsession with food. I love food! I love new recipes, texture, color, and layers of flavor. I love smell, taste, crunch. I eat when I'm happy, sad, discouraged...(when I'm angry I clean) I talk about food constantly. Every celebration is surrounded by food! Even my friends have noted how much I talk about food.

During my sabbatical I put away the scale so I wouldn't be so concerned about my weight. I still spent most of the time thinking about how, when it was over, my husband and I were going to celebrate our anniversary with food.

I think about food more than God. This is my weakness.

What you think (obsess about) is what you eventually will do. I can do all the right things concerning eating plans and schedules, nutrition, and exercise, but if my mind is daily filled with nothing but cheese cake, cheese burgers, and triple cheese pizza then I can expect a cheese binge somewhere in the near future.

Left to myself I will fantasize about food. But if I'm willing to make some effort I can certainly work around this weakness by doing the following...

1) I read along time ago it is impossible to just stop thinking about a thing. However you can replace a thought with another thought. It's really a sin that Jesus takes a back seat to food in my thoughts. So meditating on scripture will help me focus on Him.

2) Organize my food life. I am responsible for shopping, meal planning, cooking. It's said that those who fail to plan plan to fail. Having grocery lists made up to go along with weekly menus will cut down on the amount of time I have to think about and meals for my family. Also it will cut down the amount of time I spend at the market.

3) Take time to enjoy my food when I am eating. Food is not a sin or something to be afraid of. When I am eating I need to allow the enjoyment it brings.

4) Eat to live not live to eat. If I'm not hungry why eat?

5) Drink water. Lots.

6) Stay accountable. You will not believe how this blog helps me not to jump overboard. Knowing I have to be honest to you keeps me from quitting.

Now this is all easier said than done. So feel free to pray for me. I still appreciate all the encouragement. If you have any other ideas to help me take my mind off food send them in. Better yet...why don't you join me?

Until Next Time,
Lauren