In past years, I tried with my human strength to keep healthy eating habits during the holidays.  Eventually, I would give in and eat all tempting treats surrounding me.  I planned on starting over with healthy eating the next day, but continued eating until my pants would no longer button. My goal this year is to be the first holiday that I do not overeat.  On Thanksgiving day, I enjoyed small servings of my favorite rich casseroles along with pie. I did great, until I ate a second helping of dessert my body did not need.

I have not found a way to successfully overeat. Other people can overindulge and  eat light the following day to get back on track.  Eating to much triggers a desire in me to continue eating.  When this happens, I am unable to quit eating until my stomach hurts.  Sometimes, eating one extra bite after I am full can trigger this reaction in me.  Since God has been working in me, I realize I am overeating.  I stop after a few cookies, where before I would have gobbled down the whole bag.  This has kept me from gaining back weight I lost, but is not helping me lose the last 15 pounds.

I need God to help me eat the amount of food my body needs. Psalm 118:5 is, “In my distress, I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007) God has set me free from eating excess food. In the midst of celebrations and stress, I take my eyes off of Him and slip back into the food.  Since I know I cannot eat even one extra bite beyond full, I ask Him to show me when I have had enough.  He gives me the strength to put down my fork, even during a holiday celebration.  When I call on God, he refocuses my attention away from food.  I am free to enjoy the Christmas season without overindulgence.