Every time I overeat, I feel guilt. Shame that I have failed again rushes over me. The fact I resolved to do better beats me up.  This guilt tells me I am doomed to stay fat forever.  Overcome by negativity, I am tempted to give up and eat everything in sight.  This self-disgust is not from God.  Instead, He gently nudges me when I fall short and motivates me to get back on track. 2 Corinthians 7:10 is, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011).  There is a hugeRead More →

It was once hard for me to relax without constant snacking. Grazing while watching TV  is normal behavior.   Sitting down, whether to read or surf the internet meant snacking for me.  To avoid mindless eating, I used to keep busy.    When I started eating only when I was hungry, I got numerous tasks finished to avoid eating.  Since there are times I need to rest, I am learning the art of relaxing without food. I have to eat to live and will always be surrounded by food.   Using “I need to relax” as an excuse no longer works.  God is helping me overcome temptationsRead More →

Fear is a normal emotion for me. Sometimes, I imagine the worst possible case scenario to work my fear into frenzy.   Even though deep down I know my imaginary event will never happen, I find something else to worry about.  Not knowing what is going to happen give me stress and uncertainty.  I would rather be in control and know what is going to happen.  Most of my fears come from my unwillingness to surrender control. My fears are erased when I remember to surrender control to God.  Isaiah 43:1 is, “But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, …’Do notRead More →

I know that broccoli and kale are both healthy food choices.  Fresh lean meats are “better for you” than fatty and processed protein sources.  Excess sugar and salt are also bad to consume.  I know all of this and have been aware of these diet truths for a long time.  Knowing about these “diet guidelines” has not made me skinny.  Instead, I focused more on what I ate.  I would fret when I picked up pizza because I was too tired to cook.  Other times I felt guilty for eating candy or potato chips.  I resolved to eat better, but deep down wanted to enjoy my favoriteRead More →

I get tired and frustrated sometimes.  In those moments, my discouraged heart tells me to quit.  This temptation encourages me to eat whatever I desire and fibs that I will never lose these last few pounds.  This urge to give up also spills over to my spiritual side, so I skimp on my time with God. 2 Corinthians 4:16 is, “That is why we never give up.  Through our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  God strengthens me so I have the courage to press on. When I am weak, I must remember to reachRead More →

This last week has been the most stressful one I have had in a long time.  For the past several weeks, I had a decent streak of not giving into overeating.  However, this past week, I had to remind myself to stop eating, because food does not relieve my stress.  I admit, I did give in to stress eating a few times this week.  The positive is that I immediately caught myself and stopped eating. On my own, there is no way I could stop eating excess food, especially when I am under stress.  God has taught me that eating does nothing to help my situation.  Psalm 119:102Read More →

Last week, I was surrounded by food at work.  Before, when food I enjoyed was available, I would take advantage and excessively fill up.  Now that my eyes are focused on God, I only eat food my body needs.  Although I ate more unhealthy than healthy foods the past week, I did not overeat.  I can no longer eat even one extra bite of food once my body is full.  As long as I keep my eyes focused on God, He gives me strength I need to pass up extra food. 2 Corinthians 4:18 is, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but onRead More →

Continuing to eat only the food my body needs has been my greatest challenge.  In the past, I found excuses to overeat.  Once I slip, it is easy to keep eating excess food.  I also erroneously think I can start over tomorrow, or even next Monday.  Over time, God has helped me eat less food.  I can tell when I am full and stop eating.  Before, I ate until my stomach was physically bloated, stretching out over my pants. Psalm 119:105 is, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  God hasRead More →

Usually once I start seeing progress, I celebrate by eating more food than my body needs.  Since no foods are ever off limits for me, I don’t have a “cheat meal”.  Instead, I stuff more food in my body.  Sometimes I “think” I am hungry so I can eat more food.   Or I decide to continue eating after I am full.  This self sabotage keeps me on my weight on a “yo-yo” cycle. I self destruct because I have taken my eyes off of God.  Psalm 63:5 is, “I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.”Read More →

Jesus had to endure a brutal death to pay the price for all sin.  He bore the punishment for all of my wrongs, including gluttony, and love of food.  Because He rose up from the grave, I am free to live.  Psalm 51:1-2 is, “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love.  Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.  Wash me clean from my guilt.  Purify me from my sin.  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  On this Easter, I am grateful that my sin has been taken away.  I have been washed from my past sins andRead More →