Denying Self

About two and a half weeks ago I started on the journey to lose weight, eat more healthily, and regularly exercise. This time I decided to be serious about it. I have somehow felt that how I approach my diet and exercise is linked to who I let be in control in my life - self vs. God's spirit. Ouch!

Last night we had my son's closing picnic for the golf team. Hamburgers, hot dogs and soda were provided, and then the parents brought all the side dishes and desserts. I must admit that I made brownies to take along, because they were easy and didn't take much time. I did try half of one to make sure they were all right, since I added some specialty chips that I had never used before.

There were lots of goodies to choose from as I went through the line. I had a cheeseburger, an apple slice, a little bit of a potato dish and small spoonful of macaroni and cheese, and a small handful of BBQ chips. Unfortunately there were no veggies available, or I would have filled up on those. As I finished my plate of food I found that I was quite comfortable. Oh, I forgot, I also had a cupcake.

My mind kept arguing to go back through the line of food to pick up another dessert, or perhaps munch some more on those delicious chips, or get a refill on my soda. But I resisted all of these urges and felt good when we left. I had succeeded in denying self and choose to refrain.

I don't always do well in this area - obviously since I am trying to lose thirty pounds. But I am slowly learning. I am trying to pray each time I eat and ask God to help me to resist things that I don't need or that aren't good for me. Sometime I do well, sometimes I don't. I was excited to see this morning though that I have lost six pounds in the past 2 1/2 weeks.

I realize that I picked a hard time of year to start focusing on this issue - especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner. Times when I love the foods of the season. Perhaps by starting early I will learn how to say no, deny self, and also when I do eat some of the goodies, that I will know how to use restraint.

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14