ChubbyChelle

Day 7: Accountability

Day 8: Food Journal

Day 9: Why am I Eating?

This is a biggie. Why am I eating? If I would ask myself that every time I eat something, I'd probably start shedding pounds. Most of the time I eat isn't for nutrition.

I'm an emotional eater.

I'm sad. Oooh, I'm hungry. I bet ice cream will make me happy and not hungry.

I'm bored. Oooh, I'm hungry. Eating a bag of potato chips would give me something to do.

I'm angry. Oooh, I'm hungry. I could work out my aggression on some chicken wings.

See the pattern?

Why am I eating?

A simple question that could go a long way.

Why are you eating?

Previous Days:

Day 7: Accountability

Day 8: Food Journal

Most people who have been successful with weight loss will tell you they kept food journals. A food journal can be a very eye opening thing. "What? You mean I ate 4,000 calories today? I had no idea."

A food journal can also be a fairly simple thing. You could just write down what you ate. Sometimes, that's eye opening enough. Or you could write down the calories, fat grams, carbs, protein, etc. If you're trying to lose weight, that would probably be the most helpful.

I need to get into the habit of keeping a food journal again, and I need to use it as a tool for modifying my eating habits.

If you like all things digital, an excellent, free resource is My Fitness Pal. It has tons of foods already in its database, and you can add new ones. You can also track your exercise, weight, and measurements. There are mobile apps for smart phones as well, so you can track your food and exercise on the go.

Do you keep a food journal? What system do you use, paper or digital?

Previous Days:

Day 7: Accountability

Day 6 was about a support system. Accountability is linked very closely to that support system. In addition to needing people who will encourage me, I need people who will help me see where I'm slipping. I need people who will ask me the tough questions, expecting answers. People who will ask me what I ate for breakfast (sadly, I started out with candy corn and peanuts this morning). People who will ask me how many times I went to the gym last week (twice? I think.). Then they'll take their questions a step further. When I answer that I ate candy corn and peanuts for breakfast, they'll ask me what changes I need to make so I'll make a better decision next time.

I've been afraid of accountability in the past, mostly because I didn't really want to give up my addiction. I hated it when I would ask someone to hold me accountable and the person had the nerve actually to do it. I tell ya. Some people.

I'm at a point now where I know I won't overcome this sin without accountability. Similar to my support system, I'm going to be praying about a couple of people who can hold me accountable. They need to be people I trust, people I know love me and are holding me accountable because they want me to be more like Christ.

Do you have people in your life who hold you accountable? What does that look like in your life?

Previous Days:

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." ~ Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

One of the challenges I've had with trying to lose weight over the years is the fact that I try to do it all on my own. I don't really like to talk to people about my diet and exercise program (blogging doesn't count, because I'm not looking at you right now). I think it's because I'm embarrassed that I'm so overweight, and I'm even more embarrassed when I'm not sticking to my diet and exercise program. I don't like to talk about things that embarrass me. Do you? Probably not. I doubt anyone really enjoys it.

The thing is, I need people on this journey with me. I need people encouraging me. So do you! We've talked a lot about community in church over the past couple of months, and I've been reminded more and more how important it is to do life with other people - especially the tough parts of life. For me, my sin issues with food are a tough part of my life.

I need to pick my support system with prayer and thoughtfulness. Because this is such a sensitive area in my life, I don't want my support system to be just anyone. I want other believers to come alongside me and encourage me with God's Word. I need people to remind me who I am in Christ, to preach the Gospel to me regularly, and to pray for me. Those will be very special people. I think I know who they are. I just need to pray for the courage to talk to them. That can be the hardest step!

Do you have a support system? Who are those people in your life? How have they been an encouragement to you?

Previous Days:

Wow, I have been slack! I knew I was a little behind, but I didn't realize I was 5 days behind. If you actually read this blog, I apologize in advance. There is a chance you're going to get 5 posts from me today.

The phrase "when you fast" is spoken by Jesus twice in Matthew 6:16-17. The fact that He said "when" and not "if" indicates that it's something that should be a part of our lives.

I'm going to be honest about two things: 1) I don't know a lot about fasting. It isn't a topic I've studied much in Scripture. 2) I haven't had much success with fasting in the past, meaning I don't typically last the whole time I've set aside for fasting. I usually give in to the hunger.

I think point number two is connected to my problem with food. Eating something - anything - was more important to me than what I was fasting about.

I'm not going to do it today, but I would like to try fasting on occasion about my sin issues with food. I want to use that time to connect with the Lord, to remind myself that He is more important than my food addiction. I think it could be a very beneficial time for me.

Is fasting a part of your walk with the Lord? Have you ever fasted specifically about food issues? I'd love to hear from you!

Previous Days:

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Day 4: Memorize Scripture

When I think of temptation, I think of Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness, constantly being tempted by Satan. Each time Satan tempted Him, Jesus quoted Scripture to resist the temptation.

In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he talked about putting on the full armor of God so we can stand firm against the devil. Our weapon is "the sword of the Spirit, which is God's Word" (Eph. 6:17). I don't think that means get out my biggest, heaviest Bible and throw it at what is tempting me (although, for some temptations, that might work!). I believe God is calling us to memorize Scripture so we'll have it accessible to us at all times. Temptation doesn't just present itself to us when we have our Bibles with us.

"Thy Word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee." ~ Psalm 119:11 (I memorized that one in the King James Version when I was little.) Having Scripture memorized and recalling it during times of temptation guards us from sinning.

So what are some good Scriptures to memorize when waging the weight loss war (did you like that alliteration?)?

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (The immediate context of these verses is sexual immorality, but I believe they apply to any sin involving the body.)

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

"My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips." Psalm 63:5

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

These can get you (me!) started. Do you have any verses you keep hidden in your heart for times of temptation?

I recommend Beth Moore's book, Praying God's Word. She has a chapter devoted to overcoming food-related strongholds. It applies to all eating disorders, not just overeating.

Previous posts in this series:

Monday, October 3, 2011

Day 3: Pray about My Weight Loss Regularly

I need to pray about my weight loss when I spend time with the Lord in the morning, but it doesn't need to stop there. I need to pray throughout the day, particularly when I'm faced with temptation.

For example: I'm standing in the kitchen with a chocolate chip cookie staring at me. I really want the chocolate chip cookie. Rather than just grabbing the cookie and gobbling it up (is anyone else craving a cookie now?), I stop and pray and ask God for wisdom about eating the cookie.

He may convict me on the spot and remind me that I don't need that cookie. He may help me realize that I'm not hungry, or I have a shiny apple two feet away, or a tall glass of water would hit the spot, etc. He may encourage me to walk away and find something to occupy my mind for a while (I'll talk more about that later). Or, He may give me a peace about eating the cookie. I bet you didn't think I'd say that, did you? I don't think there is anything wrong with eating a chocolate chip cookie. Eating a whole plate of chocolate chip cookies is where I have a problem!

Because I believe that God has already freed me from sin and given me power to walk in that freedom, I know He'll give me strength to resist temptation and wisdom to make good decisions. All I need to do is ask.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." ~ James 1:5

Previous posts in this series:

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Day 2: Start My Day with the Lord

On day 1, I acknowledged that my obesity is a spiritual issue. If I'm going to battle my obesity and fight for my health, I need to start each day with the Lord. He is the one who will win this battle for me. In fact, He's already won it for me. I just need to remind myself of that! I need to dig deep into His word and remember that I don't have to be enslaved to food. He has already freed me from slavery to sin.

If I'm going to have the strength throughout the day to resist temptation, I need to start the day with the Lord. Then I need to talk with Him throughout the day. I need to recall to mind Scripture that I've read (there won't be any to recall if I haven't read any!), and I need to ask for help from the Holy Spirit.

For other Christians who have fought, or are fighting, this battle with food, do you have any passages of Scripture that you turn to for help?