My Resistance Muscle

I just finished reading chapter 2 in Reshaping It All by Candace Cameron Bure book. There were two points that stood out to me.

1. Resistance Muscle
2. Why?

When I was younger, I remember adults commenting on how disciplined I was in different areas of my life. When I got old enough to understand what they were saying, I was proud of that. Then somewhere around college, my discipline started to waver. Not in all areas of my life, mainly in food. I went to food for comfort, pleasure, friendship and many other reasons. My discipline went down the drain. As Candace would say, my resistance muscle became dormant.(pg. 14) I never though of resistance as a muscle before. It's something I need to train. It needs to be used daily. Today I have made the decision to get my resistance muscle back in shape and use it daily.

In the book, Candace shares ways to strengthen my resistance muscle. I've added some things I do in regards to these great tips.

• Passing on the junk food aisle in the grocery store. ( I try to go after I have had a healthy meal so I'm not hungry. I also do my best to stay on the outside perimeter of the store. That's where the fresh food and healthier food is i've found.)
  
• Making a healthy choice when eating out.(I look up the menu online before I go somewhere. Most restaurants have the calories and fat listed. If you want an "all inclusive" list of restaurants go to Dotties Weight Loss Zone.)
  
• Passing on the goodies at group meetings.(I bring something to a meeting that I know I can eat and share without feeling guilty about eating it.)
  
• Taking one trip to a buffet instead of two or more.(I try to avoid buffets, but if I do go to one, I always start with a large salad. I find this gets me full faster and I tend to eat a smaller portion of other foods.)
  
• Eating until you're satisfied rather than stuffed. (I weigh my foods or pre-package them in zip locks so I know exactly how much i'm putting into my body. Also, wait 20 minutes before getting seconds or adding something else. You'll be surprised at the loss of hunger after that amount of time.)
  
• Limiting treats to once or twice a week rather than daily.(Look for low fat, sugar free options as well. I agree on this one!)
  

The second point that stood out in this chapter was the question "Why?". Why do I desire to change my ways and loose weight? I had to think about it for a moment. Of course, I want to wear cute clothes and feel more comfortable in my skin. But in all honesty, I want to do this because this lifestyle has been controlling me for too long. It has become a sinful way of living in my opinion and I don't want it any more. I want to live my life freely in Jesus and this is the area that I need to work on. That is why!

Over the next 65 days, I desire to loose weight, grow in my personal relationship with Christ and develop healthier eating and exercise habits. What about you?

A Day of Rest and Test

I had a full day today. I decided early on in the day that it would be my one day "off" from exercise this week. I fought myself on that decision. (even as I drove by the gym to work) In my mind, I was concerned that I was making excuses just to avoid exercise. I don't believe I was. Instead, I was able to spend more time in God's Word. That was so refreshing and good mental and spiritual exercise.

I also stopped by the bookstore and picked up Candace Cameron Bure's book, Reshaping It All.

I'm starting the first chapter as soon as I finish typing this post:) I'll let you know what I think! My prayer is that when I wake up tomorrow each choice will be God honoring and pleasing to him as I continue on my journey to live a healthier life.

I Failed

Take a look at the date of this post. Now check out the date of my very first post. look at the year....yep, it's been over a year and I failed. I just re-read the very first post of this blog and thought to myself, how the heck did I let myself 'fall off the bandwagon' again! I should be so upset and frustrated (which I kind of am) but the thing I am proud of right now is that I can answer that question. I can actually answer why I have failed over and over and over again at loosing weight and changing my eating and exercise habits.

I have been, for the past 12 years, trying to fight this gluttony battle on my own. Yes, I've had my family encourage me and friends do their best to support me, but it's not their problem so at times their accountability wavers. The only way I can live a healthy life is with the help of Jesus.

This past Sunday, my pastor preached a message that many would view as uncomfortable. (I did) But it's necessary. The series topic is "Hidden Desires". The sermon was called "Secret Shame". You can only guess that my mind went to my eating habits. That is my secret shame. Pastor Chilly made a comment, "To have a healthy ministry, I must have a healthy life." That hit me hard. I work in ministry, yet I don't have a healthy personal life when it comes to diet and exercise. I want to though.

What am I doing about it. (notice I didn't say 'going to do' about it) Yep! I already started on April 26, 2011. I have joined a gym, signed up (and paid extra) for a kick butt class 2x per week and am counting my calories. But what got me super excited is i've joined a ladies small group at my new church home. They are forgiving, understanding and honest. I have, in small ways, mentioned my desire to loose weight and exercise and I think I have found a group of ladies who will be an encouragement to me as I journey through this.

Then to top all of that, I came across a Candace Cameron Bure's facebook page for "Reshaping it All". It looks so good! Then I read that they are doing a 65 day challenge. From a Christian Perspective!!!!! That's where Jesus comes in! Only HE can change the way i'm living my life. So I may have failed over and over again, but with Jesus I WON'T FAIL!

I'm looking forward to this 65 day journey. I encourage you to join me if you'd like and pray for me as I become the woman God has called me to be.