Taking a chronic dieter/foodie to a BBQ house is like taking a drunk to a bar and expecting them not to fall off the wagon.
“Look at this great deal! You get [sounds like nector], [sounds like ambrosia], and [sounds like food of the gods] for only [sounds like $1],” she said with eyes glowing like the sun. “You can split it with Ivan!” Oh, did she say split? Why yes, yes she did! So it’s only half the calories–which means half the fat–which means half of guilt. Done deal!
Oh Internet, why did I falter? Why did I put myself in a situation I knew I couldn’t withstand? Why did I think I could battle with temptation and come out the victor? Because I’m stupid, that’s why!
In reflecting about my Feast of Fatties last night, I realized two things in my morning food hangover:
1. You are never as strong as you think you are. 2. Temptation will come out the victor if you are not prepared for battle.
Yes, I said battle. My struggle is food and it’s not a secret. But we all have areas in our life where we battle. Paul the Apostle even struggled in doing the things he didn’t want to do and not doing the things he did want to do (Romans 7:15). It’s normal to struggle, it’s abnormal to think you can conquer temptation in your own power.
If you’re struggle is gambling, don’t hit the casinos. If you’re struggle is shacking up with your significant other, don’t think you can spend the night and nothing will happen. If you can’t handle drinking, don’t think you can chill at the bar with your friends.
At some point I hope to have the strength to go out to dinner and not be mastered by my stomach. But I know my areas of weakness. From a point of warning and struggle, Paul warns those who think they stand to be careful. Because yes, we can fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).
Cough it up. What’s your battle? Anonymous comments are allowed 😉 If you have found a way to thwart off temptation, share the goods!
My struggle is with food, too. I love love love to eat. There is rarely a time in a day that I don't want food, really. But I have felt God teach me something new with food lately. I can spend all my time counting calories and trying to remain skinny or I can let go of my obsession and let God take it. He will give me the strength to say no when I let Him! I felt so relieved upon learning this lesson. And I lost weight, and I was much happier. Having God in my head is much more fun than the math of counting calories! Thanks for sharing, I just adore your willingness to be open and courageous against the battle of temptation. 🙂
I too want God to take control. But for a control freak like me, it's a daily process of handing over the steering wheel!
I was listening to "Walk In The Word" on my drive into work and today's topic was the "fearful wanderer". Your post made me think of it. It was all about how Peter was so confident and so sure of himself, so positive that Jesus was wrong and Peter would NEVER deny his Savior. But like you point out, we are never as strong as we think we are, and unless we are prepared for it, temptation will overtake us everytime.
Great post. I enjoyed it, as always!
I am a foodie myself but I came into a point wherein eating doesn't give me the same pleasure it used to give me. I was recently diagnosed with wheat allergy and at the same time secondary hypothyroidism. Having an allergy to wheat pretty much removed most of the baked goods like cakes, muffins, even bread out of my diet. It helped tons… Also, I have learned that it wasn't a battle with food — it is a battle within myself (that I have admitted). The food wasn't an enemy… it can be a friend if you make wise choices. 🙂
shopping. there. i've said it. yup, i loooove to buy something new. i also love to wander the mall and "shop" online. so after many years of thinking, "i can beat this! i just have to tell myself NO!" and then pulling out the plastic yet again, i've found that the answer is that i can't have credit cards–they are the siren call of death to me. i just wish i had realized that a long time ago, instead of thinking, "i can handle it." because, apparently, i can't 🙂
Food is my temptation.. actually sugar to be exact anything sweet is my poison.. There is not a day that I wake up that I have to prepare myself for the temptations. I have struggled like most with weight and didnt get it under control until my late teen years and early twenties… I have found what helps me is not focusing on the food itself to be bad but on the effects after.
For instance I remember the food coma and how that made me feel and I never want to feel like that again. Now I remind myself that I owe it to my family to be healthy to my husband and son. I know how I feel when I am carrying the xtra weight and lack of energy, etc and I know that isnt how God wanted us to live. I also pray for conviction in this area to, there have been many times I will go for something and I get the conviction I need to stay away.
There is noting wrong with a lil sweets here and there but I am learning moderation. I wish I could say that I have mastered it but I havent. I created Faith, Food and Fitness… for real blog to help me for accountability and in pursuit to find that perfect balance. I am hopeful one day I figure the perfect balance between the three where it isn't a battle for me anymore…
ummm…yes i would say food. I love food…but i also know i eat for comfort…when stressed especially….although I have gotten a little better…i still need some work. Although I can't go anywhere to avoid it, i have an issue with insecurity and self judgement…so thats a proble when i eat for comfort…hello, i tear myself down…then i eta…and the i tear myself down again because of what i ate…i am definitely working on it and yes have improved, but it is a struggle…i know that being close to God and surrendering is the only answer…but quite difficult for me to feel complete freedom, when i am always judging everything i do….ok so d i sound like loon or what?
Thanks for the post B!
I probably should start avoiding restaurants, grocery stores, and fast food joints. Maybe I should just stick to growing my own food on the balcony…I'm sure I'd be skinny in a jiff. ; )
Ughhhhhhhh…. "If your struggle is shacking up with your significant other, don’t think you can spend the night and nothing will happen." Last night I was with someone I knew would want to mess around. It only started with kissing but things got steamy and I just knew I was very close to doing something I was going to regret (no we didn't shack up, but sin is sin and in my head I was sinning all kinds of lustfulness). Why is it so hard to just stay away from this guy?! I know he's a bad influence on me and I also know that I'm not strong enough to draw lines and enforce boundaries when we're alone together. "So don't spend time alone with him." Yeah, I hear that voice too. But sometimes I just *feel* so alone. Sad face.
P.S. Watch Food Inc. It will help you to be picky with what you put in your mouth and body. 😀
Food…foood and more food!
You're skinny and still struggle?!? Is there any hope for me in my food battle?!?! UGH!!!!!
At least I now I am not alone…
but but but…isn't "eat and be merry" in the bible??? 🙂 LOL
I'm a binge eater. It's the most significant battle I've fought. It started before I even hit middle school, although I didn't truely realize it's grip until I was in college. It's hard getting anyone to believe me. I'm 5'6" and I've never weighed over 130 pounds in all my life. Not that I need sympathy, but sometimes it's good to be taken seriously.
(con't)
Grocery stores are the worst for me. When I'm with my hubs, no big- I only put healthy stuff in the cart. But when it's just me (usually short trips to pick up a thing or two) I get crap. Then open it in the car. Then eat it all on the way home… I never INTEND to do it. It's just what happens when I'm not being intentional about it. It's all so crazy. It's not like I'm DYING to hide my addiction so I'm only "bad" when I'm alone. The drive to buy and eat crap when I'm with anyone else just isn't there.
It's a complete lack of self control and involves deep lust and addiction.
And with all that said, God is and has been good to me. I'm learning, for sure. And it's been a very long while since I've fallen to depression because of it. But, for whatever reason, food is my thing.
Oh child, run! Remember when Potipher's wife tried tempting Joseph? He ran out. That nagging voice you hear is a divine warning that you are going too far.
I know it's not easy, but it has to be done. Please, by the mercy of sweet baby Jesus, don't go back to that guy. In fact, don't be stupid. Don't go to any guy until you fallen in love with the One who will love you best: Your Creator.
Ugh. I did. SO gross.
Girrrrl, I ain't skinny. Truth. I untag myself in facebook photos all the time! If I look porky, why do I want that to be shown to the world, ya know? 😉
I'm horrible. I know!
Eat? Yes. Pig out/gorge/binge? No. Just keepin' it real 😉
You? As a green thumb? Oh Lordy! What would become of you?!
Wow, GREAT insight, Chrissy! Is that with James MacDonald? I lurrrve him! He's so smart.
Yes, James MacDonald! And yes, he's a very smart man!
sigh. fine. no excuse. i MUST get off this food addiction too.
I'm sure who know the who the person is, but have you ever read her blog? http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/ – she's got great insight on weight loss and learning and trusting in God.
BTW… I've just recently found your blog through the InCourage site, and your wisdom & thought provoking blogs are truly making me uncomfortable in my life to dig and grow and think and believe further. Thank you for allowing God to work through you.
Yep, I'm totally a foodie too. It's a vicious cycle. I like food. Food makes me overweight. I feel like crap because I'm overweight, so I eat more to cope. Round and round it goes. I KNOW I can knock it and move past. It's just not being lazy and doing it.
I can do all things through He who gives me strength. -Phil. 4:13
COughing up that food is my struggle too! Last year started doing "boot camp" and it has done wonders for me! I love it! But, truly if it wasn't for that I would be 500 lbs!! I have in the last year learned how to eat healthier and learn to count everything that goes in my BIG mouth!
I'm L to the A to the Z to the Y- LAZY! There! I said it! I snooze my alarm pass time I should be getting up, I leave everything 'til the last minute, I'd much rather watch TV, surf the web, & ((cough, cough)) read blogs to distract me from the things I know I need to do. I know I'm making light of this but I'm totally serious! I need Jesus!. This adds so much stress to my life. Laziness is a monster that I've fought for along time. It's discouraging that at 28, I've not overcome it. Lord, help me!
OMG! This blog was totally for me. I started laughing when I started reading it. My battle is I take on too many task and sometimes I fail to look them through. My issue is that I try to do it all by myself. I know it doesn't work that way, you always need someones help. And if not someone God is alway's there to hold your hand.
Abstain from guys–that's so hard! I want to be in a caring relationship. I even made a free profile at an online dating site. How else can I meet people in circles outside of my (small) workplace? How lame am I? I worry that I'll be alone forever. I have this idea that somebody is better than nobody. No one wants to be alone. At least I don't.
ummm…yes i would say food. I love food…but i also know i eat for comfort…when stressed especially….although I have gotten a little better…i still need some work. Although I can't go anywhere to avoid it, i have an issue with insecurity and self judgement…so thats a proble when i eat for comfort…hello, i tear myself down…then i eta…and the i tear myself down again because of what i ate…i am definitely working on it and yes have improved, but it is a struggle…i know that being close to God and surrendering is the only answer…but quite difficult for me to feel complete freedom, when i am always judging everything i do….ok so d i sound like loon or what?
Thanks for the post B!
God: My daughter, you are allowed to shop if you are buying things for Diandra or Bianca.
Heehee! I'm TOTALLY kidding 🙂
It's the moderation part that kills me!
FFF, you inspire me.
Hats off to woehver wrote this up and posted it.
Not a loon. Just an honest girl!
No, thank YOU for reading the blog and offering your insight and thoughts. I can't wait to check out that blog link you posted 🙂
PS I hope making you uncomfortable is a good thing!
It's a very good thing. Because being uncomfortable makes you want to move. You move to make it better or make it worse. I'm praying for moves to make it better. To be honest praying for a bit more uncomfortable, I've been comfortable for too long, and not always in the God's comfort. I truly believe God brought me to your post as a challenge because we are only months apart (great bday btw, and congrats!), and having peers that have the attitude that you want to have, it challenges you. For me it's not a jealous & competitive way, which I can be. It's in a good way, like Prov. 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." I think what makes it so challenging & why God brought me here is because I see so much of myselft (well my old self) in your attitude. And God trying to remind me of when I truly trusted him, how my attitude was. I don't know you, but your blog reveals that you live your blog title out. So thank you very much. Sorry this was a longer response than intended and probably too much information, but I honestly couldn't stop typing.
I'm loving bootcamp too!!!! But I feel like I have the right to gorge now?! Doesn't make sense. I'm right there with you!
But the best part is you know what your issue is. Nay, I honestly think that the moment you want to do something, your pretty little head takes over and your will follows.
Speaking of which, any new developments since we last spoke?
"I honestly think that the moment you want to do something, your pretty little head takes over and your will follows." Is this a good thing?
I'm glad you can relate!!! Sometimes I feel like a kook who doesn't make sense 🙂
No that you know this is your struggle, what are you going to do about it? Pray, seek, knock, wait.
I love it! That's right, Court. We can do all things…
For me it is control and fear. So many scriptures that tell us to not worry, so many that tell us that it does not help us, give us an extra day, and the Lord will provide all we need. But for a self professed control freak that has to give control back to the Lord sometimes miniute by miniute I know I am trying to stay in control when I worry. SInce it is in my head, the outside world doesn't see it. When I am busy with my son, my husband, the Phd, my ministry it is not there – but in the quiet, when the dust settles and all are asleep except me – that is when the battle for the mind is waged. Battle is so true – and if we are not praying scriputures, calling them to mind, and thinking on the things that the Lord commands and not what we are trying to control – Needless to say it is my struggle…Anyone else???
Carrie LeighAnna, I'm praying for you!!! Binging is a hard habit to break. You're right. It's lust and addiction… and that's what makes it so hard. Thank you for honestly sharing your stuggles.
I love your candor!
Oh, food. It's a major weakness for me too. I'll fall hard and overindulge and then feel guilty for days afterward. Actually, I have a lot of problems. 🙂 I'm a mess with a capital M E S S. 🙂
food is a major weakness for me too! I eat when I am bored or when I need comfort. I try to give it to God and put my focus back on Him but it's so hard!
Over eater and constant dieter here! My weakness if food, I make it all taste good. When I'm home alone I eat cereal so I won't over eat. When my family is home I feel like I'm being judged and my guilty conscious won't let me over indulge…so I don't LOL.
By battle is with smoking cigarettes and today this scripture helped me: Mathew 26:41. Hope it will someone else.
Umm… well, I became obsessed a bit, especially because "she" had that interview (hope you understand…not sure if i want to get into in your blog). I don't know though, I have just been praying about things. I went to the first ministry meeting last night. It was good but I'm still not sure what it 's all for. But like you said that day, I may not know for a while. I'm just trying to be obedient… you know… less Jonah attitude! 😉 Ohmygosh, this was a trip, yesterday morning (keep in mind this is the morning of the meeting) I was listening to Skip Heitzig and he started a study on Jonah. He is doing a survey of the bible so basically he went through the whole book in one study. Cracked me up and I thought of you. Not sure if I really thanked you that day but thank you. I know that I was in a weird place… I mean, I have been… but I thank you nonetheless. It is always helpful to have someone to talk to; it allowed me to process things a little bit better. Plus your insight and rebuke (j/k) was very much a blessing! Will keep you updated though!
Awesome way of putting this. You have a gift 🙂
just today i worked out for 4 hours 'cause i was hoping to make up for eating too much yesterday. but i ended up eating more than i planned to after.. so i still feel defeated.. ._.
but i told myself that that was the last crazy workout.. only 2 hours max.. and to consider everyday a new day, a new challenge.. so i shouldn't take out on tomorrow my defeats today.. i also found that i tend to eat more when i sleep late. and i tend to eat more when i choose to eat substitutes rather than what i crave because i don't get satisfied.. but then some cravings don't really last.. i think getting enough hours of sleep, and eating what you want in moderation will get you there.. we can do this!!!:)
struggle!!! That's my middle name. You blew me over w/a tornado w/this one girl!! Yesturday we heard a sermon from John Maxwell at our church and he said "We're all one step away from Stupid"…Holla…i hear that one. My biggest struggle right now is Internet and FB time. I've shared that w/my husband and requested that he put a time block on our computer to not allow me to access the internet from 10-3 M-F. I'm a photographer, so I need the PC to edit, but do not need to keep checking FB to see what my friends have done or are doing every 5 minutes. It's an obsession and I want to change. So thank you for this. Thank you for letting us come here and spill our guts all over the place.
Love you for that and Love what you're doing.
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