Different RESULTS

You may have read the definition of insanity by Albert Einstein, as I’ve also heard my pastor use that example several times while preaching to the congregation; “You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results!” That is so true. Whether in marriages, relationships, jobs, and the list goes on. But until you’ve experienced that same repetitive and vicious cycle, then you wouldn’t understand being disappointed in yourself for repeating the same mistakes. That can even go along with poor choices in eating habits. It’s a huge step to have a made-up mind when it comes to changing anything! But there’s always been a first time for everything.

I’d like to share seven ways that I have been encouraged with some eating issues.

Have you ever been convicted for how you eat or what you ate or didn’t? I’m sure you might think that’s a little overboard. But (#1) rehearsing that quote by Einstein is a great reminder for me to stay convinced as to why this is for my good.

Over the years, my best shot at eating right may have lasted a week before giving in to my weakness at least once or twice (sweets). After all, who can have their Jiffy peanut butter (7 grams of sugar) without jelly (14g) and bread (2g), pancakes (2g) without syrup (15g), and mind you this all depends on how much you eat, but that’s not sweets, that’s just breakfast and a sandwich, right? Well, that just makes it sound better to digest. It’s not until you begin paying attention that you know the truth about how much of this white or brown substance you are eating and drinking (apple juice 30g) until you start looking (#2), but hey, whose counting sugar intake? These are just a few bad choices that are easy enough to come by, but I will share some good choices another day.

In times past I found that making a goal too hard to reach from the beginning would always play a huge part in my downfall. So, this time I decided to begin with sugar (as you may have read in my previous blog) since my blood sugar was going crazy. It took a couple of days and I was more than willing to remove nearly all of the foods from my diet that were loaded with sugar, with the exception of 1 to 2 teaspoons a day for my coffee. I am finding that eating fresh fruit is enough for my sweet tooth as I learn more about what is truly considered a healthy snack. That is with the Lord’s help, and mind you, He can’t without our willingness.

(#3) Set a goal that you really think you can live with. (Example: Avoid caffeine for 3 days, skip desserts for 3- 7 days, avoid any starchy foods for 3 days, just start somewhere and see if you can succeed and then try to carry on with that goal even further or change it up.)

In addition to these things, I made up my mind this was not about losing weight. If it happened, that would be the cherry on top. But not the Maraschino cherries because they are soaked in high fructose corn syrup and have 2 grams per cherry. (Studies show that the fresh tart-sweet cherries can reduce pain from arthritis and post-exercise soreness. One study showed this particular fruit has the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food). But back to making my mind up – this was not about losing weight – and that has already proven to be a benefactor of just eating right. So, decide that (#4) it’s for your health and not your weight.

You may not have time to read labels in the store just yet but let me encourage you to start by (#5) organizing and cleaning out your food pantry or cabinets. And while you’re there, take a close look at what items contain sugar (that may not be your goal, but just look at how much is there and at the same time you can accomplish organization). You may have more rubbish or even out of date items on your shelves than you imagined. I found it helpful to stop procrastinating and just ditch the junk food. There ended up being three trash bags full of unhealthy foods that was tossed. (Later I will discuss processed foods.)

These days I don’t get out of the house much, but I do recall when I used to pamper myself on occasions. And the reality has hit me this past week that it always involved what was on the outside. Whether it was a pedicure or getting my hair cut and frosted. The high I received from giving myself that kind of attention didn’t last but a day or two, and in each of those quarterly events, I would splurge with eating out and always treat myself with dessert. My point in sharing this part is that all the while – I was missing the importance of what I needed to care for the most; My temple (body). Now that could go several ways when it comes to speaking spiritually, but I’ll stick with my purpose for this. Point (#6) was that I lacked: Giving my gut the attention – it desperately needed. Reminder: This will operate our mind and body to work at its best.

Not everyone is concerned about eating right, just like everyone is not worried about living right (pleasing to the Lord). And although that is sad, it’s also true. I understand because I’ve been there with both issues on numerous occasions, but for those that are interested I will end this note with the seventh way that I have been so enthused to continue with eating healthy. (#7) – Watching videos that enlighten me about an improper diet and what it does to the inside.

I would like to share this link and hope you will watch its entirety. It has really helped me have “different results.” And I hope it does for you too. {Please leave a message with what you think about the video if you would like.)

Watch: The Sugar Film 2014 on Netflix or you can rent it on YouTube.

This is the link to the trailer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3892434/

Please Note: THE SUGAR FILM started as one man’s journey to discover the bitter truth about sugar. Australian actor/director, Damon Gameau embarked on a unique experiment to document the effects of a high sugar diet on a healthy body, consuming only foods that are commonly perceived, or promoted to be, healthy. He eats at least 40 spoons of sugar in a day for 60 days.

Friend, do you really want to take better care of your temple? If so, may God Bless you and may you be inspired to pursue a goal with your health concerns. I hope what I share in the coming weeks will be led by the Holy Spirit, especially for those that struggle with bad eating habits, so that you will pick up the torch and run with a desire to find what works for you while getting on the right track for the sake of your health and your family.