Happy Monday!
We closed out another Essential last week. “Food” is done. Now, we know everything we need to know, right? Not! At least not for me. It is not just a 4 week session, it’s a life journey. It is also one of the biggest challenges I will ever face.
If you have been hanging with us very long, you probably remember the discussion of how addictive sugar can be. Here is just one source for that theory:
James DiNicolantonio is a cardiovascular research scientist at St. Luke’s Mid-America Heart Institute in Kansas City, Mo. He recently published a comprehensive review of dozens of studies in which he contends that sugar is more dangerous than salt when it comes to risk for heart disease. He says that refined sugar is similar to cocaine — a white crystal extracted from sugar cane rather than coca leaves — and that studies show it can be even more addictive than the recreational drug.
I personally contend that food in general can be addictive. I have done no studies, other than personal experience, and if you look around, you may see a lot of food addicts. Sometimes, all they do revolves around food. This drive may be prompted by emotional issues or physical issues, (hormone imbalances are common.) These same issues can prompt an alcohol or drug addiction. One big difference in a food addiction is you can’t just quit. You have to eat to live.
These are things to consider, but they CAN be overcome! Food allergies may make you crave the food you are allergic to. Certain foods, especially sugar, can be a trigger to a major binge. As simple as it may seem, food is a very complex issue and we all react differently to different things. Find what your body reacts negatively to and fix it, one item at a time.
Never give up hope!! It may not be easy, but it is never hopeless!
*The 1st step is to make up your mind to change. That’s where it begins.
*Take appropriate action for change. Clean out the refrigerator and pantry. Stock up on healthy alternatives.
*Adopt healthy habits – Eat full meals with protein, vegetables and fruit. Add healthy fats that will help you feel satisfied and happy.
*Love yourself as a child of God, His own creation, created in His image!
Next week – “Let the Fitness” begin!
Pray Unceasingly!!
In His light,
Lois
New Beginnings
The Daniel Plan
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” —Genesis 12:1
God told Abraham to leave the place and the people he was familiar with and go to completely unfamiliar territory. it took tremendous faith and courage for him to say yes to such dramatic changes in his life. But the blessings God had in store for Abraham and his descendants would happen only if he was willing to endure change.
Likewise, making changes on the Daniel plan—changing the way you eat, the way you exercise, or the way you think—can feel as disruptive as going to a new country. It can feel like leaving behind the family in which you grew up. Yet the blessings God has in store for you and those close to you will happen only if you choose the faith and courage to say yes to change.