The Battle Re-joined

Posted on March 20, 2015

I knew this moment would come, but it doesn't make this any less shocking, or disappointing. Just last Sunday morning I stood on my bathroom scale after a night on the town with my wife. We had driven all the way to Cleveland to celebrate a friend's 40th birthday party, and I felt like I completely passed the test. Nursed a single adult beverage all night and didn't eat any of the food that was literally all around the place. So when I stepped on the scale and saw that I had lost 1.5 lbs. from the previous morning, I felt satisfied. Vindicated. Ready to take on the world. It was Day 21 of my juice fast, and I felt ready to eat solid foods, having taken away some valuable lessons about eating.

This morning, I feel like I've lost a major battle against food addiction. I have been eating good foods, but I knew in my heart of hearts that I was eating waaaaay too much of them. Three plates full of dinner - that level of too much. And it showed up on the scale today. I've given back all of the weight I lost since the beginning of this DietBet, and added on a little more for good measure.

Now, part of that comes with the transition from juicing to solids, I know. After I completed my first extended juice fast in November, I gained 10 lbs. the first week back on solids. However, I tightened my belt again and lost 15 lbs. the following week, just by getting back to the principles that got me through my fast. Still, though. I thought I had learned this lesson already?

Under no circumstances should I ever feel comfortable or justified in eating more than one plate of cooked food. Even if it's low-calorie, even if I still "feel" hungry. I need renewed discipline, today. I thank God that His grace and mercy is made new every morning. Otherwise, I'd be in some serious trouble.

So, the DietBet re-starts TODAY. I now have less than three weeks to lose ten pounds. Just a boy and his treadmill, that's all. One plate of dinner and lots of water. And the Lord's strength when I falter (Phil. 4:13).

Thanks for reading!

Comment Now!

Tinkntx

03/24/2015 5:58AM

Kimberly H. posted this link in one of the games I'm in. It's pretty good.http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/expert-tips-wrong-ways-cheat-diet/story?id=29841168&cid=fb_abcn_sf

CrazyCatChick

03/22/2015 5:17PM

You've got it in you to be great! I can see it.Have you tried 5:2 or alternate day fasting? I've found that it has really killed the cravings that have dominated my life for decades.

Tinkntx likes this comment.

Thanks so much! I have not tried either of those methods, but I probably will - especially if I can't get a better handle on these sneaky binges!

Shanna I.

03/20/2015 10:05AM

Congrats on all you've done so far! I really feel I have an addiction to food. I have tried to juice so many times and then I'll get tempted by my husband saying "hey let's go out to dinner" or go back to visit family. I feel I have no will power! However, I feel like I am getting better at making healthy food choices and I know you can too! Keep up your hard work. You've got this!

Hey Shanna - thanks for reading! Food addiction is very real. I don't know your husband, and I'm sure he means well, but tempting a food addict with going out to dinner is a lot like tempting a drug addict with "Hey - let's go do a couple of lines of coke. Who's it gonna hurt?" Answer: YOU. In the past, my wife has made little comments when I've been losing weight, like "you're gonna weigh less than I do, if you keep this up!" Again, meaning to encourage, but really kinda fearful of growing in different directions. She hasn't said anything like that in quite awhile, but we've certainly had a few heart to heart talks about how we both struggle with food addictions, and how we can pull in the same direction. Juicing is a very, very good thing if done well. I'm encouraging you from afar. You can do this! You have nothing to lose but a bunch of weight, and you have nothing to gain but a lifetime of health and victory over your addiction.

Thomas

03/20/2015 9:15AM

Right there with you brother. I too struggle with plate 2,3 and beyond. Family dinners at the table are the hardest on me. "Oh that roast was so good! Sure I'll have another serving, and while you're at it add another scoop of those delicious mashed potatoes and gravy." - that is my undoing. We both need to stop at plate 1. I'm trying to adopt a more water attitude to those meals. One full glass befor the meal, drink lots during the meal (1 plate only). And then more water till I'm full or until I have to find the output room. Granted. I'll be visiting the restroom frequently, but it is better than packing on the pounds. By God's grace we shall overcome. -YBIC

JB likes this comment.

Thanks a lot, man! Water is key, but I also need to make a conscious effort, before the meal begins, to limit myself - regardless of how good the food tastes, or how my stomach feels. I know I can go for extended periods of time with limited quantities of food. Now I just have to break those old habits, which we both know die very hard. Keep fighting the good fight! -YBIC

Pam

03/20/2015 6:07AM

Amen

JB likes this comment.

Charlene W.

03/20/2015 5:54AM

Good job on losing the weight. I know you can make your goal.

JB and Pam like this comment.