Fat Free Friday: Finding the Good

My progress: 3.5 pounds down.

Believe me, I’m glad there’s a number this time. Unfortunately, you’d think after a month of getting focused, I’d have more to show for it. This week, however, I’ve relished each pound down and kept reminding myself what got me there.

My eating habits aren’t perfect. I don’t think they ever will be. But when I go grocery shopping, I look at ingredient lists and I buy less junk food. That’s good.

I’m not a fan of salads, but I’ve been using them for lighter lunches and quick dinners. That’s good.

I’ve found other ways to fill up on dinner without using pasta, bread, and rice. I use cauliflower rice and more veggie sides. In doing so, I’m learning not to rely on the convenience of spaghetti noodles and macaroni and cheese. That’s good.

Progress is progress, whether the numbers represent it or not. Changing your lifestyle with food is a key part of any health program. At least I’m adding tools to my belt for later.

A new step I’ve added this week is a one day fast. Ever since I was in high school, my family has used fasting to deepen our spiritual walk with God. We’ll go without solid food for a set amount of time, and we use the extra time to pray and read our Bibles. Nothing refocuses us more than denying our body. It takes just a little more strength and dependence on God to see us through.

I know what I’m capable of, and I don’t abstain from certain vitamins or liquids. Fasting is not just good for dropping a pound or two; it’s like a reset for my mind and my body.

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14 (ESV)

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A good choice I wasn’t so sure about was sharing my journey publicly. I like to pretend that I haven’t gained 30 pounds in the last three years or that I don’t feel anything but good about where I’ve let my body go. I also like to pretend that people don’t see the weight when they look at me. But they do.

I’m beginning to think that talking about it was a good choice though. I’ve received encouragement from strangers as well as people close to me. It puts me on the spot for a moment, but I’m touched people care enough to share their support. Thank you for that.

That’s my journey this week. I’m thankful it went pretty well.

Join me today in celebrating our good choices even if they have nothing to do with weight loss. Feel free to share those choices in the comments so I can be happy for you too.

Until next Friday!