Surviving the Holidays with a New Perspective

Recap:  The Dr. Apt that changed my life=Nov. 11, 2014

It has been very nearly two months, that's just past 8 weeks.

I started Advocare Dec. 3rd, five weeks ago.

I've lost 16 pounds and 13 1/2 inches.

I'm feeling GREAT!

I'm noticing different things at this point, mostly related to how I'm thinking about food in general.

I went to a late dinner with a friend last night.  In preparation for that dinner, I caught myself perusing the menu online.  I was trying to decide what I'd eat-what would be a wise choice to consume.  I've caught myself thinking about what I would eat ahead of time often lately.  WANTING to make a wise choice before I even get there.  This is a new thing for me.

My tastes are different.  My sensitivity to salty and sweet are way heightened!  Before I might eat a whole candy bar, or two if times were "desperate".  Now, a simple bite is more than enough to suffice-if I would even choose something sweet for a snack.  More often than not-I'd choose a handful of unsalted nuts over something so overpoweringly sweet.  I've learned that it's ok to take a smaller portion and I can still have the same feeling of contentment as if I'd consumed a large portion.  This is a new thing for me.

I don't desire my "old favorites"!  Ex.  BREAD.  I used to LOVE bread!  Cheesy Bread, garlic bread, buttered bread, dinner rolls, crescent rolls, a good soft bun for my burger.  Bread, Bread, Bread.  After not having bread for almost a month, I thought I'd have a dinner roll over the holidays.  It tore me up for several hours.  Needless to say, my desire for bread seems to be gone.  This is a new thing for me.

I have new go-to's.  Balsamic Vinaigrette instead of blue cheese dressing, greek yogurt instead of sour cream.  I love Avocados now!  Just to name a few.  This is a new thing for me.

Cravings for fresh fruits and veggies are becoming more common for me.  I am thinking about how foods are processed, what they are prepared with now.  Where did that come from???  This "Fresh" produce tastes better to me now.  I'm noticing more flavor and a new joy in God's creativity about His food creation.  This is a new thing for me.

I'm enjoying finding good recipes to cook at home.  There is a comfort in knowing exactly what I've put into a meal and an intentionality to the portion sizes of that meal.  I'll be trying Spaghetti Squash tonight!  I'm enjoying cooking again!  I'm not thinking about eating out like I used to.  This is a new thing for me.

Ultimately, with the start of a new year, I'm looking forward to becoming more healthy.  I'm looking forward to passing those habits on to my husband and my children.  I'm still depending on the Lord to give me strength to fight my cravings, and to give me strength to serve Him while He continues finishing His work in me.  Oh, that I could honor Him in all I do!  Bring it on 2015!