A good friend and I were talking last night about my journey thus far on Take Shape for Life. We've been down the road of weight loss attempts together for a very long time. She wondered how this program fits into my lifestyle. Hmmm...it caused me to think about that.
What is my lifestyle?
Well, it seems my lifestyle actually has been about overeating and making food a priority at social gatherings and events. My lifestyle has been about things like, "Let's meet for (and overeat at) lunch!" or "C'mon over for a decadent dessert and some coffee." My lifestyle has been about sitting on the couch and talking for hours or watching a movie or some "quality" TV. My lifestyle has been about being so busy that I don't have time to plan or take care of myself. Lazy. Busy. Full. Tiring. Mindless.
And mindlessness is the enemy!
I don't need an eating plan that fits my lifestyle. I need a lifestyle that fits my eating plan.
One of the reasons I've enjoyed starting Take Shape for Life over the holidays is that people aren't offended when you say, "Can we wait until after the holidays to get together?" That seems legit. Many people's schedules are just super busy this time of year. But not ours really. (Sorry, if we've postpones plans with you!) Yet, this has been a time of having to say "NO" and of being purposeful about changing our lifestyle.
One way we are already changing our lifestyle...
We used to eat out several times a week. Our dining budget usually exceeded our grocery budget. Our overall food expenses often surpassed our monthly mortgage payment. GULP. Hmmm...something about where your treasure lies, there your heart lies also? So far this month we've only eaten out twice. I've been enjoying the leisure of eating slowly around the table with my family. It's been nice to slow down. To consider how we're spending our time, our energy, our money, and our calories.
As I continue on this journey, I know I will continue to learn how to re-prioritize my life and change my lifestyle. And I will find unsurpassed joy as I discover the true way life was meant to be lived. I anticipate growing in humility and in grace.
I'm also learning to change how I speak. Instead of talking about what I "can't" eat, I am talking about what I "choose" to eat. The fact is, no one is forcing me to stick to the 5 & 1 eating plan. At any time I can eat whatever I want to eat. But I am choosing to make decisions based on my primary choice--to reach optimal health and glorify God with my body.
Tomorrow, as I gather around the Christmas table...I can eat stuffing and mashed potatoes and pie (two servings, even!). But I am choosing to eat turkey and an amazing garden salad. I'll follow up later with a Medifast Brownie. That is a great choice! And it works for my new lifestyle. Which, might I add, is pretty darn stylish!
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