What Am I Missing?

Remember the post about saying good-bye to my favorite foods (for the 100th time!)?

I took some time this weekend to think about what foods I'm really missing.

I thought.

And I thought.

And I thought.

Do I miss pizza?  Not really.  I miss the convenience of it, but if given the option of a pizza or a grilled chicken salad, I'd take the salad without any thought.

Do I miss Chinese food?  I mean, isn't there going to be Cheesy Crab Wontons in Heaven? And didn't I once say that I could eat Chinese food every day of the week?  Well, Dan wanted to stop and get some takeout the other night and asked if I would mind.  I didn't mind at all.  (Maybe it was the trip to the Asian Market that was fresh on my mind--blech!)

Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream?  I used to not be able to keep this in my freezer or I would eat all of it in one sitting.  Once, I was asked if I was deserted on an island what one food I would hope to have.  I said ice cream.  But now, do I miss it?  Nope.  Don't miss it.

Do you understand that I could not possibly have believed any of this when I started the program?  I had a literal "bucket list" of foods that I was certain I would grieve when I made this choice.  But I was wrong.  I don't even miss them.  I had a super unhealthy relationship with these foods and I needed to say good-bye. 

I think the makers of Medifast are brilliant!  I mean, honestly, I get to eat soft served mint chocolate "ice cream" and I enjoy a warm, gooey "brownie" every couple nights.  Then, there's the orange creme shake and the honey mustard "pretzels."  Yes, I know I'm putting things in quotes.  These aren't the same as eating the real-deal.  But they are really good! 

My palette has been transformed and it is AMAZING!

I love to cook.  And I love BIG flavors.  By having a cleaner palette, I'm able to enjoy the foods more the way God made them.  And, would you believe, God is totally into BIG flavors as well.  Some of the best flavors I've tasted in a long time are in the most REAL foods.  I had just been trained, like most Americans, to like artificial chemicals. 

Now THAT'S what I want to say good-bye to!  Good-bye, Chemicals!  Good-bye, forever.

Hey...I was reminded this morning that we never have fallen too many times, or too far into the darkness, that God's mercy isn't able to reach us.  We are loved beyond measure.  And I know that has nothing to do with my clean palette--wait, or does it?  I had fallen repeatedly and was in a VERY dark place when God carried me here to Take Shape for Life.  And this satisfaction and success is ALL His mercy to me.  I am so loved!!!