I’ve south beached it. I’ve been with Robert Atkins. Jillian and I have gone round and round. I’ve even tried clinical weight loss with a doctor.
In the past 12 years I have gained and lost over 290 lbs. You are probably thinking- awesome…so you are back at your original weight, right? Hardly. I’ve had some short term success, but nothing that lasted beyond a few years. Why is that? How can you try every method on the market, read every book on the topic, and eat cardboard but never find yourself at a healthy weight? It’s because I just don’t want to, right?
I can not count the number of times someone has said this to me- “if you really wanted to loose weight you would. You just don’t want to.” But I absolutely want to. Trouble is, there is a disconnect between the “want to” and the making it happen. That disconnect is in the lies that I put into my head. These lies consume me. They make it impossible for me to make a wise and healthy decision when it comes to what I put in my mouth.
Lysa Terkeurst says it best in her book Made to Crave.
I am supposed to consume food, but food was never meant to consume me. ~Lysa Terkeurst
For years, I have allowed food to consumed me. It controls me, manipulates me, and demands my attention. The treatment is mutual, as I demand that food comforts me and solves me problems. It’ s a vicious cycle that has rendered me hopeless. Until something changed. Suddenly I realize that I am not alone in this. The truth is…other women step on the scale with tears in their eyes, too. Other women binge on forbidden food when no one is looking. And other women cry themselves to sleep convinced that they are too fat to be loved.
Maybe you are one of these women. Or maybe you don’t even know you have a problem with food. Either way, I would be honored if you would join me for a 12 week journey through the LIES THAT KEEP ME EATING. No doubt we will be counting calories, slashing sugar, and sweatin’ to the oldies, but most importantly we will learn to battle the lies that keep the weight from coming off for good.
The plan…
If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that details are irrelevant. You can loose weight by slashing sugar, spending 12 hours a day at the gym, or by following a protein diet. Really. Most plans work. It’s the motivation for the plan that is the problem. Our main goal in this series will be to meet that problem head on by changing what is going on in our head. But, of course, there will have to be a change in what goes in our mouth. That part is up to you. I want to challenge you to consider 3 temporary rules to follow as we let go of what is inhibiting us and learn to develop life-long habits that lead to health.
It’s the mix of temporary restrictions and permanent changes that will lead to long-term success.
We can’t go around making rules like, “I’ll never eat dessert again until I’m skinny” You know why. As soon as you are skinny, the desserts come back and we are right where we started. Overweight. Chances are, you’ve been there just like I have. So no crazy rules, just a few temporary things to boost our success.
So, as an example, here are MY temporary rules.
#1… For the next 12 weeks, I will not eat out at a restaurant.
I have personal reasons for choosing this rule. One of which is financial. However, most of it is the fact that the restaurants that I can afford and am willing to take 4 kids to alone, almost always involve a drive-thru window. You know, I don’t think I need to tell you why this is something I should restrict for now. Let’s just say that this non-salad loving girl can not withstand the smell of tasty onion rings long enough to order wilted lettuce.
#2…For the next 12 weeks, I am fasting from all refined sugar.
I have chosen this rule because my weight issues stem mostly from the consumption of sugar (more specifically cake and root beer) These calories are the most damaging and most addicting. If I am going to break this addiction, I need to fast from this danger zone for now. Plus, as a single mom, I do not have time to count calories or weigh and measure specific foods. I know that eating sugar is what leads me down the path to the extra calories, so this will be an effective change. To be clear: I am not cutting out fruits or rice, but this will include pasta and bread, as I am gluten free.
#3…For the next 12 weeks, I am going to exercise everyday.
This doesn’t mean 6 hours at the gym. I am calling any attempt at exercise better than the present status: which is none. I want to work on developing a regular habit of exercising that I can sustain long term. Since I have 4 kids, no gym membership and no babysitters, exercise will most likely involve my children or a video. I will be keeping a journal of ideas for rainy days, lazy days, and busy days. That way once the 12 weeks is over, I will have a long list of creative ideas for how to get moving. If you can do more, do it. But remember, you’ve got to do what works. Or you won’t bother.
So how about you?
On Monday morning, I will post the first post of the series encouraging us to get the lies out of our heads and challenging us with nutritional/heath tips. Until then, it would be great if you would think about a few temporary rules for yourself. What is reasonable for you? What is your biggest area of need? How will you accomplish these goals?
On Monday, I will ask you to post a comment with your list of temporary rules or goals, if you are willing. Let’s do this thing and hold each other accountable! I’m praying that God will lead you through the planning process, so we can leave this mess behind us.
The series:
(click on the picture to read each week’s post)
I will update this section as we add each week to the series. Be sure to check back each Monday until all 12 weeks are finished!
Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog via email, so you won’t miss a single post in this series!
Looking for other ideas? This series is part of a Get healthy & Fit Series hosted by 19 bloggers. You will find fitness tips, ideas, and various eat plans. Click below to see what everyone else is up to!
Kim Sorgius
Kim is just a girl, crazy in love with Jesus. She's a single mother of 4, a passionate homeschooler and life-long student. After teaching 8 years in public school, she traded her M.A. in Early Childhood for sippy cups and homeschool co-ops. Kim is the owner and editor of The Homeschool Village and Not Consumed where she encourages others to rest victoriously in the hands of God, rather than allowing life's difficult circumstances to consume.
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This makes me want to binge a little bit on something unhealthy.
Thanks for the challenge! It makes improving on my health easier when I know others are working through tough things too.
Only a little?
Totally with you Kim! Hmmmmmm, my rules? #1eat whole and healthy and deliberately during the week and allow for carefully chosen “enjoyments” on the weekend. #2 walk with children each day and do my own workouts six days a week, resting on Saturday.#3 go to sleep by ten every night – except my work night.
Love this accountability !
I NEED ACCOUNTABILITY BIG TIME….ANY HELP, THOUGHTS IDEAS AND MORE IMPORTANTLY PRAYERS….. this is so huge for me……
I’m up for this challenge! My rules are; #1 No snacks after 7pm. #2 Eat at least one type of veggie with every meal and control those portion sizes! #3 Workout 6 days a week.
Looking forward to doing this with others that have the same struggles!
This will be great accountability for helping me lose my baby weight. I’ll be planning my three things and ready to comment Monday.
I have not had a PEPSI in 3 months. There are times when I want one so bad i keep telling myself it had been 3 months. You don’t know what it will do to you. I scares me. I quite smoking in 1979. sometimes when i am at dinner in a restaurant with a group of friends and we all have that last cup of coffee. I reallly really really want a cigarette. So much of what we do is tied to events. I tell myself Margie dinner was a real success since you want a cigarette. Good job.
I now need to work on my weight. I have lost since i quit the Pepsi. I have hypothryroidism so it is hard and i get discouraged easily. God is the only one who can keep me on track. He will supply the right friends and words.
I just found your blog yesterday, and now this? I’m stunned at how timely this is, and how much I needed to read this today. Soooo… I’M IN! #1 – keep a daily food journal, writing my eating plan every morning. It will help me be accountable, and I also won’t have to obsess all day about what I’m going to eat next. #2 – No restaurants for the next 12 weeks… for the same reasons you posted. They also seem to be a binge trigger for me. #3 – Exercise every day for the next 12 weeks.
Haha — I’m actually looking forward to this!
I am amazed…I “stumbled” upon your website from pinterest and was so moved by your posts. (Obviously it was the Lord…not a coincidence). Then I clicked on the “home” tab and saw this. You have described me and food. I am to find out on Thursday if I need a gluten free diet (both my mom and sister are celiac/gluten intolerant). I’m in too. Rule #1 No refined sugar for 12 weeks. Rule #2 Excercise everyday (sooo tired of my excuses). Rule #3 No eating after dinner (I go to eat a healthy snack and binge instead.) Thank you! I promise to pray for you and the ladies who join us.
My goals:
#1 no fast food………. If it cant be helped, then better choices…. Ie: no fries or pop
#2 work out– walk/run, wii games and fitness apps
#3 use the weight watchers program…. It works
You’ve set up some challenging guidelines for yourself! May the Lord strengthen you as you address the lies and seek healthier eating habits.
Thanks for linking up with WIP!
I so agree with this…”Our main goal in this series will be to meet that problem head on by changing what is going on in our head.” Our thoughts determing our actions, so we need to change our thoughts to see progress. Throughout this 12 weeks…I have purposed to trade in thoughts of doubt, discouragement, and defeat for thoughts of faith, encouragement, and victory! THIS TIME is going to be different!
Rule #1 – stop making excuses and just get moving
Rule #2 – find a food log that I’ll actually use
Thank you, Kim. I have this same struggle and God has been dealing with me lately A LOT. I have been through The Lord’s Table online study (which is free AND you have a mentor) so I know that my gluttony is a sin, and yet… I struggle. Food is my idol. My chocolate-covered god. SO hard to admit that.
Yesterday in church, our pastor mentioned that the Hebrew word for table is actually the same word for worship. My goal for this week is to make my eating an act of worship. I want everything I put in my mouth to be pleasing to God. I also plan to drink only water… well… and my two cups of coffee each day.
Penny,
I am blown away (and heavily convicted by that). I had no idea that table and worship were the same word. I know that I am so guilty of thinking that God is not effected by what I put into my mouth, but it’s such a lie!
I’m going to think about this…I was doing SO WELL earlier in this summer…but then old habits creeped in with our move across the state and everything just fell apart. I had lost 23 pounds…in 2-3 months of being back off the wagon, I’ve only gained back about 2 of those pounds, which I definitely think is a blessing, but I just can’t seem to get back on track.
Oh, I’ve been working towards losing weight since 1/1/12. I was SO sure that the weight would melt off as I’m larger and have a lot to lose. Guess what? It’s not! ::sigh:: I’ve lost about 33 pounds this year. I’ll take it! I’m making new habits and those changes take time. And it’s LOST not gained, right? ::laugh:: I have been using My Fitness Pal (on-line) to stay on track.
I can totally relate to this..I have been working out for the past 6 weeks. I’ve had little improvements. But I know it’s my eating habits, I am lost when it comes to this. WEll not relaly lost, just am at a lose. I love to eat, I love sweets. I need help in this area. I love food but I don’t love the muffin top it leaves me. Not my kind of muffin. I’m glad I stumbled across your blog from Time Warp Wife. I am also subscribing to your blogs.
God Bless you…
By His Grace,
adrienne r
Even people who are not overweight have eating issues, or maybe I should say “control issues”. My # 1 rule is no sugar unless it is something special that I have planned for and # 2 is to always be thankful to my maker when I make good choices. If I always make the good choice my eating isn’t a problem. Of course I am not always capable of doing that so when I do I recognize that God is helping me, and I give thanks.
I’m in! I have a 2 yr old & still have not lost my baby weight! I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism after he was born & have struggled with my energy level for many years. I’m only 35 & I feel 65. BTW, my mom is 62 & has more energy than me. If anyone is dealing with similar issues, I’d love to hear from you!
#1 No more negative comments towards myself…whether out loud or to myself
#2 Cut refined sugar (this is a no brainer)
#3 Do Yoga every morning & every evening plus a couple strength training days.
Good luck to you all!
Love this and can’t wait to read the next lie! I need the encouragement and to know I am not going it alone!!!
Can’t believe I blog hopped to you!! I have been needing to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise for a long time… I have kept saying, I will start on Monday…. and Monday never comes.
In my attempt to make some changes, I didn’t make RULES, I made ideas to attempt. And have decided to put those ideas into practice a little at a time. One – I can’t just do cold turkey, my family would boycott salads every day, I try to go overboard, etc.
So, I have been off of soft drinks for months, (still drinking sweet tea – but in moderation) Added water, water water……
Adding fruit as my snacks instead of chips, Little Deb*ies, and Nekots
and the one that I think I have determined may just kill me….. last week our FAMILY started Couch to 5k. (no membership to pay – and we run in our church parking lot)
Talk about accountability. I am the Momma and if they can I SHOULD!!! If not for me, but for them. As I was struggling to finish the walk/run yesterday, my heart smiled when I looked ahead and my husband and his girls were running side by side. Our youngest was just up ahead of them. What a gift God gave me at that moment! It gave me the push I needed to get through that portion of our run. Then when I was putting my youngest to bed, he talked about how he loves that our family is running together….. my heart smiled and my eyes leaked…. Its worth it for me to press on! I thank God for the sweet blessing he gave me!!
Stand strong, make little changes, and they will not just help you, but your children as well. It is a lifestyle change and with persistence and much prayer you will succeed.
Your newest subscriber! So glad I stopped here today!
Hi Piper! Way to go! This is my own personal testimony too. I started 4 yearsago and got of 40lbs! You can do all things through Christ! It’s a fitness journey for life! I will be starting my fourth Christmas crunch challenge at the end of the month. Come on over and join in. http://Www.gospel2gijon.blogspot.com
I have subscribed and look forward to this series. I will be thinking about my three rules for Monday.
This post is so motivating! Hopeful and prayerful for you as you begin this journey
I AM a firm believer in a fitness journey for life. Life changing habits. Hey, I’ll be starting my fourth Christmas Crunch fitness challenge at the end of the month. I started just like you with small jump start goals. Would love to have you join in on the fitness challenge and I’ll be following you on yours!
My husband and I have over a hundred pounds to lose (between the two of us) to get back to a healthy BMI. Our family rules for the next 12 weeks are 1) no sugary drinks (out with sodas and sweet tea)
2) no restaurants (if absolutely necessary I have to either get egg mcmuffin, subway lighter choices, or grilled chicken salad with no cheese or croutons and very little dressing). I’m going to have to be intentional about meal planning and packing a cooler when I know we’ll be out of the house all day.
3) Go on a family walk at least 3X week; I will go to the gym at least 2X week.