The Real Struggle

Yes, weight is the symptom, but the real struggle is not the tonnage or even the food.

It is self-control.

Can I follow through with my decision to only eat a certain amount of calories per day?

Am I able to force myself to work out each day -- or at least five times a week?

Can I drink at least nine cups of water a day (preferably 12)?

It has been very hard the last week and a half to only eat 1400 calories a day. I think it has to do with what's available, and the fact that I'm a night owl. I get very hungry at night and want to snack.

I like having something to chew in my mouth. I enjoy the tastes of food.

Self Control.

I have had my biggest struggle with this little bugaboo for years in various areas of my life. For a brief while I had good control over myself, but years ago, I became proud and used my self control to define my relationship with God. When I finally realized that, it caused some brokenness and heartache, because my eyes opened to the fact I had hurt friends and even myself by my rigid thinking. My lack of real compassion made me stumble from my self-righteous perch.

I don't think I consciously used that realization as a crutch or excuse to stop being disciplined, but it happened. I am only just now getting to a place where I not only recognize this -- I've known for a few years -- but I'm getting to that point where I'm stronger and able to operate with more self-control, by the grace of God.

Still.... I am finding it so hard to limit my caloric intake after dinner.

What shall I do? Perhaps more raw vegetables (celery, etc) as a snack or with dinner.

Maybe I should drink more water after dinner.

We'll see.

Later.

So, if you think about it and are so inclined, pray that I will have more self-control and endure the "hunger". Thanks. :)