Good Morning Girls!  I've been writing the last few days trying to encourage you all that you can in fact make healthy changes.  I have tried to remove the burden of strict and ridiculous diet programs.  I have told you that you can lose weight without losing your mind.  Up until now I have focused on the fact that Jesus loves you no matter what and He is here to help.  I have told you time and again that you can lose weight.  I have encouraged you all to spend time with the Lord, and come up with a plan.  My hope is that  you are feeling strong and confident as you move forward.

Depending on where you are at, you may not like what you read today.  I am just going to go ahead and put it out there: chances are you will have to give up and turn away from some of the things you love to eat and drink.  There, I said it.  You are most likely not surprised by this.  However, if you are at all like me, somewhere deep down inside you were secretly hoping you could hang on to a few things.  I spent years trying to "cheat the system".  I would follow recommended food plans, but add just a thing or two.....surely it wouldn't hurt.......ha-ha-ha-.

Now if you dieting mind is screaming "red alert", "red alert", she is trying to put us on a "diet".....relax.  That is not what I am saying.  Remember, I believe the authorized/unauthorized food lists and overly structured diets can drive you crazy.  That being said, I still believe there are certain foods for each of us, that are at the root of our struggles with eating.  Certain foods make us crave other foods which lead to overeating.  Some foods make us feel sluggish and sleepy.  Others make us feel bloated and gassy.  Not all foods have the same effect on us, but we all have foods that we would be better off not touching.

The good news, you don't have to go "cold turkey" on everything all at once.  Hey- if you are an all or nothing kind of a gal, go for it.  But for most of us, baby steps is the way to go for long lasting behavior changes.  For example, I knew for 3 years that my diet pop was doing more harm than good.  The more I read, the more I couldn't deny it.  However, I held on...trying to cheat the system....or should I say trying to cheat my system.  Finally, one day I was ready to walk away.  Sure there are still times when I am in the check out lane and see a cherry coke zero and think "ohhhhh....that would be good right now....", but I know that one bottle could possible make me want another one the next day, and why go back down the same road again?  Besides, as soon as I am through the check out lane, the thought is over, and I am moving on.

You most likely know the things that trip you up.  The things that trigger the desire for more.  The things that cause you to wake up with a foggy headache.  The things that make you feel great one minute, and lousy the next.  You have your mental list.  Take time to ask the Lord which one you should tackle first.  One thing at a time.  If you can cut out one thing at a time as you build your confidence, you will realize that not only is it not so bad.....it is actually great to be free of them.  You will feel better.  You will see results!

Hebrews 12:1 therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up, and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us

Love you all-
Jen