Denying Myself
Posted by Joy M at 11/6/2009 11:09 PM 
Categories: Motivation, Diet and Nutrition
Tags: Transformation Diet
Categories: Motivation, Diet and Nutrition
Tags: Transformation Diet
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
The problem with following any daily plan is that there is some point where denial is required. Everyone talks about how diets don't work and how difficult it is to stick with a plan because it is restrictive. However, no one really discusses denial as a benefit. If we deny ourselves eating whatever we want at every moment, we will be closer to our goal. In addition, that treat we want will be so much more satisfying when we finally do indulge. Without sacrifice, those extra treats aren't really treats at all.
If I look at denying myself as a Christian practice, it seems that I can develop the spirit of denial. We are called to deny ourselves as we follow Christ. The next time ice cream is an option, I should be evaluating whether I should have it this one time or deny myself. I don't have to forgo ice cream forever. Rather, I need to put ice cream in its right place in my diet...and I do mean diet. I should be losing a few pounds and eating a diet that improves my HDL. This is the season for me to improve. Some of the changes I make now should stay forever and others can be further modified for the next season. I'll be charting my progress as I approach the holiday season which is frequently the season of indulgence, overeating and weight-gain.
Somehow, I'm going to manage to improve my Divine Health, while denying myself and occassionally indulge.
The problem with following any daily plan is that there is some point where denial is required. Everyone talks about how diets don't work and how difficult it is to stick with a plan because it is restrictive. However, no one really discusses denial as a benefit. If we deny ourselves eating whatever we want at every moment, we will be closer to our goal. In addition, that treat we want will be so much more satisfying when we finally do indulge. Without sacrifice, those extra treats aren't really treats at all.
If I look at denying myself as a Christian practice, it seems that I can develop the spirit of denial. We are called to deny ourselves as we follow Christ. The next time ice cream is an option, I should be evaluating whether I should have it this one time or deny myself. I don't have to forgo ice cream forever. Rather, I need to put ice cream in its right place in my diet...and I do mean diet. I should be losing a few pounds and eating a diet that improves my HDL. This is the season for me to improve. Some of the changes I make now should stay forever and others can be further modified for the next season. I'll be charting my progress as I approach the holiday season which is frequently the season of indulgence, overeating and weight-gain.Somehow, I'm going to manage to improve my Divine Health, while denying myself and occassionally indulge.
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