I was addicted to fountain coke for years and years. McDonald's fountain coke to be exact. At the time I wasn't certain what they did to it, but I knew something was special. I'd have at least two a day -- and on a good day three. But, five or six years ago, I began a journey towards (not there yet) whole foods, and I realized my coke addiction was my first point of action. Coke-gut and headaches were ruining my life. So, I stopped. Cold turkey. They said it couldn't be done and those first 48 hours were H * E * double hockey sticks. But, it can be done. I gained. Confidence. A happier stomach. And, a healthy head.
Three years ago and still carrying the "baby weight" from my then 8 year old, I decided the weight had to finally go. So, I started a 50b450 challenge (you see what I did there?). Never in my life had I counted calories. Like I was turning 50 and I had NEVER counted calories. Crazy, right? So, I read on-line and with 30-45 minutes of exercise a day, "they" said I could eat 1,700 calories in a day, exercise and still lose 1 pound or more a week. Cool. I'm in. In the long run (and its a long story), I didn't lose the 50 (or much), but what I gained was a wonderful appreciation for the fantastic brain chemicals generated by exercise. The treadmill and I became fast friends. Walking most mornings at 6:00 a.m. at the community rec center with praise music going became my friend. Ah, quiet time, with endorphins cursing through my body, sweat running down my back, and a raging heart rate. I gave up those extra 60 minutes of sleep. I gained. Confidence. Strength. A happier heart.
In August 2012 a dear friend introduced me to Target Metabolism (TM). Fresh off the defeat of 50b450 and about to turn 51, I REALLY wanted to lose the extra weight I'd carried for too long, but thought I'd given it a good old college try earlier and it was impossible. The stars aligned (really, I don't believe in that stuff - but I love stars and that saying) -- STRIKE THAT -- the programs was perfect for me and at a perfect time. In less than one year, I lost 50 pounds on what I affectionately called "The Ben & Jerry's diet". You can tell me that I can only eat 1,154 calories in a day, but do not tell me that I can not have sweets. Do not. I will rebel. Don't tell me I have to eat six helpings of green veggies. Tell me to eat six (very) small meals a day of whatever I want and I'll figure out how to get'er done and still have 130 calories left at the end of the day (meal #6) for a quarter cup of B&J's Karmel Sutra (or sometimes, Canoli, or Late Night Snack - but ALWAYS B&J's!). Yes. I. Will. And, I did. Nearly every day for 10 months. I gave up huge helpings. I gave up seconds. I gave up reaching for snacks all day long. I gave up soda (for the most part). I gave up three to four glasses of milk a day and instead had maybe one half cup a day. I gained. Confidence. Oh so much confidence. Health. A happier marriage. An active lifestyle. Appreciation for new foods.
History has shown me that giving up does lead to gain.
Matthew 16:26
The Message (MSG)24-26 Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?
I'm just beginning this fresh, audacious journey. Just this week there are so many things I've already given up, some sacred cows for me. So many are too raw to even mention yet. And, many more to come. But in the letting go, and in the letting Him into my driver's seat, in giving up - I know I'll gain. I'll gain His best blessings. That's enough for me.
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