Progress

How do you celebrate your birthday? In past years my birthday included a meal in a nice restaurant and cake or ice cream (or both). I knew this year would be different since I've given up eating sugar. We did go out to eat, so I had my first challenge of finding what I should order at a restaurant. It wasn't too hard; I just had to stay away from the things that were covered in barbecue sauce, etc. We didn't have cake (or any dessert), and honestly I was fine with that. It was just nice being out with my family.

I have lost another pound this past week. It's slow going; but I don't have very much to lose, so I'm fine with that. No matter what the scale says, I feel really good, and I know that my new way of thinking towards food is pleasing to God. I've realized that it's not just about my size or how good I look; it's about my sin. Most people who look at me wouldn't think to call me "fat", or wouldn't assume that I have self-control issues; my weight is actually below what the doctor suggested for me. But God sees the heart; and he knows how rotten mine is. No matter how small I get, or how good I look; it's still possible for me have this sin in my life. I need to make sure that my focus stays on what is pleasing to God; how I can glorify HIM in my body, and not make my focus my appearance or a number on the scale.

I wanted to post the recipe for the Whole Wheat Bread that I made a couple of weeks ago. I have to keep it in my refrigerator because we don't eat it fast enough to leave it on the counter. Even though it's been in my fridge, it is still soft; and my kids even like it better than the half wheat/white version with sugar in it, that I used to make. Since I've given up sugar that means I have also given up "white things" such as processed white flour, white rice, and potatoes with no skin (leaving the skin on makes them a "brown thing"). These things convert into sugar in your body just like white sugar, and sometimes faster. I love my bread, so this whole wheat version is wonderful when I want a sandwich or a piece of toast. It is a little time consuming to make, but I don't have any options in the store for me to purchase, and I'm home all day anyway, so this is great for me.