I have a sweet tooth. I love sugar and anything with sugar--especially chocolate...and ice cream..and chocolate ice cream with chocolate candy stirred in and chocolate syrup on top. So it has not been natural or easy for me to give up sugar. Normally, I try not to keep it in the house because I will eat it all before anyone else gets a chance. But if it is ever nearby, I always indulge.
Recently, after several months of gaining a few pounds and my pants fitting too snug, I decided to give up sweets. It is Halloween week, but as of 9 days ago, I have eaten no candy, brownies, ice cream, or even granola bars. This is something I have never done before or even attempted. But with God's supernatural help, I have succeeded so far. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). It has been especially difficult because my husband's birthday was last week, so I made him brownies, and we had a Trunk or Treat at church, so our house is full of candy--even the good stuff like Snickers and Almond Joy.
The physical results so far have been better than I expected! I have lost a total of 3 pounds and almost one inch. Overall, I have not felt too tempted by the brownies and candy that are still in my house, thanks to me not gobbling them up in one day. Grumpiness has not been more of a factor than usual, which is a surprise considering the chocolate withdrawal. I would not say I have more energy but maybe less, but possibly that is related to an increase of seasonal allergies and a sore throat. One of my physical motivators is curiosity to see what the results will be if I stick to it for a month or two or longer.
The greatest emotional benefit has been feeling free. Usually I felt I could not resist eating sweets and I would eat more and more whenever it was available. But now, even though it looks good, it feels better to know that the decision is already made that I will not have it. And that leads to me not having my brain telling me how it tasted good and how I need a second, third, or tenth Hershey's Kiss. Instead, I have munched on salty snacks, which I rarely overeat because I really don't like them nearly as much as sugar. And for breakfasts, instead of two granola bars, I am eating 2 egg whites and a piece of fruit.
Spiritually, giving up sweets has given me the necessity to pray more, trust God more, rely on His help, and practice self-control. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). I pray that learning self-control in one area of life will carry over to others as well. Please feel free to join me on this journey, as it is easier with accountability!
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