No Sugar Please…

Today is my 30th day going sugar free! In the past month I’ve eaten no sugar and very, very little carbohydrates.  When I started I wondered how I’d ever survive.  Now that the days have passed, I don’t even miss it.  When I think of celebrating, I want to continue on this journey.  Not only do I feel better physically than I have in a long time, but I feel mentally sharper as well.  I have decided to make a lifestyle shift.  I plan to continue on this no sugar journey with only an occasional treat.

Did I miss it?  Yes and no.  I thought sweets would be my weakness but I mostly missed bread and pasta.  It was difficult to eat Mexican and avoid the chips, but I did it!  I am sharing this with you to encourage you.  If I can do this, so can you.  Sugar is in so much of our diet. I had no idea how much sugar I was eating until I decided to avoid it.  Eating out seemed impossible at first, but I gradually learned how to order.  I know, I’m a waitress’s nightmare.  “I’d like to order a sandwich with no bread and hold the chips,” or “I’d like a zensation salad (Zaxby’s) with no sauce and no dressing (yes, this salad actually has both).  I’ve learned to love unsweet tea, and I can actually taste my food again.  I did not realize that sugar had deadened my tastebuds.

So, what have I learned on this journey?  I’ve learned that living requires sacrifice; I can sacrifice my health or I can sacrifice the sugar.  Life also requires discipline; I had to daily make a conscious choice to avoid sugar and carbs.

Translation into the spiritual realm:  If I want to be like Christ and be spiritually fit, it will take sacrifice and discipline.  I must be intentional to spend time with the Lord daily, even if it means sacrificing time on facebook or some other social network.

Change doesn’t happen over night, but it does happen ONE DAY AT A TIME. Make a decision today to live healthier  — physically, mentally, and spiritually.