Through childhood until I was in my thirties, I was a pretty
active person. I didn’t really watch what I ate because I would burn it off
fairly quickly. Another bonus: I am a pretty frugal person, therefore snacks
and eating out didn’t happen very often. That worked for me and I never worried
about my size, nor my weight. However, I picked up a lot of bad eating habits and I
believed the myth that being thin meant that I was healthy. Enter age 35. I saw
my size increasing. I knew my activity level was decreasing. I realized I could
eat a whole pan of brownies throughout the day….no self-control. That year I
started on the road of dieting and exercise which lasted a few months.
That road has been difficult. How many celebrities or people
that I know who yo-yo diet? So many! They would lose and gain. I can see why. I
tried a fad diet that a friend told me about. I saw success. I started running.
I saw some more success. I thought that I could continue to live that
lifestyle. I couldn’t. I tried something different a few years later, and then
a few years after that. Instead of success, I felt defeated. I have concluded
that it would be nice to be the size I used to be, but most of all, I just want
to feel better. I want to feel healthy.
There have been moments through the last few years, when I am
eating a certain way and exercising, I feel great and have a lot of energy. I
want to feel that way all the time, but the struggle is real. It is hard to
follow these diet and exercise plans when money is tight, or the family is busy
and cooking healthy food or finding time to exercise seems impossible. To tell
the truth, it isn’t always about being busy. Sometimes it is downright mentally
exhausting to try to accommodate 5 people’s eating preferences.
This year I was determined to change my perspective on
eating. As I was circling it in prayer, I ran across a plan. It isn’t your
normal diet fad. It could be, but if you read the book you get the idea that it
truly is a way of life. It is about eating healthy, good-for-you foods. I have
been working through the plan’s cookbook and trying at least one new recipe a
week. Most of the recipes have worked out for us and we have liked them. My
normal picky eaters have been trying to eat the different foods, and for that I
am thankful and hopeful. (Quinoa, buckwheat, homemade ranch dressing)
The plan is called, “The Daniel Plan.” On the cover it says,
“40 Days to a Healthier Life.” Quite honestly, I don’t care if it is 365 (or
more) days to a healthier life, it is a pursuit that feels worth it. Here is why
it is different from many of the plans that are out there: it could coincide
with other plans and work with them. It is about eating good-for-you food. Not
only that but it is a well-rounded plan, involving faith, food, fitness, focus,
and friends. That is the whole you. It is not just about losing weight.
I don’t need to be in a bikini. I don’t need abs or buns of
steel. I just want to be a healthier person. It isn’t about me looking like I
did 20 years ago. Frankly, I don’t want to be that person anymore, anyway. This
is me knowing there is more to life than feeling tired and weary all the time.
God intended more for all of us. It may just start with the kinds of food that
we are eating. The plan may not be 100% perfect, but neither I am. I am
thankful and hopeful for this jumpstart to a healthier life. Are you with me?
