My "new" health conscious life pretty much started when my mom was diagnosed with Renal Cell Kidney cancer. It was then that I really started dissecting the phrase "you are what you eat." I have always been a big fan of food. I love to eat out and indulge on sweets daily, which led me to think that if I’m never my goal weight, I will be okay because at least I am able to eat what I want to, whenever I want. However, then I started looking into the healing properties of food and how by cutting various things out of your diet, you can create an environment where cancer is unable to survive. This was the one thing I wanted for my mom, but I didn't know enough then, nor do I feel I do now to have been in complete control of her treatments, therefore, I feel that I failed her. On the other hand, I do know God makes no mistakes. It is apparent to me now that it's all in his timing and it was simply her time to go home.
During this time, I started worrying and freaking out about everything, things that went into my kids’ mouths, put on their bodies, or they came into contact with. I quickly realized this was A. out of my control and B. not a good place to live. Not long after this, by God’s grace, I started my new life in Christ and began to experience an inner peace about many things, but especially about not being in control of everything. Our family had joined a new church and I became involved in the most amazing bible study group. I began to pray about every detail of my life and truly ask for God to direct my steps, which included wanting to be healthy and make healthy decisions for my family. Also, I had my study group praying alongside of me. I wanted to start making baby steps towards a healthy lifestyle, so it could encourage my kids to do the same.
Fast forward ahead, I saw a post from a college roommate of mine that talked about an accountability group, whose main goal was encouraging each other, while creating a healthy lifestyle through a little exercise and simple nutrition. I continued praying about it because I was not 100% about the timing being right, but God worked it out. My first round was awesome and my husband even completed it with me, which was a major bonus. Then I signed up for a second round and this group went really well too. After the second round, I got out of the loop a little bit with the accountability groups and decided to combine doing a book study entitled, "Made to Crave," along with another round of the 21 Day Fix. I encouraged a friend to join me, but honestly it wasn't very successful. This was because with just two friends doing it, made it easy to be more lenient and get off track. However by this time, I knew this was a lifestyle I didn't want to let go of so easily.
As I was telling another friend about it, we decided to give it a shot, but this time it included incentives. Surely this would work! However, while I knew incentives probably would help, I wasn’t sure it would be enough to keep me from sliding or to keep her encouraged. This is when I randomly came into contact with someone, who grew up in the same place that I did. She commented on my first post that was documenting my 4th attempt at the 21 day fix and all I could think of was, "God has his hands all over this!” She allowed us to join another coach and her in a group full of real life "trying to do better" women. I am reminded all over again how important these groups are and how God answers our prayers. Even when it comes to what we consider the small things, which always turn out to be not so small after all, He cares!!
I am still and always will be a work in progress. This new lifestyle makes me better and enables me to realize I am made for more. We are made for more. Most importantly, I am a better disciple for Jesus Christ. “Made To Crave” helped in that aspect as well and I can't say enough good about this book. It taught me to confront my cravings with scripture, while encouraging me to meet God, during my struggles. How awesome is that??? I can get fit, while talking to and being pushed by Him. For example, God literally did the day I had to run 2 miles, some of that uphill, during a bonus challenge our coach gave us. First time, ever attempting to do this and I am still here, alive and telling you all about it. People, that’s God!! Secondly, I am a better wife. (Grant can vouch for this. This non-morning person getting up at 6am to cook him breakfast everyday is probably the number one reason he loves it. He also enjoys having 90% of his meals prepared at home.) Lastly, I am becoming a better mom. For whatever reason, I am finding more of the patience I have been praying about. It's funny how God uses the answer to one prayer to in turn answer another.
To wrap up this book, I have now written, this fix, these coaches, these groups have been the answer to many prayers and have led me to now become a coach myself. This decision is solely to encourage others the way I have been encouraged. I want those around me, who also feel guilt from eating anything and everything, to come out on the other side, not being perfect, but being better. My goal is to do the most work at home and trying to make better food choices SOME of the time when we eat away from home. This gives me freedom from feeling guilty for enjoying delicious meals, while celebrating a birthday or just indulging in something I enjoy. This is also what I feel will help keep me successful and achieving my overall goal. My part will surely be small compared to those who have already coached me, but I'm just excited to continue this journey along the path God has laid out for me. ❤️❤️❤️
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
