15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. Daniel 1:15-16 NIV
One week ago I shared about a radical departure in my eating habits to combat type 2 diabetes. My hope is for a full reversal of the damaging effects that the disease has been affecting within my body. Some of the symptoms are noticeable, slight neuropathy in the feet and fatigue, while others are happening internally. With this as a background I wanted to share my journey so far.
I am on day 6 of a 10 day detox using various smoothies. There are lots of methods that make bold claims to bring Type 2 diabetes under control. At the center of all of the programs is making wise food choices. Foods that are natural are good, processed is bad. There is a secondary method of volume. Americans for the most part are gluttons…we eat too much. This is especially bad if we are eating too much of the wrong types of food.
Daniel was a young Jewish captive who was taken away from his country to be reprogrammed into the Babylonian culture. Appealing to his appetite of food was the first plan to bring about the change. Daniel knew God’s law had prohibited certain foods as unclean and purposed not to defile himself. But his decision to not eat the choicest food went beyond clean and unclean. Daniel resolved to tame his passion and appetites.
I have been telling my family members, that I am not on a diet. I tell them, “I am making a lifetime change.” To give my body the best chance possible for health, I am changing the way I eat. I am purposing to stop eating breads (which is a lot of food choices) and sugars – primarily in soft drinks and deserts. I may have a spoonful during a meal with the family. Pam said it best, “Greg made this decision on his own and he is sticking to it.”
During this week my sugar readings have come down and I have lost 7 lbs. I still need to drink more water, but I am praying for a love of water. I went to a company Thanksgiving meal and wanted to see if I could remain strong. I ate only vegetables and some meat, no cornbread, dressing or desserts. Success, 1 step in the direction of a lifetime walk.
I also, wrote down some long term desires for my future goals of healthy eating. I found it very helpful during times of temptation to remind myself of the long term goal. Jesus endured for the goal set before him. The long term goal is a great motivator to move beyond the temptation of the moment.
Daniel resolved to tame his appetites. How would your life be different if you tame your passions with the help of Jesus? Are you bound in cycles of constant defeat? Let your food choice and consumption be the first step to gaining control of your life.
Blessings Love y’all