Back to Basics

I've totally been a slacker this summer.

Well, maybe not totally (after all, I HAVE taken up jogging!), but as far as being intentional about how and what I eat...? Yeah, I've been a slacker.

Fortunately, that hasn't translated to a weight gain, but I really haven't lost much this summer either.

I need to get back to doing what I know works...

Fasting.

It's interesting ~ I've faithfully walked at least 4 times a week for the last six years and lost weight a few times, but still gained it back. But once I started fasting, I didn't even HAVE to walk to lose weight.

So now that I've started jogging at least three times a week, if I'd get back into the habit of fasting two or three days a week again, I should manage to lose some weight again, right?

Ah, but that's the kicker, idn' it? Gettin' back into the habit. Starting to blaze that trail, carve that groove, all over again. After a summer of allowing the chaos of holidays, husbands being out of work, kids being out of school, and swimming lessons derail me.

I need to get back to the basics:

• no desserts* ~ which, unfortunately, I've suddenly gotten into the habit of making all the time!! (until this summer, I pretty much only made dessert when we had company)
• no evening snacking* ~ which has become rather commonplace around here again; and...
• fasting at least two days a week (with emphasis on relationship with God, not just skipping meals).

I've been doing the opposite of all three of these this summer and really, if it wasn't for the jogging, I'd probably have gained some hard-lost weight back already because of it. So, as my girls slowly gear themselves up to return to school, I'm preparing myself to get back to the basics, back to the tried-and-true strategies that worked for me earlier this year.

Because my youngest daughter will now be in kindergarten two or three full days each week ("even" days of a 6-day school cycle), those will be my fasting days. Before, I was doing 3 days a week, now it'll be 5 every two weeks, but I appreciate the fact that I won't be drawing their attention to missed meals. I like that I'll be able to hide the fasting from them for now. They're too young to develop a preoccupation with eating and weight, and besides, that really isn't what fasting is supposed to be about.

I'm looking forward to actually being able to focus more on spending time with God and His Word without constant distraction. It's tricky to focus on God while fasting with kids underfoot; it's very easy to forget the point of it all is to dig into the Bread of Life. I haven't prayed about staying away from the temptation that lurks behind my kitchen cupboard doors for a long time. Actually, since taking up jogging, my prayer life has suffered ~ I used to pray for a good portion of my two-mile walk. Now those two miles are spent counting hydro poles or trying to motivate myself to run to the next one.

So that's my plan for fall. Generally following those three basic steps...

...and making a serious bid for those
last 15 pounds!

* by NO snacking and NO desserts, I don't mean NEVER EVER, but I do mean that I don't want it to be a customary or daily occurence. I'm not seeking to cut those things out completely, but this nasty habit of snacking EVERY STINKIN' NIGHT in front of the TV has got to stop!!!!