I decided against a December update last month. The Christmas season never seems to be a good time for trying to eat healthier for me. The fact that Thanksgiving precedes it certainly doesn’t help. In all honesty, I had nothing exciting to report.
Thankfully, this month is different. I’m back to work on my 3-step plan. If you are new here, my plan and part of my food addiction story can be found in Turning to Food: An Addict’s Journey.
Step 1, forgiveness and acceptance of where I am, is going pretty well. I’ve been using tapping to help and of course, a lot of prayer…
Step 2 continues to be a struggle for me:
Choose real, God-given foods, not man-made, highly processed franken-food.
To help with this incredibly important step, my mom and I joined Weight Watchers at the beginning of this month. I’m really excited about their new Simply Filling plan which follows my principle of trying to choose more unprocessed foods. If you stick with the choices on their Power Foods list, you don’t even have to count points.
There is an allowance each week of extra points if you decide to eat foods not on the list. This is great for me while I try to incorporate imperfection into my food plan. I have been far too all or nothing in the past and need to find peace with moderation.
You can find the list of Simply Filling foods at WeightWatchers.com. There are processed foods included on the list, but overall, it’s what I’m looking for in a food plan. Progress, not perfection.
I’m also liking the new feature of linking my Jawbone Up24 to the Weight Watchers app on my iPhone. This gives me extra points for activity tracked by the band. So far I’m not excelling in exercise, but I hope to get moving soon.
It may seem as if I jump from one program to another, but I have decided that’s actually quite productive for me. I’m learning everything I can, sharing it all with you, and then we can create the perfect plan.
I get bored quickly. This trial and error process of mine is keeping me moving forward. I believe in taking pieces of advice from many successful plans and creating something more individualized.
I’m really enjoying dumping resolutions this year for my one word: Health. In a few months, I’ll list everything I’ve tried so far and my favorite parts of each plan. I hope you will follow along.
I would love for you to join me by subscribing below or to your right so we can do this journey together. Let’s continue to build a safe, loving community here for us food-addicted, health-struggling, determined-to-feel-better friends.
How have you been doing on your health goals lately? Do you have any wins, losses, or struggles to share?
If you have time today, check out the rest of the Turning to Food series:
Hello Candace,
it´s been a long time since I´ve come to visit you. I´ve missed being here, in your virtual place, sharing with you…because I can always find wisdom in your words and a kindred spirit in your struggles, and I´m in great need for hanging out with friends.
As usual, I love your post. I think the 2 steps you list here are key. Grace and forgiveness of our own shortcomings are crucial if we want to make progress. Also, the concentrating on “what” you eat rather than “how much” is a great goal as well. I pray the Lord makes the path straight for you and that peace comes to your soul as you journey the trouble waters of trying to stay healthy.
The word of inspiration for the year rather than resolutions is a great thing too! I have been doing it for a few years. This year´s is “revival” for me and for those around me, my town, my country. Health is in my mind too, however. Right now I am going through my annual check up and the enemy is really attacking me with fears that have been crippling me. I have been asking for prayers because I need warriors to fight with me in this battle. So anyway, it was very comforting to come by. Big hugs and I won´t take this long to come back again.
Hi Gisela! It is so wonderful to have you here again! I’ve been the same way about visiting you. I read your beautiful posts in my email and save them as a reminder to go visit you and let you know I’m following along and praying for you. As you know, life gets in the way and I don’t make it to see you as often as I would like. So glad to reconnect, my friend!
I’m loving the one word focus this year. Your word is amazing- revival! It says so much in one little word. I may have to borrow it in an upcoming year :). Big hugs and much love to you!
Candace, I like how Weight Watchers has that new Simply Filling plan. I think that sounds right. Adding in fruits and veggies throughout the day should be a plus to any healthy lifestyle and not a deterrent.
It’s a great new system, Jen. I remember being on Weight Watchers before and seeing how much junk food I could cram into my allotted points for the day. It was crazy. I love the idea of not having to count anything if I stick to the meal plan, but still having the option to add other less healthy options every once in a awhile.
Hey Candace, have you ever read Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Furhman. It focuses on eating and unlimited amount of vegetables and fruits. It sounds like your Weight Watchers plan is following the same type of plan. I requested the tapping solution fom the library and I’m looking foward to reading it.
I’ll have to check into Eat to Live, Sonya. You know how I love books :). I have heard of it before. I’m so glad you are going to read the tapping solution. I really think you will get a lot out of it. Their website has so many great free resources if you want to get started before the book is available.
It is a big challenge for both of us, however I love that I am doing this with my precious daughter. We both have our vices but together it helps. Plus we have fun each weigh in day. Keep up the good work my WW coach! Luv ya. Mother
I have really enjoyed doing this with you mom :). I’ve been struggling this week but it’s nice to have you in my corner. I’m so proud of how well you are sticking to it!
I’m so glad you are off to a good January Candice!! It makes so much sense to take in as much as you can with all kinds of programs and plans and then custom make it to fit your own needs. Good for you!!
Thanks, Chris! It really helps to weigh in at the meetings weekly. It keeps me more accountable than just getting on my scale. It’s been interesting to check out so many programs, especially doing it in a public forum like a blog :). It definitely helps me move forward and stick to each one when I’m trying to help others at the same time. I’m excited about reviewing all of them in a few months to create a workable plan!
Isn’t it funny how the world today is finally seeing what our great grandparents already knew? That the things that God created are the most healthy for you? Wish we would have never turned from that.
Oh how I wish we had “never turned from that” too, Jamie! It would have saved me a lifetime of unhealthy choices :). I’m so thankful this way of eating is coming to light again.
I think you are doing great, and this was exciting to read. I need to exercise too! It’s okay to keep trying out new things, because you will find what works for you. It’s much better than quitting!
Thanks, Tammy! It is much better than quitting, which is a route I have taken far too often. I’m enjoying checking out different programs. Weight Watchers has been nice to do with my mom. She lives about an hour away but comes every Saturday to go to a meeting with me. I’m going to have to add exercise this week. I need it for my mental health as much as the physical :).
You and me both about getting bored easily. I am starting a square foot garden this year to get more veggies into my diet. If I could just stay away from pasta and bread. Its weird. I use to watch my diet so well because I have the gene for high cholesterol and I was always able to keep it very low. But I didn’t eat much fat. But now that menapause has taken over, its just so hard!!!!!!! But I have never quit doing my workout videos. I love the walking ones I am doing now. I can walk 2 – 3 miles in the comfort of my home. Keep up the work Candace. Its so hard to give up stuff you really like.
Oh that menopause! I feel your pain on it, Tammy. I’m exhausted all the time (and a little cranky 😉 ). I’ve been in peri-menopause for years now. I took hormone creams for a long time but got nervous about them and quit. I put on a lot of weight after that. I really need to whip out some of my workout videos. Glad to hear you are consistent with those. Maybe there is hope for me in that category!
I love your gardening posts. I pinned some last year to try out. I’m hoping to get one started this spring. I can’t wait to see yours!
Yes, I like that there is the extra points with weight watchers as things in life happen and I could never do a diet would make me feel like I can’t eat a dessert at the party I am going to.
I completely agree, Emmy! When I tell myself something is cut out of my diet, I crave it constantly. I’m trying to shoot for moderation with sugar. I just love it too much to say never again, but I do have to be really careful with it. My addiction can take over quickly!
This is great, Candace! I’m glad you are keeping on track, and doing so on your own terms. I know I’ve told you in the past I’ve tried Paleo, Paleo focuses on eating real food, and cutting out carbs, more protein. I’ve failed at Paleo SO many times. 🙁 However, what I have done is changed my thought process when it comes to eating. I’ve become a carb-cutter, although it is terribly hard for me to pass up a cookie, I just cannot.
Another blogger I know is on WW, she loves it. She did it in the past and wowzers!! Let’s just say she shared a two piece bikini pic that made me want to do some pushups and run 50 laps 🙂
I put in my CrossFit gym in my garage this weekend. 🙂
XOXO
Thanks, Mrs. AOK! I love all the plans, like Paleo, that focus on real food. I think it’s truly the best route to go with eating wise. I’m the same about a cookie, my friend! That’s why I’m leaving room for slip ups. Every time I get obsessive with any plan, I end up dumping it.
I saw your awesome CrossFit gym on Instagram! (I finally made the leap and joined the rest of the world there this weekend) Your gym looks great. I’m sure you will get a lot of use out of it. I turned my daughter’s bedroom into a gym when she moved out in December. I still haven’t used it but am planning on starting very soon :). XO!
Candace,
I love your boldness in stepping out to not only make these changes in your life, but to share your journey in such a public place. I hope this continues to go well for you. I can tell you have a determination to set things right, and I know that you can. Good luck!
Kayla
Thanks for the encouragement, Kayla! It’s not always easy to share certain aspects, especially the failures, in front of so many people. I know that it all has to be put out there though to help others in my situation. Unfortunately, there are far too many people who struggle with food addiction in isolation and silence.
Candace as I was changing my eating habits one prayer I prayed was “Lord give me the desire and taste to want things that are good for me”. “Lord thank you for retraining my taste buds to desire that which is good for me”. I celebrate each minute by minute victory you’ve made and know God is faithfully walking alongside you in this journey.
I love that prayer, Tyra! I’m going to have to borrow it. What a perfect thing to ask for :). Thanks so much for your support, my friend!
I am loosing against my goals so far. But still determined 🙂
Thanks for linking at the #BestOfTheBlogosphere
Don’t give up! It’s only January, so you have plenty of time to regroup. I’m really enjoying doing the one word concept this year. It has helped me tremendously! Thanks for the party :).
I loved this post Candace. My mom has been a believer of weight watcher for years. She has had her ups and downs. but the program encourages her to do what’s best for her.
I have never struggled with my weight or eating, but often times I get in a rut and literally only craze chocolate or pizza. After I eat it my body craves vegetables and healthy foods. It’s like I had to eat the bad stuff first to crave the good stuff. I’m a firm believer in moderation. I’m not guilt about eating the handful of reese pieces I ate five minutes ago because I ate a healthy breakfast and lunch and exercised this morning!
I enjoy reading your posts. Have a great week 🙂
I really like a lot of aspects of weight watchers too, Christin. We all have our ups and downs with any program, but I’m glad to hear your mom has found some success with it. You are certainly blessed to not have struggles with eating. I wish I craved veggies more :). You are so right about moderation! Every time I try to cut something out completely, I end up binging on it sooner or later. Thanks so much for the encouragement! I hope you have a wonderful week as well!
I’m really looking forward to hearing what works for you Candace! I am in a constant health struggle myself (I have chronic lyme), but have found something that’s working, finally. It definitely takes a lot of effort to eat healthy non processed foods. Thanks for linking up with us again this week. Hope to see you again in the coming week!
I have heard such nightmare stories about Lyme. I’m so sorry you are dealing with that, Amber! That’s great you have found some help. It does take an incredible amount of effort sometimes to stay away from processed foods. I do well for a while and then get sucked back into it. It’s always great to link up with you! I just joined this week’s party :).