Self control has its rewards...

Many of you know that the last few years have found me in the midst of some crazy medical issues. At one point, I had endured four abdominal surgeries in 20 months and still have some lingering complications. All that has made losing the baby weight from 5 consecutive pregnancies followed by back to back surgeries difficult, to say the least.

A few months ago my wonderful sister-in-law, Tracey, started coming to my house to do some personal training with me. I was super excited because I really wanted to get in shape. Really, really. After a few workouts it became apparent that this was not my season. The pain which had prompted the last surgery came back with a vengeance, crippling me from being able to the daily tasks of a keeper-at-home and homeschooling mom to six little blessings. So, Tracey still comes twice a week, and she gives me an amazing back rub and we share our lives together, spending time talking about the Lord and all He is doing in our lives.

For a while after I discovered that working out was too painful I pouted. Mature, ehe? I have always been able to work out to lose unwanted weight. I really like food and would much rather intensely work out than not eat. And I didn't feel like I ate too much, I wasn't continually gaining weight, just not losing any. I already spend a large part of the day cooking for my large crew and the thought of making something separate for me to "diet" with was mind boggling and discouraging. So, I did nothing. And to no surprise, nothing happened.

Then, in January of this year I caught a stomach virus, three times. The first two times I just felt so wiped out but never got officially "sick". The third time was the charm and I was out for the count and thankful that we guard TV so much than when I need to overdose my children on it so I can lay in bed and feel miserable all day, they are happy to comply. As I was recovering I thought to myself, "This may have be a good start to a diet..."

So, I pondered what I thought I could do to diet... without adding in a lot more cooking or food prep time. I started getting up earlier than the kids (which I should always do but sadly, don't) and eating a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit. I sometimes have a KIND bar (Dark Chocolate and Cherry with nuts). I occasionally have a small greek yogurt with KIND granola. Then, when the kids are eating their breakfast I just read aloud. For lunch I modify what they are having. When we have sandwiches, I leave out the bread and just eat the insides (turkey, avocado, tomato and lettuce), otherwise I either have a small portion of what I make for them or rip up some lettuce for a salad and toss in whatever veggies, fruit or nuts I can find. Dinner is usually a repeat of lunch. Eating out is the hardest, I try to eat only half of the food that is served, or just share with one of the kids.

What I didn't give up: coffee, chocolate and sugar. Coffee is a non-negotiable. Seriously, I am still a mom of six children who are 10 and under. :) Chocolate and sugar I am not refraining from, just trying to be reasonable... instead of two teaspoons of sugar in my coffee, I am trying to do one and a half or less... instead of a handful of bittersweet chocolate chips when I feel snacky or snarky, I only grab two or three and eat them slowly (reminding myself that sweet words are like honey-comb, healing to the bones).

So, after three rounds of stomach virus and 6 weeks of "dieting", I jumped onto a scale today to see if it was making any difference. I was thrilled to see that all the work was paying off... twenty pounds... TWENTY pounds... gone... hopefully for good! And I am encouraged to press on. And I am thankful for my children having an opportunity to watch me struggle with the flesh, and be able to praise the Lord and manifest the fruit of self control.

What do you do to be responsible with food? To stay fit? Any tips? I am sure I have lots to learn!