Is it just me, or has every holiday become all about the food? Holidays seem to have defaulted into inevitable over-indulgence, with all else fading into the background. Do you feel like it is too hard to eat responsibly when you are up to your ear-bobs in pecan pie and home-made ice cream?
If you would like to escape the gauntlet that leads to “fat cell hell,” then here are a few suggestions to help you!
First, Reframe It: Focus more on the fellowship than the food!
Before gathering time approaches, pray! But not only about the coming temptations, pray for the people you will see and meet. Ask the Lord to help you see every opportunity to connect with and be a blessing to His people. There are always opportunities for us to be a blessing to someone if we make ourselves available.
Ask the Lord to lead you to someone who needs you, your ear, your shoulder, your prayers, your encouragement. Ask Him to help you set your heart on the spirit level satisfaction He offers, rather than answering the very loud call to your flesh from the general vicinity of the dessert table.
Next: Take your holiday time back from the devil with these temptation busting tactics:
Smooth the edges of your appetite with these snacks before the gathering:
- Protein shake with spinach or kale
- Hard boiled eggs (preferably organic)
- Plain Greek yogurt with Stevia and some lemon juice or Key Lime juice
- Carrots and hummus
Plan ahead what you will eat at each event you attend:
- Decide how to manage your calories and allow enough for the special treat of your choice
- Choose one (or two, max) favorites and have one small serving only
- Whatever you choose – take your time and enjoy it – don’t inhale it like someone might steal it from you. (Am I the only one who does this?)
- After you have had your treat, chew a piece of sugarless gum or drink some ice water. Find an activity or distraction that takes you out of reach of the food.
Bring healthy dishes so you know you will have options
- Raw veggies and hummus
- Coleslaw with homemade dressing (try this recipe: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1897704/superhealthy-slaw)
- Fresh Fruit salad
- A big green salad full of chopped veggies
- A healthy main dish like this: http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/quinoa-chicken-salad/
Don’t arrive at any parties hungry. Ever!
Finally: Worship the Lord before each event.
Make sure you are taking Him with you in the forefront of your mind, abiding in His Spirit. Go into each event with a heart that is celebrating His goodness, grace, and sovereignty and ready to spill His joy over onto someone!
Always remember: John 6:27: “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on Him God the Father has set his seal.”
Are you feasting on the Bread of Life in His word every day? I hope that you are and finding that it satisfies your soul.
Enjoy the 4th of July for the many blessings that it represents: That by God’s grace we are alive and free to worship and serve Him.
