Starvin' Marvin'

When Monday dawned I did what I have done a TRILLION times...I started a diet. Diets always have to be started on Monday for some silly reason. The HUGE flaw with this reasoning is that I invariably find some sort of excuse (be it a special occasion, a party, or a feeling of loneliness or boredom) to crack and toss the idea until the following Monday...even if it is only Tuesday.

I guess you could say I am a social eater. Nothing puts the "icing on the cake" so to speak, than a good meal, snack, or dessert amongst friends. Just hanging out with Jeff gives me ample opportunity to chow down on GOOD, but not so good for you food. He's got that "I can eat whatever I want and not gain a single pound" thing going for him. SO not fair! Oh, and it doesn't help that we are such partners in crime. We've often been known to say, "We'd be CRAZY not to" accompanied by animated facial and voice expressions and a finger pointed to the sky. And then there is the lack of social interaction that draws me to food. Call me Mrs. Snacki Snackerson at home.

It's safe to say...

I LOVE FOOD!

Who doesn't really? I've never met a single soul who has said, "I just HATE to eat!" But that is no excuse for overeating or binge eating or simply not eating correctly. Stupid MODERATION!!!

So, that's why I am in the place I'm in today:

• Out of my comfort zone with the way I feel and and look
• On a SUPER restrictive diet.
  
• Ready to "kill a fool" for a single piece of fruit.
  
• And in a battle with the devil on my shoulder.

All while clinging to the mantra,

"I'm giving up something good, for something better."

I know that if I can make it passed this week (Aunt Flow's timing is impeccable!) I can do just about ANYTHING. In a few weeks the "hardest part" will be over and I will have hopefully gained better habits and a deeply rooted desire to continue taking care of myself. I know that my body is a gift from God. It's time I began treating it as such. I am coming to know for myself that by controlling my bodily (or carnal) appetites my relationship with my Maker has strengthened. I have humbly sought His help and have felt comfort in my weakness. I have found new meaning in the scripture found in Ether 12:27:

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

{I happened upon this picture of my Mom's delicious crop of grapes and intended to write a diatribe on diets and have happily been lead in another direction.}