My obsession with food has been with me since I was a little girl. I can't tell you how many pounds I have gained and lost, how many diets I have tried, and how many resolutions I have made to lose weight. Despite success in losing large amounts of weight twice in my life, I continued to struggle with binging on food, and the dishonesty to cover up this behavior. The 95 lbs. of weight I lost in 1997 had dwindled to 50 lbs. Since 2005, I no longer ate food with sugar in it, nor was I eating bread or pasta, but I still struggled with overeating and binging on whole food. Despite the partial freedom from my obsession with food, and weight loss, I was losing my control once again, and last fall, I began eating bread products on occasion and had gained the 10 lbs. I had just lost the year before as a result of joining a Grace and Strength Lifestyle short term program.

After my Mom died unexpectedly earlier this year, I was desperate, and in a position that I was able to commit more time to Grace and Strength, so decided to join in April. I have lost 33 lbs. due to God's strength, the food plan, accountability to Coach, Allison, and weekly challenges, which center on meditating and journaling on God's word.* I certainly haven't been perfect in following the food plan, or completing the weekly physical, soul or spirit challenges, but God's grace and the accountability through the group have helped me to pick myself up and start over. I realize now more than ever, how food has been an idol of my heart for many years. I want to worship God through taking care of my body, the temple he has given me. I want to give hope to others who struggle with food addictions to see that God can free us of this as we surrender it to him, and set our mind on him.

Losing weight is only the beginning, and keeping it off requires a daily resolve to focus on Jesus, and stay committed to a food plan and exercise. The Grace and Strength Lifestyle Alumni program provides the ongoing accountability I will need to be successful.

Galatians 5:1 – "Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don't submit again to a yoke of slavery."

Thank you,

Jackie

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* Individual results may vary.