We all have body rhythms that peak and fall. There are times of day we feel creative and have energy. Larks have them in the morning while owls are at their best in the evening hours. And we all have a time that is a low time — a time when our spirits, as well as our bodies, slump.

That’s the danger time for dieters. At 2 o’clock in the afternoon I don’t really believe I can lose weight. I no longer believe what I’ve learned about how my body works and I think it doesn’t matter anyway. I bet you have a time when it is hardest for you to stick to a plan, too.

The smart thing to do is make preparations for slump time.  Plan your day so that you have something easy and enjoyable to do at that time.  I try to plan errands so I am out of the house and busy going places during my slump time.  Other times I decide I can open my library book or work on my favorite hobby.  We can’t always control our schedule for the down times, but knowing they are coming can help us prepare.

For today I want to give you a challenge. You can give up on your weight loss/healthy living journey any time. It’s up to you. I’m here to encourage you, not to shame you or force you into anything.  But, I want you to commit to NOT giving up at slump time. Do it with a clear head and with good reasons (if you can think of any). Don’t sabotage yourself at slump time when you can’t trust your feelings!  When you want to give up and just eat cookies, tell yourself you can have them later.  By the time you recover from your slump,  you probably won’t want them.

Eating to live and living for Christ,

Susan Jordan Brown