Yes, we’re doing this Give-Back Diet together!  You’ve made it 14 days, today.  You’re giving back the obesity and overweight by showing up and making significant health changes.  I know how well you’re doing.  I’m reading your comments, and loving working together.  If you believe you’re not doing well, join the club!  We ALL feel we’re not doing as well as we could.  If you’ve made mistakes and overate, or didn’t follow every instruction; or if you’re just starting, NO PROBLEM.  Pick up right here.  Also, take a look at the Give-Back Diet day-by-day section, available by clicking here.

As we’re nearing the end of the 2nd week, as always, I recommend we take a day to rest and recollect.  This is a day to take stock in yourself.  Let’s get right to it:

— Take 10 minutes to appreciate your body.  Sit or lie comfortably, and put your attention on your breathing.  Take 3 deep breaths, holding for 3 seconds at the top and bottom of your inhalations and exhalations.  Now that you’ve focused your mind on your breath, move your attention down to your feet and toes.  Then move your attention up your legs, into the pelvis and stomach, then the chest, arms, hands, then your face, neck and head.  Imagine that you’re breathing through each part of your body.  If you like, you may also want to thank God, your Higher Power and Spirit for this wonderful body.  Some people also like to touch each body part as they focus attention on it.

—  Take out your “Give-Back Diet” journal.  If you’ve been keeping a log of foods, activities, locations, day/time, feelings – great.  If not, begin today.  This is all about becoming mindful and conscious of yourself.

— Now, let’s take a few minutes to see some patterns.  Many of us have already begun to spot patterns, so I’ll mention a few that I’ve read in some posted comments.  The point here is to be aware of self-destructive, self-abusing patterns of behavior.  I have found over the years that there’s often a disconnect between mind and body – so much that we make poor choices from the physical body cravings and habits, despite our best mindful intentions.  Today, we become aware of the importance of the MIND-BODY relationship.  As human beings, we’re not just one-dimensional, nor are we robots.  We need to have all parts of ourselves working.  Spotting patterns of negative habits; focusing your mind on your body and letting all parts fully function, makes us 100% human, I believe the way God intends us to be.

See if you can relate to, or understand some of these patterns that our fellow “give-Back Diet” friends are giving to us in their posted comments:

Matilde wrote, “…eating more than necessary (especially at night), too lazy to do exercise on a regular basis, and craving for sweets when I am stressed.”  These are patterns I hear from many people.  Take heart, we’ve been trained to crave sweets, our brains have addictive wiring to crave them.  We’ve been bought and sold endlessly on eating too much, and felling bad.  Give all that back.  When feeling stressed, move your body and “work-out the tension.”  Breathe.  Stretch.  Instead of sugary sweets, have some unsweetened fruit sauce or fruit (fresh or dried).  Talk your emotions.  Post them here.  Call a friend instead of imploding them into yourself with candy.

Terri wrote, “While making lunch for my son, I over indulged on cheese chunks. I would ordinarily go off track for the day. I am determined to stay on track today and break my old pattern. Wish me luck!”  Yes, Terri, good luck!  You’re now connecting the dots, and seeing a pattern you can easily change.  Many of us say we have trouble with foods while preparing it for family, or others.  Yes, have less cheese, it’s really only fat in disguise.  There are far better sources of protein available, like nuts and beans, that have less fat.

Joods commented in a posting, “I’m almost to the point that food isn’t filling the love-gap in my life anymore. Rock-bottom as they say….So, I’m going to the gym regularly now, and doing at least 30 minutes a day of exercise. I’m as lonely now at 200+ lbs as I was at 170, so I might as well try to shed the weight–as the excess can lead to so many other health problems. For starters, I’m trying to change my attitude about the necessity of feeling loved in the first place. One of my cats, Misty, really loves me so that’s a good feeling! And, I think I’m appreciated at work, so there’s another plus. Of course, God’s love is unlimited, so that brings me back to the beginning.—How really ‘nessa’ is human love? The mere feeling of love, attained through spiritual fulfillment, is exponential compared to any shared by humans or otherwise. Thus, love is not something to seek or wish for from external sources, but is within us to discover.”  Joods, you’re loveable, lovely and amazing.  We feel the love you have “given back.”  Yes, this is what it’s all about.  I also encourage you to feel love, give love, see it, accept and experience it as much as possible, in every way.  Please let us know how your terrific mindful changes are going.

Karen also spoke a truth for so many of us – boredom.  “I have a trying time getting my posts up. I figure it is a sign that I need this more than ever. I ate terrible yesterday, I tried to eat healthy but I ate a banana cream pie(piece), hot candies(box), and too much salt. I look back and know I was bored!”

Valerie posted, “Yesterday I made huge efforts at eating according to plan… However the feeling of deprivation was strong all day. And everything I said no to, became some sort of badge? But instead of feeling proud of how I was making strides toward slimness and good health, instead I felt resentful and deprived. Instead of turning to GOD for strength, I gave in and ate yogurt with granola (not on plan) and then 8 tiny chocolates. (stocking stuffers) I am disappointed in myself and trying to move past that. I feel like I am one big walking mistake. My hours of suffering and sacrifice were undone by those few moments of binging. Today is a new day.”  Valerie, you’re so not alone in this!  We all have a saboteur, a little “devil” in us.  Feeling bad and guilty often makes things worse, and we eat to feel better.  You’ve done the right things, “Give it” to God, write about the behavior and feelings by posting a comment, and telling yourself that today we’re forgiven and can move on and get over it.  On the other hand, be aware that we’ve been trained to feel bad about ourselves, as a way to sell junk food, clothing, cosmetics, you name it.  Also, feed yourself really healthy foods all day, and the deprivation feelings will quickly go away.

I’ve gone on too long today, so I must wrap it up!

PLEASE POST A COMMENT ABOUT SOME SABOTAGING PATTERNS YOU’VE FOUND.  Read what others wrote, and see if you can relate to what sabotaging they’ve done.

Give-Back:  Say prayers for 5 people today.

See you tomorrow!

STARTING FRESH TODAY?  Here’s a list of the program, day-by-day.