I really, really, really like chocolate. Chocolate and almonds. Or, just chocolate.

And yet, I know how bad it can be if I over-indulge. Extra weight on lupus-arthritic joints can add pain on top of pain. So, I try to manage…well…try is the operative word, here.

The same reasons we like to munch on goodies in health can be the same reasons we munch when we’re fighting chronic illness and pain. The sheer pleasure of it, of course, but also for other reasons. For example, perhaps you’ve sailed through a milestone in treatment. Does “celebrate” equal “munch away!”?

Or, you’re in the midst of a terrible flare, and nothing seems to be going right. Does “I’m so hurting…” equal “munch to medicate the sadness?”

Just as we manage other aspects of our lives, managing the munchies is really important. Almost as if we have to be our own “coach,” we can dole out goodies in a healthful way – and run all dietary items by our doctors first – and still placate the little nibbler in all of us.

We can substitute food items for other fun things – a day out, a good book, a trinket, or time with friends.

We can turn our thinking to “only the best for the best,” that is, as beloved children of God, who wants only the best for us, we can commit to good actions and healthful food items as a way of living out our Christian walk.

After speaking with our medical team and verifying what’s okay and what’s not with them, we can find we need not completely deprive ourselves of what we crave. Only, we might have to manage better  – and thus reap the benefits not and moving forward!

Blessings for the day,

Maureen