For the past few years, I’ve been struggling with my weight (haven’t we all). In 2015, I weighed about 135lbs when I got married, but over time, the pounds packed on and at the end of 2017 I was at my heaviest, 173lbs for my 5ft frame.

To some this might not sound like a lot, but physically I was feeling it. Every time I tried to work out I was out of breath. When I would hike or bike ride with my husband, he’d have to slow down so I could catch up. My legs burned, my chest burned and I lost all  motivation. I disliked how my clothes fit, I disliked how my stomach rolled over my pants, I disliked what I looked like naked, even though my husband kept telling me how beautiful I was. In the end, it didn’t really matter what he thought, because it was my skin I was living in and I wanted to love it again, which brings me to my current journey.

In late October one of my dear friends asked me to join her in a biblical book study, which focused on weightloss. The funny part was that somehow, someone was able to craft a book around getting healthy and getting closer to God, at the same time. This book is, “Made to Crave,” by Lysa TerKeurst.  At this point I thought to myself, “what do I have to lose.” 

So, November 1, we started our reading. I’ll admit I was VERY skeptical. What does food have to do with God? But as I continued to read, it became clear to me; it wasn’t just about the food I craved, it was about filling the issues I had internally, with something that wasn’t God.  As I dove into each chapter, I was forced to face myself, I was forced to evaluate the deepest parts of me and I was forced to lean on God. My past, my present, my fears, my anxieties, and in return was reminded about God’s goodness, His soverignty, and His peace that surpasses all understanding.

As I wrapped up the book, so many things were taking place at the same time. Thanksgiving came and went, (I ate what I wanted in smaller portions), my husband and I decided to move in with my parents in San Antonio since we were still struggling to find full-time work in the Dallas area, Christmas passed, our winter family vacation came and went, and by mid-January we were living full-time in our new location.

Over this period, between reading Made to Crave and all the life changes, I began to lean more on God. I began to pray more when I felt my anxiety heighten due to all the changes, but most importantly I was learning that I was incharge of what I could control, only; the rest was in God’s hands. Once I changed my mentality, I started to see a change in my motivation to get healthier, both mentally and physically.

After I finished the book, on January 23, I took the next step and created a list of goals revolving around my health.

1. Cut out gluten, dairy, and added sugars
2. Exercise 3-4 times a week
3. Goal weight 130lbs
4. Get off anxiety medicine/thyroid medicine
5. Fit back in my size 8 jeans 
6. Run a 5K

Today, about three weeks later, I’ve seen such a change in myself. I’ve stuck with my eating goals, I’m working out four times a week, I’m continuing to pray when temptations and cravings seem too much, and I’ve learned to lean on friends for accountability. Afterall, we can’t go it alone, hence why God gave us community.

So, with all of this said, I want to challenge you as I have challenged myself. Ask yourself, what is holding you back from your ultimate goals? Weither your goals are health related, work related, etc, make a list of your walls. Then I encourage you to make a goal list to break those walls down.  I guarantee you, the one major wall you’ll discover is yourself. Once you are able to overcome that mental barrier, anything will be possible.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Phil. 4:13