Inside the box

In a season where excess is everything--it seems. There is one think that is clanging loud and clear. There seems to be a common theme with regards to how people truly view food. I have had the honor to be invited to some Christmas party's this past weekend. At all of them I have had the opportunity to talk about my passion. Food!!! I love food!! I love to create new recipes out of the old yummy recipes of yesteryear. And ya'll know what I am talking about!!:O) The recipes that bring us joy for that fleeting moment then replaced with OMG why did I just eat that?

Well, like I said I had the privilege of being around some pretty amazing people in their own right. But, one thing that resonated with all of them is the thought food was bad. Let me explain, they seem to think that they have to just get past this season for their is no way they can stay of a diet through all the parties!! Well, you know they are RIGHT!!! With everything but the kitchen sink being thrown at you during this season it is impossible for anyone to stay on a DIET!!!

With that said this is where I come in and shed some light on how living life through the holidays is not only possible but so much fun!! The one thought that all of us has to get through our heads...and believe me I fall into this category..is we have to stop putting ourselves in a box!! What I mean is when we only look at what we cannot eat and not what we can eat then we put ourselves in a box. What happens when we cage an animal they become crazy and obsessive on getting out of that cage/box. That is the same for us when we constantly look at what we cannot eat or what we cannot do then all we see is the box closing in around us and we lose control of ourselves and of the situation. Does this sound familiar?

We become so obsessive on the do not's that we just give up. And that my friends is in the form of I will wait until after December to begin eating right. I cannot tell how many times I have heard that very statement in this short weekend. I am here to tell u if you look at eating during this season or any season in a way that gives you freedom then and only then can we make it through any season, holiday, event, birthday, football game, etc. the list goes on and on and on. If we look at what we can eat rather than what we can not eat I believe that we can keep ourselves from obsessing about what is missing in our lives.

I know what you are thinking right now that is easier said then done. Well, then I would tell you, you are right!! It is easier said than done. But, things that are worth having are worth going through the growing pains of making a new change in our lives. But if you think about it what is the difference between starting something with the wrong mindset only to fail and feel horrible for the next 11 months or starting something with the right mindset with a lot of hard work to have the best year of your life!!! The thing is they both require hard work to achieve but the difference is the latter produces a healthier you...inside and out. You know I always turn to my Jesus for guidance. His words are so full of amazing knowledge for us today...I love it!!! It says in the Bible where you put your treasures is where your heart is at. Do not quote me on that just paraphrasing. But isn't that so true. Where we put our energy at and in is where are hearts are. Again, another way to see the truth behind what he is saying.:o) So, my friends where are your treasures going to be this up coming year? We can find it within ourselves to make a positive change one day at a time, one moment at a time, one event at a time, one meal at a time. It is so doable!!! All you have to do is DO!!!

And if you think you fall then dust yourself off and try again the very next meal. Yes, that is what I said the very next meal don't wait until tomorrow to fix yourself just get back on track the next meal!!! That way you don't fall into the oh well I messed up anyways might as well just start again next week.. Lies my friends!!! No not listen to that way of thinking!!! It doesn't have to be that way!! Just because you didn't follow what ever eating plan your on isn't the end of the world. Like I said above just begin again the very next meal!!!

So, my friends remember to look outside the box instead of living inside the box!!! There is so much more to life than the can't dos or can't haves. Always remember there is a whole menu of good foods and a whole menu of good living that we can do to make ourselves and our loved ones and the people around us healthier and happier!! Just a little bit of encouragement as you head into this next week!! Be blessed my friends!! Until my next post!! Always remember be fit, have fun, and stay focused(food)!! :o)