There are so very many temptations out there that really test our willpower which seems to always be weakened when our stress level is elevated. The more stressed we are, the less we are able to make good decisions, especially when it comes to food!
Our organs feel the burden of our emotional stress regardless of what we are eating and drinking; yet, when stress rises, we often turn to unhealthy food options. When our desires overtake our rational thoughts, we know we have an addiction. This also means that somewhere in us, we have a hurt that has not been addressed and we are not enjoying the sweetness of just being alive.
Remember that addictions are not just limited to alcohol, drugs, gambling, and criminal activity. Addictions can also be to sweets, fatty foods, salty foods, or anything else we do excessively to cover up pain or emotional distress.
Here’s the good news! God always gives us a way out!
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Recently when temptation came to me, I looked for a way out. Believe it or not, there always is a way out. For instance, my kids wanted a cheeseburger from Burger King. I really wanted a whopper, but I knew I had dinner at home and a whopper was not a good idea. I said, Lord, show me a way out and I had the willpower to wait until I got home and ate healthily. I could also have chosen a salad if I wasn’t going home. Same thing when we are asked if we would like fries or a vegetable with our meal. Even though my body is saying that I want those yummy, greasy fries, I know I will feel better having the vegetables.
Our body will let us know when we have made good choices or not. This whole series focuses on creating a strong defense system to support all the organs in our belly! Remember that it’s not just about weight loss. If you want to lose weight, you must take care of your organs so they can all work together.
Our pancreas works so incredibly hard.
According to the Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21743-pancreas):
The pancreas performs two main functions:
- Exocrine function: Produces substances (enzymes) that help with digestion.
- Endocrine function: Sends out hormones that control the amount of sugar in your bloodstream.
If the pancreas is not functioning correctly you may notice these symptoms according to WebMD (https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-pancreatitis):
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis
Constant pain in your upper belly that radiates to your back. This pain may be disabling. Diarrhea and weight loss because your pancreas isn’t releasing enough enzymes to break down food. Upset stomach and vomiting. Sep 16, 2021
There are even devices that everyday consumers can purchase to monitor their blood sugar. One device that a friend of mine used was called a Continuous Glucose Monitor. She ordered it through www.levelshealth.com. As she tracked her glucose levels she noticed that her stress level and eating on the run raised her blood sugar level more than if she at a sweet! That’s right. Our level of stress disrupts our organ function more than what we eat. FYI this is NOT a way out of watching what you eat. Nice try though. What this means is that we also have to focus on our mental health. Stress will never go away, but our perspective can eliminate a lot of stress from our life. Getting upset, angry, sad, fighting, or holding grudges is not to our advantage. Turning to God for guidance on how to keep peace flowing through us and those around us is a great option!
Please, Lord, give me internal devotion in the midst of external commotion.
~ Beth Moore
Voyage to HEAL Weekly Task
Stretch: Let’s stretch the lateral oblique muscles and loosen the area where the pancreas resides in the upper left quadrant of your abdomen. Sit with your legs to the side either one on top of the other or foot to the knee as shown in the picture below. Rotate your trunk away from your feet and drop your head. You can look at the floor or rest your hands on your forearms. Hold this stretch until you feel a shift or change and your body softens.
Exercise: Sitting in a chair or as is shown in the picture below, hold your arms out in front of you as if giving the air a hug. Activate the pelvic floor and core muscles, then rotate to the left stopping yourself with the oblique muscles halfway and then rotating to the right. Repeat this movement 6-8 times.
* Remember that I have an entire 11 week series on Activating the pelvic floor and core if you need extra guidance or really want to follow a strict routine of 5 exercises each week to strengthen this area. Click here
Habitual Change: Only eat when you are sitting at a table, not on the run. Can you imagine how much less you would eat if you only ate while sitting at a table? This would also force you to rest, which may decrease your stress level, lowering your sugar levels; thus helping your pancreas function efficiently.
Perspective enlightenment: God be my strength and show me a way out.
Journaling option: What is my primary motive to eat? When do I eat the most? God, what is best for me to eat? Please, show me a way out of the habits I have created.
A couple of years ago, Michele Gangwer of Be Present Wellness created this video with me discussing how to curve your sugar cravings! Click the link below to revisit this post with some great additional information on the benefit of the foods we eat and why our body craves various foods! For more information on personal health coaching, contact Michele at 513-218-4115.
How to curb your sugar cravings
This week’s blog post coincides with week 3: Back stretches/ I Let Go. You can purchase this week in the store on the webpage. You can also purchase the Inner Peace Meditation CD or start your full online Voyage to HEAL. Click here to visit the store. Most importantly, start being kind to yourself always. As God gives you grace, so should you give it to yourself. Stop fighting yourself. Instead, love yourself.
Godspeed on your Voyage to HEAL
Love,
Jocelyn