Life Issues
Many people excitedly set New Year’s resolutions every year, and losing weight is at the top of their list. But by the time February rolls around, most give up on their goals of getting healthier. Anyone can change their mindset and habits—when they do, they are much more likely to lose weight and finally live free.
- Develop a new way of eating.
Stuck in yo-yo dieting? Decide to stop dieting. Instead, eat real foods in moderation. And put an end to eating processed foods. There’s nothing wrong with indulging occasionally. But if an individual can’t stop eating unhealthy foods or consistently overeats, they’re in bondage. Make it a goal not to be mastered by anything this year.
- Develop a new way of moving.
One of the best ways a person can honor their Creator is by taking care of their body. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says, “You were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
Healing and recovery are often progressive because it requires changes in a person’s character and actions. The way to cope with emotional pain must change if the decision is to no longer eat (drink, or any other addictive reaction) through the pain.
Keeping a record of what one does when one becomes emotionally upset is an excellent way to watch progress occur, perhaps in a journal. The journey to finding new alternatives to eating might look like this: “I received an upsetting phone call from my ex. This made me feel hurt, so I went to the refrigerator and opened the door to eat.” Now, think of a new way to cope with that feeling. What could be a substitute for eating? One recommendation is calling a friend to pray. Here’s another example: “I heard someone gossip about me at church. This made me feel angry, so I stopped for fries at a fast-food restaurant.” A good alternative would be to gently confront the person who did the gossiping rather than feed the feelings. (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
While a person may not want to say the words out loud, they struggle with hunger. It’s not a hunger for food but love. Admitting their need for love can be extremely difficult, especially if they have experienced pain from love. But it is the first step out of their addiction. They may have to probe and push to get in touch with the truth. And honesty is the way to start climbing out of the pit.
Being honest about the depth of a person’s emotional pain is extremely difficult. No one wants to get in touch with the root of the pain system—this renews the loss and deprivation that they’re trying desperately to avoid. Generally, a person’s apprehension twists their opinion of themselves, leaving them with low self-esteem. (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
It has been estimated that 30 million Americans will struggle with an eating disorder sometime within their lifetime according to U.S. News and World Report. Whether we struggle with binge eating, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or another eating disorder, there’s hope! These Twelve Steps will enable us to work through our issues and heal from eating disorders.
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- Open our hearts to God’s power to free us from the grip of food addiction.
There is great power in realizing that we are powerless.
“We ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves” (2 Cor. 4:7). (more…)