CHAPTER 2: What Comes Next?

Now that I understand the difference between hunger and appetite, I have gained new knowledge about what could hinder me from ever being a healthy weight. It's one thing to know it and another to put in into practice.

There are three things that I am trying to implement in gaining control of my appetite.

1. Educate myself
2. Apply what I learn
3. Practice it daily

This takes commitment! It also requires that I tell my appetite, "NO". I have to learn to eat only when I am hungry. Statistics say that one should eat something every 3 to 3 1/2 hours to keep from becoming overly hungry. If I allow myself to get extremely hungry, my appetite can get carried away. In other words, I won't have as much control over what I put in my mouth. Eccleciates 6:9 compares a roving appetite to chasing after the wind. It will be hard to satisfy.

So I will eat consistently, every 3-3 1/2 hours. This will also keep my metabolism at a steady rate. The other important key is that I make healthy food choices. (carrots, apples, grapes, low calorie cheese, a fiber bar, etc...) It doesn't have to be a full meal each time. A healthy snack between normal meal times.

I have lost 14 lbs in 3 1/2 weeks by eating a menu similar to the following:

7:00 am - 2 slices of turkey bacon, a Special K High Protein/High Fiber Shake

10:00 am - some carrots or grapes (sustains me until my lunch time arrives)

11:15 am - Lean Cuisine meal, Ind. pack of steamed peas, apple

1:30 pm - 100 calorie snack pack or fruit

5:00 pm - Grilled chicken, salad, steamed vegies

8:00 pm - Special K Shake

(I drink water ALL day long!)

This is what I have committed to do. It may sound strick, but it is vitally important! It is better than having a gastric bypass or lapband surgery. It's enough to satisfy "hunger". My appetite will have to surrender. I refuse to let my appetite control me!

Jesus said, "I am the bread of life, he who comes to me will never hunger or thirst."

I am seeking after God and praying that He will replace my physical hunger with a spiritual hunger. I pray that you will do the same. Losing this weight will only happen if he empowers me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow Him.