jennifer-roberts I am about four few weeks in on my decision to become more disciplined in my eating and fitness habits. I have been diligent about exercising two to four times per week, drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, evaluating nutritional content in packaged foods, and significantly limiting my desserts. I know that I am making good choices, but I don’t like it.
My dislike of my circumstances reminds me of the Israelites reaction to the manna that God supernaturally provided them when they were wandering in the wilderness after He freed them from captivity in Egypt.
Numbers 11:4-6 says, “The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost – also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now, we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”
I feel the Israelites pain. If I were to apply their grumblings to my life, it would sound something like this, “If only I had fried chicken! I remember the pizza I ate when I was younger – also the burgers, bacon, fries, chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake. But now, I have lost my appetite; I never see anything but this quinoa!” To be honest, my dietary situation is not quite so dramatic because I still do enjoy some of the foods that I like, just not nearly as often.
It’s tempting to judge the Israelites and accuse them of being ungrateful. But then when I look at my own situation, my reaction to the food with which God has blessed me is the same as the Israelites. Just like they did, I have access to life preserving food; it’s just not what I want. The manna was working for the Israelites just like quinoa is working for me, but I get tired of it just like the Israelites grew tired of the manna.
So how do I get past my appetite for what I want so that I can thrive with what I have? For me, the solution is simple though the execution takes daily work.
I first must recognize my want as just that, a want, a craving, a desire and then I must make decisions throughout the day to bring my appetite under subjection so that I can continue to make wise choices. I understand that when I make healthy food and fitness choices, I am doing that which is good for me and that benefit alone far outweighs any temporary euphoria that an unhealthy and unconscious food choice might provide. I must give myself this pep talk every time I am tempted to eat something for short-term satisfaction or when I am tempted to skip out on my exercise routine.
I am a work in progress, and I do not make the right choice every time. There are moments and days when I fall short of achieving my eating and fitness goals, but I am committed to maintaining sight of them which enables me to refocus quickly and keep making progress.
What in your life don’t you like but it’s working for you? How can you move past your aversion so that you can reach your goals?
