Days 17-20: Insights

 This weekend, I went to a restaurant and a café, and realized how I have isolated myself thus far. I think it’s a structure thing—I expect to do better in adhering to the fast if I regulate where I go. At the café, almost everything was sugary, from the mochas and matchas to the pastries. 

I had resigned myself that there was nothing edible for me there, which was fine. I had a sugar-free mint or gum instead. I browsed the books and gifts, then sat at a table with my teenage cousin while she sipped her tall, sugary matcha. Iwas mindful and in the moment. Her mother has been deployed to Afghanistan, so this was special to spend time with her. On the way out, I noticed on the counter, a small bowl with a couple cutie oranges and a Granny Smith apple. The sign said, "Free, take one." I grabbed the fat green apple with a small blemish on it. I've never cared for these sour apples in the past, but on this night, I savored its natural, tarty sweetness! 

I am realizing more and more on this fast that refined, processed sugar is everywhere. A trip to the grocery store can take you to sensory overload if you’re not careful, with all of the bright, colorful displays,  andcatch phrases and smells. I went after my workout this morning and at the checkout, a 7-year-old boy had his own grocery bag. Inside I could see a can of soda and some candy that his mom gave him to appease him. And on the way home, I caught a glance of a man walk out of the local creamery eating an ice cream cone. It was only 10:30 a.m.

I can't help but wonder about the masses of people who inhale and consume sugar on a daily basis. People who have sugar in various forms morning, noon and night, then wonder why their bodies are  out of whack. 

And let me be clear: Not too long ago -- less than 40 days ago-- I was one of them.

When we cut added sugar from our daily food intake, it can lead to healthier weight; lower cholesterol (triglycerides); lower risk of heart disease; better nutrition; healthier teeth; and lowers our risk of being diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver disease. (WebMD)

I’m not out of the woods, but I do consider myself a recovering sugar addict. 

I still have sweet cravings and occasionally want to impulsively grab sugary “treats.” 

But I remember what I’m doing and why, and the fact that I’m already reaping the benefits of this structure in my life. All glory to the Lord, who helps me to endure the cravings, and/or find healthier alternatives.

I’m 20 days in, and I know it is by His grace, mercy and strength that I am making progress. 

I feel better. My skin looks better. My joints are night and day--prior to this, I considered seeing a doctor because the pain was increasing, particularly in my ankles. Sugar is inflammatory; therefore, omitting it from my nutrition, I simply don’t ache much, and I have more energy. 

I love me again. I wake up feeling more confident, instead of feeling guilt and shame for what I indulged in the day prior. I know this for sure: Each day that I choose to deny processed, refined sugar increases my quality of life. And that is truly worth savoring. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m grateful for this experience! I continue to seek Your strength and support. Forgive me for self-harm with food and overindulgence. Help others to give this plan a chance. May I continue this victoriously. In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

x

Day 16: I Can't Do This Alone

 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. I Peter 5:10

Again I say, I am grateful for what the Lord is doing in this time of fasting from refined/processed sugar. 

Before this, I knew I needed to fast. At one point years ago, I fasted once a week and noticed I would have such peace and clarity on those days. 

And He has not disappointed in those areas with this fast. 

But I am learning that to get the most out of this, you cannot and must not think you can do this in your own strength. We must turn to Him, seek Him, pray to Him. Humbly ask our Heavenly Father to help us. Help us to make better, nutritional choices; help us to ride the craving waves; help us to focus on Him more.  

And He is faithful to listen and to answer. I really need this, and am grateful. I was self-medicating with sugar and starches, my drug of choice. I was lethargic, joints were aching more, I didn't walk--I lumbered. I had no idea how to get more control. 

Desperate circumstances require desperate measures--don't remember who said that, but I saw it in a movie once. And I desperately want to live and have quality of life. So this fast is a tool to help me see the role food has had in my life; to draw closer to my Heavenly Daddy; and to value myself more. I am empowered and feeling really good these days. Forging on, in Jesus name!

Prayer: Precious Father, thank You for knowing what we need, when we need it. Thank You for using this fast from sugar as a tool for re-setting and re-aligning us. We are never too far gone, for you are always within reach, IF we let you, IF we seek You, IF we say yes to your will and your way. We are not perfect and thank You that you don't require perfection. One step at a time. Praise Your Holy Name! In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

Day 14: He's Sweet I Know!

Psalm 119:102: I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

I'm so grateful for this fast. 

When I started it 14 days ago on July 18, I asked the Lord to help me specifically with focus and clarity. I have a lot going on with juggling working full time, school, and an internship. I also host a spouse loss support group and host a podcast, "Just a Widow Talk: Voices of Spouse & Partner Loss."

I have always loved writing, but I've gotten away from it. In fact, I've gotten away from several things, opting instead to use my free time to mindlessly watch TV and snack.

I chose to fill myself with food (mostly carbs and sweets) rather than working on things to further my purpose. And when I did try to do those things, I was physically full, or sapped of energy, lethargic from the toxicity of sugar swirling through my veins. 

Now, I choose to make conscious, good healthier choices for my body: Better nutrition. Movement. Water. Sleep. Prayer. 

And I honestly, truly feel good. The daily readings are building discipline for me to get in His word. His word gives me life (John 6:63).

How sweet is our Lord? Try Him and see for yourself. 

O Taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:8

He's sweet I know, He's sweet I know
Storm clouds may rise, strong winds may blow.
I'll tell the world wherever I may go.
That I've found a Savior, and He's sweet I know. 

Hymn: "He's Sweet, I Know" by A. Jackson

Day 1-Day 10

My name is Teresa and I'm a recovering sugar addict. 

In this initial post, I'm logging what I've learned so far. Most of the posts after this will be fairly brief. 

I started Wendy Speake's The 40-Day Sugar Fast on Monday, July 18. I can't explain why I decided to do this except to say I really didn't have to think about it. My spirit was longing for something like this. My aunt showed me the book and said she was going to do it, and before I could give it a second thought, I blurted "Oh, I'll do it with you!"

I knew I had been spiraling. A couple weeks earlier I weighed in with my trainer and was horrified at the number. My ankles ached when I walked. I enjoyed exercise but my joints ached. I was tired. The woman in the mirror looked older than me, yet there I was. 

I was somewhat relieved to read about similar symptoms in the beginning pages of the book. Words from the Day 1 reading resonated with me: "I needed transformation...sugar is everywhere. But so is He." 

I can't kick the sugar habit in my own strength. Heck, I can't take a breath in my own strength. Apart from God, we can do nothing. I appreciate this book because it is a tool to help me draw closer to my Lord Jesus. In and through Him and His strength, we can do all things! (Philippians 4:13)

My drug of choice has been sugar for a long time. I've allowed it to be my go-to for any and everything.  But I'm learning that this does not have to be. I can pray and I can ask the Lord to help me to be more disciplined, to make better choices for myself. 

The sugar addiction stops here. 

As for the fast itself, it hasn't been the worst thing in the world. The cravings are real, but not impossible to overcome. You have to be purposeful and creative with what you eat. Aim for little to no added sugars. You are detoxing, so flush your system with lots of water. 

And remember: Progress, not perfection. Don't condemn yourself if you slip up. Just try again. 

It is important that I leave you with this: I am not blogging this experience to praise Wendy Speake.  However, I do believe the Lord is using her book to reach a lot of people who have made refined sugar their fix. 

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for this book and this tool to help many people get clarity about the place that food and refined sugar has in our lives. We draw strength from You, our source. And we are the better for this fast. In the name of Jesus, Amen.