34.6

I just got back from my daughter's school where her first grade teacher was having "Doughnuts with Dads." Six weeks ago, when I first heard about it, I was excited. I love my daughter. I love doughnuts. Hang out for a few minutes with my daughter in her classroom--showing off her work, eating doughnuts... It seemed like the perfect combination.

Four weeks ago I started my health reformation and new diet plan. And this morning as I was getting dressed, I contemplated if I should even go. I don't want to be antisocial. I don't want to seem ungrateful or appreciative. And when everyone is eating doughnuts may not be the best time to explain the finer points of my diet plan.

For me, the struggle is real. I've realized over the past couple of weeks just how food-centric my life has been. I know where are my favorite restaurants are, not just in my hometown, but across the country! In fact, often family outings or work luncheons were scheduled around what I or my family was in the mood to eat. As a pastor, if I'm making a visit, it is very often at lunch time or supper time. Fellowship luncheons at church. Meetings--lunch is served. Socials--pizza, nachos, and junk food.

Let me illustrate it another way. When I would leave the office late in the evening, after a meeting, or a visit, or just a writing session, I would often stop at a fast food place and order something to munch on for the 30 minute drive home. I've realized I was doing this whether I was hungry or not, and it made me ponder how much eating I was doing because I was actually hungry and how much was from some created habit.

It made me ponder how much eating I was doing because I was actually hungry and how much was from some created habit.

The struggle is real. But I can tell, slowly but surely, my preferences and priorities for eating are changing. I keep reminding myself this isn't just to lose some weight. People do that all the time. I'm wanting to get healthy and really live. So, like the catchphrase suggests, "No pain, no gain."

I'm glad I went to "Doughnuts with Dads" with my little girl. I had a good time with her, met some new people. I didn't take a doughnut, but also didn't feel the need to apologize either. And I walked out with a feeling of accomplishment, achievement, and victory.

Don't sell that victory short either. I sure don't. Because a mere 29 days ago, I would not only have had a doughnut, I would have had two if they let me.

Day 28: Down 34.6 pounds. On to Week 5.