The Incredible Shrinking Woman

• Who can find a virtuous woman? her price is far above rubies
• She is like the merchants' ships, she bringeth her food from afar.
• She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
• She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

For those of you who don't know me IRL--In Real Life--you may not even be aware of the fact that I'm overweight. Overweight by anyone's standard, very much so. It's something I've struggled with for my whole life, literally. I was born weighing 9 lbs 1/2 oz, and from there was a chubby baby, a chubby child, and a chubby teenager. I started dieting on and off in my teens and continued into my young adult years--but at some point I just quit trying. I had a busy, fulfilling life, and besides, I was always one who "carried it well". I was out of shape, but it didn't effect my health--my blood sugar was okay and I had better cholesterol numbers than people half my size.

Fast forward a few years, though, and it really began to catch up with me. Even after my doctor started to talk to me about considering various options, I put off dealing with it, over and over and over.

Not long ago, though, I reached an impasse. I wasn't "carrying it well" anymore. I've known for years now that my health was deteriorating and I was holding myself back from accomplishing things I knew I wanted to do, telling myself that I would do them "after I lose weight." Time was running out, and I knew it--it was now or never.

So, what is a virtuous woman to do?

First of all, I started praying about it. There are so many different diets out there, and even the so-called "experts" disagree about the best way to lose weight and keep it off.

I also started fasting. Oh, my.

But guess what I discovered? Being hungry isn't going to kill me. (And you know I'm not talking about Hunger-with-a-capital-H-starving-people kind of hungry.) But it does make me ashamed at how quickly I reached imaginary I'm-so-hungry-I'm-weak-I'm-going-to-starve-hunger.

But with the grace of God, and much seeking and praying and fasting and cutting out sugar and refined carbs, among other things, the tide is starting to turn.

I've lost 21 pounds so far. My 'fat clothes" are getting looser. I feel better, and I smile more.

I have a long way to go. I still need to incorporate more exercise in my daily and weekly routine. But I am so thankful to the Lord for the strength and the help He's given me, and the support that is continuing to come my way from my family.

This post is linked to:

Thankful Thursday at Women Taking a Stand

Just for the Joy of It at Good, True, and Beautiful

Be sure to visit these sites and see what makes other bloggers thankful and joyful!

Until next time...