Hi,

Do you give yourself a cheat day? My husband came up with this concept a few years ago and he is a P90X workout guy. We eat healthy meals about 5-6 days a week and then usually on Sunday, we eat whatever we want. One day, we went out for pizza and ice cream. I do this regularly and have lost approximately 13 lb. since having my third baby three months ago. A cheat day will not hurt you and since your body gets used to eating healthy meals, you'll probably find your cravings are not as extreme as they used to be. And just remember, eating healthy means lots of lean proteins, fruits and veggies and portion control.

God wants you to be happy "...I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly." Pray that He helps you have self-control where your eating habits are concerned. He will give you the strength you need to keep up a healthy lifestyle. But also remember that He loves you no matter what. Your joy is in Him and it is an enduring love.

Psalm 37:4: Take delight in the Lord and He will give you your hearts desires.

Your sister in Christ,
Kelsey

This journey we're on is a daily, hourly commitment. As a Mama, you have to give yourself some grace. Your body is still recovering from pregnancy. You've had that adventure twice, and every mama knows that raising little ones is quite an adventure! Your weight loss will be another adventure. You can do this! You have other mamas like us to support you. We're on the same adventure.

Just as you'd forgive and show grace to your little ones when they spill, you need to show yourself grace and forgiveness when you step off the path you've set for yourself.

I thought the same thing about not ever feeling happy because you can't eat what you want. I'm still struggling with that lie. But I've made a little progress. What I did was I took it as a challenge. I thought I'd never be able to survive without pop. I don't even crave it now. It tastes too nasty sweet to me. The thing that really changed it for me is that I log everything I eat on MFP. Seriously. Without thinking I filched one of my daughter's Whoppers yesterday and before I knew it I had eaten four of them. I forced myself to log them. I was disappointed in myself.

With logging my foods I've discovered that I need far fewer calories to be full than I thought! My biggest successes so far are that I don't have to take my heartburn meds anymore! I don't ever feel nauseated-full after meals! And when I look down I can see my toes. Sisters, you know how excited it is when your chest sticks out further than your tummy? That's something to celebrate.

I hope you like Made to Crave as much as I'm enjoying it. A couple of us are reading through it together and haven't formally started yet. You're welcome to join us.

You can do this. We moms are stronger than people give us credit for. ;-)