Thinking Thin

Today was a very good day. I've actually had several good days. This week I began restricting my refined sugar intake. Other than one small scoop of ice cream at dollar scoop night, I didn't eat any. And since I'm a "sweet after eat" girl, let's just say that's huge.
I've had my fair share of 40 calorie clementine oranges and chewed lots of gum. But I have resisted the sugar. But I gave myself permission on this lifestyle revamping to loosen the reigns on the weekend and allow myself a little more freedom.
Thursday morning while I was making the bed I was thinking to myself, "I can't wait till this weekend when I can reward myself with something sweet." And no sooner did the thought cross my mind when I heard "or you could reward yourself by not undoing your progress."  It was a total a-ha moment!  It was a little on the radical side. What a concept!
I'm guessing you thin people think this should be an obvious statement, but to those of us who struggle with food (not weight but food) this is not the natural inclination in thinking.
When the weekend got here, the thought stuck with me. Neal and I took our younger two kids out to dinner Friday night. I only ate half my meal. For people like me, overcoming the "clean your plate" mentality is a major victory. When we went out for yogurt after, I ordered a small, not a regular but the real victory was in throwing away almost half of it. These are things thin people do naturally, for those of us who struggle with food, these are great accomplishments.
Today was a very good day for me. I met girlfriends for lunch but I walked to the restaurant, I resisted most of the chips and dip and after lunch I walked several miles to the store. At the end of the day, I walked somewhere near 6 miles. I ate only a salad, and ate only out of true hunger.
I took the kids to the movies tonight and when we went for yogurt after I again stopped eating only half. (This batch made it to the freezer though.)
The best part of all this though is the sense of "help" I have. I truly believe that whisper to my heart Thursday morning was from the Holy Spirit, encouraging me on.
As I was walking home today, the thought occurred to me, this past year I spent really being in the Word and seeking God. I sowed good seed abiding in Him, I think perhaps I'm in the beginning of a reaping season, because this "fruit of the Spirit" called self-control could only be from God.
So I give Him glory for this good start. And I know the key is for me to continue to abide. My battle with my weight and food has always been a spiritual issue, and I am hopeful to finally be on the right track. I'm excited to be down 5 lbs this week, but even more excited for the spiritual strength I feel.
Praise the Lord, with His help, I am indeed eating less and moving more!!!