Food Plans/Abstinence—Plan What You Do and Do What You Plan 

“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial… (l Corinthians 10:23, New International Version)

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Freedom from overeating and food obsession is the goal.  A healthy body is an obvious manifestation of success.  However, many find other surprising benefits when they surrender to the disease of food addiction.  They recognize a peace that passes all understanding, and in time they find happiness and joy in trusting God each new day.

When the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…  (Galatians 5:22-23, The Living Bible)

The recovery solution for overeating is a controversial subject.  There are many opinions and many sources of information.  My personal experience taught me to investigate the possibilities.  I asked God to help me discern the truth for me as a food addict.  I had already tried different approaches and different food plans in my search for relief.  Eventually, I got sick and tired of being sick and tired.  Full of Faith (or full of food?) is my testimony—my experience, strength and hope—my conclusion thus far.  I humbly admit that I only know what I know.  I can only share what God has revealed to me in my years of abstinence, and I admit that there are different strokes for different folks. 

I strongly encourage everyone to consider a healthy* plan of eating.  With the help of God, it is best to consult with a physician, dietitian or nutritionist for the best solution to an individual’s dietary needs.  Abstinence (recovery from overeating and food obsession) is having a plan of eating and doing that plan, whatever it is. 

The 12-steps from the Christian perspective and the outreach ministry of Full of Faith (or full of food?) go beyond the physical—beyond the food plan.  Emotional and spiritual healing comes with God’s Word realized and activated.  We can share our knowledge of Jesus and let go our differences in eating regimes. 

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  (l Corinthians l0:31, New International Version)

*I believe that a healthy plan of eating should include the basics for good nutrition—a good balance of proteins, grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy and fats.  If a newcomer is not nutritionally aware, a medical professional might feel more comfortable approving the Step Easy Food Plan in this book (a more traditional approach), although the Zone Diet with appropriate modifications could work, too.

Why Can’t I Stop Overeating?

“For some people, foods can be as addictive as alcohol,” Kay Sheppard tells us.  “Gummy bears and marshmallow chicks can be vicious killers whose effects can lead to depression, irritability and even suicide.  The terrible truth is that for certain individuals, refined carbohydrates can trigger the addictive process.”  (Kay Sheppard, Food Addiction: The Body Knows, Health Communications, Inc., back cover) 

Food Addiction holds unique challenges.  I believe that a person seeking recovery from overeating and food obsession needs to learn how to nourish a healthy body while abstaining from addictive foods.  To the food addict, sugar and flour cause cravings that are insurmountable—overeating is inevitable.  As the disease progresses, physical and emotional manifestations become increasingly apparent; excess weight, low self-esteem and depression are common symptoms.

Kay Sheppard, M.A., licensed mental health counselor and certified eating disorder specialist, is an internationally known consultant, trainer, therapist and author of Food Addiction, The Body Knows and From the First Bite published by Health Communications, Inc., Florida.  She documents evidence that a chemical imbalance exists in the physical and psychological make-up of a food addict.

For me, the intricacies of science and medicine are informative, yet pale in comparison to my personal realization—I could not stop overeating for any significant length of time until I stopped eating refined carbohydrates.  I tried.  God knows I tried.  Year after year I pleaded, “God, heal me.  I cannot stop overeating.”  He ignored my request, so I asked Him again, and again and again...  I continued to overeat despite constant attempts to diet and persistent prayer.  One day I heard, “God can move mountains; bring your shovel.” 

On July 23, l988, I dug in, so to speak.  I surrendered my will and my life over to the care of God, and I opened my mind and listened to people who were like me, but had found a way out of their self-destructive behaviors.

For five years, I ate three meals a day with nothing in between except black coffee, black tea or water.  Sugar and flour were considered taboo—no ands, ifs or buts.  I stopped overeating and I started walking toward the light.  

[Jesus said], “I am the Bread of Life.  No one coming to me will ever be hungry again.  Those believing in me will never thirst.”  (John 6:35, The Living Bible)

As time passed, my plan of eating evolved.  I stopped eating wheat, I stopped using caffeine and artificial sweeteners, and I added metabolic adjustments (snacks) to my daily regime, one in the afternoon and another at bedtime.