Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Food addicts gather in church basements around the world joining hands in the fight against compulsive overeating and food obsession.  One courageous day, I stepped out of my isolation and faced my addiction.  It was the first step to a changed life.  I learned about my disease of food addiction by listening to people in recovery.  I cried with them, rejoiced with them and witnessed new life in them.  Hope arose in my spirit.  I was not alone anymore. 

If you want what we have, we offer helpful tools as options to consider.  They are not rules or requirements, simply what has worked for other recovering people.  Always pray for guidance; be honest, open and willing to listen.  God sets the pace.  We run the race.  

                             Food Plan

To live free from food addiction, it is important to make a decision (a firm commitment) to follow a specific, disciplined plan of eating.  Although there can be “different strokes for different folks,” most long-term recovering food addicts avoid sugar, flour, wheat, plus our personal binge foods.  

We feel that God and abstinence are the most important things, without exception because the Bible teaches us that nothing can separate us from the love of God (l); our ties to Him are not contingent on what we do (2), but on simple, childlike faith (3).  However, we see that our relationship with God falls the minute we say, “Yes” to some “forbidden fruit.”  Just like when Eve listened to the serpent in the Garden of Eden; her relationship with God changed the minute she ate that enticing apple.  It was not her food (4).  In abstinence, we can see more clearly what God wants us to do, and we can enjoy the fruits of believing (5).

“The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans l4:l7, Life Recovery)

(l) Romans 7-8, (2) Ephesians 2:8-9,  (3) Luke 18:l7, (4) Genesis 3,  (5) Galatians 5:23  

   Physical Exercise

It is wise to incorporate some form of physical fitness as a part of a daily routine.  Walking is a common choice.  It is easy to do, requires no special equipment, beyond sneakers, and it fits into most lifestyles.  Bike riding, canoeing, volleyball and strolls on the beach are fun activities.  When we need to rake leaves or shovel snow, we try to consider the health benefits, instead of the chore.  There are many forms of exercise.  The list of possibilities is endless.  Find something that works for you and just do it.

Prayer and Meditation:

 Jesus said, “Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.”  (Matthew 7:7, New International) 

To stay connected to the only true source of strength, we dedicate a specific time in the morning (before we begin the hustle and bustle of the day) to pray and meditate.  This gives us the opportunity to bring all our thoughts and concerns to the Lord.  We seek His guidance and direction.  Jesus sent His Holy Spirit: “…Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby).  (John 14:16, Amplified)  Jesus told us how to pray:

“When you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly.  Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you…your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!”  (Matthew 6:6-8, Life Recovery)

Prayer Partners/Friends in Recovery:

Most food addicts contact one or more persons daily on the telephone or on-line through personal e-mail or we post messages on one of our e-mail loops.  We find freedom when we commit our intended plan of eating to another person (or persons) in recovery each new day.  Beyond food, people in recovery share a mutual desire to seek and do God’s will.  Bonds are tightly woven as we pray together for knowledge and wisdom in all our affairs.

“Pray all the time.  Ask God anything in line with the Holy Spirit’s wishes.  Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.”  (Ephesians 6:18, Living)

                 Support Groups (Meetings): 

Meetings are gatherings of two or more like-minded people who come together to share their experience, strength and hope in recovery.  Fellowship with other addicts gives us the opportunity to identify our common concerns, and we share the gifts we have received through the program. 

        Christian:*

“Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew l8:20, New International)                       

Full of Faith (or full of food?), Christian Twelve-Step Recovery for Overeaters and Food Addicts:  People seeking recovery from overeating and food obsession have an opportunity to love, encourage and support each other.  It is people helping people find God’s will for their lives.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”  (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12, New International)

The Twelve Steps for Christians: An in depth step study that combines the Twelve Steps with Biblical truths. (Revised edition of the textbook published by RPI, l996)

*All 12-step support groups could be valuable additions to the recovery process.

Twelve-Step Support Groups for Compulsive Overeaters and Food Addicts:

Check the telephone directory, the newspaper or the Internet for meetings near you.

The Telephone:

The telephone is an easily accessible mode of communication that helps us to handle the highs and lows we all experience.  We can “reach out and touch someone” instead of reaching for the food, which is no longer a viable option.

12-Steps for Christians Phone Meeting

Sunday Nights @ 5:30(EST). An in depth study of the 12-Steps for Christians.  The only requirement is to be non-judgmental and use "for me" statements.  Write to pamfromauburm@gmail for more information.

                           The Internet (See Links)

The Internet provides light to a diverse audience.  From coast to coast, people with addictions share their experience, strength and hope in recovery.  People attend various Twelve-Step meetings on-line, go to chat rooms and obtain vast information about the different aspects of recovery.

There are three e-mail loops attached to this web site:

foodaddictsfulloffaith@yahoogroups.com.  A casual Christian loop for questions, answers, and concerns regarding food addiction recovery.

AWOLforChristians@yahoogroups.com.  Daily walk through "The Twelve Steps for Christians" by RPI.

12steps2God@yahoogroups.com.  This loop has been put in place in order to provide a safe place for help and encouragement in between phone meetings for The Twelve Steps for Christians group that gathers on Sunday nights at 5:30pm (EST).

                         Literature (See Resources)

Literature is an ever-ready tool that supplies insight and understanding of our addictive personalities.

“Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word.  I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map—and your commands are my chart and guide.  I long for your instructions more than I can tell.”  (Psalm 119:19-20, Living)

The Bible:  In search for God’s will, we read the Bible.  The New International Version and The New American Standard Version are popular choices of this generation.

The Life Recovery Bible: Designed for Twelve Steppers, The Life Recovery Bible has directed footnotes and devotionals for a better understanding of the scriptures as they apply to people with addictions.

The Twelve Steps for Christians published by RPI, Blends the traditional Twelve-Step program with the Christian faith.

Alcoholic Anonymous Otherwise known as “The Big Book,” was written for Alcoholics.  It helps us to understand addiction recovery.

Twenty-Four Hours A Day published by Hazelton, “The Little Black Book,” also written for Alcoholics, offers daily inspiration and encouragement for people with addictions

Writing:

Food Journal: Most food addicts write a food plan each day.  It releases the obsession to entertain food thoughts.  We plan what we do and do what we plan.  People in recovery often say, “People who fail to plan, plan to fail.”

Journaling is a wonderful release:

Writing to God opens the lines of communication.  It clears the mind and helps discern a course of action.   Some people journal their daily blessings.  On a bleak day, it helps to reflect back and live each day with an attitude of gratitude.

Love and Service:

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12, New International)    

Bill Wilson, founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, told us that “love and service” kept him sober.  The same theory works for all addictions.  When we extend our hearts and hands to other people, we become a reflection of God’s love.

We can show up at meetings, make a phone call or help a newcomer get started in the program.  Or we can call a friend or family member to say, “I care about you.”  Maybe take an afternoon and volunteer to help at a nursing home, a homeless shelter or a hospital.  There are always people in need of a gentle smile or a word of encouragement.  The key is to reach out and share the good news of Jesus in simple acts of kindness.  By our examples, we are salt and light to the world. 

Confidentiality and Respect:

The Golden Rule applies.  Refraining from criticism and gossip, we accept that we are people striving toward recovery—no better than or less.  We are all equal in God’s eyes.     

“Don’t just pretend that you love others; really love them.  Hate what is wrong.  Stand on the side of good.  Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other.  Work happily together. 

Don’t try to act big.  Don’t try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks.  And don’t think you know it all!  (Romans 12-9-10,16, Living)

Spiritual Training and Encouragement:

Church:

To grow in spiritual matters, it is helpful to attend a Christ-centered church.  A healthy church provides a well-rounded diet of Christian education through the messages presented at weekly services, Bible studies and small group ministries.  Fellowship is instrumental in understanding living faith.

Television and Radio Ministries:

We can benefit through practical teaching of God’s Word in the comfort of our homes.  Personally, I have found some rich and rewarding messages in the ministries of Life in the Word with Joyce Meyer, In Touch with Charles Stanley, Focus on the Family with James Dobson and Family & Marriage Today with Jimmy and Karen Evans.

Christian Music:

We listen to music that confirms God’s Word.  It soothes our spirits in times of trouble and directs our minds to righteousness, peace and joy in believing.