Super-sized Smiths

Matt has been showing his students "Supersize Me" as he teaches about nutrition and the chemistry behind calories. I think it's getting into his head because yesterday he came home and said, "Let's try a new challenge...no eating out for an entire month." Naturally, I reacted by laughing then realized he was being completely serious. Uh-Oh. What? No Kids-Eat-Free nights at Chick-fil-a? No Sonic grilled cheeses and sweet teas? No El Fenix queso and chips? I'm supposed to cook every night for an entire month? But WHY???

Now, I wouldn't consider us in the obese or even overweight category of the U.S. population but that doesn't mean we're taking care of our bodies. I've noticed that I've been struggling with slight depression and lack of energy and I really think it's because of my poor diet. We've overhauled a lot of what we eat and drink over the last year such as no more sodas, lots more fresh produce, and more fish and chicken, less red meat. We eat a lot of Mediterranean/Asian foods these days. But we can still do better.

After planning our meals for the week and putting together my shopping list, I'm starting to get a little excited about this challenge. I think it will be the start of some great eating habits for all of us. I think it will force me to take better care of this body God's given me. How dare I trash it by skipping meals or eating too much sugar instead of natural, healthy "fuel"? This will be a sweet time of family dinners and reflections/conversations on the importance of taking care of ourselves for God's glory and purpose. How can we go out and serve Him with weak and fatigued bodies?

This may seem like a simple and easy change that you've already done in your own life. However, if not, I encourage you to think about how much food consumes your day-to-day happenings. Do you find yourself thinking a little too much about what your next meal will be? Do you turn to food for your comfort instead of turning to the ultimate Comforter? Do you skip meals and deprive yourself of much needed energy to get through your day joyfully? Do you eat mindlessly without giving thought to what it is you're putting in your body? I feel like this is a discipline and responsibility I've been neglecting and/or not putting enough emphasis on in my own life. I don't want to be "preachy" but just want to confess where some struggles have shown up in the Smith house. Now...off to the grocery store we go...