What does your 100% look like?





While walking last week with Julie and Joanna, Julie asked me to define what exactly it means 'to go 100%'; I did not have a good answer for her.  I have been praying about it and have not come up with a clear cut guideline.  It is complex because everyone is different, has different likes and dislikes, different ways to approach life (creative/analytical, serious/carefree, slow-paced/fast-paced, etc., etc.), and even different nutritional needs.  Different foods are available depending upon where you live and they change with each season and even year to year.  Think of the many different types of food cultures throughout the world:  Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Indian, etc.  Each one of these native, real food cuisines is healthy but vastly different.  Serious chronic health problems related to food were reserved for the indulgent 'royal' class in the past or to starvation due to things like droughts.  Only within the past hundred years or so, starting here in the United States, have we created the technology to develop the 'white man's diet' (the name coined by many) of processed foods, that is slowly destroying the health of our nation and those it touches around the world.

While contemplating how to answer, I received an email from Joanna.  She had also been contemplating Julie's question and shared some great insight into what this means to her, and how hers is different from mine.  I have and will continue to give you lots of information and I encourage you to read through it all because I do not think you can be successful in ignorance.  However, your approach to 'going 100%' may be the same as mine, but it may be quite different.  That is o.k.  In fact, that is great.  I love the diversity of people; the many talents and gifts that God has blessed us each with.  I encourage you to read Joanna's thoughts it if you are struggling with the weekly challenges and all the information (that you see as rules) that I have been giving you.

 

What is important to each person's success then?  I think the following three things are key, that:

1.  You enjoy what you are eating

2.  You view your food as a blessing, not a sacrifice

3.  You seek to glorify God in all you do, including eating, filled with thanksgiving and joy

Use the information I have provided and customize it to make it work for you.  Don't look at the information as rules but just as information to use to know what 'junk' food is. The one key rule is that you must eliminate processed or man-made foods but there are no other restrictions.  Enjoy the foods you like, prepare simple or elaborate meals, eat different foods every day or repeat your meals.  Do what works for you.  If you don't know what success looks like for you, ask God.  He wants to help you, He wants you to succeed, but He also wants you to acknowledge Him and ask for His help.  Don't walk alone on this journey, seek God and walk this path joyfully with Him. 

"The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. "  Psalm 14:2