At this moment I am devouring an entire bag of popcorn because it’s the end of the day. Never mind it is 5 o’clock in the evening and I’ll be eating a meal in another hour and a half. It’s the end of the day. I’ve worked hard through the week and I deserve it. Don’t I?
What we deserve is perplexing to me. This especially intrigues me when it comes to food. Contentment is hard to find in any area of life. When it comes to food, it is a struggle many will battle their whole lives. Portion size has exploded in America. When the average American sees what the actual, needed portion sizes are, most will laugh. They know the necessary amounts would not fill the average American.
I have learned in my many meditations to dwell in gratitude and contentment.
When I’m at work and I have a simple peanut butter sandwich for lunch. I determine to be grateful and content. When there’s only one bowl of chili to be eaten at dinner, I thank God for it’s warmth and nourishment. And I am content. Sticking to a smaller portion size, and actually letting yourself get really hungry again Is spiritual.
Contentment is much to be coveted. Find it. And through it discover more about yourself and about God.
If I was asked to give up one food that would be the hardest it would ice cream. I eat fairly healthy. No red meat. Truvia or stevia. Multi-grain bread. Lots of legumes. Cycle as often as I can- 3/4/5 times a week. I look at my small bowl of ice cream at the end of the day my “entitlement” or my “comfort food.” I try to eat it around 7:00 so it has settled by 9:30 when I hit the sack. (I get up at 4). So, if you want to get hurt, take away my ice cream. 🙂
Ah, Yes. Ice cream. I think that is a big one for many. My perspectives of portion sizes have changed over the years. While I used to think a bowl of ice cream had to be piled high, now in my family, we fill tea mugs for our ice cream treat. Just enough to appreciate the luxury without going overboard.
Thanks for sharing, Bill.
It would be hard for me to give up the taste of sweetness, whether from sugar or sweetener. Chocolate is a great comfort food for me. In the hot weather it might be ice cream, in the cold, hot tea or hot chocolate. But I’ve noticed I’m never really satisfied; I just keep craving more. It is wonderful if you can find satisfaction in the Lord and in your relationships. I have to stop and ask myself why I’m eating. I also agree that we should learn to eat smaller portions, eat slowly and savor every bite. Be thankful to God for every bite!
It’s funny, because nightly popcorn was one of the things I’ve been working on giving up. Not totally rid of it, but at least it’s not as frequent these days. So on that note, one area I’m working on being content with, especially in terms of diet, is to not have to eat that “fourth meal” that Taco Bell has so diligently worked to ingrain in my head.
I’ve had to give up lots of my favorite foods since moving here. Real ice cream, Mexican, even just good breakfast cereal to name a few. I used to really miss these things but over time I’ve adjusted to doing without. Being taken out of my comfort zone has really taught me how to be content in a whole new way.
For sure you have had a real taste of DIScomfort zone shock, Athena. I’m so glad you’ve found contentment among the changes you’ve experienced. Simplicity and Contentment are freeing.