Keeping fit has been a lifelong rollercoaster ride for me. The weight increases 10 to 20 pounds and I’m looking for a new diet fix.

Just recently, as many of you know from reading my blog posts, I’ve been hitting the gym and exercising like never before in my life. In addition, I’ve devised my own high protein diet after my attempts at a commercially-marketed product failed. I don’t blame the merchandise. It was probably more my own lack of consistency with the ingredients that resulted in a disappointing outcome.

My motivation to stick with some kind of program was high. A special family occasion around the corner and wanting to fit into THAT special dress–in the smaller size–pushed me through some plateaus and desires to gorge myself on favorite treats.

In February, I finally buckled down and put my feet to the grindstone–that wide black belt that flips round and round in the gym while my eyes were glued to the numbers clicking on the screen before me. My feet pounded out their unique rhythm. With the help of a dear friend, I also learned how to track my protein and caloric intake through an app for my “smart phone.” In comparison, the phone was much smarter than I. This friend also gave me tips on eating habits that would speed up my metabolism.

One tip was to cut out the snacking after 7 o’clock. That meant I couldn’t down my usual chocolate fix or crunch popcorn while relaxing with hubby to our latest detective drama on television. This really cramped my style. So I found a way to compromise. I measured out three cups of microwave buttered popcorn and discovered that I could still stay within my caloric boundaries for the day. I didn’t pay attention to the fat grams, though.

Isn’t that what we always try to do with God’s principles? We follow them just as long as they fit our lifestyle. When they don’t, we make adaptations that zigzag over the straight line but still seem to fit within the letter of the law.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

From February through May, I lost 17 pounds. But that is not the end of the road. While the dress may fit, I know there are many more pounds to lose until I enter the “Healthy Zone.” This will require a lifestyle change–the term so often used these days with all diets. Psychologically, it sounds good, but realistically, I think one still feels deprived.

As I reflect on the Scripture above, I am beginning to accept that weight loss is not just a lifestyle change but is a heart change requiring me to submit to God’s life-giving words (Click to tweet).To keep our bodies healthy brings Him honor and glory and surrenders our body to the control of the Holy Spirit within us.

As you make lifestyle changes or heart changes in your spiritual lifestyle, do you find yourself making compromises? How are you finding the strength to walk the narrow path of the Lord’s instruction in His word and personally to you?

From My Heart To Yours,

Link with Monday Musings; Soli Deo Gloria; Three Word Wednesday