I traveled last week because Mike and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary. We had a lot of fun! One night, we went out to eat and Mike had apple cobbler with ice cream.
In times past, I might have dived into the cobbler with him, but this time I didn’t.
Instead, I had a couple of spoonfuls of his dessert and was perfectly satisfied.
What changed?
Sugar means something different to me now than it did when I suffered from sugar addiction.
Before, sugar used to mean “treat”, a way to make myself feel special, comfort or rest.
But now, sugar just means a sweet taste on my tongue. Eating it to excess means to me sinus problems, headache, itchy skin, constipation, and bloating.
Not appealing to me at all!
Do you see how the meaning you assign to sugar in your life can affect its appeal to you?
In my case, I’ve assigned sugar’s major roles in my life to other things:
- Needing a treat or feeling special: That role has been assigned to a manicure/pedicure, walking in nature, a massage, or a hot bath with candles.
I’ve fired sugar in this role.
- Needing Comfort: That role has been assigned to quiet time spent with the Lord, journalling my feelings, talking with my husband or a friend, or reading comforting scriptures.
I’ve fired sugar in this role too.
- Needing Rest: I’ve assigned that role to a nap, spend quiet time with the Lord or listen to relaxing music.
I’ve fired sugar in this role too.
For too many years, I assigned sugar to fulfill roles in my life for which it was unqualified!
My life works much better and my health is better now that sugar is fulfilling the only role for which it is qualified – a brief sweet taste on my tongue.
I eat just enough to get the taste and am satisfied with that. Trying to fill up on it means a health disaster for me.
What about you?
What meanings have you assigned sugar in your life?
Is it qualified for these roles?
If not, what is something else that is better-qualified for the job?
Your health will thank you when you set boundaries for sugar and keep it in the only role for which it is qualified!
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him (Psalm 34:8)!”
Be Blessed with Health, Healing, and Wholeness,
Kimberly Taylor
Author/Christian Life Coach of the Take Back Your Temple Weight Loss Community
P.S. Do you struggle with overeating sugar? If so, you are not alone!
Overcoming sugar addiction was a key factor on my weight loss journey; I lost 85 pounds and dropped from a size 22 to an 8.
In our 14-day Sugar Detox Challenge online course (inside the Take Back Your Temple Community), you’ll get the same success strategies and support to gain peace in your eating habits and achieve lasting weight loss.
Click here to learn more about the Take Back Your Temple Christian Weight Loss Community.
I’ve definitely assigned sugar as the role of satisfaction, completeness, comfort and worthiness. I always remember when I was in 4th grade and felt so unloved that I would indulge in 2 peanut butter sandwiches, oreo cookies and a large glass of milk then take a nap after crying while eating. So sugar has been a HUGE comforter to me and I crave it as if its needed to function or handle big overwhelming feelings. I know God is a comforter but I’m ready now to lean into him as one.
Amen, Siara – I pray He continue to led you in healthier choices to begin to heal your brain and the Lord’s presence to comfort your heart.
God bless you mrs.kim for allowing God to use you for His glory.
I praise the Lord for giving me the opportunity, Renee!
I have been in a trap of addiction to sugar. I joined addiction ministry at my church recently and I know that I need to change but it is always later, or tomorrow, just one more day. I made it through without sugar (sweets) or gluten, but I did have potatoes in my soup. I have to keep looking toward Jesus for the strength thanks.
Praising God for the awareness He has brought you too for change, Darlene. Freedom awaits you! Each of us is different; with the Lord’s help, you will build habits that serve YOU, not you serve them
Wow sugar is so unnoticed in me .I took it for granted not realizing it’s affect to my life. Lord I need you to change me my thinking.
I agree with you in prayer, Renee!
I am so grateful, Kimberly Taylor started this when she weighed 240 pounds and was size 22 . . . Those are exactly what my “numbers” are today! I have been a member here for a few years but not done anything about myself. I am starting the Sugar Detox Challenge after my Primary Care doctor made me face reality. I am no longer borderline diabetic. I am diabetic. She has started me on a prescription medication, Metformin. I believe I can do what it takes to reverse this condition! Glory to God, He is my strength and courage. I love eating sweet things so much! I hope I can do this.
– I recommend praising God in advance for the healing to come, Tamara – by Jesus’ stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5)!
Thank you sooo much, Kimberly, for using the Lord’s gifts to you to help us get back on track, too❣️
You are welcome, Barbara – we can do this with God’s help!
It’s time to change from stinking thinking. How long did it take you to succeed?
Hi Harriet – I think I succeeded the moment I decided to break agreement with stinking thinking! Because every day I made a different choice, I felt better in doing things that helped me and not hurt me. I don’t know how long it took for my brain and body to heal. In the end, it doesn’t matter because each person is different. The important thing is to commit to YOUR process and walk out your healing day by day, step by step with God’s help. ❤
Such a great article. I have assigned sugar rolls for which it is not meant for, for a long time Today I fired sugar and seeking God’s help and direction to teach me not to allow sugar to have control. Thanks Kim
Praise God for His revelation, Kathy!
This makes so much sense. My emoter is protesting but I know this is the way forward.
Glad to hear that, Joy. It’s time we take back what belongs to us 🙂
Great article! Sugar is fired and roles are assigned to better suited alternatives.
Awesome, Gaya!
I am not ready to do the Challenge yet, But I am learning a lot through your classes on sugar detox. Thank you so much! God bless you for teaching us spiritual warfare to overcome our sin and weaknesses.
Glad to hear that, Gladys!
I am not really a sugar eatter but I eat just to eat which I don’t know why. I eat at night after all my work is done. I’ll eat mostly salty things. But I just realise that my food is replacing resting.Thanks for pointing this out for me.
You are welcome, Suzie – God bless you 🙂
As always encouraging materials.
As of today I am delivered from the sugar high jack but I can
I remember when I was in my deep dark pit I put myself in and my treat to deal with all the negative things I allowed to run rapid in my life was butter toasted pound cake with cool whip @ sugar strawberries
It gave me a feeling of (fantasy )comfort, truly it was a nightmare and over time added to my waist bottom, back and face knee pain bruised inner thighs slowed thinking and low self image
I didn’t see until I hit size 24 I changed my behavior from gratification from cake to a chocolate bar a day and animal crackers for dinner. Hooked and I didn’t realize it. I was right were the enemy wanted me stagnant and unproductive for kingdom business
But, all praise be unto the Lord I meet Jesus that summer night of 2012 & he delivered me from the pit sugar addiction, wrong mindset, he became my source of high, I didn’t need to stuff my self with sugar for the fleeting good feeling.
I have Jesus, the word with principles to follow daily to press on.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him (Psalm 34:8)
The Lord is good everyday!
Thank you Kim!
This is truly a blessing!
Amen – I praise God with you for His delivering power! God bless you, Sister 🙂
This segment is so powerful to me. Reassignment of sugar’s role in my life’s journey.
I never knew that i had assigned them a role. “Eye Opener ” such wisdom sister Kimberly.
Lord help me!!
Yep, Gemma – and that is what the enemy counts on. But now that you know the truth, you can make life-giving decisions according to that truth. God bless you on this journey!
Awesome thanks, I fired sugar yet again 4 days ago. PRAISE GOD he led me to this program!!!
Expecting great things. Thanks Kimberly
You are welcome, Amy – so glad that you are finding value in the program 🙂
I never thought about sugar hurting me, but I know once I start eating it it’s hard to stop. After reading this I see it in a different light now.
I’m firing sugar from being a way of connecting with people. I would eat a bunch of sweets every week at my grandparent’s house, desserts at social gatherings, or when baking with my mom. But, I did more than just eat during those memories…and eating never helped me connect with people like spending time with them would do. I’d sit on the porch swing with my cousins, play games (croquet, horse, spoons, Apples to Apples, Scattergories) with my aunts/uncles, and go for nature walks with my parents and friends, to name a few. While my family may have many “tradeeshuns” when it comes to food (usually with sugar), it’s time to start healthier traditions that get us away from the dining table (like a time of worship!).
Awesome insight, Liana – thank you for sharing!
I believe the Lord is coaching me to take this detox challenge … I came across it, the day it was starting and was able to hear the motivational talk by Kimberley on Facebook. Thank you so much, Kim, for all the resources that are useful in understanding keys to success. Now is the time to break free from this unhealthy habit! I have my phone programmed to connect daily so I can join you on this life giving journey !
Excellent, Wendy – so glad you are finding the Detox challenge helpful!
I really liked this concept of firing sugar and reassigning roles to my uses for it converting to healthy choices. Baby steps…I am desperate to finally be successful in permanent weight loss. May the Lord help me be brutally honest with myself.
Indeed, Sharon! In the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18, the first peace of armor is the belt of TRUTH. It combats the enemy’s primary weapon, which is lies. When you remove the lie, you remove the power. May the Lord bless you on this journey!
Kim
I am going to fire sugar for a good feeling and for comfort during distress. Thank you.
Awesome, Nikki – you’ll find that freedom tastes much better 🙂
I’m ready to engage in the 14day Sugar Detox.
this is perfect way of teaching me in simple and short so that i need always you to teach me where ever you are ,i need you thanks
You are a very wise woman. I love your teachings!!!!!! Now to change my stinking thinking. Oh how I want to! Thanks for sharing.
You will do it Sandy. With faith and patience, you will inherit God’s promises!
Kimberly I just have to thank you for your Christian words of wisdom!!! You are really helping more people than you realize. God bless you and your family! Jane. 🙂
I appreciate that Jane. God is so good!
Thank you Tammie – I praise the Lord for His words of life!