“I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14a) Every time I read this incredible Bible verse I pause and reflect on the goodness of the Creator. He says that I am made so wonderfully and with an exactness that reflects on His design.

There are moments when I look at my body and wonder if I am caring for this body with the same love and respect of the Creator. I have battled my weight … putting it on and taking it off. I am always searching for manageable ways to eat what I want and yet be nutritionally wise. It is so hard, especially as the body ages, to keep fit and trim. It seems at the age of 30 my body went into slow gear. In the past I could eat a hamburger, fries (super sized!), add a strawberry milkshake with an oatmeal cookie and within the next two days walk it off. Well, those good old days are long gone. I think the quip is true … a minute on the lips, forever on the hips. I entered  the “Weight On! Weight Off! laundry cycle.” I also found that my marriage and romance took a “spin” on the dry cycle. My body was not appealing to me. There were some days of little sizzle in the bedroom!

However, I determined to find the balance in keeping a good body image and eating smart, healthy, and guilt-free. I have found the following works for me:

Eat a good, balanced breakfast.

Have fruit or nuts for a mid-morning and an afternoon snack.

Be certain food portion can fit in the palm of one hand.

Drink more glasses of water than empty calorie drinks.

Include cardio and strength exercises 3-4 days a week.

Limit the last meal of the day to before 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.

“Pig out” on your favorites once a month and on your birthday.

This plan finds me with peace, self-confidence, and joy as my companions rather than regret, sorrow, and self-pity.