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My Life-Long Struggle

March 23, 2010 by Traci

When I was a little girl, I never felt “little“.  I felt weighed down, like I was carrying around an extra person; extra baggage.  
When I was able to lose 50 pounds in 2003, I felt like a new person!  I felt free, like nothing was weighing me down anymore.  
I would seriously walk out of the house, thinking that I was forgetting something.  Kinda like those terrifying dreams, where you go to school or work naked, because you’ve forgotten to put on your clothes!  Yes, for real!  
I remember feeling my face, and discovered cheek bones that I never knew existed.  I would place my hands on my hips, and actually feel bone, instead of flabby flesh.

I remember the confidence I had. . . how happy and joyful I was.  I was free to explore all my dreams, had energy to keep up with life’s demands, and was truly living a vibrant life.

Until. . .

I began to allow the enemy back into my life.  No, it’s not THE ENEMY that we all think of “per say” . . .   I’m talking about the enemy called SUGAR.
Did you know, that sugar is super addicting?  That it can be as strong as a drug or alcohol addiction?  That is constantly grabs our mind, our very soul. . . without warning!  

Like sin, it is never satisfied.  It always wants more.  For the moment, on the lips, and into the belly, it feels great.  It satisfies.  It calms the nerves.  But it never lasts! 

It gives:

False hope

Empty promises

Treads down hopes and dreams

Gives way to devastating and uncontrollable mood swings

Debilitates the body and makes one sluggish and weary


Think I’m being over dramatic on this measly little issue, called sugar?  Well, if you struggle, like me. . . you know that it affects every aspect of your life!
I want that woman back that was free. . . 
free to dream
free to hope
free to smile big
free to walk around without that extra baggage and weight
Do you constantly struggle with your cravings and eating habits?  Come along with me. . . on my journey once again, at cutting out sugar including white bread, flour, and rice.  
I will eat more protein and fiber, fruits (low in natural sugar like apples, and berries) veggies, lean meat, and drink lots and lots of water!  I will try to incorporate 20 minutes of exercise into my day, 5-6 times a week. 
Document it for 21 days.  See how you feel at day 21.  If you feel better, have more energy, find that you are able to curb those cravings and manage your portions sizes, you may just realize that the enemy, when it comes to your eating habits, just may be 
SUGAR!
Did you know that sugar actually 
aggravates your depression?
Depression/Hormones/Sugar:  Sugar addiction is caused by the fact that when you ingest sugar it helps to produce serotonin, the feel good neurotransmitter.

Thus people with depression or serotonin deficiency might find temporary relief

from sugar ingestion. Sugar consumption triggers the release of insulin, a hormone that functions to push glucose (and other nutrients) across cell membranes.Thus people who suffer from depression are likely to find relief in excess sugar consumption, but unfortunately only for a while..

The problem is that as we consume more and more sugar, it threatens the body with free radicals attacks, that may damage tissues and organs. The body sets up a defense by shutting down receptors for insulin, called �Insulin Resistance� and thereby aggravating the depression that we are trying to treat.

Please let me know if eliminating sugar helps you!  I do warn you, that the first 3 days, you will think you are dying!  Your body will cry for sugar.  Give it time… it will pass.  You will find that your cravings will diminish!  It is simply amazing!  Also, ask any questions you may have.  I’d be happy to try and guide you along in this journey.

What might help:  Going on a Hypoglycemic Diet:  CLICK HERE
Other helpful resources and links regarding sugar addiction:
Connie Bennett’s Sugar Shock Blog 
Amy and Sugar Cravings

Previous post I wrote: Is Your Body Shocked By Sugar?
13 Ways To Fight Sugar Cravings 
Hypoglycemic Diet 
17 Practical Ways To Stay On Track With Your Fitness Goals
Get Excited About Working Out! 

What Is H.E.A.L.T.H?


I want that vibrant woman back!  I keep telling myself, this:

If I get to a healthy weight, and get rid of sugar (99% of the time), I will have that much more ambition to minster more to:

  • My husband
  • My kids
  • My family and friends
  • My church family

  • A lost and dying world looking for HOPE!
No more excuses!  
Time to rid my 
body of sugar, once again.
I know that it works.  I just have to ask the Lord to help me to make wise choices, and commit to it!  I want to be healthy.  I want to glorify Him, in all areas, including what I put into my mouth, and how it affects my health, stress level, and mood!  
Please Note:  It is ALWAYS important to consult your doctor before making any drastic changes in your diet and exercise routine!
 
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About Traci

I'm a curly-headed dreamer, currently living in Ashland, Ohio. I'm a photographer, and recently made my business official (LLC). I would love to talk to you about booking a photoshoot with me! View my photo gallery (click here) Check out my pricing and choose your package (click here) I love coffee, chocolate and potato chips.  I love a good … Read More...

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Blushing with your delicate, rosy hue, a gentle b Blushing with your delicate, rosy hue, 
a gentle breeze blows through fresh, new blooms.
Your time is fleeting, yet faithful,
a promise of beauty each spring.

Gifting petals that fall to the earth,
You are waiting for me to visit you.
Basking beneath warm shadows,
Deeply breathing in nature’s favorite perfume. 

A legacy of faithful promise,
Graceful, elegant, familiar and kind.
As the sun streams through branches,
Your reflection twinkles and twirls, 
Leaving your dance card upon my heart.

You whisper, come linger a little longer,
No need to be in such a rush.
Through storm clouds, torrential rain, 
and those picture perfect days,
You continue your steady climb toward the heavens.

Your limbs grow stronger, your roots deeper still.
Your humble beauty speaks for itself. 
No need to shout, nor beg for attention.
You hold the secrets of many who return year after year,
Who sit beneath your branches,
and find healing to bloom as well.

- Traci Little
TraciMichele.com
@traci_michele_photography
"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." - A "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." - Audrey Hepburn 

@traci_michele_photography @kingwoodcentergardens
What Jesus offers is nothing compared to what the What Jesus offers is nothing compared to what the world offers.  Read 1 John 2:15-17
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Don’t trade God’s perfect timing for impatient substitutes. 

The counterfeit isn’t anything compared to the real deal. 

Surrender brings peace, joy, and rest. 

So trust fully to His perfect plan for your life. 

No more rushing ahead. 
No more backseat driving. 
No more comparing.
No more striving. 

Lay down the endless coveting of an illusion of perfection. 

He’s everything you’re longing for, 
striving after, and so much more. 

Open your hands and release your grip. 
Now you’re ready to receive His good 
and precious blessings.
In a time with so many voices, opinions and commen In a time with so many voices, opinions and commentaries, we can get overwhelmed by the noise. 

What should we believe?
What should we say?
Who's side are we on?

You can never go wrong with running to the feet of Jesus.  Get alone with God today, open His Word, and hear the words that matter above all else.
Walk in God's law Keep God's testimonies Seek Hi Walk in God's law 
Keep God's testimonies 
Seek Him with your whole heart 
Steadfastly keep His statues
Keep His commandments diligently 
Fix your eyes on His ways 
Praise Him with an upright heart 
Guard His Word 
Hide His Word in your heart 
Be Teachable 
Declare His ways with your mouth 
Meditate on His precepts 
Delight in God's statues
Ask to have your eyes open 
Ask for understanding and wisdom 
Find your strength in His Word 
Choose the way of faithfulness 
Set His ways before you 
Turn your eyes from worthless things 
Trust in His Word above all else 
Find comfort in His promises 
Make God's ways your heart's song 
Be friends with those who fear God
Value God's Word far more than riches 
Remember His faithfulness that endures through all generations 
His words are sweeter than honey 
His Word is a lamp to your feet 
His Word is a light to your path 
His testimonies are your heritage 
His testimonies are the joy of your heart 
He is your hiding place and shield 
Do what is just and right 
Hate every false way 
Ask the Lord to be gracious to you
Ask His face to shine on you 
Learn to be saddened by sin 
Daily put His promises to the test 
Peace is given to those who love His law
This world will offer you information, but true kn This world will offer you information, but true knowledge comes from God and His Word.  What are we filing our minds and hearts with? What we meditate on, will consume us and change us.  Let's makes sure we are being filled with truth.  Read Proverbs 2 today.  Look at all we gain from seeking after the knowledge of His Word :

Receive 
Treasure 
Listen 
Be Attentive 
Incline Your Heart 
Call out for insight 
Raise your voice for understanding 
Seek & Search 

-> then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find knowledge of God, righteousness and justice.

He is my shield 
He gives me abundant wisdom 
He guards my path and watches over me 
Wisdom will come in my heart 
Knowledge will be pleasant to my soul 
Discretion will watch over me 
Understanding will guard me 
Keeps me walking on the paths of righteousness
Hello! I'm Traci and I own Traci Michele Photograp Hello! I'm Traci and I own Traci Michele Photography, LLC.  I've always been passionate about photography and I decided to chase after my dream of becoming a photographer. 

I serve the Ashland, Richland County and surrounding areas of Ohio. 

My focus is on portrait / events / business branding photography.

#mansfieldohio #ashlandohio #woosterohio #photography #photographer #portraitphotography #brandingphotography 

@traci_michele_photography 
www.tracimichele.com
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